Zo is an incredible person in every aspect. I worked with Zo while he completed both of his undergraduate degrees at Virginia Tech, and currently as a colleague as he completes his PhD. He is outgoing, extremely knowledgeable, and loves to give back to his community. He consistently goes above and beyond to learn as much as he can in areas that he is involved. His interpersonal skills are second to none. It amazes me how many people on campus now know Zo personally and professionally, and everyone has only the best things to say about him. He has also spent time volunteering with our football team, mentoring some of our current student athletes. It has been impressive to see those students grow as well, and become invested in their own academics and career.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Zo Amani for approximately ten years. Throughout this period, I have known Zo in many measurements. As time progressed, he has exemplified great maturity. His workload and responsibilities have grown as he grows older, yet he continues to demonstrate persistence and consistency. That alone validates an impressive amount of professionalism and dedication that Zo brings to the table. I have had the chance to witness Zo injure himself and show a great amount of bravery and relentlessness knowing that he had a goal and he would not stop until it was accomplished. After observing his toughness, it motivated me to never stop pushing myself. His character and actions firmly persuaded me that perseverance is the only way to achieve my personal and/or professional goals.Zo is a gifted, proficient, devoted, and personable young man. He always displays sensible reactions in all the conditions I've seen him in. I feel confident in saying that he can handle any situation with thoughtfulness and diligence.

My interaction with Lorenzo,
or Zo, has come primarily on the University Athletic Committee – I have served as the Chair for several years, while Zo has served as the student representative. As with most University Committees, it is composed primarily of University Administrators (Deans and Associate Deans) and faculty, with two student members. As a result, I have gotten to know Zo quite well. Let me begin by saying that in terms of interpersonal skills and ability to work with other, work ethic, intelligence, and intuitiveness, over the course of my 38 years at Virginia Tech, I have seldom met a student who was Zo's equal. Zo is the complete package, and is without question one of very our best students.

Zo worked with me as my academic advisor in Pamplin College of Business for a portion of my college career. He went far beyond that role becoming a friend and mentor who gave me invaluable advice about navigating life, finding direction, and achieving success. After working with me as my academic advisor I saw him take on new roles, but he continued to mentor me and help me grow through my 4 years.

He is a high-value individual who is loved and respected by everyone he works with. His positivity, charisma, and energy are contagious, and he brings out the best in others. It was a pleasure working and receiving mentorship from him. Zo's ability to communicate with others is truly a gift. I can sincerely say he has helped me grow as an individual.

Zo is one of the most hardworking people that I have ever met. We met back in 2007 before we both enrolled at Virginia Tech. When they talk about people having infectious energy and personality, Zo is that guy. He has a uncanny ability to brighten anyone's day. Professionally, he is extremely driven and organized to hit whatever goal that he has set for himself. I've never met someone who networks as effectively as him. If you need someone to come into your organization and lead by example, and smash any project you put in front of him, then Zo is the guy for the job.

Lorenzo has done a phenomenal job of balancing the daily rigors of balancing his own academic as he earned his masters as well as a weekly commitment of roughly twenty to thirty hours in our academic offices assisting students. He is not only accountable and committed to his own success but consistently provides leadership to those around him, and he is always hungry to learn more. From day one it was apparent that he was a self-starter and self-motivator who invariably understands exactly the steps needed to accomplish a task.

Zo and I met while we were both in undergrad at Virginia Tech. To summarize Zo in a few words is difficult, but I’d say: kind, invested, intelligent, glowing personality and incredibly driven. In the years I have known Zo, I have had the opportunity to see him push and achieve every single goal he has set, and exceed those goals. Zo has taken his passion and interests for labor economics, management, and fiscal policy to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, DC, where he has worked since Summer 2017. I highly recommend Zo for any position he seeks in the future, and look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in the future.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Zo and his phenomenal approach. His work ethic, creativity and innovation is beyond words. He brings passion, enthusiasm and strategy to every project he works on.

I’m honored to have had the chance to work with Zo and be a part of his magic.

Motivating and inspiring are words that come to mind when I think about Zo Amani. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Zo for approximately three years, during which he served as a colleague at Virginia Tech. Above all, I was impressed with Zo’s ability to pursue his academic and professional goals while serving as a mentor for countless students. He is astute, service-oriented, and engaging. Zo Amani would be a true asset for any position requiring leadership, technical competence, and strategy. I provide this recommendation with the utmost confidence in his abilities.

Zo served as my Pamplin Academic Advisor for part of my academic career at Virginia Tech. He was a phenomenal mentor and truly knew how to work with his students and peers. Throughout our many one-on-one consultations, it became apparent that Zo was passionate about many professional and academic areas and was always enthusiastic to listen and learn from those around him. He was truly a pleasure to work with and any organization or academic institution will be lucky to have him.

Zo possesses the professionalism, confidence, and communication skills necessary to succeed in any role. His ability to make genuine connections with others is extremely rare, especially when compared to his counterparts. He will work hard at any task, regardless how minuscule or demanding, and complete it with passion and a positive attitude. I have had the pleasure of working with Zo on multiple occasions, and I always leave with my expectations far exceeded.

Zo is a phenomenal individual. He's always on top of his work, yet still is able to make all around him feel included and important. The exciting energy that Zo is able to bring to any team, consistently, is very rare, contagious, and inspiring. He's wise beyond his years and always striving to grow himself and spread his knowledge to those around him. Zo's personability and adaptability make him a valuable asset to any group that has a goal to achieve.

Zo has a very special ability to make 150 people each feel like he or she is in a conversation with a philosophical friend. He is charismatic, engaging, and confident. I have seen hundreds of presenters and Zo has an unparalleled ability to connect with the audience. It was a pleasure to see him speak.

Zo did a fantastic job as the keynote speaker at the Pamplin Annual Student Leadership Conference this year. Through describing his experiences as a Virginia Tech football player and now PhD candidate, Zo engaged his audience of young business students with an impeccably tailored message. I resonated with Zo so much; he was the perfect choice for this event!

Zo’s keynote address during the Pamplin Leadership conference was not only relatable but captivating! The message it taught me regarding bouncing back from what may be seen as a bad situation today and turning that into opportunities for yourself later in life is something I’ll carry with me through life.

Zo’s keynote address at the Pamplin Leadership Conference was filled with energy, positivity and straight truth. His experiences inspired me and fellow participants to take advantage of every opportunity presented to us and go after our goals with the same zeal and passion that Zo exudes.

One of the main reasons that Lorenzo was so successful with almost every student is because of his ability to delve into details and successfully relay information in a timely fashion. He is a pleasant individual who believes in positive motivation, and his co-workers are never dissatisfied when collaborating with him.

My relationship with many of my co-workers is kept at arms-length. I am sure many people can say the same about many of their colleagues. Lorenzo was different. Every conversation with him was between friends, not colleagues. This continues to this day, through our phone conversations and text message exchanges. I share personal feelings with Lorenzo because I trust him, and he does the same with me. Even in a negative situation, Lorenzo can find something positive and thoughtful to tell me afterwards. He personifies the saying “treat others the way you want to be treated.” He genuinely cares about other people and is always the first to offer you help. He brought an irreplaceable wave of positive energy with him to the office every day.