2. 2
Thank you to Sponsors
Welcome to all Attendees
Thank you to Isenberg Community
Overview of Schedule of Events
Keynote Speakers
Breakout Session 1: Panels and Speakers
Breakout Session 2: Panels and Speakers
Breakout Session 3: Panels and Speakers
The Women of Isenberg Planning Team
3
4
5
6
7
8
14
21
27
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
3. 3
Dear Sponsors,
On behalf of Isenberg Women in Business, we would like to thank you for your corporate sponsor-
ship of the 2nd Annual Women of Isenberg Conference.
Your generosity has allowed us to make improvements to and build upon last year’s conference;
to provide a larger and more diverse agenda and group of social and networking gatherings.
You have allowed us to exceed our objectives and vision -- to bring more students and alumnae
together to establish and strengthen their professional networks as well as share in their experi-
ences, challenges and accomplishments.
We appreciate your support, commitment, and encouragement that has made this conference
possible; we could not have executed this type of conference without your involvement. Your
generous donations have made it feasible for a group of 200+ Isenberg students, professors, and
alumnae to build relationships on this special day that will only grow in the future. Today we unite
as the Isenberg community and will empower one another through our stories, experiences, and
successes.
The incredible array of companies sponsoring us today, from financial services firms to Fortune
100 companies and campus organizations, inspire us through their commitment to diversity and
investment in the Women of Isenberg Conference. We look forward to continuing our partnership
in the future!
Kim Figueroa, Bonnie Zima Dowd, Meghan Smith
Lauren Casaceli ’15, Abigail Wells ’15, Mary Lynch ’15,
Diana Ciccolini ’16, Casey Gover ’16, Christine Cavallaro ‘17
S P O N S O R E D B Y
4. 4
Good Morning,
The Isenberg Women in Business Club and the Women of Isenberg Planning Committee are delight-
ed to welcome you to our second annual Women of Isenberg Conference.
For 10 years, Isenberg’s Women in Business club has worked tirelessly to promote and unite our
female students in the business world.
Under the leadership of a string of successful presidents and executive boards, WIB members have
had countless opportunities to speak with guest speakers, network with alumni, tour corporate facili-
ties, and attend women’s conferences. Most importantly, WIB has become a community of aspiring
business leaders who support one another in their goals.
The Women of Isenberg Conference was inspired by a desire to bring together all of our supporters
and members for one memorable day. After the enormous success of last year’s inaugural confer-
ence, the Women of Isenberg Committee knew we had a responsibility to expand and innovate this
special assembly. In just one short year, WOI has already seen growth in our attendance as well as
responses from our partners looking to support us. With each coming year, we hope to improve the
Women of Isenberg Conference to bring you a day you will not want to miss.
During months of planning, our team recognized the current and emerging themes that are relevant
to women in the business world to bring you a variety of nine different panel sessions, one career re-
ception, and two incredible keynote speakers. Our hope for today’s conference is that you actively
participate in all that we have to offer. Learn from our alumnae and learn from one another. And
most importantly, we hope that you leave today’s gathering feeling inspired, confident, and more
prepared to pave your way to success.
As we kick off today’s events, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to our outstandingly
supportive faculty committee members, amazing alumni, and generous sponsors. And to our excep-
tionally talented student attendees, we are honored to have you here with us today.
Sincerely,
The Women of Isenberg Student Planning Committee
Lauren Casaceli, Abigail Wells, Mary Lynch, Diana Cioccolini, Casey Gover
Share your experience with us at today’s conference by tweeting and using #WOI2015.
5. 5
Thank you to Isenberg Community
The Women of Isenberg Student Planning Committee would like to express its deepest
gratitude to the entire Isenberg community and everyone at the University of
Massachusetts Amherst who helped make today possible. We appreciate all of the
support and assistance we have received in the planning and execution of the second
annual Women of Isenberg Conference.
We would like to once again, thank our sponsors, our keynote speakers, and all of the
panelists who bravely shared their unique and memorable stories. We would like to
thank the Isenberg Women in Business club for their partnership and determination to
continue to improve this event. We would also like to thank the following Isenberg
Departments: Marketing and Communications, Development, Undergraduate, IT, and
the Chase Career Center.
A special thanks is needed for Chris Pilsner and Allison Furkey, for their assistance in
branding and marketing this event to students, alumni, and faculty. We greatly
appreciate Davies DeCesare-Fousek for his mastery of the Women of Isenberg website.
Thank you also to Campus Design and Copy for working with us on the design and
printing of marketing materials. And finally, we would like to thank Dean Fuller and
Dean Shea for their continued support and belief in the mission of this conference.
Thank you to everyone who attended. We hope you walk away from today’s conference
feeling inspired and bold.
Sincerely,
Kim Figueroa, Bonnie Zima Dowd, Meghan Smith
Lauren Casaceli ’15, Abigail Wells ’15, Mary Lynch ’15,
Diana Ciccolini ’16, Casey Gover ’16, Christine Cavallaro ‘17
6. 6
8:30am Registration & Morning Refreshments (Atrium)|
9:15am-9:50am Welcoming Remarks & Keynote Speech by Nicole Simeral
(Flavin Auditorium)
10:00am-10:50am Breakout Session 1
Panels during this session include Networking (Room 108),
Start Ups (Room 106), Building your Brand (Room 112).
11:00am- 11:50 am Breakout Session 2
Panels during this session include: Career Advocating
(Room 108), Women in Sports (Room 106), Finding a
Balance (Room 112) and Building your Brand 2 (Room 210).
12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch
Lunch will be buffet style, after breakout session 2, please
return to the Atrium to get your lunch and proceed to any of
the following classrooms: 117, 118, 119, 122, 123, 125.
1:10pm- 2:00pm Breakout Session 3
Panels during this session include: How to grow to the
C-Level Positions (Room 108), Young Alumnae (Room 106)
and Corporate Social Responsibility (Room 112).
2:00pm-2:30pm Career Meet and Greet
The Career Reception will take place in the lobby outside of
Flavin and in the downstairs lobby. This is opportunity for
students to connect with our sponsors regarding career and
internship opportunities. Additionally, students have the
opportunity to speak with alumnae.
2:40pm- 3:15pm Keynote Speech by Kelly O’Kane and Closing Remarks
(Flavin Auditorium)
SCHEDULE
OF EVENTS
7. 7
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
KELLY O’KANE
Kelly O’Kane originally hails from Hudson, MA and graduated from UMass in
2010 with a degree in Finance and a minor in Japanese. While at UMass, Kelly
served as President of the Finance Society and Portfolio Manager of the Min-
utemen Equity Fund. After graduation, she moved across the country to San
Francisco where she worked as an investment banking analyst in Piper Jaffray’s
technology group. After two years, Kelly joined Institutional Venture Partners
(IVP) as an Associate. She focuses primarily on identifying and evaluating later-
stage investments within the information technology and digital media sectors
and has worked on IVP’s investments in Dataminr, Progreso Financiero, Prosper,
TuneIn, Zendesk (ZEN), and ZEFR. Kelly also co-founded Women in Tech and
Finance, an organization that provides networking opportunities for early career
women in traditionally male-dominated industries, and sits on the board of Next-
Gen Partners, a network of pre-partner VCs in Silicon Valley.
NICOLE SIMERAL
Nicole Simeral opened her event planning business in January 2013 after serving
as Director of Catering for the Boston Harbor Hotel, a five star luxury hotel, for
nearly 8 years. Prior to that, she worked for 3+ years in sales, catering and event
management at the Seaport Hotel, Marina Bay’s Summer House and Eat Well
Catering. Nicole uses her operational experience and expertise to manage her
wedding clients through one of the most personal moments of their lives. Nicole
has been named “The Problem Solver” for effortlessly moving through day-of
challenges from falling wedding cakes, absent rabbis and of course the occasion-
al rain storm. Nicole oversees all the day’s moving parts so the bride, groom and
their families are able to truly enjoy the magic of their day. Nicole extends her
services to select corporate clients, adding touches of luxury and charm to their
events. Her distinguishing service and unbridled commitment leaves her clients
routinely signing praises of fluid communication and effortless planning, leading
to flawless events. Nicole graduated from UMass Amherst in the spring of 2002
with a BS in Hotel, Restaurant & Travel Administration when she spoke at commencement. Throughout college, Nicole
held several part-time F&B jobs both on and off campus, including Hampshire Dining Hall and Flint Café. Throughout
the years Nicole has gained significant experience in liaising with political figures, sports icons, corporate leaders and in-
dustry executives which has developed her business-partner acumen and finely tuned her attention to detail and sense of
urgency. In her first year of business Nicole managed 11 individual events. In 2014 she increased that number by more
than 400% to 46 events and is on pace to continue growing her business in 2015 to more than 60 events.
8. 8
BREAKOUT SESSION 1, 10:00-10:50AM
Networking (Room 108):
According to the US. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately, 70% percent of all jobs are found through
networking, only more reason to become a networking expert! This panel will focus on learning the
importance of networking, including stories of how alumnae have utilized their own network to find a
different career opportunity. Alumnae will share their best practices for how they have kept in touch with
alumni and former co-workers. For those who are resistant to the idea of networking, alumnae will offer
alternatives for those who are not yet comfortable with this practice.
Liz Diggin
Liz Diggin graduated in 2004 from the Isenberg School of Management with
a focus in Operations Management. Before she graduated she was offered
an Executive position with Target and have been with the company for
over 10 years. She has had several different positions in the Greater Bos-
ton area including Store Operations Executive, Campus Recruiter and now
Store Team Leader. She lives in Foxboro with her husband Jay, who is also a
UMass graduate, and her dog Jack.
Kimberly Bilawchuk
Kim Bilawchuk helps young professionals get “unstuck” and find rewarding
careers. Kim brings nearly 20 years of corporate and academic counseling
experience to help her clients explore their career goals, assess their skills,
and develop essential career tools. Prior to starting her own practice, Kim
coached and counseled professionals in a variety of corporate technology
and financial services settings at companies such as Teradyne and BNY Mel-
lon Financial. She has also counseled students of all ages and backgrounds
at many local college and universities, including Babson College, Boston
University, Boston College and most recently at UMass Lowell, where she
has taught a Professional Development Seminar to help students prepare for
co-op and the world of work.
9. 9
Colleen Dowd
Colleen is a Director in PwC’s Risk Assurance Practice in Boston, MA. Over
the past 14 years her focus has been in the financial services industry,
primarily in the asset management and insurance sectors. Colleen is on the
Board of the Directors and finance committee at Girls Inc. of Worcester. In
2012 she was recognized by the MA Society of Certified Public Accountants
as a Woman to Watch Emerging Leader. Colleen graduated with honors
from the University of Massachusetts’ Isenberg School of Management with
a degree in Accounting and Information systems and is a Certified Public Ac-
countant (Massachusetts).
Colleen M. Cauley-Ritacco
Immediately following completion of her Bachelor of Science in Business
Management, Colleen accepted a commission in the United States Marine
Corps as a Second Lieutenant. Colleen served four years on active duty in
the Marine Corps including one deployment to Kuwait and Iraq, acting as a
Company Executive Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom I. Colleen re-
signed from active duty in 2004 as a Captain. In the years following Colleen
has worked in growing project management positions at Pulte Homes, Bose
and the United States Census Bureau. After two years of study, Colleen
received her MBA from the Isenberg School of Management in 2013; she is
currently employed at BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. as a Supply Chain Project
Lead.
It was one of the most rewarding experiences that
I participated in during my freshman year. Whether
it was meeting with successful alumnae or learning
about women equality in the workplace; I found
every aspect helpful and motivating.
– Shannon Murphy ’17
10. 10
Startups (Room 106):
Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey that often creates some of the greatest success stories. Creating
your own business can be both enticing and difficult. The alumnae on this panel will offer unique insight
on what inspired them to start their own ventures while others will share what it has been like working
with startups. Challenges that are often faced will be discussed along with details of where alumnae got
their inspiration to work at a start up or start a new venture.
Beth Gamel:
In 1986 Beth co-founded Pillar Financial Advisors, which merged with Argent
Wealth Management in 2013. For seven consecutive years, Worth Magazine
named her as one of the “best financial advisors” in the country. The Boston
Globe described her as one of “New England’s leading financial planners.”
Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of
North Carolina and earned her M.S.B.A. in accounting from the University
of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Management. She is a member of the
Isenberg Leadership Board, co-founded Women for UMass and served on
the Board of Directors of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Founda-
tion from 2003 to 2013.
Kathleen Plath
Kathleen has led the marketing, product and business development efforts
in both large and small healthcare services, software and IT companies.
Kathleen has also successfully launched a clinical and financial electronic
health record solution for the home health market. She completed her un-
dergraduate work at the Isenberg School and received her graduate degree
in Innovation and Technology from Boston University. She has received nu-
merous marketing awards, and is co-author of research publications. Along
with her husband Scott Plath, a fellow UMASS Amherst Alumni, she is also
co-owner of two successful restaurants north of Boston. Kathleen and Scott
have three daughters and they reside in Tyngsboro, MA.
11. 11
Julie Reynolds
Julie is a scientist at heart who brought her passion for chemistry and
entrepreneurship to EY, focusing on providing assurance services to start
up biotechnology and medical device companies. A 2012 UMass graduate
in Chemistry and Accounting, much of her passion for the industry came
from the diversity of thought gained across both sides of the campus pond.
While at EY, she has become involved in various community service projects
- heading up the EY Rodman Ride team and volunteering as a mentor in the
community through College MAP. She is passionate about traveling, cook-
ing, and photography.
Christina Calvaneso:
Christina Calvaneso joined Eyeview as the Senior Vice President of Finance
and Business Operations, overseeing the company’s financial strategy,
planning and operations. She joined from Criteo, where she scaled the
North American Finance team through triple digit growth and IPO readi-
ness. Calvaneso started her career at General Electric in various finance
roles across the globe, followed by Deloitte Consulting, where she managed
multi-million dollar global engagement for Fortune 500 clients. She began
her startup career as the head of Finance at Rent the Runway. Calvaneso
graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Finance and Operations
Management from UMASS Amherst. In 2014, she received the Isenberg
Young Alumni Award at the Isenberg Business Leadership Awards.
My biggest challenge every
day is to be a great mother
and a great businesswoman.
- Tory Burch
12. 12
Building Your Brand 1 (Room 112)
Managing your reputation and building your brand can be crucial to your professional growth. Learn
how alumnae have created their own brand and differentiated themselves in the workplace. Was it by
leveraging their unique set of analytical abilities, bringing a positive energy to all endeavors, or utilizing
creative skills to brainstorm a unique marketing plan? Alumnae will share how they have created a name
for themselves, including how various social media platforms have helped them make connections or
even find a new job.
Natty Hoffman:
Natty Hoffman is a 2001 graduate of U-Mass Amherst with degrees in
Finance and Journalism. Post-graduation, she traveled across the US and
Canada as a software consultant, implementing financial systems for Fortune
500 companies. She then completed an MBA at the University of Toronto
and worked as a client manager at IBM for 5 years. She is now director of
operations for Prattle Analytics, a text analytics start-up, and is mom to a
4-month old baby boy.
Anna Nagurney:
Anna Nagurney is the John F. Smith Memorial Professor of Operations Man-
agement and the Director of the Virtual Center for Supernetworks at the Is-
enberg School of Management. She is the author of 11 books, as well as 170
journal articles. She has worked in industry in the high tech sector and has
held visiting appointments at MIT, Harvard, the Royal Institute of Technol-
ogy in Stockholm, Sweden, the School of Business, Economics and Law at
the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, and has been awarded Fulbrights
at the SOWI Business School in Innsbruck, Austria, and at the University of
Catania in Italy.
13. 13
Denise Durgin
Prior to joining Host Hotels & Resorts in 2014 as Sr. Director Sales Strategy
Asset Management, Denise worked with Marriott International and The
Ritz-Carlton for 25 years in various leadership roles including: sales, revenue
management, PR, event management, general sales management and busi-
ness development. Denise has won several national and regional awards
for top sales performance and was also recognized by Host Hotels & Resorts
as a “Best in Class ® “ Sales Leader during her tenure at Marriott. She is
currently an active mentor within the Department of Hospitality and Tourism
Management Isenberg School of Management. Denise has four stepdaugh-
ters; three Westie pups, loves reading, exercise and resides in McLean VA
with her husband Patrick Maloney.
Linda Ronan
Linda is a 1982 graduate of the then UMASS School of Business. After
graduating with a degree in accounting, Linda spent 17 years with Ander-
sen Consulting. She is currently with Fidelity Investments. Linda and her
husband Bob live in Hopkinton, MA and they are the parents of two current
Isenberg students – Michael - ’15 and Katherine - ’17.
The conference helped me better understand
how challenging it must be for women to enter
male-dominated fields, like business. It was an
enlightening experience that every man should
have to go through.
–Alex Brown ‘15
14. 14
BREAKOUT SESSION 2, 11:00-11:50AM
Women in Sports (Room 106):
Gone are the days of male dominance in the world of sports! Alumnae will share their experiences and
lessons working as women in the sports industry, including times they felt empowered and times went
they felt held back because of their gender. As we look to the future, panelists will share their feelings on
the underrepresentation of women’s sports in the media and their hopes for the future of women in the
sports world.
Victoria Koutris
Victoria is a Senior Account Executive with Optimum Sports, sports market-
ing and media agency located in New York City and a division of Omnicom
Media Group. She graduated from the Isenberg School of Management
in May 2012 with a B.B.A. in Sport Management and Marketing. During
her years at UMass, she interned for IMG, the Boston Red Sox, the Boston
Bruins, the New England Patriots, and the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Aus-
tralia. In addition, she was a member of the Senior Campaign Committee,
Isenberg Senior Class Gift Committee, the UMass Hellenic Society and an
ambassador for the Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management.
Kristen Kuliga
Kristen Kuliga has worked in the sports and entertainment industry for the
past twenty years and is currently the founder of K Sports & Entertainment,
LLC, a sports and entertainment management and marketing firm. As an
NFL certified contract advisor, Kristen was the first woman to negotiate a
starting NFL quarterback’s contract, having negotiated Doug Flutie’s $33
million contract with the San Diego Chargers and is one of approximately
30 women certified by the NFLPA (out of approximately 800 certified NFL
agents). Kristen also previously oversaw business development for a venture
capital firm with investments in sports and entertainment entities work-
ing with mega music artists including Aerosmith, Christina Aguilera, Jewel,
DMC, and Patti LaBell. Outside of her day-to-day responsibilities at K Sports,
Kristen sits on the Board of Directors at a variety of foundations and commit-
tees. Kristen is a cum laude graduate of both the University of Massachusetts
at Amherst and Suffolk University Law School.
15. 15
Building Your Brand 2 (Room 210):
Managing your reputation and building your brand can be crucial to your professional growth. Learn
how alumnae have created their own brand and differentiated themselves in the workplace. Was it by
leveraging their unique set of analytical abilities, bringing a positive energy to all endeavors, or utilizing
creative skills to brainstorm a unique marketing plan? Alumnae will share how they have created a name
for themselves, including how various social media platforms have helped them make connections or
even find a new job.
Victoria Vega
Victoria Vega brings extensive contract foodservice experience to lead
Unidine’s Specialty Culinary Group. An active member of the Society for
Hospitality & Foodservice Management, Vega currently serves on the as-
sociation’s Board of Directors and was an original member of the Women’s
Council Steering Committee. She received the prestigious Richard Ysmael
Distinguished Service Award for her dedication to onsite dining. A graduate
of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Vega is currently supporting
the HTM Department on the Leadership Board and as an Executive Mentor.
She has been profiled among distinguished alumni in the university’s 2010
magazine for her contributions to the hospitality industry.
Sandra Costa
Sandra Costa is a Senior Manager in PwC’s Asset Management Assurance
Practice with a focus on registered mutual funds. She is also a member of
PwC’s National Chief Auditor Network and serves as a Market Team Chief
Auditor in PwC’s Boston office, focusing on quality across engagements and
audit methodology. Sandra graduated from UMass Amherst in 2004 with
a BBA in Accounting and visits the campus a few times a year for recruiting
events and on campus interviews. She also co-founded the PwC Alumni
Scholarship, which is presented annually to a UMass accounting student who
excels academically and exhibits the PwC behaviors.
16. 16
Melissa Baker
Melissa A. Baker, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Hospi-
tality and Tourism Management at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her
teaching focuses on restaurant management, services marketing, and human
resources management. Her research focuses on service failure recovery,
customer complaining, and appearance and impression formation.
Elizabeth Morgan
Elizabeth is a partner for the IBM Global Business Services Business Analytics
and Optimization service line focused on digital marketing and social media.
She was previously the Vice President of Business Development at Vis-
ible Technologies. At Visible, Elizabeth also served as VP of Client Services
responsible for Account Management, Data Analytics reporting services and
customer support. Her clients included American Express, Sprint, Xerox and
Dr. Pepper Snapple. Elizabeth holds an MBA from the University of Wash-
ington (2001) and a B.B.A in Finance from the University of Massachusetts
Amherst (1983).
I always did something I was a little not ready
to do. I think that’s how you grow. When
there’s that moment of, ‘Wow, I am not
really sure I can do this,’ and you push through
those moments that’s when you have a
breakthrough.
– Marissa Mayer
17. 17
Finding a Balance (Room 112):
Work/Life Balance, a popular topic among those of all ages and career levels. This panel will explore
how alumnae have managed to find the balance by prioritizing the goals and commitments that matter
most to them. Is it possible to integrate work and social life? If not what tough choices have alumnae
had to make between the two?
Kara Martin Snyder
Kara Martin Snyder, CHHC is the Owner/Strategist over at vital corps, a
health and lifestyle studio located at the intersection of strategic action and
self-care. She’s got the classroom and professional creds that many health
coaches have but she’s also got an arsenal of bad-assery stemming from her
boardroom, kitchen, and street savvy. Serving whipsmart, frazzled, Type-A
women since 2009, Kara deconstructs the broken processes in her clients’
lives and together they co-create actionable, manageable steps to creating
healthier lives spiked with passion and slathered with joy. You can visit Kara’s
little slice of digital Shangri-La at http://vitalcorpswellness.com/.
Elizabeth Miller
Elizabeth Miller is an associate professor of marketing at the Isenberg School
at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research focuses on con-
sumer behavior and she teaches courses on services marketing, consumer
behavior, and an advertising practicum. She lives in Williamstown, MA with
her husband and two children where she has learned how to balance the
art of juggling multiple schedules while also managing a lengthy commute.
Prior to teaching at UMass, Prof. Miller was on the faculty at Boston College
(an even longer commute from Williamstown).
Sabrina Harris
Sabrina Harris is a Team Support Specialist within Fidelity Investments’ Re-
tirement Solutions Group. Sabrina coaches representatives on the technical
aspects of employer plans, retirement planning and implementing successful
sales strategies. Sabrina graduated from UMass Amherst in 2007 with a BA
in Economics and a minor in Political Science. In 2012, she achieved her
designation as a Certified Financial Planner.
18. 18
Chris Foley Pilsner
Chris Foley Pilsner is the Chief Marketing Officer of Isenberg School of
Management, a candidate in Isenberg’s Online MBA program, married to
a research scientist/professor and last but certainly not least—mother to
two children under age 4. Before joining Isenberg in June 2013, she spent
nearly 20 years in New York, London and the Midwest managing a broad
spectrum of consumer marketing challenges: from shooting beauty ads with
celebrities to launching complex financial and pharmaceutical products.
Chris has a BA in English, Women’s Studies and Political Science from Vil-
lanova University.
Diana Frascella
Diana Frascella is Manager of Global Programs, Talent Acquisition at Cim-
press, the parent company of Vistaprint. Prior to Cimpress, Diana worked for
five years as an Auditor and then a Campus Development Manager, in the
Boston office of KPMG. Diana graduated summa cum laude from the Univer-
sity of Massachusetts-Amherst, where she received her BBA in Accounting
and a minor in Psychology. Outside of Cimpress, Diana resides in Medfield,
MA with her husband and 2 children. In the rare moments when she has free
time, Diana loves reading, working out and trying out new restaurants.
What an engaging and inspiring
event! I enjoyed the choice of
panels to attend and the
speakers ranged from so many
industries that every attendee
could walk away with a new
wealth of knowledge. Great job,
Isenberg WiB!
– Laurie Kamenetsky, Class of 2016
19. 19
(Career Advocating Room 108):
Advocating for one’s self is crucial for both personal and professional development. This can be a chal-
lenging task without the confidence necessary to express your intentions. This panel aims to better pre-
pare students on how to have and manage the tough conversations including how to seek a promotion
or negotiating your salary. Alumnae will also discuss career changes and the factors that influenced their
decisions to make the change.
Cristine Jorge
Cristine Jorge is a Sr. Subcontract Administrator for New Development
Programs at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a division of United Technologies.
Her previous roles in contract administration, financial compliance and audit
have spanned the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining
Sikorsky, she led the fiscal and contract compliance functions for the City of
Philadelphia’s $25 million Children’s Investment Strategy initiative. Cristine
holds a Bachelor’s degree from Smith College and an MBA from the Isen-
berg School of Management.
Saba Nejatian
Saba Nejatian is currently a Planning Manager at J.Crew, overseeing
women’s footwear and accessories. She joined J.Crew in 2012 as an associ-
ate planner of women’s apparel. She received a B.B.A. in Finance & Opera-
tions Management (with a minor in Information Technology) from Isenberg
in 2009. Prior to J.Crew, she worked in Financial Planning & Analysis at both
EMC and The Monitor Group. She is from Newton, Massachusetts and cur-
rently resides in New York City.
20. 20
Melissa Lockett
Melissa Lockett, a Vice President at Citi Community Capital (CCC), originates
construction and permanent lending and related structured financings spe-
cializing in multifamily affordable housing finance. Prior to this role, Melissa
was a Vice President in Citigroup’s Global Retail Banking Finance group.
Melissa was an equity research associate at Susquehanna Financial Group
covering the Managed Care and Hospital & Facilities sectors prior to rejoin-
ing Citigroup. She received her B.B.A. in Finance & Operations Manage-
ment from University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2009.
Meredith Coughlin
Senior Manager, Financial Services Office. Meredith has more than 10 years
of experience in EY’s Boston and New York Offices serving global clients
in the financial services industry servicing asset management and banking
clients. Meredith serves as an instructor of Ernst & Young training classes,
speaker, counselor and mentor. She also serves as a chair of the Profes-
sional Women’s Network. She is a graduate of University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Northeastern
University, MS/MBA in Accounting. Meredith holds her CPA in both MA and
NY.
You may not always have a comfortable life and
you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s
problems at once but don’t ever underestimate
the importance you can have because history has
shown us that courage can be contagious and
hope can take on a life of its own.
– Michelle Obama
21. 21
BREAKOUT SESSION 3, 1:10-2:50PM
Corporate Social Responsibility (Room 112):
It is becoming increasingly more important for Millennials to consider the triple-bottom line when
conducting business. This panel will help you better understand how you can become of a steward of
sustainability and encourage your organization to consider the environmental externalities of their work.
Alumnae will discuss how they have helped integrate social responsibility practices into a company’s core
values.
Kristin (Slusser) Fafard
Kristin has two full time jobs. She is the mother of four (Sydney 18, Cameron
15, Emily 12, Anna 7) and they and her husband Matt reside in Milford MA.
She is also the Chief Investment Officer of Federal Street Advisors. Prior to
joining Federal Street, she was a Vice President/Officer to MassMutual’s 4
mutual fund companies and prior to that was an AVP at Allmerica Financial
in Worcester. Kristin, who is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
designation, is a graduate of the Isenberg School of Management at the
University of Massachusetts at Amherst and holds the CEBS designation co-
sponsored by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Linda Enghagen
Linda Enghagen is an attorney and professor in the Isenberg School of Man-
agement where she teaches courses related to business law and professional
ethics. In addition to her law degree (Suffolk University Law School), she
holds a B.A. in Political Science and Religious Studies from the University of
Wisconsin-Eau Claire. For approximately six years, she practiced aw focus-
ing on tax law, estate planning, and small business organizations. She is a
theology school dropout.
22. 22
Cynthia Barstow
Cynthia Barstow is the Founder/Executive Director of Protect Our Breasts,
an interdisciplinary communications initiative sharing scientific discover-
ies and safer alternatives to everyday toxins found in products on grocery
store shelves that contribute to breast cancer. She teaches sustainability
marketing, fundamentals of marketing and consumer behavior as well as the
interdisciplinary Endocrine Disruptors in the Marketplace seminar (with biol-
ogy) at the UMass Isenberg School of Management. Barstow is the President
of Seed to Shelf: Marketing for Sustainability, a marketing consulting firm for
the natural and organic industry. She is the author of The Eco-Foods Guide
(2002 New Society) and a frequent industry speaker.
Angela Smith
Named as one of Vermont’s 40 under 40 by Vermont Business Magazine,
Angela Smith is a human resources and career coaching professional, an
author and speaker. Her work has been featured on the Daily Muse, Forbes,
Mashable, LearnVest, and LinkedIn Today. She is currently the Director of
Happiness Resources at SunCommon, Vermont’s fastest-growing solar com-
pany and a certified Benefit Corporation. Angela is currently pursuing her
MBA from the Isenberg School of Management.
The speakers
were truly
inspiring and
informative!
- Christina Monte, Director of
Student Enrollment and Success
23. 23
Young Alumnae (Room 106):
Interested in learning more about what life will be like after graduating from Isenberg? Hear from recent
graduates on what the transition from college to the working world was like for them. How did their
financial situations influence decisions? What steps did they take to secure a job before graduating?
How did internships and their first jobs differ from one another? This panel aims to give undergraduates
a better understanding of what lies ahead after graduation.
Meghan Pervere
Meghan Pervere, Certified Public Accountant, Personal Financial Specialist,
is a Tax Manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in Boston, MA. She man-
ages and leads large complex client engagements with sophisticated high
net worth and ultra high net worth individuals. Her clients include partners
and managing directors of private equity/venture capital/hedge fund firms,
closely held business owners and their families, C-Suite corporate execu-
tives, and large family offices. Meghan graduated in 2009 with both her BBA
and Masters in accounting.
Kelli Gralia
Kelli Gralia is a Senior Allocation Analyst at The TJX Companies in Framing-
ham, MA. She has been responsible for planning and allocating up to $15M
in merchandise each week. Her experience spans across several depart-
ments, including handbags, accessories, young men’s apparel and men’s ac-
tive apparel. Kelli graduated from The University of Massachusetts-Amherst
in 2013 with a BA in Marketing from the Isenberg School of Management.
24. 24
Libby Johnson
After graduating in 2010 with her MBA from Isenberg, she secured a job in a
technology project management role with Fidelity Investments. After three
years in the technology group with Fidelity, she applied and was accepted
into the General Management Apprentice Program, a two-year rotational
program in which every six months she changes positions in the company
and locations in the country. Most recently, she moved back home to Bos-
ton for her last rotation after spending six months in Dallas, Texas.
Taylor van der Mandele
Taylor received her BS from Cornell University in 2005 and MBA from UMass
Amherst in 2013. In between programs, she did corporate event planning
in D.C., and worked in the tourism industry in Colorado and Alaska. During
her time at Isenberg, Taylor began work in the rug industry. She now owns a
small business importing rugs from various parts of the world and distribut-
ing to the interior design trade.
Someone once told me growth
and comfort do not coexist. And
I think it’s a really good thing to
remember.
– Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM
25. 25
How to Grow to C- Level Positions (Room 108):
To this day, the percentage of women in C-level positions does not reflect the potential and capabili-
ties of women as a whole. Moving into an upper level management position is a huge feat. How do
you break the glass ceiling and make it to the top? This diverse group of panelists will share their career
paths, early experiences in management positions and the self- reflecting they did along the way to get
where they are today. Learn what steps you can take to move from a first year employee into the c- suite.
Jane Goldstein
Results focused professional with proven abilities to engage internal and
external clients and achieve targeted goals. Innovative, creative and col-
laborative approach to building relationships and partnerships and propel-
ling organizations forward. Her background includes performance as a sales
professional for multiple organizations, and establishing and running my own
company for 15 years. She graduated with a BBA from Isenberg and cur-
rently serves as the National Sales Manager at Boston Convention Marketing
Center.
Pat Parcellin
Pat Parcellin is Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Eastern MA. She
has more than three decades of financial industry and global operations
experience, as well as seven years of nonprofit board service. Pat was at
State Street Corporation for more than 20 years. Pat’s nonprofit experience
includes leadership roles on the UMass Amherst Foundation Board, the
Boston Children’s Museum Board, the UNICEF Women’s Luncheon Steering
Committee, and at Women Unlimited.
26. 26
Tiffany Greene
Tiffany Greene joined Disability Management Services (DMS) in August 2007
and currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources. Tiffany oversees
a team of human resources professionals and manages the overall provision
of HR services to effectively balance business requirements with positive
employee relations practices. Prior to joining DMS, she served as the HR
Manager for the Connection Systems Division of Amphenol Corporation in
Nashua, NH. Tiffany graduated with honors from the University of Massachu-
setts Amherst with a BBA from the Isenberg School.
Traci Hess:
Traci J. Hess is a Professor of Information Systems in the Operations & Infor-
mation Management Department in the Isenberg School of Management.
Professor Hess began her career in public accounting working for Ernst &
Whinney and progressed to become Senior Vice President and Chief Oper-
ating Officer at a regional bank before pursuing her Masters in Information
Systems and a Ph.D. in Business Information Technology at Virginia Tech.
Professor Hess teaches Business Intelligence & Analytics at the undergradu-
ate and MBA levels, and serves on the editorial boards of several journals.
If I had to embrace a definition of
success, it would be that success is
making the best choices we can…and
accepting them.
– Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook
27. 27
WOMEN OF ISENBERG PLANNING TEAM
Jane Anne Kaplan:
Jane Anne Kaplan (Janie) – BBA with a concentration in Finance, 1979. 33
years as an IT Systems Consultant for American Management Systems, Inc.
and CGI Inc. Roles included: Business Systems Analyst and Project Man-
ager on custom system development projects across industries; Corporate
Marketing and Public Relations Manager; and Account Executive managing
the firm’s hospital clients.
Dean Linda Shea:
Dr. Linda Shea is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and
Professor in the Isenberg school. She completed her Ph.D. in Marketing from
the University of Colorado Boulder and has taught marketing-related cours-
es in both marketing and hospitality departments for more than 35 years.
She earned international recognition as a recipient of two teaching awards:
The Association of Graduate School Awards for Excellence in Teaching and
Innovative Graduate Program Development and the John Wiley & Sons
Award for Innovation in Teaching. Her research interest is in Services Market-
ing and her research has been published in leading hospitality journals and
she served as editor of the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education
from 2000-2007. She is also co-editor of the book, “Pioneers in the Hospital-
ity Industry, Lessons from Leaders, Innovators and Visionaries (2009).” Since
becoming the undergraduate Dean in Isenberg 4 years ago, the Undergrad-
uate Business School Ranking (Bloomberg Business Week) has risen from
72nd to 36th in the nation overall and 14th among public institutions.
28. 28
Kimberly Figueroa:
Kimberly Figueroa, Isenberg’s Internship Director since 2000, has been
instrumental in building student success programs from the former ExCEL
program and ExCEL Case Study Competition to the current sophomore
career class. She manages the Chase Career Center’s Recruiting Edge blog
which has transformed all career center communications with the Isenberg
community. Known for her passion and commitment to Isenberg students,
Kim has built a loyal following among current students, alumni and
employers. Prior to her career at UMASS, Kim managed the Springfield, MA
office of Manpower Staffing Services. Outside of her work at the Isenberg
School of Management, Kim is a flutist who performs frequently in the West-
ern Massachusetts region.
Bonnie Zima Dowd:
Bonnie Zima Dowd, Director Annual Fund, Isenberg School of Management,
UMASS Amherst; Smith College, 1977 A.B. Bonnie began her development
career at Smith, before going on to lead development programs at social
service organizations and academic institutions. She has also provided an-
nual giving and capital campaign consulting services to area non-profits.
Bonnie has been with UMASS Amherst for more then 10 years. She lives in
Hatfield, MA and has three children.
The energy and ideas exchanged at the
Inaugural Women of Isenberg Conference
were empowering. It was also fabulous
to see former students who are shining
stars in their careers!
- Professor Anna Nagurney
29. 29
Meghan Smith:
Meg has been the Director of Undergraduate Programs and Operations
in the Undergraduate Programs Office in the Isenberg School of Manage-
ment since 2012. Meg manages the Isenberg Scholarship Program and the
on-campus transfer application process, in addition to planning events such
as the Isenberg Senior Celebration. In addition to Meg’s role in the Isen-
berg Undergraduate Programs Office, she is a Delegate Council member of
the Professional Staff Union (PSU/MTA/NEA) at the University. In addition,
Meg is a member of the Student Code of Conduct Hearing Board and the
Student Activities & Involvement Leadership Conference Committee. Meg
is an alumna of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a M.Ed. in
Social Justice Education from the School of Education. Meg’s undergraduate
degree is from Westfield State University.
Lauren Casaceli:
Lauren Casaceli is a senior Isenberg student studying management with a
concentration in Human Resources. Over the past four years she has enjoyed
growing from a member of Isenberg Women In Business to serving as the co-
president and helping transform the organization to become one of the most
active Isenberg student clubs. She has been passionate about the Women
of Isenberg Conference since its inception in 2014 and will tell anyone that it
truly has been the best experience she’s had at Isenberg. Aside, from her role
in WiB, Lauren works in the Chase Career Center and serves as a member of
the Senior Gift Campaign. Off campus, you can find Lauren spending time
with family and friends, cooking, and taking up spinning classes.
30. 30
Abigail Wells:
Abby Wells is a senior Isenberg student studying Management with a minor
in Education. She has been involved with Women in Business since entering
Isenberg as a freshman and has enjoyed being an integral part of it’s growth
over the past 4 years. Currently the co-president of the club, Abby hopes
that the development and strengthening of WiB will continue. Outside of
Isenberg, Abby enjoys watching the Red Sox and surfing the South Shore..
especially after a solid New England hurricane.
Mary Lynch:
Mary Lynch is a senior Isenberg student studying management with a con-
centration in sustainable business practices and a minor in art history. She
joined the Isenberg Women in Business club as a first year student and has
enjoyed helping the direction of the club transform over the past four years
as it has started to tackle difficult conversations about gender equality in the
workplace. Mary notes that being a member of the Women of Isenberg Con-
ference planning committee for the past two years has been one of her most
fulfilling experiences at UMass. Mary is also an executive board member
of Protect Our Breasts, a non-profit organization based out of Isenberg that
spreads the message of breast cancer prevention by avoiding environmental
toxins.
Casey Gover
Casey Gover is a junior in the Isenberg School of Management pursuing a
dual degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management and Marketing. She is
thrilled to be serving as a current WOI Chair and future Co-President of WIB.
Being a part of WIB has been the best decision she’s made during her time
at Isenberg. She is so grateful for the opportunities she’s been given and for
the friendships she has made.
31. 31
Diana Ciccolini
Diana Ciccolini is an aspiring accountant with an auditing internship at EY
in Boston. She will be graduating in 2016 with hopes of joining the MSA
Program here at Isenberg to fulfill the 150 credit requirement for the CPA
exam. She has been a part of Isenberg Women in Business since she joined
Isenberg her sophomore year. Outside of WiB, Diana can be found watching
the Red Sox, knitting, baking, and hanging out with her best friends.
Crissy Cavallaro
Christine Cavallaro is a sophomore in the Isenberg School of Management
pursuing a degree in Marketing and a Studio Arts minor. She will be gradu-
ating in 2017 with hopes of entering the advertising field. Being a part of
WiB since her freshman year has allowed her to create lasting friendships
within the business school while also experiencing many professionally de-
veloping opportunities the club offers. She is grateful to have been a part of
the Women of Isenberg Conference planning committee and looks forward
to the planning of future conferences.
