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“I have always had the intention of providing impact through my profession and am grateful to be showcasing the knowledge and values that I learned during my time at ����Թ� through my profession.”

Aysia Kemp, ’20, began her professional career during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and has used that challenging experience to propel her forward in the human resources profession.

As the senior people and culture coordinator for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group, she is responsible for managing company-wide recognition events and onboarding new team members. She is also chair of the Team Member Resource Group focused on the Black/African-American community. “If I was ever asked about my dream job, I would always respond with a position that encompasses my passions of human resources and sports,” said Aysia.

She is currently making an impact with the youth in her community through her coaching efforts as a varsity girls basketball assistant coach at Beachwood High School. “My goal is to help my student-athletes translate the skills and lessons learned on the court to the classroom and to further their lives after high school graduation,” she said. Her commitment to young adults is also demonstrated by her service as a leader in her church’s young adult ministry program.

“Aysia is a change agent and mentor extraordinaire who has identified a career path that aligns with her strengths and values,” said Eboni Pringle, senior vice president of student life. “What was most impressive about her was not only her ability to excel but also her commitment to support the success of her peers.”

Aysia’s ����Թ� State journey began in University College where she quickly took advantage of its many programs and services including the EXCEL Living Learning Community, Exploratory Advising Center and career exploration class. Her college experiences were also heavily influenced by her membership in her sorority Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.  “A pivotal moment within my college journey was becoming a member of Sigma Gamma Rho where I was able to strive for the greater purpose of my organization and build many connections with members of other organizations to elevate ����Թ� State,” said Aysia.

She was recently honored with the inaugural EmpowHER Gamechanger Award from her employer that recognizes individuals who have impacted the field through exemplary work while paving the way for women through mentoring and empowerment in her company and community. “As a new human resources professional with the Cavaliers, she has already demonstrated that she will leave an indelible mark on her profession, just as she did here at ����Թ� State,” said Pringle.

Aysia continues to be connected with ����Թ� State and University College as a mentor for emerging leaders and has recently become a champion of the exploratory program experience by participating as a voice for in-person, remote, print and video testimonials about the program. She also remains active as a Sigma Gamma Rho alumna and serves as a volunteer for Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio.

“I continue to stay connected because ����Թ� State truly holds a special place in my heart,” said Aysia. “I stepped onto the campus as an 18-year-old who was unsure of what the future would hold and am now a human resources professional that continues to grow and flourish within my career and life. I am grateful to be showcasing the knowledge and values that I learned during my time at ����Թ� State through my profession and throughout my life.”