Kevin Le, a 2022 graduate with a B.S. in Computer Science, is thriving as a Software Development Engineer in Test at Veeva Systems, a leading cloud software company serving the life sciences industry. Based in San Francisco, Kevin creates automated testing frameworks and tools that help bring medical therapies to patients faster. "My role involves automation engineering that directly supports one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in history," Kevin shares, reflecting on the meaningful impact of his work. Kevin’s professional journey began in 2019 when he joined Ennovar as an L1 Help Hangar Technician, eventually progressing to roles in RPA development and Salesforce system administration. "What makes Ennovar truly exceptional is its unique ability to provide college students with meaningful professional experience while helping them discover their career paths," Kevin explains. He credits Ennovar with not only sharpening his technical skills but also helping him cultivate the business acumen and confidence necessary to pursue his passion for technology. "Ennovar doesn’t just prepare students for the workforce – it helps them discover if they’re on the right path," Kevin notes, emphasizing how his varied roles allowed him to explore and grow during his college years.

Zach Walden, a Computer Science major, just graduated in December of 2024 from Wichita State. Zach works as a PLM Developer at Textron Aviation, a role that immerses him in software development for the aircraft lifecycle management. His contributions include working with tools like ENOVIA, CATIA, and several custom-built programs. Zach credits Ennovar with giving him an early start in the professional world while he was completing his degree. "Ennovar has truly helped me propel myself into the workforce," he says. "It allowed me to get a jump-start on my career, putting me in position to grow as a software developer while getting my degree." Beyond the technical experience, Zach has honed invaluable workplace skills, including communication and teamwork, which he plans to carry forward into his career. When reflecting on his time at Ennovar, Zach highlights the people and the opportunities as his favorite parts. "Flexible hours have been great," he says. "And all of the people I’ve worked with have been amazing—from high-level management at Ennovar to my fellow students." For Zach, the most meaningful aspect has been gaining that first professional opportunity, an experience that’s helped him grow both personally and professionally. "Everyone seeks that first opportunity, and that’s exactly what Ennovar has been for me."

Harriet Hamilton, a graduate with a Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, held many pivotal roles during her time at Ennovar. Reflecting on her experience, Harriet credits Ennovar for helping her chart a path post-graduation: “During my time at Ennovar, I had the opportunity to work on many different projects and learn new tools such as RPA development. This helped me discover tasks that I enjoyed executing and ones that I did not find as interesting.” This clarity allowed Harriet to make confident decisions about her career direction.  Harriet highlights the support and mentorship she received at Ennovar as one of her favorite aspects of the program: “The support from colleagues and supervisors as well as the mentorship offered to excel in a corporate career/environment.” She also cherishes her time working with the operations team, saying, “I really enjoyed helping students discover their passions and interests.” Many of the connections she made at Ennovar turned into lasting friendships, and she hopes to return to the organization someday, adding, “Working was made fun!”

Connor Beard, a Spirit On-Site Tech and Ennovar team member, is pursuing a degree in Applied Science, Computer Support Specialist and is set to graduate in December 2024. In his role with Ennovar, Connor assists Wichita-based Spirit employees with hardware issues, deploys new equipment, handles tier-two help desk issues, and manages the walk-in help desk. Reflecting on his time at Ennovar, Connor emphasizes how it has shaped his professional and personal growth. “Ennovar has helped me personally by allowing me to see and work with others in the tech field that have become friends and may see later in other jobs. Career-wise, Ennovar has helped me by giving me enterprise experience with the help desk, learning real-world solutions to problems, and seeing what scope I might be doing in my future,” he explains.

Davis Willenborg, a Biomedical Engineering graduate, now works as a Planner for Aircraft Services at Bombardier Aerospace. In his role, Davis handles logistics for business jets that come in for service, ensuring maintenance and tooling are planned efficiently so technicians can complete their tasks. Davis reflects on how Ennovar helped shape his career: "Ennovar exposed me to certain tools to guide me through everyday work on computers. Ennovar also made me a better leader." He also values the network opportunities he gained through Ennovar, which broadened his understanding of the IT landscape. One of Davis's favorite memories from Ennovar was the collaborative environment. "The camaraderie amongst my peers and the opportunity to be able to move along the floor to help people was amazing." Outside of work, Davis enjoys exercising, spending time with friends and family, and playing board and card games. He also officiates college and high school basketball games. 

Thursday, October 31, The Wichita Business Journal announced the winners of the annual Best Places to Work in Wichita competition. The competition honors companies that create fun, challenging and rewarding work places and awards are based solely on the responses of the employees of the companies nominated.  Nominated businesses are grouped in categories based on staff size. With more than 200 employees, Ennovar competed with 7 other organizations, in the extra-large category, finishing 2nd.

The Widener Global Leaders Program (WGLP) has welcomed 12 new students into its 2024-2025 cohort, including Tiahna Padilla from Ennovar.  Led by the W. Frank Barton School of Business in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts at Wichita State, WGLP is an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at developing the next generation of global female leaders. Through a transformational, multidisciplinary educational experience, the program equips students with the skills and insights needed to thrive after graduation.

DaVontae Clemons, an Ennovar alum with an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology Systems from WSU Tech, is continuing his education at Western Governors University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Now working as a Cyber Security Analyst at the Credit Union of America, DaVontae is responsible for protecting the organization’s computer systems, networks, and data from security threats. His work involves designing and implementing security measures, performing incident response, and educating employees on security best practices. Reflecting on his journey, DaVontae credits Ennovar with helping him bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. "While certifications and degrees are valuable assets, they're only part of the equation," DaVontae says. "In Information Technology, real-world experience, like the hands-on training at Ennovar, is what truly distinguishes you in the job market." He highlighted how Ennovar's comprehensive training and mentorship helped him build confidence and overcome imposter syndrome, ultimately setting him on a path to success.

Divy Patel, a Computer Science major set to graduate in May 2025, is currently gaining hands-on experience in Cyber Security and Forensics at MillenniumGroup in the DRTH building. In this role, Divy is diving deeper into the cybersecurity field, investigating new topics, and sharpening his skills through practical work. Ennovar has played a key role in his professional growth. "Ennovar has helped me personally and career-wise by the job that I do because I am able to learn new topics that I had not fully explored on my own," Divy says. The program has also given him the opportunity to build valuable connections with experienced professionals, laying the groundwork for his future career.