Why did you decide that Saint Peter’s University was the right place to get your graduate degree?
Saint Peter’s University became far more than the place where I would earn my degree; it became the institution that believed in me when I needed it most. After facing multiple rejections, Saint Peter’s was the only university that offered me admission. That acceptance meant more than the chance to enroll; it represented confidence in my potential at a time when others had not extended the same faith. Receiving a scholarship further reinforced that belief. It was not simply financial support, but a meaningful investment in my future and in my ability to succeed. The support lifted the burden of financial uncertainty, allowing me to focus fully on my academic pursuits and personal development with clarity and determination. Choosing Saint Peter’s was a conscious decision to honor the trust placed in me and to grow into the potential the university recognized in me before I fully recognized it in myself.
What was your major and were you involved in the University outside of classes?
I earned my undergraduate degree in business management and a master’s in public administration, strengthening both my analytical and leadership capabilities. As a sophomore, I served as a temporary mentor in the Peer Career Program within the Center for Career Engagement and Experiential Learning (CEEL), where I supported fellow students in their professional development. I was also inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, an experience that further refined my leadership competencies and reinforced my commitment to personal and professional growth.
How did the faculty bring the material to life in the classroom?
The faculty truly brought the material to life by connecting theoretical concepts to real-world applications. They didn’t just lecture – they used case studies, current events, and interactive discussions to make the lessons tangible and relevant. Professors like Donald Goncalves, Stacey Flanagan, and Ginger Schnitzer pushed me to think critically, challenged me to go beyond my comfort zone, and genuinely believed in my potential. Their guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights inspired me to engage deeply with the material and to approach problems with confidence and creativity. Because of them, I not only gained knowledge but also developed practical skills and the self-assurance to apply them in professional settings.
You started your own non-profit and were recently hired by HopeWorks. How has your education at Saint Peter’s impacted your career?
My education at Saint Peter’s provided me with both the knowledge and practical skills to navigate the nonprofit and public sectors. My studies in business management and public administration taught me how to plan strategically, manage resources, and make data-driven decisions that were critical when starting my own nonprofit ‘Lead Acquire Do Inspire’ and now in my role as a Senior Site Director at HopeWorks. Additionally, the opportunities to mentor peers and engage in leadership programs helped me develop communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, all of which I use daily to create meaningful impact in my work.>
Is there any advice you would give students considering a graduate program at Saint Peter’s?
If I could give one piece of advice to students considering a graduate program at Saint Peter’s, it would be this: you can achieve anything in life, but never lose sight of these five guiding principles. Immerse yourself on campus; these experiences will shape not just your resume, but the core of who you are. Build your network; every connection is a bridge to opportunity, support, and growth, and sometimes even a lifeline when you need it most. Give back through community service; lifting others up teaches lessons that no classroom ever could and reminds you of the power of compassion. Lean into your professors; their wisdom, guidance, and belief in you can awaken a confidence you never knew existed. And above all, never stop challenging yourself; push past fear, embrace the unknown, and honor every step of your journey. Hold onto these five truths, and you won’t just carry Saint Peter’s in your degree, you’ll carry it in the strength, purpose, and heart of the person you become.