Bowling Green, Ky. – September 22, 2026– The City of Bowling Green is pleased to announce the 2nd Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy cohort, a free program connecting WKU students with leadership initiatives, community service, and professional development opportunities in Downtown.
Offering sessions featuring nonprofits, arts, entertainment, civic engagement, government services, business and economic development, and leadership, students meet community leaders, gain hands-on experience at venues and events, and complete a capstone project benefiting Downtown. New this year: extending the program by 1 month to allow for a session on local education and academia, and giving participants more time to complete their community capstone project.
The initiative also partners with the BG Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown businesses, and local attractions. Its goal is to strengthen “Down(town) to Gown” connections, encouraging WKU graduates to build careers and their lives locally, creating a growing alumni network of engaged young leaders.
Many thanks to the sponsors that make these sessions happen, like Mellow Mushroom, American Bank & Trust, Warren County Government, WKU Student Government Association, and more!
Forty-one applications were reviewed by a panel of both City and WKU staff. Representing four of WKU’s academic colleges and over 21 fields of study, we proudly announce the diverse group of 20 students, along with their majors/minors, selected for the second class of Downtown BGKY Ambassadors:
● Ryan Hampton, Business Management
● Emma Hardesty, Political Science
● Cassandra Jagat, Mechanical Engineering, with Business Administration
● Michelle Ramos, Public Health
● Rylan Westerfield, Legal Studies and Criminology, with Health Science
● Kole Ripley, Political Science and Psychology
● Jakob Barker, Mathematical Economics, with Mathematics
● Ayanna Jones, Health Sciences
● Abigail Wissing, Journalism and Political Science
● Elizabeth Allen, Professional Legal Studies and Legal Studies
● De’Anasia Johnson, Business Management, with Healthcare Administration
● Robert Cherry, Finance
● Devin Frazier, Biochemistry and Philosophy, with Chemistry
● Riziki Eboha, Business Management
● Alyson Johnson, International Affairs, Political Science, and Legal Studies
● Maggie Cassady, Business Management
● Addison Bonham, International Affairs and Economics
● Addyson Toms, Marketing
● Rahabu Tumaini, Business Management
● Ariana Karapetyan, Political Science, with Journalism
Congratulations to all! The Academy kickoff and orientation is September 30th. Keep up with Academy happenings and the students’ activities with Downtown businesses and events by following @downtownbgky on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Contact Telia Butler, telia.butler@bgky.org, 270-393-3617, with any questions.