Earlier this year, the University of Georgia announced the 2023 40 Under 40 honorees. The winners include 9 graduates with SPIA degrees. 40 Under 40 celebrates young alumni leading the pack in their industries and communities. Learn more about our Honoree Mika Kawana, Director of Brand Partnerships at the Intercontinental Exchange.
What was your favorite SPIA class or favorite SPIA professor?
Dr. Audrey Haynes
What was your favorite study spot as a student?
SLC (now the Miller Learning Center)
What obscure thing are you talented at?
Enhanced long term memory
What is one weird fact or tidbit that you still remember from school?
Snelling over Bolton and be willing to get lost if you go to South Campus
What one superpower would you give to everyone in the world? How would the world change?
To feel like they belong or comfortable in a situation – having that comfort can really change the dynamic of someone’s path or outcome of an event
Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
Italy – one of my favorite restaurant groups in Atlanta (Storico | Yeppa) is building a villa in Rimini. Incredible food, drinks and friends who want to share their home with others – how could you ask for more?
If you could have dinner with one famous person, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
My grandmother – while I was fortunate to get to know her when I was younger, I think I would appreciate her journey much more today. Her resilience and work ethic have continued to inspire me every day.
What is one piece of advice you have for current SPIA students?
Perspective – no matter how small the project or task may seem, all the small moments build the muscle for the big moments. Especially in politics, be willing to put in the grunt work and stay humble.
