3 Fine Arts students among 40 selected for leadership program created by alumna

Three College of Fine Arts undergraduates were selected to participate in The Texas Trailblazers: Gay Gaddis Leadership Program. Isabella Koopman (Design), Akash Pradeep (Design) Sam Stricklin (Music Studies) were among 40 UT undergraduates selected for the 14-week program, which will begin in the fall.

The students, selected to the program’s second cohort through a competitive nominations process, will receive specialized training from top business leaders and become exposed to opportunities and challenges that come with pursuing a life defined by leadership.

Offered at no cost to students through a Gay Gaddis endowment, Texas Trailblazers brings together a diverse group of high-achieving students representing multiple colleges, disciplines and leadership backgrounds. Participants meet weekly through a dynamic mix of classroom sessions, workshops, networking receptions and exclusive engagements with industry leaders. 

Gay Gaddis (B.F.A., Studio Art, 1977) founded T3 (The Think Tank), an innovative digital advertising agency that grew into the largest independent female-owned agency in the U.S. under her leadership of 30+ years, with offices in Austin, New York, Atlanta and San Francisco. In 2019, she sold T3 to a leading private equity firm. She serves on the Fine Arts Advisory Council and also has an active painting practice.