Rise
Be You, Bravely!
Rise is a mentor program that matches small groups of women from the senior class with female-identifying faculty and staff members to challenge perceived cultural and social norms at BC that affect women's sense of self. Members of the program meet monthly over dinner to reflect on and discuss the issues they are facing as female-identifying seniors.
Mentors will share different parts of their journeys through short talks to introduce different topics, which include:
- Navigating friendships/relationships after BC
- Forging your own path
- Courage to make difficult decisions
- Life post-college
- Defining success
Rise Mentor Program
As a result of participating in the Rise mentoring program, senior women will:
- Develop a stronger network of peer support
- Develop a stronger network of adult support
- Cultivate confidence in decision making
Calling Senior Women
Click here to apply
Q&As with 2023–2024 Mentors
Jessica Black, Professor, Graduate School of Social Work
Coming Soon.
Caroline Davis, Associate Dean, Student Outreach and Support
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Worcester, MA and actually, live close to there now! I moved to Boston after college and then to Chicago, and never imagined I would move home. Ultimately though, the east coast called me back and I moved back to be closer to my family as we started our own family.
What path brought you to BC?
As a first gen, Pell-eligible student, going from Worcester public schools to Tufts was a rough transition- I didn’t know about how to “do” college. I found my community through activism and psychology which led me to the profession of Social Work. I thought I would become a hospital-based social worker but in grad school interned in a hospital and hated it! Simultaneously, I was working as a case manager for college students at a scholarship foundation in Chicago and loved that, so pivoted into higher ed. First in Res Life and then to BC, which was my dream job.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I meet with a lot of students who are going through a very difficult time- I feel so privileged that we can build trust so that they can share their stories with me and we can try to find a path forward. I am passionate about working to help all students feel like they belong at BC, are seen and heard at BC, and help make BC more accessible and equitable for all students.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
Right now, I am either hiking, running around the backyard or going on mini adventures with my family or writing papers for my Ed.D. classes! My ideal Sunday afternoon would involve some coffee, swimming in the ocean with my kiddos, chocolate, and snuggling up with a good book.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
Especially since the pandemic I have been focused on food insecurity in a hyper-local way. We support our town’s foodbank, are part of a mutual-aid type of group and also volunteer at a not-for-profit farm in town that is working to address hunger through providing fresh produce to food insecure Worcester county residents.
Who is your hero? Why?
My husband Steve! He is a pillar of unwavering support for me in my career and education, and all around just great. He works hard to be the type of person he didn’t really have growing up and inspires me to be the best parent I can be. He also does all of the laundry, most of the housework and keeps me well supplied with coffee and chocolate.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I have a few mentors, especially former bosses/women I met through work, but the one who sticks out I met in grad school. She was my field liaison-supervisor for my first clinical internship. She is an incredible clinician, funny, insightful, always a step ahead, and ready to take on the judicial system to work for those in the most need. She really supported me in moments when I needed support and guidance but was also real and honest about her own self as a whole person.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
Seattle- not so much because it was interesting in and of itself, but because it was one of the first places I traveled to by myself as an adult and on a plane. It was the first time that I had really been out of New England and although I intellectually understood that not everyone lived in the culture I did, I hadn’t realized how that could feel. I knew then that I needed to leave Boston for grad school which is how I ended up in Chicago.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Chocolate, coffee and real books (eg not electronic).
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
Spend enough quality time with the people who I love and who love me.
Emily Egan, Associate Director, Campus Ministry
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Worcester, MA. I have lived in several different places since then but returned to the Boston area to be closer to my family of origin as my husband, Kyle and I started a family of our own.
What path brought you to BC?
I worked in faith-based community organizing, education, and ministry for ten years prior to BC. I was excited by the prospect of working in Jesuit Higher Education since my experience at another Jesuit University propelled much of my life trajectory. One of the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus is to, “accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future.” What an inspiring endeavor!
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I’m passionate about cultivating spaces where the soul can feel its worth and to form students committed to contributing to the common good in their own unique ways.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
Spending quality time with family and friends fills me with joy. I have a two-year-old, Gavin. A gift from this past summer has been doing familiar things, like going to the beach or getting ice cream, but feeling a sense of newness doing it with him. Everything is exciting to him. It’s been a blast!
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I serve as a spiritual director with various retreat houses and faith-based organizations. One current example is the Ignatian Spirituality Project which focuses on serving women in recovery who are transitioning from being unhoused.
Who is your hero? Why?
A former high school student who has been through hell and back and still manages to see God in every person he meets. His goodness is contagious and awe-inspiring.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
Fr. Corey Brost, C.S.V. He was one of my first supervisors and encouraged me to creatively and relentlessly pursue my passion for faith and justice. His support carried me to faith-based initiatives in Chicago, Boston, the US/MX border, Kenya, Pine Ridge Reservation, and Israel/Palestine. I also witnessed him demonstrate great character and poise under challenging circumstances. I strive to try to always do the same.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
The souls of other people who have been gracious and generous enough to let me in.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Alone time to recharge, get centered, and pray.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
To get over myself! haha.
Victoria Garcia
Assistant Director, Intersections
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay and I grew up in Miami, FL. I’m not there now because I failed to remember warmer weather is where I truly thrive. Now I’ve been bamboozled, hoodwinked, led astray to stay in Boston because of both my husband’s and my careers. I’m obviously kidding - I do love Boston, but I try to make it back to Miami as often as I am able.
What path brought you to BC?
After completing my undergraduate at the University of Florida, I moved to Boston for a year of service through City Year/Americorps. I worked as a college access counselor at a local nonprofit called Bottom Line after that. I knew if I wanted to make any kind of impact in higher education that I would have to further my studies. I came to Boston College for my master’s at the Lynch School and worked as a graduate assistant at the Women’s Center and the Montserrat Office. BC was dying for me to keep my talents at the Heights and offered me a 5-year $200 million contract so I have been here ever since! In reality, I worked at OGE and now at Intersections, which is an office in Mission and Ministry that helps faculty and staff engage with the Jesuit, Catholic mission of the university.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am passionate about providing first-generation, low-income, and/or BIPOC students with transformative college experiences. Whether I’m doing that work directly, like I’ve done in the past working in student affairs or study abroad, or indirectly, like I’m doing now since I work primarily with faculty and staff, that is where my vocation lies.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
When I’m not at work, I like to hang out with my cute baby. I recently became a mom so my favorite way to spend a weekend is creating memories with my new little family. I’d end the day by watching a movie and/or tv show that either enriches my worldview or rots my brain. You know, balance.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
Since having a baby I don’t volunteer as much as I would like, but when I get back to it I want to mentor first-generation, low-income, and/or BIPOC high school students in their college application process. The process has become so much more stressful and politicized since I worked as a college access counselor 10 years ago, particularly after this Supreme Court’s dismantling of affirmative action.
Who is your hero? Why?
My brother Ricardo is my hero. He is autistic and proud, and he is the funniest, most poignant, most true-to-self person I know. He pushes me to be the kind of person I have always wanted to be.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I am lucky to have a variety of people I look up to and whose lives I want to emulate, but whom I’ve also tricked to be my friends and conversation partners. These include previous coworkers, old bosses, current coworkers and bosses’ bosses, etc. Like I said, I connected with them and stayed connected with them because I tricked them. Now they are in my life forever and I know I can go to them for conversations on life, love, career, motherhood, spirituality, justice, and the like. I also like to think these people know they can come to me for anything as well. For example, I really feel like I mentored Katie Dalton recently when I taught her how to post a Story on Instagram.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
The most interesting place I’ve ever visited was the Blue Mountain Peak which is the highest mountain in Jamaica and one of the highest peaks in the Caribbean. As I mentioned, I am from Miami which is currently sinking so I am not familiar with mountains and/or hiking. Jamaicans prefer to reach the peak at sunrise so the group I was with started the hike (again, first time hiking) at 1 in the morning in complete darkness. When we reached the summit and watched the sunrise it felt like rebirth. Then, I remembered just as I came up the mountain I had to go back down it. There’s a metaphor there somewhere!
What would be impossible for you to give up?
It would be impossible for me to give up pop culture. Even if I can’t consume or like everything, I at least have to know “of” the newest movies, music, tv shows, memes, trends, etc. I feel like TikTok is the first social media platform I’ve officially aged out of which makes me feel old but I’ve ultimately accepted it.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
This is not really an accomplishment, but I have always wanted to attend a World Cup. It’ll be held in the US in 2026 so I have to make it happen! Hopefully, it will be held in South America in 2030 because it’ll be the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup that was hosted and won by Uruguay. Something I’ve already accomplished is winning a World Cup trivia game at a bar but the prize was an Argentina jersey which I gave to my husband since I’d be disowned for wearing that.
Ali Bane Hammond
Director, Parent Development
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Manchester, MA. And actually…I’m there now! I recently moved back with my family to be closer to friends and family.
What path brought you to BC?
For starters, I went to BC. I studied theater and communication and had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. I ended up moving to New York City and working at NBC during my first few years out of college. During this time, I engaged in what I now recognize as “discernment” and discovered that I wanted to pursue higher education administration. After getting my Master’s in the field, I worked at a few different Boston-area institutions and did a short stint in Washington DC at the Department of Ed before accepting a job in 2014 as the Assistant Director of FYE – an office that had a big impact on me during my own undergraduate days.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am passionate about the idea of belonging. This desire to belong to one another is so innate, yet often so hard to come by. I believe the desire to belong plays an important role in the transition to college, for better and for worse. Most of the programs I run in FYE and the research I engage in as a graduate student in the Lynch School concerns, to some extent, belonging.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
At the beach. In the summers, I’m there as often as possible enjoying the golden hour with family and friends. In the winter, I like to bundle up and go for walks along the shoreline. Being by the ocean has always been very centering for me.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I love the Posse Foundation – a city-based organization that recruits and prepares high school students to receive full-tuition leadership scholarships to college. I volunteered with them for years as a writing tutor. I also used to volunteer at Mass General Hospital. My dad had a life-saving surgery there while I was in college, and it felt like a small way to repay the incredible healthcare workers who perform miracles on a daily basis. Over the last few years, I’ve had less time to devote to those organizations, and have instead tried to support candidates for political office that I really believe in.
Who is your hero? Why?
Easy call. My parents are my heroes. Their selflessness has always inspired me to be better. However, since becoming a mom, the magnitude of their sacrifice has hit me in a new way.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I have been lucky to have had mentors who have supported me in different seasons of life. From high school teachers, to faculty members, and supervisors at BU and BC. A common thread among these relationships is that I had to take some initiative – usually by requesting a conversation, in which I learned about them or sought advice.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
The place I have visited that has felt the least familiar to me is Marrakech, Morocco. My husband and I traveled there on the first trip we ever took together, so it holds a special place in my heart. I still have a bag of authentic Ras el hanout (a classic Moroccan spice) that I purchased in the medina. Every now and again I take it out of the cupboard and take whiff and it’s like I’m there!
What would be impossible for you to give up?
My first thought was coffee. My second was ice cream. But I’m going to go with my third, which was dancing. Dancing has been my “thing” since I was a little girl and even throughout my undergrad days at BC. Though I rarely take class any more, I do a lot of dancing in my kitchen – often with my son Harry and my daughter Tegan.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
I would love to write a book someday. Maybe a children’s book.
Mara Hermano
Vice President, Institutional Research and Planning
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Manila, Philippines. I wanted to study art by seeing the actual work, not from slides, so after two years at University, I transferred to college in NYC so I could go to museums and see a lot of art, right up close. I also wanted to get away from what I thought at the time were restrictive cultural and gender stereotypes.
What path brought you to BC?
A meandering path has brought me to BC. Prior to higher ed, I worked in arts and culture. I’ve been in higher ed for close to 20 years, first at Washington University in St. Louis, then at Rhode Island School of Design. After 10 very busy and fulfilling years at RISD, I started to look for new learning opportunities and experiences and found myself interviewing at BC. I’ve been at BC since September 2019.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
There are a few things that I advocate for passionately. One is integrated planning, which my professional organization defines as “ a sustainable approach to planning that builds relationships, aligns the organization, and emphasizes preparedness for change.” A critical part of integrated planning is using data to inform decisions and closing the loop– moving from data to assessment to planning. While it may seem counter to my work with data, I am passionate about the fundamental value of art and design -- as affirmations of our humanity and our connectedness, as catalysts for social justice, and engines for innovation and economic recovery. As one of my mentors said, art and design are a “need-to-have, not a nice-to-have.” Finally, I think one has to find ways to have some fun at work.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
Swimming pool or beach, visiting museums, catching up with friends, reading, trying new restaurants.Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?It is a lot of work but I really enjoy serving as a visiting evaluator for regional and professional accreditation organizations. I’ve learned so much about higher education, the opportunities and challenges, what institutions have in common as well as what is distinctive about each of us. I’ve also met interesting people and made new friends.
Who is your hero? Why?
My “lola” or grandmother, who raised 6 children, including an infant, traveling between city and countryside, while my grandfather was in military prison camp in the Philippines during WW2. I can’t even begin to imagine the strength that took, so any time I’m having a tough day, I think about what she had to go through, and my experience just pales in comparison. She was a tough woman.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I have two former bosses I consider mentors. They’ve shown me different ways to lead, and both continue to be tremendously generous with their knowledge, perspective, networks, and time.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
Taal Volcano and Lake, just south of Manila is an extraordinary geological formation, an active volcano in the middle of a lake that formed in the crater of a dormant volcano. As an art historian, all sorts of buildings and structures throughout history and up to today, are endlessly interesting manifestations of the power of human creativity.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Travel (2020 was painful!), shoes, books, and good food.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
Learn to sail-- I just need to find the time. And more travel!
Sarah Hood
Associate Director, Field Education, Social Work
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Newton, MA. I think my mom thinks I’m too old to live with her at this point.What path brought you to BC?I attended BC undergrad and then for my Masters in Social Work. I have always loved BC. After 15 years at the same company, I wanted to work with students at BC and I was lucky to get a job.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
Student Formation. Getting to know people individually, hearing about their past, present and dreams for the future.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
Cooking something exotic or new for family and friends.Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?I love serving on the United Way and Camp Harborview Advisory Councils. Both organizations are incredibly different but have a huge positive impact on the community and its members.
Who is your hero? Why?
My hero is my husband Darren. He is incredibly loving and approaches life in the most positive way. He sees the good in people and this allows him to be genuine, generous, optimistic, and super fun.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
My mentor was and is my old boss, Paul Cataldo. He was my boss for 15 years at The Mentor Network. He is a brilliant man who leads by example by treating all employees and stakeholders with dignity. He would bring out the best in everyone and wanted anyone who worked for him to do better then he.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
Medjugorje Yugoslavia
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Laughing.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
Travel more.
Alison Marshall
Professor, Connell School of Nursing
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Denver Colorado- It’s a fantastic place! My parents still live there, and I try to visit as much as possible. The odd thing, however, is that even though I am from there, I don’t know how to ski.
Why aren’t you there now?
I arrived in Boston in 1996 as an undergraduate fresh-woman at BC. Both my parents are Eagles, and I was happy to become one too. While here, I met a special person (who became my husband) and he grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After we graduated and prepared for graduate school, he decided to move back in with his mom to save money. I didn’t want to leave him, so I stayed too. The rest is history!
What path brought you to BC?
I returned to BC as a faculty member in 2014. After grad school, I got a job as a family nurse practitioner and worked for over a decade in a busy urban community health center. It was amazing. But after having my daughter, I started to want something different from my day-to-day job. I was offered a faculty position at Simmons College School of Nursing and fell in love with teaching. Spending time with young people who wanted to be nurses fulfilled me in a way that I didn’t expect. However, other aspects of that position, like administrative duties, didn’t suit me as well. When a teaching-only faculty position opened at BC, I jumped at the
chance to return to the Heights.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
The two areas of nursing that are my passion are women’s health and sexual health. I believe that women’s health is critical to the health of all people and sexual health is a component of overall, holistic good health.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
I am the mom to a fantastic daughter who is a sports fanatic. My weekends are usually spent on a field or on a court somewhere in New England. I really love watching her play! I always bring my knitting, a good book on my Kindle and some cinnamon tea (hot in the winter, iced in the summer). I also love museums, taking long walks with my French Bulldog, reality TV (especially at the gym!), and romantic movies.
Any.volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I love volunteering for Healthcare for the Homeless
Who is your hero? Why?
My (s)hero is Lorretta Ford. She was the very first Nurse Practitioner in the United States and she created the position in Colorado!
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I have been lucky to have lots of great mentors in my life. One particularly meaningful mentor is Dr. Nisha Thakrar, who is the the Chief Medical Officer and a pediatrician at the community health center where I work. She is an amazing example of someone who provides excellent, compassionate clinical care to children and I was lucky to have her as one of my first preceptors.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
Tokyo. I hope I get to go back!
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Cheese-it is essential to my life.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
I really want to knit a sweater. So far, they have defeated me, but I’m going to keep trying!
Joy Moore
Vice President and Executive Director, Pine Manor Institute for Student Success
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Newton, Mass, so know the area very well. However, I have lived and traveled to many places around the world over the course of my professional career.
What path brought you to BC?
I was interested in becoming a teacher and knew that BC had an excellent School of Education. But more importantly, BC offered me (and later my sister) a very generous financial aid package which made it possible for me to attend.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
Having the opportunity to engage with students and working to ensure that they have the best learning environment to thrive and chart their course for the future. I want to help create an atmosphere where every student feels welcomed within the BC community and that they belong.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
Practicing yoga, cooking (vegan), visiting with family and friends. I also enjoy alone time to read, reflect and think about what’s next in my life. Oh yeah, I’m also a football fan so plenty of game watching on Sunday afternoons!
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I’ve always been interested in volunteer activities that support girls and young women. More recently, I’ve added hunger and homelessness to my advocacy list.
Who is your hero? Why?
My first hero is my mom. She sacrificed a lot for me and my siblings to receive a quality education—one which she did not have the opportunity to attain. She was a domestic worker (think of the movie The Help) and did so with great pride because she was contributing to the family in a significant way. She was never ashamed of the work she did and that demonstrated the enormous pride she took in doing her best work for herself and her family.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I have many mentors. I have found what’s best for me is to surround myself by a few mentors who are younger than me, a few who are my age and a few who are older than me. All have wisdom and ideas to share from their different age perspectives. I connected with them throughout my life journey and the different encounters I’ve had.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
The Hubbard Glacier in Alaska.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
My freedom.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
Seeing more of the world!
Aislynn Rodeghiero, Director, Alumni and Class Engagement
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I was born in Dayton, Ohio and lived there til I was 5. My father’s job took the family to Massachusetts and we settled in Norfolk, a small suburban town about 35 miles from Boston. Ten years ago, I bought my childhood home so I am in the very same place I grew up! There have been modernizations to the home by way of new windows, roof, paint colors, etc. but all of the special memories of family, holidays, etc. remain.
What path brought you to BC?
I had a wonderful high school experience at a small, private school in the Greater Boston area. I thought I wanted a similar feel for my college experience. I also had abysmal SAT scores that were not reflective of my classroom academic performance, so I opted to apply to NESCAC schools that did not require score submission. I chose Connecticut College given its proximity to home and the relationship I developed with the basketball coach. Well, in the middle of my freshman year, the coach left, and the interim coach wasn’t a great fit. I also had a terrible roommate who wore my clothes and “sexiled” me nearly every weekend to spend time with her hometown boyfriend. I was miserable. I decided to participate in a Conn College sponsored program that allowed students to do semester-long exchange programs at other local colleges. I did a semester at Brown University and one at Wellesley College. It was a wonderful opportunity - the only kicker was that students were expected to return to Conn to complete their college experience. I applied to BC for transfer admission, a school I dreamt of attending as a high school student, but thought was off the table because of my poor SAT scores. With two years of solid college academics under my belt, BC was a viable option and I gained admission. My path to BC was clumsy and untraditional, but it was the perfect place for me. I played two years of basketball and found a home within the PULSE and service communities.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am most passionate about helping others grow through mentorship and professional development opportunities. I am also passionate about identifying problems (with underperforming individuals/teams) and developing strategies to support improvement. People are at the heart of my professional passion: helping them grow, and reach their highest and best.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
One of two places: at the lake, or on the couch. We have a little lake place in Holland, MA and it has become a slice of heaven. My blood pressure drops at least 10 points as I roll into the driveway. It has become a happy place, where family and friends gather to relax, refresh, reflect and enjoy each other’s company. Be it trolling around on the pontoon, going for an early morning kayak spin or marveling at the hummingbirds as they enjoy their nectar - it is a special place.
An introvert, I need quietude in order to re-up my energies. Over the last few years, I have come to really appreciate the power of naps. On a Sunday afternoon, I love a good power nap (30 minutes or so), under a warm, cozy blanket with the pups nearby.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I love animals! Each year, I go to Aruba to love on the street dogs, and volunteer at Sgt. Pepper’s rescue. I have adopted two dogs from there, but they do an amazing job taking dogs from street life and placing them in loving homes. I also go to Mexico annually to support vet-led spay and neuter efforts, working to minimize the street dog population in Mexico City.
Who is your hero? Why?
Though it sounds cliche, my mom is my hero! She has been the one unwavering constant in my life, and for that, I am abundantly grateful. She is intelligent, fierce, compassionate, kind, brave, funny and loving. Her superpower is encouragement. I have thousands of cards saved that she has sent me over the course of my life, sending love, encouragement and well wishes for different life events. Her kindness knows no bounds. Despite surviving many obstacles, she remains upbeat, positive and steadfast. I’d be honored to be half the woman she is one day.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
Prior to last year, I didn't have a mentor. I wished for one, but never seemed to find someone who embodied what I was looking for: strong leadership, technical expertise and compassion. As I onboarded to BC last year, I had the amazing pleasure to meet a handful of women who have become my mentors. They are smart, accomplished, caring and discerning and have taught me great lessons about how to navigate the BC culture as a strong woman.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
Angel’s Rest at Best Friends in Kanab, Utah. It is an amazing place that memorializes lost beloved pets through windchimes. In order to get to Angel’s Rest, you hike up beautiful, mountainous terrain and then get to this gorgeous landscaped area filled with gorgeous windchimes, creating songs that absolutely take your breath away. It is absolutely gorgeous and a phenomenal expression of unconditional love.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Ice cream and wint-o-green mints.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
I want to make sure that I have appropriately told the people I love/admire how much they mean to me.
Akua Sarr
Vice Provost, Academic Affairs
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in New York City, in Washington Heights. I have not lived there for close to 30 years because I never moved back after going away to graduate school and starting a family and work outside of NYC.
What path brought you to BC?
I’ve been at BC for ten year. I started in the Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office as an Associate Dean and then, in August 2015, I started in my current role as Vice Provost. I came to BC from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I did my Ph.D. and worked in Student Academic Affairs.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am most passionate about working with students to help them to meet their personal and academic goals. Working with young people who are just discovering themselves intellectually and spiritually is the most rewarding part of my work.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
I love literature, theatre, the arts, and food. Restaurants, museums, a good show and a great book are some of the ways that I like to spend my time.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I have not had a lot of time to volunteer but I’ve done a few afternoons at Cradles to Crayons, and I’ve served food at a homeless shelter when my children were younger. I enjoyed the experiences and will have to carve out more time to volunteer when I can.
Who is your hero? Why?
Toni Morrison. I am in awe of the way in which she is able to use language in her writing. I wish I had that gift!
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I’ve had a lot of mentors in my life—both personally and professionally. I think I learned the most professionally from the assistant dean that trained me as a graduate student at the UWMadison—his name is Jack Cipperly. He really gave me great insight into student academic affairs. I’ve followed his path and have a career that I love. I owe much of my success to his guidance.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
I love Senegal in West Africa. It has such a rich history and culture. It’s just a beautiful country.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Sugar. I have tried but I have a real sweet tooth.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
I’d like to own a home in Dakar, Senegal. It would be nice to spend winters in Dakar and summers on Martha’s Vineyard reading all of the novels that I can.
Wesley Ellison Stewart,
Associate Vice President, Major Gifts
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I was raised mostly in Northern California, but I also enjoyed a few years of childhood in my father’s birthplace, Christchurch, New Zealand. I’ve also enjoyed stops along the way in Seattle, Ann Arbor, Charlottesville, Austin, and now Boston! I was fortunate to receive an athletics scholarship to the University of Michigan which was the catalyst for me leaving my home state of California. While I had anticipated returning to CA upon graduation, my collegiate experience was truly transformational and inspired me to pursue a career in higher education so I was drawn to outstanding institutions and therefore open to living in different parts of the country.
What path brought you to BC?
I was working at the University of Texas as an Assistant Athletics Director when the Athletics Director at Boston College called me about an amazing opportunity to lead the BC Athletics Development team. I had never been to Boston, but after learning more about the incredible community & mission of BC and the Jesuit approach to developing young people, I was inspired to take a leap of faith and move across the country to be a part of the BC Athletics team.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
Empowering my team members to reach their fullest potential and support their professional career journeys and goals. I am also passionate about building teams that are inclusive, respectful, and supportive.
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?I am the mother of two children, Austin (2 yrs) and Ava (9 mos), so most of my weekends are spent going on adventures together as a family, whether that is biking around the Charles River, hiking in the greater New England area, visiting yummy bakeries and hanging out at the park, and downhill skiing, we love to be outside as a family.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I have been an active member of Big Brother/Big Sister throughout my life, although less active currently given the transition to motherhood. I also am active with my alma mater and serve as a mentor for undergraduates in the sports management program.
Who is your hero? Why?
My grandmothers are both my heroes. They are both amazing women who have inspired me at a young age to never give up and always do what you love.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I am fortunate to have a few mentors in my life, but the most impactful mentor is my former boss who is also a mother of three and in an executive leadership role. She has been instrumental in supporting me navigate the work/life balance and transitioning back to work after having children. She and I make regular effort to connect on the phone.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
Israel. It is the most fascinating place as you think about history, culture, and natural beauty.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Working out. I have always been an athlete and that physical release is one of the ways I practice self-care.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
To teach & empower my 1-year old daughter, Ava Joy, to become a confident, strong, tenacious, and passionate woman one day.
Leah Spencer, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations & University Commencement Director
Bio coming.
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in upstate New York, just outside of the Capital (Albany, NY), roughly two and a half hours north of the Bronx. I also made frequent trips as a kid back to Nassau, Bahamas, which is my second home and where my father and immediate family are from. This had a huge impact on my life from a very young age and fueled my desire to want to “move away” and spread my wings to learn more about the world around me.
What path brought you to BC?
While at Temple University my senior year of college, we were required to complete a senior internship, that was as closely aligned to our longtime career aspirations as possible. At that time, I wanted to work in collegiate athletics and was able to join BC as a full-time intern in the Athletic Operations office back in 2002. I’ve been a member of the BC community on and off ever since!
What are you most passionate about professionally?
Working alongside my team and alumni volunteer leaders to achieve a common goal which is to help advance Boston College and its mission through meaningful and strategic alumni engagement. Additionally, I’m deeply passionate about supporting young professionals by equipping them with tools and resources that advances their career and professional development.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
Under the best of circumstances, you’d find me near the beach in the Caribbean. The sound of the waves and the color of the ocean relaxes me almost instantly! More often than not however, if I’m not at work, I love spending time with my husband, hosting family gatherings at our home, trying out new restaurants and going to the spa!
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I love volunteering for my alma mater at local admissions fairs and explaining why I chose Temple University and the impact it had on my life, especially as a first-generation college graduate.
Who is your hero? Why?
The three most important women in my life; my mother, my late maternal grandmother and my late paternal grandmother. All three women achieved the impossible (for their time) when so many odds were against them. They all had a hand in shaping the woman that I am today, thanks to the many sacrifices they made throughout their lifetime.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I’m blessed to have several mentors, but my very first “real” boss out of college, Vaughn Williams, is who has made the most profound impact on me professionally. He hired me here at BC as an intern and taught me so much at a young age, much of which I still practice and reflect on to this day.
What’s the mos interesting place you’ve visited?
My uncle brought me to a location tucked away on an off street and under overgrown vines in downtown Nassau, Bahamas, where several shackles and chains still hang from a natural stone wall where slaves were once auctioned. I’ll never forget the emotion I felt that day and the profound impact its left on me ever since.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
The relationship and life I share with my husband. He’s my best friend, my soundboard, my thought partner and confidant.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
Having come from a single parent household where most of my childhood was surrounded by hardships, and being a first-generation college graduate, I hope to create a lasting foundation of financial stability for my family that allows for access to quality education.