2025 Honorees

Iryna Vasko

Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics

Iryna Vasko has always been a problem solver and a strategic thinker. Maybe that’s why her goal of becoming an actuary makes perfect sense.

Born and raised in Ukraine, she came to the United States as a child. Significant health challenges in her teenage years threatened to delay her academic journey. But she persevered. She earned an associate degree at Hillsborough Community College before transferring to USF.

The proud USF alumna earned her bachelor’s degree in statistics and economics in 2023 and is on track to graduate with an MBA in business analytics in 2025.

Since 2024, Vasko serves as a Florida Gubernatorial Fellow in Class XX. The prestigious program recognizing academic excellence, community service, and leadership potential. As one of only seven Fellows statewide, she works in the Executive Office of the Governor’s Financial and Economic Analysis Unit. She collaborates with policymakers to analyze data and forecast trends.

One of her projects addresses the integrity of nutrition, pharmaceuticals, advertising, and research.

She also gained hands-on experience through internships. She was an actuarial intern at FCCI Insurance and Fidelity Investments. She also served as a data and reports analyst at Kenific Group.

Beyond academics, Vasko is active in Gamma Iota Sigma and the Real Estate Society at USF, where she led a real estate development pitch. She is working towards her actuarial certification.

For now, she embraces challenges with resilience and is eager to make a lasting impact in her field and community.