Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund competitors

Knudsen previously servesd as the executive vice president of Oncology Services and enterprise director for Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health, one of only 71 National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers recognized for its research and impact on cancer outcomes. She also holds leadership roles with some of the most important cancer entities in the nation. She is the president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes, where her platform has focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, and serves on the board of directors for the American Association of Cancer Research and the board of advisors for the National Cancer Institute. She is active in committees for the American Society for Clinical Oncology, in addition to serving on other academic and for-profit advisory boards. Knudsen holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the George Washington University; a Ph.D. in biological sciences from the University of California San Diego; and an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business.

Adam Vanek is the chief executive officer of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Throughout his career, he has built a portfolio of transformational achievements in private, public and nonprofit corporations. He has extensive nonprofit experience, previously serving as National General Counsel for MADD and, more recently, Susan G. Komen in Dallas. During his previous tenure at MADD, from 2011 to 2017, Vanek led efforts to overhaul many core practices, policies and procedures. He also played a high-profile role in strengthening MADD’s public image and influence, helping further MADD’s mission through legal advocacy, jurisprudence and serving as legal expert in drunk driving and traffic safety. A motivational, results-driven leader who seeks the best in his team, as well as himself, Vanek is known for his practical legal mind and sharp business acumen, tearing down department silos and uniting staff to achieve shared goals. He is a graduate of Wake Forest Law School, where he served on the Honors and Ethics Board. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University, where he was named a College of Business Administration Fellow and awarded the Buck Weirus Spirit Award for student service. Vanek is licensed to practice law in Texas and Washington, D.C. He worked in private practice for almost 13 years before joining MADD in 2011. Beyond his career achievements, Vanek is committed to community service. He is a member of the North Texas Crime Commission, Dallas Bar Association, Leadership Dallas Alumni Association and the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce Foundation. He has also served as national legal counsel and board member of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce, and as president and board member of both the Texas Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce. Vanek lives with his wife and four children in Dallas, where they are active members of Trinity Church.

Sister Donna Markham is a President & CEO at Catholic Charities USA.

Joseph Benincasa is an Executive Director at Actors' Fund Of America/The, Board Member at Bioreference Laboratories, and President/CEO at Actors' Fund Of America/The and is based in New York City, New York. He has worked as Director, Public Information/Corporate Campaigns at New York Blood Center and Manager, Public Relations at United Way of Tri-State, United Way of Miami. Joseph works or has worked as BOARD MEMBER at New York Society of Assn Executives, BOARD MEMBER at Somerset Patriots, and BOARD MEMBER at Broadway Cares. He studied at Saint Joseph’s University, Fordham University Graduate School of Business, and Rutgers University.

Chris Lynn are a President/CEO at Seniors' Resource Center. They work or have worked as Board Member at Seniors' Resource Center. Chris studied at Metropolitan State University.

Laurie Adams is the Chief Executive Officer of Women for Women International (WfWI), a leading global organization dedicated to working with women survivors of war. With more than 25 years of experience working in international development and human rights, Ms. Adams is an innovative leader, strategist, and gender rights advocate.

Douglas Cochran is the Chief Executive Officer at Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) and attended University of Oklahoma in 2018.