From Algonquin, Illinois, to the heart of Iowa State University, senior Leah Channell has carved out a dynamic path at the Ivy College of Business. A double major in marketing and management, Channell’s journey began with a spontaneous campus visit that quickly evolved into a transformative college experience.
Channell’s academic focus reflects her passion for both creative expression and analytical thinking. With a background in art, music, as well as holding leadership roles since high school, such as being president and co-founder of Psi Alpha, a national honors society for students interested in psychology, she saw business as the perfect intersection of her interests. Marketing and management offered her the opportunity to design campaigns, lead teams, and dive into data-driven decision-making.
“Ivy is a place to grow, evolve, and discover passions you never knew you had.”
— Leah Channell
Her involvement on campus has been extensive and impactful. Channell has been an active member of the Marketing Club and Ivy Student Council, where she served as director of social media. These roles allowed her to connect with professionals, contribute to student initiatives, and engage directly with college leadership, including David Spalding, former dean, and Valentina Salotti, senior associate dean. Through these experiences, she helped shape the student experience and fostered meaningful dialogue between students and faculty.
“Part of why I love Ivy is being in these leadership roles and having the opportunity to grow,” said Channell.
Channell credits much of her success to family, friends, and Ivy’s faculty and staff. Mentors like Jessica Martin, career coordinator, and Bobbi Sullivan, director of Business Career Services, played key roles in her personal and professional development, especially as she adjusted to life as an out-of-state student.
“Leah has been an excellent addition to our Business Career Services team, and I have been lucky to work closely with her over the past two semesters,” Martin said. “I will always remember her positive attitude, initiative, and exceptional care for students. She’s been a great mentor for Ivy students throughout her time in Ivy, and her impact will be felt for years to come.”
College has been a journey of self-discovery for Channell. Initially hesitant to step outside her comfort zone, she found confidence through Ivy’s welcoming culture. Attending events solo and initiating classroom conversations became second nature, helping her build lasting relationships and sharpen her communication skills. As a career fair ambassador, Channell embraced the power of authentic networking. Her conversations with recruiters often led to interviews, highlighting the value of being genuine and well-prepared. She’s made the most of Ivy’s career resources, including salary data, senior panels, and employer connections that prioritize student growth.
Channell’s leadership extends into mentoring roles for BUSAD 1020 and BUSAD 2030. In BUSAD 1020, she guides new Ivy students through academic planning and college adjustment, while also training fellow peer mentors and coordinating events. In BUSAD 2030, she helped launch the peer mentoring program in spring 2024, supporting over 70 students with resume writing, networking, and LinkedIn development. Her responsibilities included grading assignments and leading workshops — functioning as both mentor and teaching assistant. Her contributions have also been recognized through the Gerdin Leader’s Academy, Ivy’s social media features, and a spotlight in the Live Green! newsletter for her work with Business Learning Teams.
“I have been impressed by Leah’s commitment to her career development,” Sullivan said. “She worked hard to secure a competitive marketing internship at HNI and performed so well that her internship got extended throughout this year before transitioning to a well-earned, full-time offer post-graduation. I am proud of how she represented herself, the Ivy College of Business, and Iowa State University. She has a bright future ahead.”
Channell recently completed her Honors requirements, including a research capstone titled “How Does the Rise of ChatGPT and Generative AI Impact Students’ Knowledge?” Collaborating with former Ivy visiting Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship MaQueba Massey, she authored an IMRaD (introduction, methods, results, and discussion) research paper and presented her findings at the Honors Poster Presentation.
Additionally, she was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, ranking her among the top 10 percent of juniors and seniors in business. Channell also represented the Department of Marketing and Department of Management and Entrepreneurship during Ivy’s AACSB accreditation visit, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence and institutional advancement.
With aspirations to become a marketing manager, Channell is eager to continue exploring the field. Ivy has equipped her with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to thrive in any professional setting. Her journey is a testament to the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing new opportunities, and finding your voice.
“Ivy is a place to grow, evolve, and discover passions you never knew you had,” said Channell.
To connect with Leah Channell or follow her collegiate and professional career, visit her LinkedIn profile.
