Rise

Nadia Abuelezam
Assistant Professor, William F. Connell School of Nursing

Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Northern California right outside of San Francisco (Millbrae, CA). I also spent four teenage years in Arizona before moving back to the Bay Area. Schooling brought me to Boston and love has kept me here.

What path brought you to BC?
I came to Boston to pursue a doctorate at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. After finishing my degree in Epidemiology, I stayed at Harvard for a 2 year post-doc. I enjoyed teaching but felt I wasn’t being supported (in a teaching capacity) at Harvard and so I decided to look for other opportunities. I was an adjunct at BC for a year before applying for a full-time tenure-track position! I’ve been at BC for three full years and this will be my fourth.

What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am really interested in trying to understand (and prevent) health disparities in under-studied communities in the United States. I have a particular interest in Arab and Muslim American health because this group, in particular, has been historically understudied. This is a new field for me, but it is very exciting!

Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
If it is early morning, you can find me at Crossfit TILT II in Sudbury where I work out 6 days a week at 6:30AM. Otherwise, you can find me hanging out with my husband in our backyard reading (or gardening), watching some Netflix in our living room, or at church.

Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I organize family night every month at my church and I also teach 7th grade Sunday School every week. I spend a great deal of my time in church and find that it re-centers me after a hectic week at work.

Who is your hero? Why?
My mother is my hero. She has spent her entire life sacrificing for those around her. She had to forsake her education when she was young so she could work to support her refugee household. She also put her ambitions on hold to raise my sister and me. I feel like I owe her a great deal and I still have a great deal to learn from her about how to live selflessly.

Who is your mentor? How did you connect with him/her?
One of my professional mentors is Dr. Sandro Galea, the dean at the BU School of Public Health. I actually emailed him on a whim when I read one of his papers (and my mind was blown!). He was kind enough to email me back and since then we’ve worked on a number of papers and grants together. I meet with him once every few months and he always provides me with honest and compassionate feedback on my career and my priorities. I know he is beyond busy and I am very lucky to be able to work and chat with him as often as I do.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
An elevated outhouse in rural Uganda.

What would be impossible for you to give up?
Exercise and peanut butter. I exercise to eat peanut butter and I eat peanut butter to stay sane!

What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
So many things! I’d love to do a pullup! Write a book! I’d also like to spend a summer completely and utterly offline and on vacation!


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.

Helen Ha
Assistant Director, Academic Advising Center

Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?

I grew up in the Los Angeles area. I did my undergrad and grad work in Southern California and never thought I’d leave the state, but here I am. I miss so many things about the West Coast and will forever be a Californian at heart, but Boston has become home for me.

What path brought you to BC?

13 years ago, a job brought me to BC! I didn’t know I wanted to work in higher education until after I graduated college and started working at my full-time job. After going back to school for my master’s degree in higher education, I moved across the country for a job at BC. I first started out as an RD in ResLife here! I then moved on to work in a few different roles/departments before I found my way to academic advising.

What are you most passionate about professionally?

The reason I entered and stayed in this field is because I believe college can be a pivotal time in our lives. I feel privileged to be able to walk alongside students as they ask themselves “the big questions,” figure out who they are, where they want to go, and to help them find the right support and resources along the way.

Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?

When I am not working, you can usually find me with my family. I have three kids ages 5 and under so our weekends are full of finding fun things for all of us to do together. In the summers, we like to be at the beach as much as we can. My husband and I love camping, but we have yet to take the little ones so maybe next summer is the summer we muster up enough courage to do it…

Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?

One day, I would like to volunteer for 826 Boston. I have been following them over the years and I love why they do what they do. I think I would enjoy being a part of their mission to empower youth to write and tell their stories. 

Who is your hero? Why?

My younger sister. She has a degree in public health and has been involved in humanitarian work in high conflict areas around the globe. I am in awe of the work that she does and for the way she is living out her life with so much conviction and courage. She is the bravest (and probably the coolest) person I know.    

Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?

One of my first mentors was my boss at my on-campus job during my sophomore year in college. She helped me through a rough time in my life and taught me that sometimes, it’s okay to just not be okay. We have since become good friends and I’m so grateful that our paths crossed. Since then, I have had several personal and professional (and sometimes both) mentors, but my first mentor… really set the tone for what a true mentor should/can look like.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?

A small farming town in South Korea where I lived for the first four years of my life. It was unusual only because I don’t have any memories of my life there except through pictures that my parents brought with them when they immigrated to the US. I remember going back to visit when I was a kid -- and it felt so familiar and foreign at the same time. I haven’t been back since and would love to take my husband and kids with me next time.

What would be impossible for you to give up?

Coffee, reading, my family, and Hot Cheetos – not necessarily in that order.

What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?

I would love to write a fiction novel.

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!    

Kristin Heyer
Professor of Theological Ethics

Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?

I grew up in northern New Jersey and Kansas City. I came “back east” for college and have lived on the two coasts ever since. I bring my own family to my childhood vacation spot on Long Beach Island to this day.

What path brought you to BC? 

I came to BC for graduate school and after getting my PhD here, I headed west to teach in California. After six years at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and six years up the coast at Santa Clara University, I was delighted to have the opportunity to come back to my alma mater and teach at BC—even with the return to real winters.

What are you most passionate about professionally? 

Broadening the field of Christian ethics to center voices that have been marginalized, whether women’s, scholars from the global south, emerging junior scholars, or people working at the tradition’s “growing edges” in various ways.

Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?

On weekends you will find me either on the soccer sidelines cheering on my older son or in the kitchen trying out new recipes with my younger son (both now in high school). On a rare afternoon alone, I enjoy hiking, exploring the beaches in the region and yoga. 

Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?

My family volunteers at our parish, the Newton Food Pantry, and at Cradles to Crayons, which provides clothing and school supplies to children in need.

Who is your hero? Why? 

Two heroes I’ve had the privilege of meeting with are Pope Francis and Paul Farmer. I admire how each has modeled the importance of drawing near to the margins and calling out harmful ideas and structures.

Who is your mentor?

How did you connect with them? I have relied on a senior female colleague for advice at key points throughout my career. She has served as such a helpful sounding board as I’ve navigated challenges in the field, especially while serving in administrative roles, and I admire her person and career a great deal. She has witnessed dramatic changes in our field over the past 50 years and always offers valuable perspective.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited? 

Bangalore, India. I have enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world through my work with a global ethics network, but our time in Bangalore and surrounding areas (Mysore, in particular) offered the most fascinating window into another culture, people, climate and history of anywhere I’ve traveled.

What would be impossible for you to give up?

Family and friendship, coffee and chocolate, in that order.

What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?

I’d like to visit Australia someday.

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.

Kelly Hughes
Campus Minister of Retreats

Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?           

I grew up in southern New Jersey, and am a product of town sports, Bruce Springsteen, and lots of Wawa. While South Jersey was a great place to call home, I was captivated by New England from a young age, dreaming of city life, fall foliage, and nights at Fenway Park. I still make sure to return to my roots at the Jersey Shore each summer! 

What path brought you to BC?           

My first path to Boston College led me to graduate work at the School of Theology and Ministry in 2012, discerning an exciting (and unexpected) vocational call to ministry with college students. The path that brought me back to the Heights in 2017 was an exciting opportunity to realize that dream cultivated in graduate school, and serve as a Campus Minister. (Thankfully, I already had some BC swag ready for my return!) My time as a Campus Minister at Boston College continues to offer an abundance of ministry, growth, and collaboration—serving as an advisor with SANet, offering spiritual direction, and studying at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development towards an MA in Mental Health Counseling. I am thrilled to keep learning and further exploring “cura personalis”—the care of the whole person—with the wonderful women of RISE!

What are you most passionate about professionally?           

I am deeply committed and curious about the multifaceted needs of college students, with particular emphasis on the care and integration of the whole person. Whether planning a retreat or having a one-on-one conversation, I am eager to support students in all aspects of their college experience, and hungry to create spaces and ask questions that point to the deepest desires of our hearts and the immeasurable love of God. I firmly believe (and would give my TedTalk about) the transformative power of attentive listening, authentic community, and Ignatian spirituality. 

Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?           

You are most likely to find me at a spin class, hosting friends on my porch, or curating Spotify playlists and cheese plates for any occasion. My Sunday afternoons are best spent around Jamaica Pond, taking in the beautiful scenery (and people-watching) with coffee, a journal, or a walk with friends. 

Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?           

Music plays a central role in my life and faith, and I have participated in a number of church choirs since college. I also serve as a church cantor, and relish the opportunity to bring music, community, and prayer together. On campus, I’m crazy about supporting the wonderful work of the Women’s Center! What a privilege to be a part of this RISE community, and to serve on the SANet team!

Who is your hero? Why?           

I have Boston College to thank for introducing me to one of my closest friends and greatest inspirations! What makes this friend a hero to me is her unwavering commitment to the fullness of life--to learning, growth, relationships, faith and justice, meaning and purpose--always with the lens of hope. Her brilliance, humor, boundless compassion, and perseverance remind me again and again that not all heroes wear capes! 

Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?           

At the risk of sounding cliché, I would say one of my most formative mentors was my college campus minister. (Shocking, I know.) He was my first example of faith animated with authenticity and joy. He went out of his way to support my own exploration of faith and service, and helped me navigate the many ups and downs of my college experience, especially discerning a call to college campus ministry (…and one or two break-ups). Most notably, this mentor walked me through the heartbreaking experience of losing a friend to leukemia. In the darkest moments of suffering and grief, he accompanied me in my pain and pointed to the light of grace. I vividly remember thinking, “I don’t know what this job is, but I want to do this forever.”  

What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?           

When I first moved to Boston, a dear friend took me to Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. At first mention, I was pretty hesitant about the unusual destination choice. Now, I would HIGHLY recommend a visit and consider Mt. Auburn Cemetery to be one of my favorite places in the city! 

What would be impossible for you to give up?           

My family and friends, chicken wings, and terrible puns and dad jokes. 

What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?           

Will someone please let me sing the national anthem or throw the first pitch at Fenway Park?!

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!

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.

Leah Spencer, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations & University Commencement Director

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.

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.