Rise
Be You, Bravely!
Rise is a mentor program that matches small groups of women from the senior class with female faculty and staff members to challenge perceived cultural and social norms at BC that affect women's sense of self. In the past, members of the program have met monthly over dinner to reflect on and discuss the issues they are facing as female-identifying seniors. Although we will not meet in person this year, we will gather monthly as a community over Zoom and will provide each participant with a stipend to purchase a meal to eat during each of the meetings.”
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
Apply by filling out this application form.
Q&As with 2021–2022 Mentors
Amey Victoria Adkins-Jones, Assistant Professor of Theology and African and African Diaspora Studies
Amey Victoria Adkins-Jones, Assistant Professor of Theology and African and African Diaspora Studies
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Rocky Mount, Virginia! It’s in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We used to say more cows than people … which is why I’m not there now … though there’s no place like home!
What path brought you to BC?
I was looking for an institution that would give me a great start to my career. BC not only had a position that felt like a strong fit, but they were hiring a cohort of Black junior faculty at the time, and I knew that community is a key to success, particularly in this field of work. Similarly, I knew I would have the rare opportunity to be mentored in my early by one of the most renown Black women theologians in the world, the now Professor Emerita M. Shawn Copeland. I turned down other opportunities because the invisible value add was priceless.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
Breaking down barriers for others entering the academy. As they say, “I didn’t come this far just to come this far.” I also love writing and hope I’m able to publish things that make a difference in the world.
Where can we find you when you’re not working?
Probably with my family! I have four children! Three were a package deal with my marriage ( ☺ ) and one I birthed during the pandemic (that’s a whole other story!). Life with us often requires learning dances for TikTok, playing Fortnite, or singing Baby Shark.
When I’m “adulting,” I love going to brunch, DIY projects around my very old house, and living my best Peloton life. I also love to travel and look forward to globetrotting again once it’s safe.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
Cooking … and in the summer time, our family has weekly “grill and chill” nights. Sunday afternoons I definitely try to sneak in a nap.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I am Chair of the Board for a nonprofit here in Newark, NJ, that sponsors a Freedom School over the summer. The planning takes a ton of work but the scholars and experiences each summer are amazing!
Who is your hero? Why?
I’m not sure about heroes – I’ve found that to be a lot of pressure to put on any human! I will say, I have a wide range of role models, but especially the women in my own family. I try to live up to the legacy of my grandmothers’ struggles and joys everyday. I think existence is intentional and miraculous at the same time, and I’m grateful their life has made mine possible! Shoutouts to my Granny, Mama Mabel, Grandma Nancy, and Grandma Nannie!
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I’ve had soooo many in life! Maybe that’s the lesson … I’ve had a lot of mentors who I’ve looked to for advice or guidance in different areas … Parenting, pastoring, grad school, first job, general awesomeness, etc etc etc. Surround yourself with a community of mentors! I’ve occasionally reached out to someone I didn’t know to ask about their help or support as a mentor, but most often they’ve been organic relationships nurtured through the communities I’ve already been rooted in (for example, I have a handful of “official” and “unofficial” mentors here at BC, who I’m so grateful for). I’m always trying to maximize opportunities to learn.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
Oooooh, this is tough! Maybe I’ll say Cape Town. I’m from the mountains but visiting there was my first flight ever, my first time out of the country, and my first time seeing the mountains meet the sea. I’ll never forget it.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Everything is possible, but I’d probably only give up coffee if it were going to singlehandedly save humanity. Otherwise … *starts her Nespresso*
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
I almost died a few years ago (there’s an Agape Latte about that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=307G-O6yTN4 ). In the heat of the moment, all I wanted was more time to love, not more accolades. And, I wished I’d had a chance to finish writing a few things that were important to me. I’m hugely ambitious, but I’m most proud of and centered in the life I’ve crafted and the way I’ve lived. I’m dreaming and scheming about some things post-publishing projects these days, too.
Ali Bane Hammond
Director, First Year Experience
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Manchester, MA. And actually... I am there now! I recently moved back with my husband and son to be closer to family and friends.
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 on my hip.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
I would love to write a book someday. Maybe a children’s book.
Kerry Cronin
Assistant Professor of the Practice, Philosophy & Associate Director, Perspectives Program
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Hartford, CT. It’s a great small city, but it’s SMALL. I came to BC as an undergraduate and although I’ve left to do a few things in other cities, I wanted to come back to Boston and so I have lived here for over 25 years.
What path brought you to BC?
I came to BC as an undergraduate and found a second home. My uncle was a great Jesuit who gave his life to this university. He passed away several years ago, but I feel his presence and encouragement all the time.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I LOVE teaching in the Perspectives program! I adore teaching first year students and love talking about the intersection of philosophy, culture, and faith. I am fairly obnoxious about it, actually. My friends always know what books I’m teaching because I bring them up at parties.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
I love the Cape so I’m there visiting family a lot. But I am also a big fan of staying home. If it’s the early part of the day, I’m sleeping in or reading. If it’s late, I’m out to a movie or watching “The Walking Dead.”
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I tend to give any free time I have to the church. The church needs good people who are hardworking and normal. I like to think I’m both, for the most part.
Who is your hero? Why?
I have to think about his one. I think lots of people are heroes to me. Mostly people who work hard and are humble enough to know they don’t have all the answers are quite heroic to me.
Who is your mentor?
My uncle, Joseph Flanagan, SJ, was and still is my greatest mentor, even though he has passed away. I knew him so well that his memory and spirit still give me great guidance.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
I spent three weeks in Vietnam 15 years ago when my college roommate was adopting a baby by herself. I went along to help her out and had a trip of a lifetime. Traveling in the developing world taught me a tremendous amount.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
My faith would be impossible for me to give up. I’m Christian and Catholic through and through. Not in an unquestioning way, but in a committed way. After that, sleep. I have to really love someone to miss sleep for them!
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
I would like to become a more trustworthy and reliable person. I think I need to keep working at those qualities.
Dr. Kyrah Malika Daniels, Assistant Professor of Art History and African & African Diaspora Studies
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up on the West coast in the small seaside town of Santa Barbara, CA. It’s true I’m a proud Californian but I always knew I wanted to live in a bigger city with more diversity.
What path brought you to BC?
I finished my PhD in 2017 and had applied to jobs all over the country. After 7 years of surviving arctic Boston winters, I thought I’d be moving some place warmer! Then I received the job offer here at BC for a position in Art History and AADS. Learning about how Black students had issued a list of demands to the administration which included the hiring of 3-4 new Black faculty in AADS, I felt compelled to come here to begin my career. I’ve made an incredible community here, so I’m glad I did.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I’m deeply passionate about teaching African and African Diaspora religions and expressive cultures. I want to share with my students the powerful legacy of African-derived visual arts, performance, and ritual traditions. This is especially important when teaching and mentoring students of color, because I remember how empowering it was for me as a college student to learn about Africa’s rich diversity and its powerful legacies of Black and Latinx cultures in the African Diaspora.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
I’m an extrovert all the way, so weekends are a chance to connect with all my peoples! I love kiking with girlfriends and hosting friends at our house--always safely during Covid. It’s also a great chance to try baking new desserts for friends (and myself). On the weekends, I like to read for work and for play (I’m in a few book clubs) and go for bike rides in the woods near my house. I also love taking Haitian ritual dance classes when I can. In the summertime, I’m usually traveling abroad for research and rejuvenation, especially in Africa and the Caribbean.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I spend a lot of time mentoring students in the McNair Scholars Program and Mellon Mays Fellows Program. It brings me so much joy to connect with other students of color who are passionate about research and want to change the world.
Who is your hero? Why?
Many of my sheroes are historical figures whom I admire. Queen Nzinga of Ndongo Kingdom of Central Africa fought the Portuguese in the early 1600s. She was a powerful woman warrior and never gave up believing that her kingdom (or queendom) would remain free. I named my black cat Nzinga after her!
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I’m blessed to have many mentors. One of my most treasured mentors is someone many people at BC used to know and still love, Dr. Régine Michelle Jean-Charles! I first met her at a Haitian Studies Association Conference when I was presenting my research. She had just begun a job here at BC and I was in graduate school in Boston. It was a dream to get my first job here and transition from being her student-mentee to her colleague. I love how Dr. Jean-Charles lives her life so FULLY, carving out time for a dynamic and impactful career, a fierce commitment to activism for sexual assault survivors, a deep love of our homeland of Haiti, an incredible mother and wife, and a devoted member of her faith community.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
I lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa while conducting research in 2014-2015. I first traveled there in graduate school and was fortunate to build a beautiful community with adopted family members. I’ve also traveled to Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, and was amazed to learn that I could communicate with people in Haitian Kreyòl because their Kreyòl is so similar to ours!
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Dark chocolate. And ramen. Not together. Also reading great books, traveling abroad, and Black art.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
I’ve started to realize the importance of paying tribute to our elders—our teachers, our parents, our mentors—while they’re still here with us. I want to write a book about my spiritual mother, who’s another one of my sheroes. She’s such a loving and fierce mother to so many! I’d also love to become a mother and a grandmother one day.
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 along 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 OIP 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?
I’m obsessed with getting a good night’s sleep, so any good weekend has me focused on feeling rested so that it does not end in tragedy (i.e. me being in a bad mood). I love to cook so I have to make some kind of elaborate brunch at home. I don’t like having brunch at a restaurant because I consider it a scam when a dozen eggs costs two dollars at the grocery store. Ideally I’d follow that up with some kind of activity like biking, meeting up with a friend, exploring a new town, shopping, etc. 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?
I love serving as an advocate on the Boston College Sexual Assault Network. I kind of stumbled upon the work while as a graduate assistant at the Women’s Center, and now I’m forever passionate about supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
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 him/her?
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, 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 unusual (to me) 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 really want to attend a World Cup before I die. 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.
Julianna Gonzalez-McLean
Assistant Dean of Student Services, Diversity and Inclusion, at CSON
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I am originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. When I was 7 years old, my parents decided to move my brothers and me to Marion, MA in search for better opportunities. Most of my family is still in Puerto Rico, including my father and oldest brother. My mother and I are the only ones left in Massachusetts. Now, that I am married and have a family of my own, Boston is our home. I hope to return to Puerto Rico, but there are not a lot of professional opportunities for us there. Also, my husband will need to learn Spanish.
What path brought you to BC?
I went to Boston College as an undergraduate! When I graduated from BC, I worked at Boston University Upward Bound program. In this position, I worked with low-income and first-generation to college high school students from Boston and Chelsea. Then, I went to MCPHS University and provided academic support to international students – primarily from Saudi Arabia. That all led me to work at the Boston College nursing school. I never really imagined myself working at BC since my experience as an undergraduate was complicated. I never loved the culture at BC, but I feel like my experiences have helped me better empathize and support BC students.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am most passionate about supporting students of color and first generation to college students in their educational journey. Being Puerto Rican and going to school in Massachusetts, I often felt as if I never belonged. It has been my passion and mission to support students that often feel discouraged and marginalized by the traditional educational system.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
Pre-pandemic, you would find me at a museum and then at a restaurant with my family. I have two kids, so we are always trying to find fun things to do with them! Our favorites are the Museum of Science, the Boston Children’s Museum, the Roslindale Farmer’s Market, and the Franklin Park Zoo. Our family also loves eating, so we like to try new restaurants. Many of my weekend activities revolve around community and food.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I am a board member at Saint Joseph’s Prep High School in Brighton, MA. It is really fulfilling being a board member at such an amazing high school and school community. It makes me feel like a part of the Boston community. Also, my husband and I have been volunteering for this presidential election and trying to help people register to vote. Volunteering for voter registration has helped me feel like I am fighting for our rights.
Who is your hero? Why?
My grandparents are my heroes. They have taught me so much about life. My Abuela Julia taught me about empathy and how to love others unconditionally. My Abuelo taught me compassion and forgiveness. Lastly, my Abuela taught me the value of an education and working as a woman. They have all passed away, but I am still learning from them and they still guide me.
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
My mentor is Joseph Cronin. He was a faculty member in my master’s program. When I was a student in his class, he reached out to meet with me. He was the first and only professor that has tried to get to know me personally and has been invested in my professional career. He encourages me every step of the way, pushes me to think bigger, and truly believes in me. His mentorship has been invaluable in my life.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
The place that comes to mind is Colca Valley located northwest of Arequipa, Peru. The depths of the canyons and valleys were just so impressive. The towns in this valley still hold on to the Incan traditions and roots. The history felt very alive at Colca Valley.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
The generic answer is coffee. I am drinking coffee as I write this bio. Having a newborn and a toddler, I depend on coffee every morning. Also impossible for me to give up is my reality tv shows. Especially during these challenging times, watching a reality tv show just helps me unwind and calms me. It is my guilty pleasure.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
I want to make sure that my children grow up feeling loved.
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 two 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.” The other is 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.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
Travel (this year has been 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
Assistant 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, 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 study at the School of Theology and Ministry in 2012, with an exciting (and unexpected) vocational call to ministry with college students. The path that brought me back to the Heights in 2017 was a very 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!
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 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, faith-filled 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.
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?
I am excited to continue to grow and to put down roots here in New England, and can’t wait to deepen community and raise a family in the future!
Margaret Laurence
Director, Initiatives for Student Formation
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up in Worcester, MA (Central Massachusetts) – and originally left Worcester in 2000 because I was recruited to work at Boston College. After living in this area a few years, I decided I wanted to build my community here and never looked back. I am blessed with friends from all different times in my life. I loved growing up there, but happy I continued my journey personally and professionally in the Boston area. So many opportunities – and a short drive away from family members who are still in central Massachusetts.
What path brought you to BC?
The first part of the story is noted above. I left BC in 2005 to work at Harvard Chan School of Public Health, then continued my career working for a private family foundation. At the end of my nearly eight year tenure at the Foundation, I missed working collaboratively with colleagues and being part of a larger community. In exploring different positions, coming back to BC to continue my career in higher education administration and to be part of a university-wide initiative was a winning combination for me.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I am most passionate about being part of the mission and collaborating with others. Early in my career, I was a fundraiser. When I began fundraising, I learned quickly that it is important to believe in the mission of the institution in which you are asking for support. BC’s community is filled with people who care deeply about the mission and are willing to come together to make things happen. It’s this passion and creativity that I love to be around every day. For me, in collaborating, I learn so much about myself and, more so, insights from others always add to the projects I am working on.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
In summer, beach, cycling, swimming, tending to my herb garden, then to my hammock. In Fall and Spring, you would find me walking in the woods enjoying the warmth of the sun. In winter months, I “hibernate” by reading a book or taking a nap (or both). All year it is being with family and friends – visiting over a cup of tea, a home cooked meal or the like. I love to travel – whether a weekend get-a-way or vacationing in a new location (most recently to Spain). Balance and self-care are high priorities for me.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I volunteer as a board member for my Condo Association. Hopefully, my contributions help 300+ neighbors by being part of the solution to bring the community together on every level. I know we all work hard to create home – so I’m “crazy about” serving my little village in this way.
Who is your hero? Why?
Rosa Parks. She changed the world and did so peacefully. (I met her in 1987.)
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with him/her?
I am fortunate to have many mentors of all ages. Two of my mentors, I met when I first worked at BC. Although I have not worked with either of these women since I left BC in 2005, they continue to be inspirational to and supportive of me both personally and professionally. Each is a phone call away when I need to bounce around an idea or talk through something.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited?
The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. Hiking in the rainforest, beautiful beaches, lots of monkeys, and much, much more. Furthest away – Uganda and Tanzania.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
The love and support of my friends…. and avocadoes.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
Be kind and generous to everyone I meet (and to those I don’t meet). I get to re-set the clock every day… some days are better than others. In addition, to always be brave.
Mary Nardone
Associate Vice President, Capital Projects Management
Where did you grow up? Why aren’t you there now?
I grew up here in Massachusetts – I went to Junior High and High School (that’s where you “grow up”, right?) on Cape Cod. After college in Pennsylvania I came back to Massachusetts to be near both my family and the ocean.
What path brought you to BC?
I was working for a large contracting firm and was assigned to a project here at BC, I loved the campus and pursued a job opening in Capital Projects Management as an engineer …and that was 29 years ago. I have never had a slow day in all that time!
What are you most passionate about professionally?
I like being involved in a lot of different areas – my interests are not just architecture and construction – for the past 20 years I have served as adjunct faculty in the Carroll Graduate School of Management (finance) and I have also served as a pre-major academic advisor in Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. I enjoy being knit into the fabric of Boston College.
Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
During the week you may find me running around the reservoir. On the weekends I try to be near the ocean, as I find being near water so relaxing. My husband and I will be at our little cottage in Fairhaven MA, probably both reading a shared stack of books, and if it’s summer I might get out on my paddleboard.
Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?
I really enjoyed my time with the 4th and 5th graders at the St. Columbkille School’s “Engineering Club for Girls”!
Who is your hero? Why?
This one is easy—my mother is my hero. She went to college, then had 6 children (I’m the youngest), and when I started kindergarten she started volunteering part-time at my school. When I started junior high she went back to college for an advanced degree and enjoyed a successful career in a male-dominated field (you’ll have to ask me which field).
Who is your mentor? How did you connect with them?
I have many, many mentors. I find that mentor/mentee relationships are a two-way street – someone reaches out to you for mentoring, and you end up learning so much from them!
What’s the most unusual place you’ve visited?
Given that I love being near the water, Venice would probably be the most unusual, it’s amazing the degree to which water is integrated into life there.
What would be impossible for you to give up?
I am a lifelong learner, so I always want to be studying a new topic. I also love running and hope I never have to give that up.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
This is a great question, I guess I hope to slow down a little.