Editor’s Note: CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County (CLAOC) launched OC Fellows (ocfellows.org) in 2020 to retain and elevate top early-career talent in our region—critical for Orange County’s innovative and economic vitality. According to CLAOC Director Peggy Wolff, the program has helped more than 200 young professionals sharpen skills, expand networks and forge lasting bonds. Ninety percent still work in OC, and many are proudly active alumni.
Colin Cline
Wealth Management Analyst
Bank of America Private Bank
I work on a team that delivers comprehensive wealth strategies for high-net-worth families. I aspire to become a financial leader who makes wealth management more accessible. As an OC Fellow, I’ve met other ambitious young professionals and gained tools and resources to further my professional development. Raised in Seal Beach, I’ve deepened my appreciation for Orange County and strengthened my foundation for a strong career.
Naomi Dimagmaliw
Quality Engineer
Edwards Lifesciences
At Edwards, I support heart valve replacement therapies. I grew up in the Bay Area after my parents immigrated to the U.S. Through OC Fellows, I’ve connected with leaders who have shared their success stories, equipped myself with valuable tools for growth and built meaningful relationships with my cohort. I aspire to be a technical leader who creates opportunities for people from underrepresented communities.
Elise May
Senior Marketing Data Analyst
Ingram Micro
Bridging marketing and data teams, I help optimize marketing efforts. Originally from Portland, Oregon, I found a community here through OC Fellows. I’ve made connections with a diverse group of motivated individuals and honed skills that support my personal and career growth. I plan to cultivate my marketing analytics acumen so I can lead a team, be a role model and advocate for women in technology.
Andrew Chhur
Senior Consultant
Deloitte
In consulting, I work with leading organizations to address finance and accounting challenges—from daily operations to large-scale transformations. I’m still exploring where I want to specialize. OC Fellows has helped me build skills and given me the chance to collaborate with a network of driven professionals who care about this region. As I advance, I plan to pay it forward by mentoring the next generation.
Kieryn Ota
Senior Quality Engineer
Edwards Lifesciences
From Texas, I found purpose here supporting early-stage manufacturing of medical devices used to treat heart disease. My goal is to be a leader in identifying unmet clinical needs, making strategic decisions to help treat more patients. The OC Fellows program is essential as I build a strong peer network, deepen my connection to my community and develop skills to become a more effective leader.
Amanda Christidis
Mechanical Engineer
Parker Aerospace
I design mechanical components and systems for applications. OC Fellows is an incredible platform for growth. I’ve explored who I am as a person and a professional, and I better understand what a fulfilling career looks like for me. I hope to inspire young future engineers that with hard work, passion and dedication, they can accomplish anything.
Luke Jewett
Engineer II, Advanced R&D
Terumo Neuro
Today, I contribute to the innovation of first-generation neurovascular devices from ideation to proof-of-concept testing. I aspire to lead the development of breakthrough medical devices to reach patients who need them most. As an OC Fellow, I honed my professional skills through conversations with executives and coaches and served our community at volunteer events.
Divyanshi Singhal
LDI & Pension Solutions Associate
PIMCO
In my role and in the future, I am dedicated to supporting institutional investors in understanding risk and making decisions for long-term stability. I’m originally from India, and OC Fellows gave me space to connect with a diverse group of professionals and grow my sense of belonging in the local business community. Thoughtfully curated learning and social events broadened my perspective on leadership and social impact.
John Tran
Senior Actuarial Analyst
Pacific Life
I perform actuarial projections on a wide range of economic scenarios to analyze, evaluate and manage my company’s market risk. I am an OC native from Anaheim Hills, and as an OC Fellow, I’ve learned new skills, heard from insightful speakers and connected with like-minded young professionals working for other OC employers. I strive to become a transformative leader, elevating those around me as we navigate the unknown future.
Molly Hurley
Sr. Prototype Engineer
Rivian Automotive
I design and engineer parts and systems for one-off builds, from modified vehicles for corporate partnerships to test fixtures for part validation. I grew up outside Boston, moved to LA for school, and then OC for work. I am building a collaborative network where I can both receive constructive feedback and find fulfillment sharing my expertise. OC Fellows has shown me how entrepreneurship takes many forms and inspired me to create my own opportunities.
Kendra Washington
Algorithm Engineer
BD
My work spans algorithm development, validation and clinical research support for hemodynamic monitoring devices. My goal is to grow technical expertise so I can lead projects and teams bringing medical devices to market that improve patient outcomes. I’ve learned that career paths are often non-linear and gained many resources to support my professional growth as an OC Fellow.
Aaron Barel
Data Scientist
Pacific Life
At work, I build predictive models that help enhance Pacific Life’s ability to make strategic decisions. My long-term goal is to continue strengthening my skills in building scalable, high-performance AI systems that transform how we do business. Even though I’m a SoCal native, OC Fellows turned out to be an amazing way to expand my network. I’m connected with many more early-career professionals from different backgrounds and functions.
