Three Roanoke College alumni and one faculty member were honored with inclusion in The Roanoker magazine’s annual 40 Under 40 list for 2024. The list rounds up accomplished young professionals in the Roanoke Valley, each of whom is nominated for the recognition and selected from a large pool of contenders. Roanoke College is grateful to count these individuals as members of the Maroon network and proud of them for embodying the College’s purpose-driven mission.
To read more about our honorees, see below. The entire 40 Under 40 list for 2024 can be viewed here.
Name: Robyn Mitchell ’18
Age: 36
Profession: Chief creative director, Lovelight Design Studio
Professional highlights: Mitchell co-owns The Nalia Closet and serves as chief creative director at Lovelight Design Studio, where she provides expertise in digital marketing, content strategy and design for clients such as Roanoke Sister Cities, Hidden in Plain Site Roanoke and The Humble Hustle Company. She has served as Roanoke's Artist in Residence and as Melrose Plaza Artist in Residence with Goodwill Industries of the Valley.
Other involvements/accomplishments: Mitchell helps students prepare for college through the Jr. B.O.S.S. Academy and Trifecta, Inc., and she is corresponding secretary of the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She builds community through group art projects, which have included a mural for the Roanoke Juneteenth Family Reunion and an “End Racism Now” mural in downtown Roanoke.
Education: Associate’s degree, information systems technology, Virginia Western Community College; bachelor’s degree, business administration with a concentration in business information systems, Roanoke College; awarded Roanoke’s Outstanding Student in Business Information Systems in 2018
What nominators said: “Mitchell's exceptional contributions to both the arts and her community distinguish her as an outstanding nominee. Her dedication to community service and mentorship, coupled with her artistic talents, make her a true role model. Mitchell's ability to blend creativity with social impact sets her apart as a visionary leader who inspires positive change in Roanoke.”
What Mitchell said: “Passion is the spark that ignites change, and through my passions as a creative and community advocate, I aim to serve as a catalyst to bringing about the positive change I wish to see in our community.”
Name: Carrie Murawski
Age: 32
Profession: Assistant professor of communication studies at Roanoke College
Professional highlights: Murawski teaches compelling courses and maintains an active research agenda in areas that include gender and race, popular culture and connections to politics. She is co-coordinator of the College's concentration in gender and women's studies. She is passionate about including service-learning projects in her classes and conducting research alongside students.
Other involvement/accomplishments: Murawski is the author of multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals and frequently presents at national conferences. In 2023, she received the Scholar-Activist Award from the National Communication Association. She is founder of the Virginia Conference on Race, which took place on the Roanoke College campus for the first time in 2022. She also uses her creative talents to assist with Roanoke College theater productions, most recently doing the choreography for last semester's "Cabaret."
Education: Bachelor’s degree in communication and sociology, University of South Florida; Ph.D. in communication, Texas A&M University; graduate certificate in women’s and gender studies from Texas A&M University
What nominators said: “Carrie Murawski … is a talented scholar and researcher who goes far beyond the typical expectations of a faculty member. She mentors and advocates for her students, gives them the tools to reach their potential, and asks all of her students to engage actively with the world around them.”
What Murawski said: “I teach tools of community-building, critical thinking and citizenship that not only better my students, but also the larger Roanoke community and beyond. I see my role in the Roanoke community as fostering conversations so that community members can reimagine the goals of where we live and how we relate to others in communal spaces.”
"Passion is the spark that ignites change, and through my passions as a creative and community advocate, I aim to serve as a catalyst to bringing about the positive change I wish to see in our community."
Robyn Mitchell '08
Name: Evan Ross ’12
Age: 32
Profession: Certified public accountant/tax senior manager at Brown, Edwards & Company LLP
Professional highlights: Ross initiated and oversees the real estate practice area at Brown Edwards, where he also leads the tax department. He is active in firm initiatives, including staff mentorship, business development, and diversity and inclusion. He is enrolled in the Rainmaker Academy, a national program in leadership and business development for CPAs.
Other involvements/accomplishments: Volunteers with Roanoke and Botetourt Chambers of Commerce, Boys & Girls Club and Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia; coaches youth sports.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting, Roanoke College; master of accounting (taxation), Virginia Tech
What nominators said: “Ross is a valued member of the accounting profession, his firm and the local community. His energy, innovation [and] niche-specific knowledge has allowed him to grow in the profession and become a leader and trusted advisor. He is always looking to improve and exceed expectations.”
What Ross said: “I am passionate about building relationships and adding value to everything I do.”
Name: Natesha Ross ’14
Age: 31
Profession: Assistant director of programs at The Foundry
Professional highlights: Ross’s role at The Foundry includes managing after-school programs, summer camp programs, tutoring and educational initiatives. Previously, she was a teacher for Roanoke City Public Schools, where she managed after-school programs.
Other involvements/accomplishments: Ross is a mentor through the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Women of the Chamber and the Department of Justice, volunteers with Junior Achievement, leads an adopt-a-street program through Clean Valley Council, and promotes literacy through the Virginia State Literacy Association and Local Colors.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Roanoke College; master’s degree in teaching, Mary Baldwin University
What nominators said: “Natesha Ross is a resourceful and determined leader with a vision to create a positive impact in her community. ... Ross believes to become an impactful leader, intentional effort and uncomfortable spaces are necessary to build competencies. As a result, she has continually accepted new challenges that pushed her out of her comfort zone.”
What Ross said: “My passion lies in empowering students to unlock their full potential and fostering enriching experiences for them. I aspire to create a ripple effect by introducing students to the diverse array of opportunities at their disposal. As individuals thrive in their own passions, the entire community's ecosystem flourishes, creating a powerful cycle of growth and success.”
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