Pioneers in Business Alumni & Networking Event

The Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship held a Pioneers in Business Alumni and Networking event on Thursday, March 20, 2025. 

A panel of five MAK College alumni shared their journey, insights and advice with business students. Following the event, students were invited to network with faculty, alumni and their fellow students. 

Bekah Abernathy
Senior Program Coordinator, UT Southwestern Medical

Bekah Abernathy (TWU BS ‘14, MHA/MBA ‘22) has over a decade of experience specializing in process improvement, resource management, and program development. She has led initiatives at UT Southwestern and Cook Children’s to enhance efficiency, patient care, and employee engagement. Passionate about innovation, she serves on advisory committees, trains professionals, and speaks at industry events, driving lasting change in healthcare.

Misti Davis
Chief People Officer, North America, Elida Beauty

Misti Davis, a 2000 TWU graduate with a BBA in Human Resources Management, has over 25 years of Human Resource Management experience as a Generalist, Advisor, and Business Partner. While at TWU, she was President of the SHRM Student Chapter and a member of Students in Free Enterprise. A senior certified HR professional (SHRM-SCP, SPHR), Misti enjoys traveling with her family, volunteering with Tzu Zoo Dog Rescue, serving on church committees, walking her dogs, and attending Pilates classes.

Leslie Fredrickson
Coordinator of Social Media and Media Relations, TWU 

Leslie Fredrickson (TWU BBA ’20, MBA ‘22) combines her passion for storytelling, digital strategy, and audience engagement to elevate higher education. Currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education, she also teaches First-Year Experience courses, guiding students through their academic and personal development. Driven by compassion, innovation, and lifelong learning, she aims to create digital experiences that inspire and inform.

Bridget Hadnot-Roberts
Assistant Vice President, Bank of America

Bridget Hadnot-Roberts earned her MBA in Business Administration from TWU in 2024, where she held leadership roles in Beta Gamma Sigma, the Society of Student Entrepreneurs, and NABA. Beyond her corporate role, she leads community initiatives as the Employee Network LEAD for Women Community Involvement Co-Chair, connecting banks with non-profits to drive community impact, as well as advocacy work for the Scleroderma Foundation and the Black Women’s Health Imperative.

Jesse Malone
Senior Manager of Academy Outreach and Education Programs, Texas Rangers

Jesse Malone currently oversees community engagement, education programs, and operations for the Texas Rangers Youth Academy. She began her Rangers career as an intern in 2016 while earning her BBA in Marketing from TWU (’17) and will celebrate her 10th season with the team in 2025. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, concerts, musicals, and reading.