Major: History and Political Science – American Politics and Government
Career Experience:
• Associate Vice President, Rasky Partners, Inc,
• Currently serving as the Chair of the Social Justice Committee.
• Member, Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus (MWPC)
• Member, New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE)
Personal Interests: Traveling and exploring new places, visiting local breweries, and following current events and the news.
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board:
It has been an honor to serve over the last few years on the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors as a Director-at-Large, Treasurer, and Vice President. In each of these roles, alongside my colleagues, I have been able to assist with transforming Board operations to ensure better representation and focus our work on issues that are reflective of the priorities of both the College and today’s alumni community.
I want to serve as President to use my institutional and community knowledge to represent the interests of all alumni. I want to ensure that the institution that helped shape me, personally and professionally, is actively working to engage alumni across generations while pragmatically adapting to fit the constantly changing needs of current and prospective students. I want to identify ways to ensure alumni feel connected to the Emmanuel community, knowing that they have a voice with respect to the ongoings of the institution. It is critical, now more than ever, that we identify innovative ways to increase engagement of all alumni, locally and remotely, so that we can elevate the talents and assets of our global community.
Furthermore, I want to continue to raise awareness among alumni that the moment you graduate you are a member of the EC Alumni Association. While this comes with benefits such as continued access to some campus resources, we all still have a vested interest in the growth and sustainability of the College. Whether you are able to stay involved by volunteering your time, dedicating resources, or both, any level of involvement is critical to contributing to the value of the education Emmanuel can provide.
Major: B.A. Psychology - Counseling/Health
Advanced Degrees: Master of Education (M.Ed.), College Student Affairs - University of South Florida
Career Experience:
Public Programs Manager for She+ Geeks Out
Co-Chair, AAB Social Justice Committee
Akyanna has served as an AAB Director-at-Large since 2021
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board:
I was very fortunate to have been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors (BOD) at the beginning of 2021 after running in 2020. My favorite thing about being on the BOD so far has been creating opportunities for alumni to feel connected with each other, regardless of social identity, major, occupation, and class year. Serving on the Board of Directors with alumni from a variety of class years has been the most impactful experience on the board. Learning about how Emmanuel was before my time and after my time and how things have changed, encourage my desire to help move Emmanuel even further into the future. Connection and community are truly at the heart of what we hope to achieve on the Board of Directors and I hope to be able to continue that work in the role of Vice President.
During my time serving on the BOD, I have served on both the Social Justice Committee and the Nominating Committee. In both of these groups, I have advocated for more accessible and inclusive opportunities for alumni members to volunteer and be celebrated in the work they do. Additionally, I have been lucky to be a part of conversations with the Board of Directors Executive Committee about ensuring that we are approaching our work with a culturally competent and inclusive mindset and supporting the work of the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Emmanuel.
As Vice President, I hope to continue on the foundation of work that I have started in my tenure on the Board. Each member of the Board of Directors has such a strong desire and good will for the work that we do, I could only hope that as Vice President, I can help move that work forward. As graduate students, working professionals, parents, and retired folks, we’re always playing the balancing act of managing our personal responsibilities and the commitments we make as a Board. I hope to continue the effective communication that has already been created to hold ourselves accountable in completing the goals we set out for ourselves.
Coming back to Emmanuel to volunteer has been one of the most meaningful experiences for me and I want to bring others in, no matter their level of involvement. I want to strive to continue to make the Board and the full Emmanuel Community as diverse and inclusive as it can be.
Major: Spanish
Advanced Degrees: Master’s and Doctorate in Education, University of South Carolina
Career experience: Aiken Technical College, Aiken, SC, Dean of Arts & Sciences, 1983-1994; Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC, Dean of Student Success, 1994-2006; Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC, Retention Coordinator and Title III Grant Administrator, 2006-2013; Health Physics Journal, Managing Editor, 2011-Present
Currently: After a career of over 35 years in the field of higher education administration at three colleges/universities in South Carolina, I am currently the Managing Editor of Health Physics, the Radiation Safety Journal. This is a refereed journal, published monthly, with a readership of roughly 4,000 worldwide. I also serve on the Editorial Board for the Journal and the Executive Board of the Health Physics Society.
As a graduate of the Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Worcester, MA, followed by Emmanuel in 1975, I understand the value of education based on Christian principles and beliefs. My three deanships at institutions of higher education in South Carolina, two of which were secular, helped to confirm my commitment to a faith-based college experience. I would encourage potential students to choose Emmanuel, take advantage of all the opportunities available to them as students, and remain involved as future alumni. My parents taught me that I should give back to those who have given so much to me, and being a member of the Alumni Board is one way that I could live up to that expectation.
Major: Mathematics and Secondary Education
Current Company: Fidelity Investments
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board:
I learned early on that relationships are important to success, both personally and professionally. The friends I made at Emmanuel pushed me to take on new adventures and experiences, creating a well-rounded person. Emmanuel exposed me to a network of professionals who continue to support and lead me through my career journey. After each Emmanuel event I attend, I leave with a strong sense of pride to be part of a wonderful community.
Major: B.A. History
Advanced Degree: M.B.A., College of William and Mary (1990)
Professional Career: U. S. Navy: 1974-1995. Retired as a Commander. My specialty was as an Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer. Also worked in the Florida College System; Florida Keys Community College (1998-2009) - Director, Institute of Criminal Justice; Pasco-Hernando State College (2010-2015) - Director, Public Service Programs
Personal Interests: Traveling, reading, supporting the arts and spending time with family and friends
Volunteer Work:
• Emmanuel College Alumni Association Board, Director-at-Large (2022-2024)
• Chair, Nominating Committee, ECAABOD (2023-2024)
• Chair, Emmanuel College Class of 1974 Reunion Committee
• Florida Keys Council of the Arts Board of Directors
• Chair, Grant Committee, Florida Keys Council of the Arts
• Monroe County FL Tourist Development Council Cultural Umbrella Committee Member (District 2)
• Chair, Russel Sullivan Scholarship Board of Governors, College of the Florida Keys History Club
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: The past two years of being a Director-at-Large on the Emmanuel College Alumni Association Board of Directors has been an exceptionally rewarding experience. When I ran for the Board two years ago, I realized that I was finally in a position with my personal and professional life that I finally could give back to Emmanuel. I now have a better understanding of the role of the Alumni Association. I have had the opportunity to reacquaint myself with the College — meeting members of the Administration, Faculty, Students and fellow Alumni from different years. This experience and knowledge is invaluable in furthering the mission of not only the Alumni Association but the College itself. I also believe as an Alumna and Board Director that is not geographically located in the New England area, I bring a different perspective of how Alumni can be involved with the College from a distance. One of the main projects that I would like to work on during my next term is establishing Regional Alumni Councils in the various geographical areas. I believe this is an untapped resource in getting more Alumni involved with the College.
Major: B.A. in English Communications, Minor Speech/Theater
Advanced Degree: M.B.A. University of Massachusetts – Boston
Current Position: Director of Athletics, Lesley University
Nearly 20 years of professional experience at the NCAA Division III level including 16 at Emmanuel as a student-athlete, coach, administrator, conference liaison and adjunct professor.
Personal Interests: I am a huge Boston sports fan and my favorite place in the world is Fenway Park. I'm a recreational golfer and will gladly play in your charity tournament if you need a fourth! I spent over 10 years running a professional a cappella group called Fermata Town and still love to sing and play the guitar. I'm a sucker for a good IPA and enjoy cooking, traveling with and spending time with my family.
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: The Alumni Board is a remarkable opportunity because Emmanuel’s mission has always aligned with the core of who I am as an athletic administrator, family man and colleague. I am a Saint through and through, passionate about providing a well-rounded student-athlete experience guided by three core values: community engagement + service, social justice and equitable inclusion. These pillars will always be part of my professional identity. While my career experience and MBA make me a desirable candidate to sit on the board, my character, moral compass and values qualify me to lead and inspire future generations of Saints. As a former D-III student-athlete at Emmanuel, strong role models influenced my development, shaping my leadership and coaching style. I strive to impact the Emmanuel community in the same ways that made me feel valuable when I was a student-athlete and look forward to reconnecting with many of the individuals with whom I forged authentic relationships with during our time as Saints.
Major: B.A. Accounting
Advanced Degree: Master of Science (M.S.), Accounting - Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business
Current Position: Vice President, Finance & Portfolio Management, Hyperplane Venture Capital
Personal Interests: Golf, spending time on the Cape with family and friends, and running Team Cork Inc., a 501(c)(3) charity focused on helping cancer patients in need
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: I believe my professional background allows me to best serve on the Alumni Association Board to assist with development and fundraising in an effort to continue to support the college.
Major: B.A. History
Current Position: Boston University: Ph.D. Admissions and Financial Aid Associate
• Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation Strategic Advisory Board Member
• Marfan Foundation Teen Group Leader and Teen Council Co-Chair
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: Ever since I graduated from Emmanuel College in 2017, I have been an avid fan in the bleachers at Women’s Basketball games, the team that I managed when I was a student. Being able to reconnect with friends, former classmates, coaches and teammates is something I truly look forward to at every game. I have also attended the Young Alumni outings in the Fenway neighborhood. Being able to attend these events has made me feel connected to EC even though I haven’t been a student there in a few years. Throughout my professional and volunteer career, I have had a multitude of roles. I have worked with other volunteers in the roles volunteering with the Loeys-Dietz and Marfan foundations. Professionally working in development gave me opportunities to watch and learn how to make deep professional connections that last well beyond the walls of our offices. I currently work in higher ed down the street at Boston University and have learned how colleges and universities operate and make sure that they can give their best to the students that learn in their classrooms and elsewhere on campus. All of these various roles have given me the tools needed to be a valuable member of the EC Alumni Association Board of Directors. When I first stepped onto campus as a student in 2013, I knew that 400 The Fenway would always be home to me. The connections I made throughout my time on campus are what I treasure most about my time there. I hope that as an Alumni Association Board Member to be able to help current and future students make those same connections that I still value so highly.
Major: B.S. Biology
Current Position: Application Consultant, UT Health San Antonio
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: Emmanuel College has provided me with the opportunities, connections, and friendships that have changed the course of my life for the better. I am a first-generation American college student; my parents are immigrants from the Azores. I am the first person in my extended and immediate family to “go away to college” as my other family members had decided to commute/stay closer to home. I spent my time at Emmanuel expanding my horizons in terms of meeting new people, learning new subjects, and developing my interests. It provided me with the foundation to learn about myself, to truly learn to trust my instincts, and hone my communication skills. I was fortunate enough to intern at the Technology and Innovation Development Office (TIDO) at Boston Children's Hospital in the winter semester of my senior year. While there I worked on creating Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) for the Dr. Zon Stem Cell Program. I was working closely with professionals in the space of law and science, and it was an excellent learning experience for me. I learned to professionally communicate with people of different modalities. I did informational interviews with each of my coworkers and learned to “interview” professionals and ask thoughtful questions. During my time at TIDO, I learned how much I would owe in student loans. I began to panic; my parents were not in a financial position to help me, and I knew I needed to do this work on my own. Because I worked for TIDO and had BCH access to their internal job postings, I applied for several jobs at Longwood Medical Center Hospitals. In November 2013, I was given the opportunity to work in the Surgical Pathology Department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. I oversaw accessioning specimens and learning Surgical and Anatomical Pathology workflows. I attended lectures from world-class physicians who were the leaders in the Anatomical Pathology field and learned the newest research and innovations in the field. I continued to work at BWH after graduation and it was at this organization that I learned about the Healthcare Informatics industry. I am currently a consultant in the Healthcare Informatics industry working with the Epic EMR software in which I implement IT solutions for healthcare organizations across the United States. At Emmanuel College I learned to look people in the eye, ask thoughtful questions, be direct, and communicate clearly. I use these communication skills in each interaction I have with clients, physicians, and operational leadership. I enjoy mentoring fellow analysts, developing clear documentation for training end users, and thoughtfully testing the product to give my end users and ultimately patients the best experience.
Major at Emmanuel: Biology
Advanced Degree: Masters, Higher Education
Current Position: Executive Director of Enrollment Operations and Strategic Initiatives at Wentworth Institute of Technology
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: Emmanuel College provided me with the education, mentorship, and guidance to grow as an individual. I absolutely loved my experience as a student, so much so, that I decided to pivot from my initial career path of being a medical professional to a higher education professional. I am a dedicated enrollment management professional with a passion for access and support. I attribute my success to the well-rounded education I received at Emmanuel, not just in the classroom but through my authentic interactions with students, faculty, and staff. Prior to enrolling at Emmanuel, I was shy and kept to myself, but I owe it to all who challenged and helped me push past my fears to get involved and make the most of my college experience. I left Emmanuel with a great education and the confidence to succeed in the ”real world.” Since graduating in 2013, I have attended some alumni events, volunteered to help with crowd control at the 2014 Dance Marathon event and have stayed informed and up to date on the state of the college. Graduating and leaving a community I was so connected to was hard, but I knew I didn’t want to be the student who never left. While it was hard, it was important for me to build a community outside Emmanuel. Thankfully, I didn’t end up far. Working at Wentworth provides me with the community feel and a similar experience I had as a student at Emmanuel. Not to mention it keeps me close by to a place I call a second home.
Major: B.A. Government
Advanced Degrees: M.Ed., Boston State College; CAS, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Career Experience: I am a retired teacher with more than thirty years of service to the children of Cambridge, MA
Personal Interests: I am a member of the Belmont Garden Club and I enjoy fencing. Additional Volunteering: Belmont Town Meeting Member
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: Serving on the Alumni Board is a way of saying thank you for the opportunities Emmanuel provided to me.
Major: B.A. Developmental and Child Psychology and Education
Advanced Education: Masters of Educational Psychology and Gifted Education, University of Virginia, Ed.D. Teacher Preparation and Special Education, George Washington University
Current Position: Educational Professional, Young Scholars
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board:
I attended Emmanuel during challenging and complex times at the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. I believe that the education I received during that time gave me an appreciation for the complexity of the issues surrounding war and poverty, an understanding of the importance of considering multiple perspectives, and the confidence to act and facilitate change when the opportunity is presented. I have always been proud to share that I graduated from Emmanuel College, and I am thrilled at the way the college has continued to strengthen and expand as a model of excellence in higher education. I would like to give back to the college as it educates and supports the next generation of students. As an educator, I have had wide and varying experiences working with students, teachers, educational leaders, and community leaders in support of increasing access to educational opportunities for all students, especially for those who are traditionally underserved. Social justice and equity of opportunity are passions of mine and I would like to support the work of the college as it continues to expand and strengthen its offerings to ensure that every student can fulfill their potential.
Major: B.A. Political Science, Economics
Current Position: Learning Delivery Specialist, Yale School of Management
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: Emmanuel College has played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional growth – deepening my values of service, leadership, and social justice. As an alumna, I am eager to give back to the institution that helped define my passions, bringing expertise in community engagement, public service, and strategic marketing to the Alumni Association Board of Directors. From a personal perspective, I am deeply committed to building bridges between people, institutions, and communities – a passion that took root at Emmanuel. As Vice President of HUELLAS, I worked to uplift Latinx voices and foster an inclusive campus community, a mission I continue today through my work with civic engagement initiatives. I believe in the power of a strong alumni network to create opportunities for both current students and graduates, and I look forward to any opportunity to help cultivate those connections. Professionally, as a Program Coordinator at Yale University, I work closely with nonprofit leaders, ensuring access to executive education and leadership development opportunities. My background in program development, stakeholder engagement, and digital learning platforms has equipped me with skills in building learning portals, driving revenue, managing budgets, and delivering exceptional service. As a young professional, I bring energy, adaptability, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning – qualities that uniquely position me to grow from this leadership opportunity.
Major: BFA Graphic Design
Current Position: Promotions Designer, Candlewick Press
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: I have always been someone that is passionate about all that I am involved in. As a student at Emmanuel, I embraced the mission and culture by diving headfirst into maybe what was too many involvements. As an alumni volunteer in the Art Department, I did this, and as a past staff member the same was true. I will bring my knowledge of the mission of the school and experience from the Young Alumni Council, which has since been dissolved but was a group I really enjoyed being a part of. We were able to connect with current students and join in on conversations on what the future of Emmanuel would look like. I will bring ideas of how as alumni we can continue to collaborate with students, alumni, and SNDdeN. I will bring great experience in studio arts and graphic design to help with any projects the AAB need with branding or advertising for events.
Major: B.A. Biology
Advanced Degree: M.Ed. Secondary Education Curriculum and Instruction, Umass Boston, Ph.D. Philosophy, Urban Education, Leadership, and Policy Studies, Umass Boston
Current Position: Science Department Lead and & Biology Teacher
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: After serving on the Board for three consecutive terms I have been able to re-engage with my alma mater. I enjoyed the work we did and I would love to come back and support the Board. I still serve Emmanuel in other ways today. I am currently an adjunct professor with the School of Education. It has been great to connect with current Emmanuel students. I would like to do another term to further support the advancement of the college.
Major: B.A. English Communications
Current Position: I am currently employed by Duxbury Public Schools. I have served on the Duxbury Free Library Friends of the Library and as an elected member of the Duxbury Free Library Board of Trustees. I am a volunteer with Pan Mass Challenge. Class of 1989 President and member of Planning Board
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: I am proud to be an Emmanuel College alum. In the years following my graduation, I was active with the Alumni Board, but as my family grew, I had limited time to volunteer. I knew that I would get back eventually and now that my children are grown, I am excited to be able to do that. From a personal perspective, I am grateful to be able to give back to the college that has given me so much. I have enjoyed watching Emmanuel evolve, without losing sight of its core mission. I look forward to seeing what the future holds and the opportunity to connect alumni and continue to strengthen our community.
Major: Biology, Spanish
Advanced Degree: MS in Biopharmaceutical Leadership, Emmanuel College, Ph.D. in Health Science, MCPHS
Current Position: Senior Associate Scientist I, Editas Medicine
I am a dedicated Emmanuel College alumnus with a solid background in public health and research. I am passionate about contributing my expertise to the Emmanuel College Alumni Association. Through my personal experience at Emmanuel, I developed a strong sense of community and a strong desire to contribute, which, coupled with my professional skills in networking, event planning, and fundraising, has positioned me to engage alumni, foster meaningful connections, and lead initiatives that benefit the College and its students.
Major: B.A. English Communications
Current Position: Senior Consultant, Moreira Consulting, Inc. Board of Directors, The Hartford Club
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: My decision to run for the Board was quite easy: I want to give back to the school that gave so much to me. I am closer to my classmates now than I probably was when we were students. Getting us together for the reunions and the regional gatherings shows the strength of the Emmanuel Community. My class recently lost a classmate, and she had been on the Board previously. I want to be on the Board to continue her mission of strengthening our Emmanuel ties.