Major: History and Political Science – American Politics and Government
Career Experience:
• Associate Vice President, Rasky Partners, Inc,
• Currently serving as the Chair of the Social Justice Committee.
• Member, Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus (MWPC)
• Member, New England Women in Energy and the Environment (NEWIEE)
Personal Interests: Traveling and exploring new places, visiting local breweries, and following current events and the news.
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board:
It has been an honor to serve over the last few years on the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors as a Director-at-Large, Treasurer, and Vice President. In each of these roles, alongside my colleagues, I have been able to assist with transforming Board operations to ensure better representation and focus our work on issues that are reflective of the priorities of both the College and today’s alumni community.
I want to serve as President to use my institutional and community knowledge to represent the interests of all alumni. I want to ensure that the institution that helped shape me, personally and professionally, is actively working to engage alumni across generations while pragmatically adapting to fit the constantly changing needs of current and prospective students. I want to identify ways to ensure alumni feel connected to the Emmanuel community, knowing that they have a voice with respect to the ongoings of the institution. It is critical, now more than ever, that we identify innovative ways to increase engagement of all alumni, locally and remotely, so that we can elevate the talents and assets of our global community.
Furthermore, I want to continue to raise awareness among alumni that the moment you graduate you are a member of the EC Alumni Association. While this comes with benefits such as continued access to some campus resources, we all still have a vested interest in the growth and sustainability of the College. Whether you are able to stay involved by volunteering your time, dedicating resources, or both, any level of involvement is critical to contributing to the value of the education Emmanuel can provide.
Major: B.A. Psychology - Counseling/Health
Advanced Degrees: Master of Education (M.Ed.), College Student Affairs - University of South Florida
Career Experience:
Public Programs Manager for She+ Geeks Out
Co-Chair, AAB Social Justice Committee
Akyanna has served as an AAB Director-at-Large since 2021
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board:
I was very fortunate to have been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors (BOD) at the beginning of 2021 after running in 2020. My favorite thing about being on the BOD so far has been creating opportunities for alumni to feel connected with each other, regardless of social identity, major, occupation, and class year. Serving on the Board of Directors with alumni from a variety of class years has been the most impactful experience on the board. Learning about how Emmanuel was before my time and after my time and how things have changed, encourage my desire to help move Emmanuel even further into the future. Connection and community are truly at the heart of what we hope to achieve on the Board of Directors and I hope to be able to continue that work in the role of Vice President.
During my time serving on the BOD, I have served on both the Social Justice Committee and the Nominating Committee. In both of these groups, I have advocated for more accessible and inclusive opportunities for alumni members to volunteer and be celebrated in the work they do. Additionally, I have been lucky to be a part of conversations with the Board of Directors Executive Committee about ensuring that we are approaching our work with a culturally competent and inclusive mindset and supporting the work of the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Emmanuel.
As Vice President, I hope to continue on the foundation of work that I have started in my tenure on the Board. Each member of the Board of Directors has such a strong desire and good will for the work that we do, I could only hope that as Vice President, I can help move that work forward. As graduate students, working professionals, parents, and retired folks, we’re always playing the balancing act of managing our personal responsibilities and the commitments we make as a Board. I hope to continue the effective communication that has already been created to hold ourselves accountable in completing the goals we set out for ourselves.
Coming back to Emmanuel to volunteer has been one of the most meaningful experiences for me and I want to bring others in, no matter their level of involvement. I want to strive to continue to make the Board and the full Emmanuel Community as diverse and inclusive as it can be.
Major: Spanish
Advanced Degrees: Master’s and Doctorate in Education, University of South Carolina
Career experience: Aiken Technical College, Aiken, SC, Dean of Arts & Sciences, 1983-1994; Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC, Dean of Student Success, 1994-2006; Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC, Retention Coordinator and Title III Grant Administrator, 2006-2013; Health Physics Journal, Managing Editor, 2011-Present
Currently: After a career of over 35 years in the field of higher education administration at three colleges/universities in South Carolina, I am currently the Managing Editor of Health Physics, the Radiation Safety Journal. This is a refereed journal, published monthly, with a readership of roughly 4,000 worldwide. I also serve on the Editorial Board for the Journal and the Executive Board of the Health Physics Society.
As a graduate of the Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Worcester, MA, followed by Emmanuel in 1975, I understand the value of education based on Christian principles and beliefs. My three deanships at institutions of higher education in South Carolina, two of which were secular, helped to confirm my commitment to a faith-based college experience. I would encourage potential students to choose Emmanuel, take advantage of all the opportunities available to them as students, and remain involved as future alumni. My parents taught me that I should give back to those who have given so much to me, and being a member of the Alumni Board is one way that I could live up to that expectation.
Major: Education
Advanced Degree: Master of Education - Providence College
Current Company: Marianapolis Prep School
Personal Interests: I love to spend time with family and friends, watch sports and practice yoga.
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: I have worked in education for twenty-seven years and have held administrative roles in Admission, Development and Communications. I have been involved in the planning of events, fundraising and school promotion, and worked on strategic planning initiatives and NEASC accreditation teams. I am honored to give back to the college that has given me so much. Because three of my children have attended Emmanuel, I was able to see the many positive ways in which the school has evolved over time while never departing from its core mission and values. While Emmanuel is a small college, the positive change brought about by students and alumni has been a phenomenal force for good in the world.
Major: B.A. History
Advanced Degree: M.B.A., College of William and Mary (1990)
Professional Career: U. S. Navy: 1974-1995. Retired as a Commander. My specialty was as an Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer. Also worked in the Florida College System; Florida Keys Community College (1998-2009) - Director, Institute of Criminal Justice; Pasco-Hernando State College (2010-2015) - Director, Public Service Programs
Personal Interests: Traveling, reading, supporting the arts and spending time with family and friends
Volunteer Work:
• Emmanuel College Alumni Association Board, Director-at-Large (2022-2024)
• Chair, Nominating Committee, ECAABOD (2023-2024)
• Chair, Emmanuel College Class of 1974 Reunion Committee
• Florida Keys Council of the Arts Board of Directors
• Chair, Grant Committee, Florida Keys Council of the Arts
• Monroe County FL Tourist Development Council Cultural Umbrella Committee Member (District 2)
• Chair, Russel Sullivan Scholarship Board of Governors, College of the Florida Keys History Club
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: The past two years of being a Director-at-Large on the Emmanuel College Alumni Association Board of Directors has been an exceptionally rewarding experience. When I ran for the Board two years ago, I realized that I was finally in a position with my personal and professional life that I finally could give back to Emmanuel. I now have a better understanding of the role of the Alumni Association. I have had the opportunity to reacquaint myself with the College — meeting members of the Administration, Faculty, Students and fellow Alumni from different years. This experience and knowledge is invaluable in furthering the mission of not only the Alumni Association but the College itself. I also believe as an Alumna and Board Director that is not geographically located in the New England area, I bring a different perspective of how Alumni can be involved with the College from a distance. One of the main projects that I would like to work on during my next term is establishing Regional Alumni Councils in the various geographical areas. I believe this is an untapped resource in getting more Alumni involved with the College.
Major: B.A. in English Communications, Minor Speech/Theater
Advanced Degree: M.B.A. University of Massachusetts – Boston
Current Position: Director of Athletics, Lesley University
Nearly 20 years of professional experience at the NCAA Division III level including 16 at Emmanuel as a student-athlete, coach, administrator, conference liaison and adjunct professor.
Personal Interests: I am a huge Boston sports fan and my favorite place in the world is Fenway Park. I'm a recreational golfer and will gladly play in your charity tournament if you need a fourth! I spent over 10 years running a professional a cappella group called Fermata Town and still love to sing and play the guitar. I'm a sucker for a good IPA and enjoy cooking, traveling with and spending time with my family.
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: The Alumni Board is a remarkable opportunity because Emmanuel’s mission has always aligned with the core of who I am as an athletic administrator, family man and colleague. I am a Saint through and through, passionate about providing a well-rounded student-athlete experience guided by three core values: community engagement + service, social justice and equitable inclusion. These pillars will always be part of my professional identity. While my career experience and MBA make me a desirable candidate to sit on the board, my character, moral compass and values qualify me to lead and inspire future generations of Saints. As a former D-III student-athlete at Emmanuel, strong role models influenced my development, shaping my leadership and coaching style. I strive to impact the Emmanuel community in the same ways that made me feel valuable when I was a student-athlete and look forward to reconnecting with many of the individuals with whom I forged authentic relationships with during our time as Saints.
Major: B.A. Accounting
Advanced Degree: Master of Science (M.S.), Accounting - Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business
Current Position: Vice President, Finance & Portfolio Management, Hyperplane Venture Capital
Personal Interests: Golf, spending time on the Cape with family and friends, and running Team Cork Inc., a 501(c)(3) charity focused on helping cancer patients in need
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: I believe my professional background allows me to best serve on the Alumni Association Board to assist with development and fundraising in an effort to continue to support the college.
Major: B.A. History
Current Position: Boston University: Ph.D. Admissions and Financial Aid Associate
• Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation Strategic Advisory Board Member
• Marfan Foundation Teen Group Leader and Teen Council Co-Chair
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: Ever since I graduated from Emmanuel College in 2017, I have been an avid fan in the bleachers at Women’s Basketball games, the team that I managed when I was a student. Being able to reconnect with friends, former classmates, coaches and teammates is something I truly look forward to at every game. I have also attended the Young Alumni outings in the Fenway neighborhood. Being able to attend these events has made me feel connected to EC even though I haven’t been a student there in a few years. Throughout my professional and volunteer career, I have had a multitude of roles. I have worked with other volunteers in the roles volunteering with the Loeys-Dietz and Marfan foundations. Professionally working in development gave me opportunities to watch and learn how to make deep professional connections that last well beyond the walls of our offices. I currently work in higher ed down the street at Boston University and have learned how colleges and universities operate and make sure that they can give their best to the students that learn in their classrooms and elsewhere on campus. All of these various roles have given me the tools needed to be a valuable member of the EC Alumni Association Board of Directors. When I first stepped onto campus as a student in 2013, I knew that 400 The Fenway would always be home to me. The connections I made throughout my time on campus are what I treasure most about my time there. I hope that as an Alumni Association Board Member to be able to help current and future students make those same connections that I still value so highly.
Major: B.A. Government
Advanced Degrees: M.Ed., Boston State College; CAS, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Career Experience: I am a retired teacher with more than thirty years of service to the children of Cambridge, MA
Personal Interests: I am a member of the Belmont Garden Club and I enjoy fencing. Additional Volunteering: Belmont Town Meeting Member
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: Serving on the Alumni Board is a way of saying thank you for the opportunities Emmanuel provided to me.
Major: B.A. English Communications
Current Position: I am currently employed by Duxbury Public Schools. I have served on the Duxbury Free Library Friends of the Library and as an elected member of the Duxbury Free Library Board of Trustees. I am a volunteer with Pan Mass Challenge. Class of 1989 President and member of Planning Board
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: I am proud to be an Emmanuel College alum. In the years following my graduation, I was active with the Alumni Board, but as my family grew, I had limited time to volunteer. I knew that I would get back eventually and now that my children are grown, I am excited to be able to do that. From a personal perspective, I am grateful to be able to give back to the college that has given me so much. I have enjoyed watching Emmanuel evolve, without losing sight of its core mission. I look forward to seeing what the future holds and the opportunity to connect alumni and continue to strengthen our community.
Major: Art Education
Current Position: Art Teacher, Consolidated School District of New Britain, CT
I’m very interested in giving my time and resources to the College that made me who I am today. While attending Emmanuel, I gained leadership skills as an R.A., travelled abroad to England, and was afforded the opportunity to study art under Sister Glavin and Michael Jacques. When I reflect upon my experiences from Emmanuel, I have a great sense of pride. That pride, coupled with the experience of teaching 31 years in a diverse urban community will enable me to share this perspective with the alumni committee.
Major at Emmanuel: B.A. History
Advanced Degree: Masters, Atlantic History, Museum Studies, Gender and Sexuality, University of New Hampshire
Current Position: Department Coordinator, Art of Europe, Museum of Fine Arts of Boston
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: As a proud alum of Emmanuel College, I hope to continue my passion for the humanities and education through social justice. I plan on bringing a new perspective to the alumni board through my travel, work as an educator, ever-learning student, and most importantly as a Latinx and first-generation graduate. I decided to come back to the college because I felt drawn to help give back to Emmanuel. I learned so much about the world around me and myself when I attended, and I hope to continue to provide space to educate all Emmanuel alumni. I am proud to be an alum of Emmanuel. I hope to start and continue a legacy of diversity and passion-driven social justice and education for all Emmanuel students.
Major: B.A. Developmental Psychology
Current Position: Account Manager, Building Engines, a JLL Company
Personal Interests: Golf, skiing, spending time with family & friends
Additional Volunteer Work: Board Member of Expect Miracles, a Boston-based charity focused on rallying the financial services industry & beyond to invest in life-saving cancer research while advancing the financial and emotional health of people impacted by cancer.
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: Attending Emmanuel helped me to build the platform that has gotten me to where I am in my career, while simultaneously giving me an amazing group of friends & a truly unmatched college experience in one of the best cities in the world. Since graduating, I have tried to remain involved at Emmanuel in any way I can. I'm beyond grateful to be a member of the Alumni Association Board so I can continue giving back to the community I love.
Major: B.A. English Communications
Current Position: Senior Consultant, Moreira Consulting, Inc. Board of Directors, The Hartford Club
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: My decision to run for the Board was quite easy: I want to give back to the school that gave so much to me. I am closer to my classmates now than I probably was when we were students. Getting us together for the reunions and the regional gatherings shows the strength of the Emmanuel Community. My class recently lost a classmate, and she had been on the Board previously. I want to be on the Board to continue her mission of strengthening our Emmanuel ties.
Major: IDS Political Science/Economic
Owns and operates Travel by Tatten, has been active in the travel industry for over 40 years, her recent Antarctic trip was her 7th Continent. She has developed and managed educational and special interest travel programs for universities, cultural institutions, church groups, radio stations and family groups.
She develops and escorts her own tours, including women only trips. She has served on the Board of several business and travel organizations, including as President of N.E. PATA and Marlborough BNI. She was on the Advisory Board for Travel Counsellors, a global travel company operating across eight countries.
Speaking Engagements: Speaker for clubs, associations, and local radio stations
Personal Interests: Travel, meeting people and exploring different cultures. Reading and spending time with family and friends
Purpose: The reason I would like to serve on the Board is because of my experience at Emmanuel College, as a nontraditional student. I attended classes in the evening, after work, and on weekends. I was balancing many things, starting a business, family illness and traveling for my business, I found Emmanuel College to be welcoming and very supportive, making it all possible. The only part of my experience lacking, as a nontraditional student, was coming in just in time for classes, and not having the time to connect with other students, to build lasting relationships. I would like to work toward offering current and former students a way to connect, to be more engaged in the wonderful Emmanuel College Community.
Major: B.A. Counseling & Health Psychology
Current Position: Clinical Site Manager, Acceleron Pharma, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
Personal Interests: Keeping up with all Boston sports and visiting the local dog park with my dog, Milo!
Impetus to come back to Emmanuel and serve on the Board: My purpose for joining the Alumni Association Board is to foster connectedness in order to continue to build EC’s network to inspire future growth of the college’s opportunities and community. My success as a young alumnus is attributed from the sense of community and drive for excellence that was instilled during my undergraduate term. After graduating, I have been able to reflect on all of the relationships I have built there and reflect on the memories that flourished from the resources that Emmanuel College was able to offer its communal network. Emmanuel College has continued to adapt to enhance the Saints’ experience, and I hope to inspire alumni to continue to give back to the College, so all generations can be connected as one.
Major: B.S. Mathematics & Secondary Education
Current Position: Investment Production Senior Manager, Fidelity Investments