Assumption Alumnae Spotlights

Kaitlyn was selected for two influential, professional listings in the summer of 2024 for her work as the Owner/Founder of Pelo Beauty Collective, Pelo West, Pelo Lexington, and Tomboy Hair Care. In June, Kaitlyn was selected as Today’s Woman’s Most Admired Woman in Style at the awards ceremony. In July, she also was selected for Louisville Business First’s 2024 Forty Under 40 program, an annual program honoring the region’s up-and-coming young leaders under the age of 40.

Amanda was selected for Louisville Business First’s 2024 Forty Under 40 program, an annual program honoring the region’s up-and-coming young leaders under the age of 40. Amanda serves as the CEO/President at Kentucky YMCA Youth Association. She will be honored at the annual awards event in September.

Jenny was named a 2024 Woman of Influence in the Food Industry by the Shelby Report. This annual listing has been celebrating some of the top female professionals in the Midwest for the past 19 years. Jenny and her husband, Craig, are the owners of two Save a Lots in Louisville, Kentucky. When asked about advice for other female leaders, Jenny said it’s important to “gather a strong support system and show confidence and humility with your team.”

Forst & Associates, led by alum, Susan Forst Mersch, has been certified as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) in both the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the state of Indiana. This makes the firm one of the only woman-owned mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) engineering firms in Kentucky. More info here.

Annette was selected as a 2024 class of Salute Honorees at the Catholic Education Foundation’s Salute to Catholic Schools Alumni Dinner in March 2024. Judge Karem currently sits on the Court of Appeals but has also served as a District Court Judge and was the Chief District Court Judge from 2020-2022. This honor recognizes individuals whose accomplishments in career, community, and life highlight the storied tradition of excellence in Catholic schools in Kentucky.

Marisa Main Versen ’03 was selected to be inducted into the Class of 2024 Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame. After playing volleyball for Assumption, she went on to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes for three seasons. She remains in the top 10 at Ohio State in three categories including career assists/sets in a single season and most assists in a single match. She will officially be inducted in October 2024. For more info, click here!

Katherine is an up and coming comedian, based in Atlanta, who is currently touring around the United States. She has opened for many comics including David Spade, Jeff Foxworthy, and Ron White. Most notably, Katherine made her TV Debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in August 2022, and was performed again on the Tonight Show in March of 2024. She has had several sold out crowds in Louisville in 2022 and 2023, and will be taping her own comedy special in Houston, TX in March 2024.

Mary received the Courage in Faith Award at the 2024 Louisville Catholic Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in January for her successes as an author, certified personal trainer, entrepreneur, and board member of the Brain Injury Alliance. She endured a traumatic brain injury in an auto accident, for which she did 2+ decades of therapy, then continued in her passions and work. She is being recognized due to her determination and dedication to achieve her goals, no matter the circumstances.

Emma was selected to serve as a Derby Festival Princess for the 2024 festival. She is one of five women selected from nearly 100 applicants representing different universities from around Kentucky for the Royal Court. Criteria for selection include knowledge of the Kentucky Derby Festival, poise, intelligence, personality, and campus and community involvement. Emma has the opportunity to be crowned as Derby Festival Queen in April at the annual Fillies Derby Ball. She is in the second year of the Master’s Program at Bellarmine University focusing on Elementary Education.

Katherine was listed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Retail & Ecommerce North America 2024 list! This list recognizes people who are reinventing how we shop, on and offline. Katherine is the CEO of Gold Hinge, a women’s athleisure clothing made with buttery-soft, heavy material. Katherine started Gold Hinge in 2018 because when she was an athlete in college, she struggled with looking put-together while juggling a busy schedule of classes and practices.

Joanna received the 2024 Emerging Artist Award for poetry from the Kentucky Arts Council! The Emerging Artist Award is a competitive program that seeks to provide public recognition and acknowledgement of early-career Kentucky artists demonstrating excellence in their chosen field. Joanna, formerly a member of our AHS Advancement Department, works as the Senior Marketing and Publicity Director at Sarabande Books.

Caroline received the “Who Will Tell the Story?” Medal at Assumption’s 2023 Mercy Day Celebration! This award is established by the Sisters of Mercy to recognize alumnae of Mercy schools who go on to live lives of Mercy in creative and impactful ways. Caroline spoke about the positive impact she made on orphanages in Ukraine with art sessions and her continued work since returning to the United States.. Click here to read more.

Alyssa has been inducted posthumously into the Conference USA 2023 Hall of Fame. As a member of the Western Kentucky University volleyball team, Alyssa received multiple accolades including being named the 2018 Conference USA Female Athlete of the Year, AVCA third team All American – the first in program history, and a four time All American. At Assumption, Alyssa was a four-time state champion and high-school All-American. More info, read here.

Julie received Today’s Woman’s Most Admired Woman in Community & Sisterhood! This annual award is voted on by the Kentuckiana community and given to honor women who are admired for their professional work, service in the community, and extracurricular ventures. Julie is the Executive Director of Down Syndrome of Louisville, as well as the President of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, which supports local Down Syndrome Associates across the country.  

Taylor was listed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 inaugural local Atlanta list! This list recognizes young people who are reshaping the worlds of tech, finance, entertainment, and more in Atlanta. Taylor’s business, Nomads, creates destination-inspired, size-inclusive, sustainable swim and vacation wear. She founded the company in 2019, and her swimwear is being carried in stores such as Anthropologie and Shopbop. Taylor is also a curve model, and has worked for brands that include Byrdie, Bustle, Kohls, and InStyle Magazine. 

Lena received a 2023 Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) Award. Since 2020, the YPAL recognizes individuals who are connecting, engaging, and developing our local community. Lena is the Executive Director of You Decide, Kentucky!, which is a nonprofit organization and statewide initiative that supports modernizing the Constitution of Kentucky, so that local revenue generation can empower economic growth and community decision-making throughout the Commonwealth. Lena is also a member of our Assumption Alumnae Board of Directors! 

Alisa was included on Louisville Business First’s (LBF) 2023 40 Under 40 List! The LBF List is a prestigious annual program honoring the region’s up-and-coming young leaders residing in the Greater Louisville/Southern Indiana area. Nominees are chosen by a panel of judges who are past 40 Under 40 honorees. Alisa is the President & CEO of the Kentucky Humane Society, which is the state’s largest pet adoption agency and spay/neuter provider.  

Great Day Live/WHAS-11, Co-Host

Claudia was selected as a 2022 class of Salute Honorees at the Catholic Education Foundation’s Salute to Catholic Schools Alumni Dinner. This honor recognizes individuals whose accomplishments in career, community and life highlight the storied tradition of excellence in Catholic schools in Kentucky.

Michelle was awarded Today’s Woman’s Most Admired Woman in Education at the awards ceremony in June. Michelle works as the Executive Director of Advancement at Assumption High School.

Alexa was voted a 2022 Knight of Honor at Bellarmine University during her senior year. Bellarmine Seniors have the opportunity to be nominated and apply for the Knight of Honor Court. Ten students are selected after being nominated by a faculty or staff member, completing an application, and interviewing with Bellarmine Alumni and the Bellarmine Women’s Council. Students on the Court are then voted on by their peers to select two Knight of Honors who were announced and knighted at Bellarmine’s homecoming game!

Kentucky Humane Society, Veterinarian

Emily was named as the 2021 Kentucky Veterinarian of the Year. Her work has been recognized throughout the region as the vet who helped bring Ethan the dog back to life at the Kentucky Humane Society. She shared with us her career advice for students, stating, “If you love art, go for it. If you love cooking, go for it. Whatever really sets your heart afire, follow that.”

St. Gabriel School, Principal

Lara received the Archdiocese of Louisville’s 2022 Distinguished Catholic School Leader Award. This award is given annually and recognized at a special mass during Catholic Schools Week.

Claire was awarded the “Who the Tell the Story” medal at Assumption’s Thanksgiving Prayer Service. This medal, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, is given to a graduate who lives out the Mercy charism today. After graduating from college, Claire did a year of service in Michigan at a free clinic through the Mercy Volunteer Corp.  Now as a student in medical school at the University of Louisville, she seeks to use her knowledge and skills to care for society’s most vulnerable.

Laurie was hired as the University of Louisville’s Director of Industry Partnerships in July 2022. In her role, Laurie will serve as the point of contact for companies looking to engage across the university. She will also work with each of the university’s schools to launch new strategic alliances and business development initiatives. She previously served as Vice President of Business Development for Sotera LLC.

Aimee was selected for Louisville Business First’s 2022 Forty Under 40 program, an annual program honoring the region’s up-and-coming young leaders under the age of 40. Aimee serves as the Engagement Specialist at Leadership Louisville and most recently served on the Assumption Alumnae Board of Directors as Board Chair, completing her eighth year on the Alumnae Board in 2022. Aimee’s leadership and vision was instrumental in creating the Alumnae Board Committee structure which was implemented in July 2020.

Leah was featured in Louisville Business First’s 20 People to Know in Banking article. Leah is a Mortgage Loan Originator at Independence Bank in Louisville and proud supporter of Assumption as she participates each year in our Alumnae Career Day for students. Click here to read the article.

St. Gabriel School Teacher

Lisa received the 2022 Father Joseph McGee Award as the outstanding Catholic school educator in the Archdiocese of Louisville. This award is given annually at the Catholic Education Foundation’s Salute to Catholic School Alumni Dinner which raises funds for families, parishes and schools.

Melanie was selected for Leadership Louisville Center’s Class of 2023, the 44^th class of the Center’s nationally recognized program for established community leaders. The program deepens members’ connection to the community and the capacity to make a difference. Melanie is an Attorney at Frost Brown Todd, LLC and serves as the Team Leader for the firm’s Estates, Trusts, and Wills team.

Leah was named the Principal of Sacred Heart Model School in Louisville, KY in August 2022. Leah credits her years at St. Raphael Elementary, Assumption High School, and the University of Dayton for instilling her deep respect of a Catholic education. She is grateful for the community of Assumption’s support and knows she will employ the lessons learned as a Rocket in her new job. Leah previously served as the Assistant Principal at Sacred Heart Model School.

Miss Kentucky USA

On March 26, 2022, Lizzy Neutz was crowned Miss Kentucky USA by Elle Smith, Miss USA 2021. Lizzy is a real estate investor, actress, and model.

Sydney was awarded Today’s Woman’s Most Admired Woman in Hospitality at the awards ceremony in June. Sydney works as the Director of Event Sales for Live Nation, including events at the Louisville Palace, Mercury Ballroom, and Bogart’s.

Paula was featured in the Hispanic Executive Magazine for her work as Senior Counsel for Governmental Affairs for the Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Her position has been focused on reforming insurance laws to mitigate various forms of fraud. Read the article here.

Karri was selected for Leadership Louisville Center’s Class of 2023 in July 2022. This program deepens members’ connection to the community and the capacity to make a difference. This is the 44^th class of the Center’s nationally recognized program for established community leaders. Karri is the Executive Director at Pillar, formerly known as Apple Patch Community, Inc., that works to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Northern Kentucky University, Nursing Student

Sarah was selected to serve as a Derby Festival Princess for this year’s festival. She is one of five women selected from nearly 80 applicants representing different universities from around Kentucky for the Royal Court. Criteria for selection include knowledge of the Kentucky Derby Festival, poise, intelligence, personality, and campus and community involvement. Sarah has the opportunity to be crowned as Derby Festival Queen in April at the annual Fillies Derby Ball.

Christine competed in the U.S. Women’s Senior Open against the best senior women golfers at NCR Country Club in Dayton in August 2022. As youngest of the competitors, it was Christine’s first time playing in the senior open. Christine golfed in college at Stetson University but continued to play as an assistant pro at both Shawnee and Seneca golf courses. Christine has been in real estate for the last 15 years but did win the Kentucky Open 20 years ago. Additionally, WDRB News interviewed Christine about the tournament, click here to read the article.

Caroline was selected for Leadership Louisville Center’s Class of 2023 in July 2022. This program deepens members’ connection to the community and the capacity to make a difference. This is the 44^th class of the Center’s nationally recognized program for established community leaders. Caroline is the Chief Advancement Officer at Spalding University, a Louisville-based Catholic, non-profit college. In this role, Caroline works to deepen alumni engagement, develop community partnerships, and increase general philanthropic support for the university.

University of Notre Dame, Student

Madelyn participated and won the first ever Miss Indiana Volunteer pageant in Fall 2021. She is active in “I Am That Girl” non-profit and is currently pursuing a Masters of French & Francophone Studies with a minor in Screen Cultures at the University of Notre Dame. Madelyn will participate in the Miss America Volunteer pageant in May 2022.

Jessica was selected for Louisville Business First’s 2022 Forty Under 40 program. This is an annual program honoring the region’s up-and-coming young leaders under the age of 40. Jessica is a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Tretter Financial Planning, LLC. This year, Louisville Business First received nearly 600 nominees for this program.

University of Louisville, Medical Student

Karen was named as a recipient of the 2022 Kelsie Small Future Healer Award for exemplifying excellence, caring, compassion and commitment to education. Karen is currently a student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

Books for Babes, Founder & St. Agnes School, Learning Coordinator K-5

Laura founded Books for Babes, a non-profit that provides books and early learning materials to newborn babies and their caregivers at Louisville healthcare facilities. Books for Babes started in Spring 2020 and has distributed over 1,000 books to area families. Learn more about Books for Babes: https://www.booksforbabesky.org/

Karen was selected for Leadership Louisville Center’s Class of 2023, the 44^th class of the Center’s nationally recognized program for established community leaders. The program deepens connection to the community and the capacity to make a difference. Karen is the Director of the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Worship Office, whose mission is to promote and enrich the liturgical life of the Archdiocese in a spirit of collaboration with parish leadership by providing liturgical direction, formation, and resources.

Skylar was hired to be the Assistant Coach for the Indiana Tech Men’s Volleyball team.