Shippensburg University is proud to announce Jacqueline Paneque, Catherine Putz and Lauren Taylor as the recipients of the 2026 Young Alumni Awards. From leading technology and data literacy to international journalism and CrossFit, these young alumni serve as examples of what it means to be strong leaders, serve others and persevere through life’s challenges.
Jacqueline Paneque
Paneque, a 2016 graduate, is the head of AI literacy and engagement at TE Connectivity, a global technology company that designs and manufactures electronic components, connectors and sensors. Her work focuses on helping employees understand and use data and artificial intelligence ethically.
Paneque holds two bachelor’s degrees from Shippensburg, a B.S. in Mathematics-Statistics (now referred to as B.S. in Mathematics) and a B.S. in Finance and Management (BSBA in Finance), along with a minor in technical and professional communications. She later earned master’s degrees in finance and economics and business administration from West Texas A&M University.
“I’ve always been naturally curious and motivated by the idea that learning could open doors,” Paneque said. “I didn’t want to put all my ‘eggs in one basket’ just in case the market changed or my interests did.”
Her studies prepared her for a career combining business, technology and communication principles. Now, Paneque serves as a visionary data governance leader and a corporate strategist serving as the Head of AI Literacy and Engagement at TE Connectivity, a global technology company that designs and manufactures electronic components, connectors and sensors. In this role, she leads enterprise-wide data literacy strategy, scales tool adoption and leads AI initiatives “that align people, process and technology across teams.”
“AI and data work isn’t only technical,” Paneque said. “It requires understanding the problem, asking the right questions, connecting the work to business goals and helping people feel confident using new tools.”
In addition to Paneque’s profession, in 2025 she was named Data Citizen of the Year and named to CDO Magazine’s Women in Data list. She also mentors through Technovation and Kiron and volunteers with community organizations.
Catherine Putz
Putz earned her B.A. in History and a minor in political science from Shippensburg in 2010. During her time at the university, she participated in the university’s music programs and served as a drum major of the marching band, an experience that provided her with foundational leadership and collaboration skills.
“As a drum major, I had direct experience with leadership for the first time,” Putz said. “I came to view real accomplishment as not what I, alone, could do but what could be done together with others while working in harmony, literally and figuratively.”
After graduating from Ship, Putz went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce. Now, she is the managing editor of The Diplomat, where she oversees reporting and editing issues across Asia, including Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Putz credits several Ship faculty members with helping to shape her professional path forward. She recognizes Dr. Christine Senecal, Dr. Robert Shaffer and Dr. Michael Stefany from the History Department; Dr. Alison Dagnes and Dr. Mark Sachelben from Political Science; and Trever Famulare from Music. Their mentorship and encouragement are what Putz says helped her become who she is today.
Initially, Putz had intended to become a history teacher, that is, until she traveled abroad to China in 2008 and subsequently took a course on the history of Islam in Central Asia, which set her on a new path.
Putz has reported on political developments, international relations and humanitarian issues throughout Asia. She has also helped journalists and scholars from the region publish their work, many of whom were writing for an English publication for the very first time.
“An editor’s job is that of a gatekeeper: We get to decide whose voices get heard and that is a massive responsibility,” Putz said. “I am glad that I have gotten to open the gate to incredibly talented and intelligent people, to help refine their words and share their knowledge with a wider audience.”
Outside of journalism, Putz regularly donates platelets and hosts a monthly Silent Book Club in Washington, D.C. She said both activities reflect her belief in contributing to the community whether through immediate action or long-term work.
Lauren Taylor
Taylor, a 2014 graduate, earned a B.S. in Exercise Science and competed as a forward on Shippensburg’s field hockey team. She helped the Raiders win the 2013 NCCA Division II national championship, the university’s first national title in a team sport.
“Talent alone doesn’t win championships,” Taylor said. “It’s the day-to-day work, trusting your teammates, being willing to sacrifice for the team and continuing to push when you’re tired or things aren’t going your way.”
Taylor now works in healthcare technology and analytics at Independence Blue Cross, where she oversees data exchange tools that connect health systems and payers. She also competes in adaptive CrossFit, which has become an integral part of her life since experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident in 2021.
CrossFit has provided Taylor with an outlet to continue pursuing athletics and competition while adapting movements to her abilities. In 2022 and 2024, she was named the Second Fittest on Earth, and then in 2025 and 2026 she earned the title of Fittest on Earth.
“CrossFit gave me a reason to believe that my accident didn’t get to determine the rest of my life,” Taylor said.
She hopes to use her platform to expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities and motivate others to view adaptive sports as an accessible and encouraging space.
“My biggest goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what people believe is possible in adaptive athletics,” Taylor emphasized. “I want to use the platform I’ve been given to advocate for adaptive athletes and help create more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports and fitness.”
Paneque, Putz and Taylor each represent what it means to lead professional and personal lives defined by purpose, service to others and perseverance. Their accomplishments demonstrate how young alumni from Shippensburg University can use their talents to advocate and expand opportunities for others.
