Contributors

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Host

Ava Ahrens

Ava Ahrens is a Journalism student at the University of Iowa and the passionate host of Ava’s Arena, where she explores the human side of sports with stories from athletes, innovators, and dreamers. A former basketball, cross country, and track athlete herself, Ava’s lifelong love for Big Ten sports, F1, football, and more fuels her mission to celebrate the heart behind every game.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ava-ahrens-b51846259/

Guests

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Guest

Chris Bisaillon

Chris Bisaillon is an Illinois Wesleyan University alumnus and one of the most decorated wide receivers in NCAA history. As a Hall of Famer, Chris broke Jerry Rice’s all-time college touchdown receptions record during his standout career with the Titans. He was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the IWU Order of Titans, securing his place among the game’s greats. Off the field, Chris is the CEO of Bottleneck Management, where he leads a portfolio of nationally recognized restaurant brands. Known for his drive, vision, and ability to build high-performing teams, Chris blends his athletic legacy and business expertise to inspire others and stay deeply connected to the Titan community.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-bisaillon-aa4011a7/

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Deon Hornsby

Deon Hornsby is an Illinois Wesleyan University alumnus and former standout on the Titan football team, recognized as a member of the prestigious Order of Titans. Today, Deon serves as Underwriting Director at Private Client Select, where he leads risk management and insurance solutions tailored to the complex needs of high-net-worth clients across the Greater Chicago Area. With a background in strategic marketing, operations, and team leadership, Deon is known for his commitment to mentoring others and for helping individuals and organizations protect and preserve what matters most.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deonhornsby/

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Joe Sulentic

Joe Sulentic is an entrepreneur, educator, and former professional race car driver whose journey has taken him from the heartland of Iowa to the high-octane circuits of Italian Formula 3 and the classrooms of the University of Iowa. As Associate Professor of Practice at the Tippie College of Business, Joe inspires the next generation of leaders by blending real-world experience with academic insight. He is the founder of Carbon-Free Energy and a longtime advocate for clean energy and innovation. Joe’s career is defined by risk-taking, reinvention, and a passion for purpose—on the racetrack, in business, and in life. Known for his storytelling and bold ideas, he empowers students and entrepreneurs alike to take chances, learn from setbacks, and pursue what truly drives them.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-sulentic-15992a11/

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Jonas Willliams

Jonas Williams is a four-star quarterback and one of the nation’s top recruits in the class of 2025. Known for his remarkable accuracy, poise, and football IQ, Jonas excelled at Lincoln-Way East High School, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior. Originally committed to Oregon, he later flipped his commitment to USC, where he’s expected to be a future star for the Trojans. Williams is praised for his steady leadership and composure under pressure, making him a standout both on and off the field.

https://www.instagram.com/j.willlllll/?hl=en

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Justin Ahrens

For 25 years, Justin Ahrens has led Rule29, an employee-owned brand agency that partners with everyone from startups to global Fortune 50s to build purpose-driven brands with heart and vision. As the force behind Rule29’s Making Creative Matter® philosophy, Justin believes design should not just look good but make a real difference for people and communities. His dedication has earned him recognition from Fast Company as a World Changing Ideas leader and an invitation to the Obama White House’s SXSL event. Justin is the author of Life Kerning, a guide to living with intention, and a sought-after LinkedIn Learning instructor on branding, business, and AI. He co-hosts Running Ahrens with his wife Sarah, sharing honest, unfiltered conversations on marriage, parenting, and entrepreneurship, and hosts Design Of and the Creative Shit Show podcasts, always exploring the human stories and big ideas behind what we create and why.

https://behumankind.today/

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Marc Talluto

Marc Talluto is an Illinois Wesleyan University graduate and former Titan offensive lineman. Recognized for his steady leadership on the field, Marc helped anchor the IWU offensive line and built lifelong connections as part of the football program. Off the field, Marc is the founder and Managing Partner of Fruition Partners (now part of DXC Technology), where he has established a strong track record in consulting, technology, and business growth. Known for his problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial mindset, Marc continues to support his alma mater and inspire others through his work and community involvement.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/talluto/

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Rob Zvonar

Rob Zvonar is a legendary Illinois high school football coach and a proud alumnus of Illinois Wesleyan University, where he was honored as a member of the Order of Titans. As head coach at Lincoln-Way East High School since 2001, Zvonar has built one of the state’s premier football programs, amassing an incredible 241-44 record over 24 seasons. His teams have captured three State Championships (2005, 2017, 2019), appeared in five state title games, and claimed the Southwest Suburban Blue Football Championship in 2013. Coach Zvonar’s leadership has earned him multiple coaching honors, including the Daily Southtown Football Coach of the Year, Semper Fi Coach of the Year, and the Randy Walker “Doing Great” Award. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2023. Rob is a dedicated husband and father to three sons, all of whom played for him at Lincoln-Way East, continuing a family tradition of leadership and love for the game.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-zvonar-8b1b2969/

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