Proud to BU

Mary Timony (CFA’92) is a luminary of indie rock, renowned for her distinctive guitar style and innovative approach to music-making. Named among Rolling Stone’s top 250 guitarists of all time, Timony has left her distinctive mark on contemporary music as a singer-songwriter, as well as a member of bands Ex-Hex, Autoclave, Helium, and Wild Flag. In this episode, Timony explores her musical path from classical guitar to DC hardcore to indie rock trailblazer, and how she has navigated the delicate balance between creative expression and the practicalities of making a living amidst personal pain and a rapidly evolving music industry. Mary Timony’s latest solo album, Untame the Tiger, can be found at an independent record store near you or on your favorite music streaming platform. -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

As the former editor in chief of the Daily Free Press, journalist Saba Hamedy (COM’13, CAS’13) was responsible for publishing a daily newspaper and managing a crew of students, all while completing a full-time dual-degree program at BU. On this episode, learn about Saba’s career journey from FreeP to covering entertainment, politics, and culture at news outlets such as the LA Times, Huffington Post, CNN, and her current role as culture & trends editor for NBC News Digital. -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

For Mary McManus (COM’76) contracting polio in Kindergarten was just one of the many challenges she faced throughout her childhood. Despite her difficult upbringing, Mary went on to have a long career in social work until, in her early-50s, she was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, a neuromuscular disease that doctors said could cause Mary to lose her mobility. In this episode, hear how this devastating diagnosis inspired Mary to defy the odds and complete the unlikely goal of running the Boston Marathon, and how she has channeled her health struggles and personal trauma into a successful second career as a poet, author, and motivational speaker.  Her 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" will be released on May 25, 2024. Find details on her website at http://www.marymcmanus.com/mostunlikelyrunner and don’t miss the profile of Mary in Bostonia Magazine. Please note: this episode includes a discussion of a family member’s suicide. If you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Over more than two decades in media and politics, Marcelo Garcia (Pardee’96) has become a foremost expert and grassroots organizer in digital leadership, fighting the rising scourge of online disinformation and digital violence. In this episode, hear how Marcelo’s creation of the BU Mexican Students Association lit the political spark which eventually led him to a position in the Mexican Congress, and how his role as the Co-Founder of the Academia Política Digital empowers him to bridge the digital transformation gap and train the public leaders of the future with the tools to excel in our evolving digital world.   -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

As a cello performance grad student, Kendall Ramseur (CFA’12) was thrust into the spotlight when his BU student quartet Sons of Serendip became a national sensation on hit competition show “America’s Got Talent.” On this episode, hear about Kendall’s incredible musical journey of emotional healing and connection -- from performing for Dr. Maya Angelou to touring across the world with Sons of Serendip to composing solo and symphonic work for various media – and about his latest venture as Co-Founder and Music Director for the upcoming Sound Grove Community Studios in Malden, MA. Listen to Kendall’s music and learn more about his work at https://www.kendallramseur.com/. --  Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

After an early career practicing law, Larry Freedman (Questrom’85) took a leap toward his first love of professional sports and moved to Hollywood to manage a portfolio of minor league baseball teams across the country. When his business partner entered the ownership group of the nascent Los Angeles Football Club in 2014, Larry became instrumental in creating the brand new MLS team – from designing a stadium to building corporate partners to cultivating a loyal and passionate fanbase.  On this episode of Proud to BU, hear about Larry’s path from aspiring pro athlete to becoming the Co-President and Chief Business Officer for the championship-winning LAFC that, against all odds, has become the most valuable franchise in Major League Soccer.  --    Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!   Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.   Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.   Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.  

It’s been five years since we spoke with NASA Engineer Dr. Jenny Gruber (ENG’99 ‘99) and former Facebook media relations executive Anthony Harrison (COM'81), and a lot has changed! On this episode, Jenny and Anthony come together to discuss the joys & disappointments they’ve experienced these past five years, the hard decisions they’ve made in their professional lives, and what really matters to them as they enter new stages in their lives.   As the current and most recent Presidents of the BU Alumni Association, Jenny and Anthony also discuss the creation of the Alumni Association Scholarship and their vision of support that alumni can offer to the next generation of BU students. If you want to help future alums achieve their academic dreams, contribute now to the BU Alumni Association Scholarship.  --   Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!   Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.   Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.    

As the VP of Talent and Partnerships for legendary entertainment company Dick Clark Productions, Jeremy Lowe (CGS’12, Questrom’14) manages relationships with entertainers, creators, and brands for numerous dcp shows, including The Golden Globes, Academy of Country Music Awards, and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. On this episode, Jeremy tells us about the qualities it takes to be successful in Hollywood and about how his BU student experience (both inside and outside the classroom) taught him the leadership, marketing, and communication skills that have propelled his career toward the stars.   ---  Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!   Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.  

As Official White House Photographer for Presidents Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan, and a respected photojournalist for numerous news organizations, Pete Souza (COM’76) has spent decades on the front lines of history; but it was as a junior at BU that his journey into photography began. On this episode, hear about Pete’s experience working closely with two of the most iconic Democrat and Republican presidents in modern times, his thoughts on the importance of authenticity in journalism, especially in the dawning age of AI, and about using his platform to speak out where he saw wrong. See more of Pete’s work at https://www.petesouza.com/ or follow him on Instagram @petesouza. --  Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

When family concerns led Ayele Shakur (Questrom’87) to change her trajectory from aspiring screenwriter to a business degree, she set in motion a career that’s just as inspiring as any Hollywood biopic. On this episode, hear how Ayele went from being a teacher in Compton to the CEO of BUILD, a national nonprofit supporting students from under-resourced communities, and what brought her to her current role as President of the Redstone Family Foundation where she provides funding for organizations that are creating innovative programs to end racism and antisemitism.  --  Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Robert Vail (SHA’85) first developed a love for the intersection of food, culture, and hospitality as a kid, traveling the globe on his dad’s business trips. Upon completing BU’s Hotel and Food Administration Program and after several years working to open a chain of restaurants around New England, Robert was looking for a new opportunity in the food and beverage industry. When he interviewed to join a small team at the scrappy brewery behind Sam Adams Boston Lager, he didn’t realize he would be embarking on a three-decade career with the company. On this episode, hear about Robert’s journey to Head of Innovation at The Boston Beer Company, and how his philosophy of “science and music” drives his pursuit for new products, new flavors, and new ways to give the people what they really want.   --  Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

When Hannah Olson (SHA’17) contracted Lyme disease as a sophomore Hospitality Administration major, her life was thrown into a difficult world of hospital visits, IVs, and other health challenges. But from that illness came the idea for Chronically Capable, an online platform connecting people with chronic illnesses to supportive businesses. Next, she launched Disclo, an HR tech software startup that streamlines the process of workplace disclosures and accommodations.   Hannah spoke with us about her growth as a leader and how she transformed personal adversity into innovation and advocacy for the disability community. Shortly after our recording, Hannah was named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2024.  --  Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Mary Alice Stephenson (CGS'88, COM’90) spent years at the height of haute couture -- from fashion director for publications such as Vogue, Allure, and Harper’s Bazaar to beauty consultant for major celebrities and style commentator across popular television and news. On this episode, hear how Mary Alice’s drive toward service, inspired by lessons she learned from her parents and as a BU student, led her to create GLAM4GOOD, a nonprofit organization facilitating the donation of millions of dollars of clothing and personal care items to families in need. Season 3, Episode 3 -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

Archie Cubarrubia (Sargent’01, Wheelock’02) knew he wanted to work in higher education from his days as a student leader at BU, but it was through an internship with the US Department of Education that he first began to understand the breadth and impact of higher education for students across the country. After receiving his doctorate from George Washington University and leading institutional effectiveness for Miami Dade College, Archie was recruited to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he now oversees catalytic investments that help remove barriers to college success for lower-income and underrepresented students.   Season 3, Episode 2 -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

Priyanka Naik (CAS’10) is a celebrated vegan chef, Food Network champion, and author of cookbook THE MODERN TIFFIN. A first-generation Indian American, Priyanka's path took her from pre-med and economics to a career in media & tech, including several years as an executive at X (formerly Twitter), before launching full-time into the culinary world, merging Eastern traditions with Western culinary techniques. Priyanka joined us to discuss her unconventional path and how she embraced her cultural identity and spirit of entrepreneurship to turn her culinary interests into a thriving career. Season 3, Episode 1 Chef Priyanka's Upcoming Events:  • February 15: Williams Sonoma Book Signing & Cooking Demo (Columbus Circle NYC) - Get tickets here.  • February 23 - 25: South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBE) (Miami, FL) - Get tickets here.  -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

The BU Alumni Podcast Returns! Season 3 of Proud to BU showcases the career journeys of some of Boston University’s most interesting and accomplished alumni. Inspiring BU grads share the highs, the lows, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. Watch for new episodes coming soon! Upcoming alumni guests include a celebrity chef, a fashion philanthropist, a Forbes 30 under 30 CEO, a Boston beer innovator, and more! Access video and closed-captioned versions of each episode at www.bu.edu/proudtobu/ and subscribe to our newsletter to get an email whenever a new episode drops. Plus you'll be automatically entered in giveaways! Follow and rate Proud to BU wherever you get your podcasts

What’s the best part of being a crime scene specialist? For Andrea Feldman (Sargent’06, MED’09), nothing compares to the instant gratification when her forensic evidence helps bring the ‘bad guys’ to justice. As an undergraduate at BU, Andrea earned a degree in health studies from Sargent College and she went on to earn a master’s in biomedical forensic sciences at the School of Medicine. While she may not have followed the path she expected, pursuing her life’s work has brought Andrea tremendous satisfaction. Recorded March 2019

Leaving the field to take a corporate job at HBO wasn’t an easy decision for Jay Roewe (COM’79). Looking back on it today, he says it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made. Jay graduated from BU’s College of Communication in 1979 with a degree in television. Today, he serves as Senior Vice President for West Coast Productions at HBO and is a driving force behind some of the network’s most groundbreaking and successful shows. On this episode of the podcast, Jay sits down with Rukia Magege (COM’20) to talk shop and explore the future of the entertainment industry. Recorded May 2020

Ivellisse Morales (COM’12) is on a mission to build a national network of creatives who can help illuminate the important issues that need attention and action in America. She is the founder and CEO of bombilla, a branding and design firm with an intentional focus on reimagining the creative agency model and embodying representative storytelling to advance social change. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the College of Communication in 2012, Ivi honed her skills at world-renowned firms and organizations like IDEO, Year Up, Cone Communications, and Ogilvy. Two years ago, she launched her own firm and has been making waves in the world of social entrepreneurship ever since. On this episode of the podcast, Ivi walks us through her unique journey to entrepreneurship and she shares her vision for a future in which bombilla scales up to become a socially-conscious creative enterprise celebrated as “a Pixar for progress, an IDEO for inclusion”. Please note, this interview was recorded in May 2020 prior to the nationwide demonstrations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. If you’d like to learn more about bombilla, visit their website, bombilla.co. As you’ll hear, this episode of the podcast is hosted by Dan Gardiner (Questrom’20) from the alumni career programs team. Recorded May 2020

Hyeji Byun (Pardee’11) is a licensing project manager at Big Hit IP. One aspect of her dynamic job is to find meaningful ways to bring the South Korean boy band sensation, BTS, closer to their fans. From animated characters to pop-up stores around the world, there is no shortage of opportunities to expand the reach of this cultural phenomenon. On this episode of the podcast, Hyeji shares her story and identifies the common threads between her current career and her childhood dream of becoming a Korean diplomat. Recorded April 2020

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are joined on the podcast by Bryan Murphy-Eustis (SPH’04), a public health practitioner with unique insights to share. Bryan earned his MPH from Boston University in 2004 and went on to found his own public health consulting practice, BME Strategies. He also served as the Executive Director of Partners in Health Liberia where he coordinated the NGO’s West African response to the Ebola crisis. Today, Bryan works to develop and deploy new global health technologies through Global Good at Intellectual Ventures. He joined us on Proud to BU to talk about his background and his perspective on our collective path forward through this pandemic. Recorded April 2020

From the age of 15, if you asked Shraddha Bhansali (Questrom’14) what she wanted to do when she grew up, her answer was steadfast: open a restaurant. She graduated from the Questrom School of Business in 2014 having studied both business and hospitality management. Today, she is the owner of Candy & Green, a vegetarian restaurant and bar in Mumbai, India focused on clean eating and local ingredients. She joined us on the podcast to explore her tenacious entrepreneurial journey and share how she’s adapting and keeping busy amidst the pandemic. Recorded March 2020

Allen Wan (CAS’90) never thought he was going to be a journalist. He graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1990 with a degree in political science and sought out numerous opportunities to expand his worldview while strengthening his communication skills. Today, he is Deputy Bureau Chief in Bloomberg’s Shanghai office and will be opening Bloomberg’s first office in Southern China in the coming months. He joined us on the podcast to explore his unique BU experience and provide insight into what it’s like to be a journalist embedded within the “black box” of China. Recorded February 2020

As a vice president and senior economist at Goldman Sachs, Karen Fishman (CAS’12, GRS’12) spends her days wrestling with really big questions. Karen graduated from BU in 2012 with both a bachelor’s and master’s in economics. She was recently named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list as a trailblazer in the world of finance. On this episode of the podcast, Karen shares the story of her success thus far and she provides her best advice for finding and fulfilling your passion. Recorded February 2020

Bill Cohen (Questrom’74) founded Cohen Caregiving Consultants, LLC, to provide advice and counsel to families who are grappling with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s. His work with caregivers follows a fascinating career that included time in hospitality, financial services, and state government. He joined us on the podcast to talk about the personal loss that inspired his “second act” or “encore career” and to provide a roadmap for other alumni who are looking to make a career change but aren’t quite sure how to get started. Recorded April 2020

Cari Giannoulias (COM’96) has a knack for trusting her gut and following her passion. After graduating from BU, Cari built a tremendous career in the world of marketing for the entertainment industry. She worked at Creative Artists Agency, Jersey Films, Universal Pictures, and even collaborated with the Sex Pistols, before deciding to blaze her own trail as an entrepreneur. Cari founded her own interior design firm in Chicago, aptly named Cari Giannoulias Design. On this episode of the podcast, Cari details the twists and turns of her journey and shares the joy she’s found through entrepreneurship. Recorded February 2020

Alex Tanguay (Questrom’02) is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Boston. Alex earned his bachelor’s degree from the Questrom School of Business in 2002 and was recently named one of Forbes’ “Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors” under 40. Alex is deeply engaged in the Alumni Association; he serves on the BU Alumni Council and is working to build a strong alumni network at Merrill as well. On this episode of the podcast, Alex shares insights on the future of his industry and he reflects on the dividends he’s realized from investing his time and energy to build a strong Terrier network. Recorded February 2020

Joe Maruca (Questrom’81) didn’t know what he wanted to do for a living after graduating from BU. His advice for any students who are feeling similarly? “Don’t worry about it!” Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Questrom School of Business in 1981 and went on to become both a practicing attorney and Fire Chief in the West Barnstable district on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. On this episode of the podcast, you’ll hear Joe’s reflections on being in student government during the John Silber era at BU and he shares his unique perspective on leadership forged by his experience wearing many hats in service to his community. Recorded November 2019

Mamta Rodrigues (CAS’95) is always looking for new ways to make financial transactions easier for the rest of us. She has established herself as a prominent fintech leader having held top jobs at industry giants American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Synchrony, and Teleperformance. During this episode of the podcast, you’ll hear some of the highlights from Mamta’s global career journey as well as her reflections on pausing her professional ambitions to focus on her family. Recorded October 2019

Dr. Joe Frassica (MED’88) has built an extraordinary career delivering healthcare innovations to the patient’s bedside. He is the Head of Philips Research and Chief Medical Officer at Philips North America. He also remains active in the world of academic medicine with teaching appointments through the Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences at MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital. During this episode of the podcast, Joe reflects on the role of mentors who helped guide him in his remarkable journey and the lessons he learned about leading transformational change. Recorded November 2019

Nina Tassler (CFA’79, HON’16) is a producer, author, and the former chairman of CBS Entertainment. She built a groundbreaking career in the industry and she was instrumental in propelling CBS to become America’s #1 network for 12 of her 13-year tenure. In recent years, she co-founded PatMa Productions alongside Denise Di Novi and she published her first book, "What I Told My Daughter: Lessons from Leaders on Raising the Next Generation of Empowered Women." Nina joined us on the podcast to reflect on her formative BU experiences and to explore the values embedded throughout her storied career. Recorded January 2020

Dr. Howard Brooks (SDM’87) and Dr. Stephanie Brooks (SDM’18) are two of the three generations running Brooks Dental in Winthrop, MA. Dr. Barry Brooks founded the practice in 1959 and since then, he welcomed his son, Dr. Howard, and his granddaughter, Dr. Stephanie, into the family business. On this episode of the podcast, all three Drs. Brooks joined us in the studio to talk about running the business, their family legacy, and the transformation of dentistry over the course of three generations. Recorded October 2019

Andrea Goldbarg (LAW’01), is an Assistant US Attorney who spent a decade of her career prosecuting the case against Mexican drug kingpin, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. She reflects on her experiences at BU and beyond that prepared her to tackle this career-defining challenge and shares why she believes she’s found her calling as a public servant. Recorded October 2019

Jamie Kaler (CAS’87) is an actor and comedian best known for his starring role as “Mike” on the hit TBS show, My Boys. His career also includes credits on Friends, Will & Grace, How I Met Your Mother, Parenthood, and NCIS. On this episode of Proud to BU, Jamie shares insights on the work ethic required to be successful in Hollywood and beyond. Recorded October 2019

Takeru Nagayoshi (Wheelock’16) is a high school English teacher in New Bedford and was recently named the 2020 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. He joined us on Proud to BU to explore the ups and downs of his personal educational experience, why he believes teaching made him a better person, and what working in a turnaround school district has taught him about resiliency. Recorded September 2019

When Emily Theurer (CAS’14) graduated from BU with a degree in economics, she found herself well equipped to navigate the complex world of finance at one of the largest firms in Boston. Today, she’s a Research Analyst at State Street Global Advisors and she’s passionate about promoting financial literacy, especially among women and girls. Recorded October 2019

During his time at BU, Rel Dowdell (COM’96) made a name for himself with a groundbreaking thesis project that went on to become the critically acclaimed and award-winning film, Train Ride. His most recent work is a feature-length documentary examining the impact of the child support system on African American families titled, "Where’s Daddy?" Stay tuned for an exclusive clip from the documentary at the end of the credits courtesy of Breaking Glass Pictures. Recorded October 2019

After graduating from BU’s six-year medical program, Elaine Hsieh (CAS’90, MED’90) established a women’s health practice in Arlington, MA. Over the next twenty years, she slowly came to the realization that that healthcare was not her true career calling. In 2010, she co-founded a local chocolate shop, EHChocolatier, and since then, her business has been celebrated as ‘Best in Boston’ among a long list of other accolades. Recorded October 2019

Ajay Mehta (Questrom’11) has a proven track record as an innovator and creative problem solver. While his career is centered on the transportation industry, the lessons he’s learned about strategy and consulting are universal. Ajay earned his MBA from the Questrom School of Business in 2011. Today, he is a Manager of Technology, Strategy, & Continuous Improvement at Southwest Airlines and his resume also includes experience at Amtrak, Concentre, and Ericsson. Ajay joined us on the podcast from Dallas, Texas, which is one of BU’s top 20 cities by alumni population. He shares his insights into what makes the greater Dallas area an attractive place to build a career for the nearly 2,000 Terriers who call this city home. Recorded September 2019

Phonpimol Pathomsak (Questrom’96) is a Senior Vice President at Kasikornbank, one of Thailand’s largest commercial banks. After graduating from BU, Phonpimol moved from Boston to Bangkok where she built a career in banking and consumer finance at world-renowned firms AIG, Citi, GE Capital, and Bank of China. She also served as CEO of fintech startup, Refinn, which empowers consumers to compare mortgage offers. Recorded September 2019

Parag Vaish (Questrom’03) has built a career at the forefront of digital innovation, marketing, and design. He rose through the ranks at companies like Disney, Microsoft, MSNBC, StubHub and Tesla prior to tackling his most recent challenge as a founder-in-residence at Google’s internal incubator, Area 120. During his time at Tesla, Parag worked closely with founder, Elon Musk, on all digital developments and customer facing experiences. He is a proud graduate of the Questrom School of Business where he received both an MBA and an MS in information systems back in 2003. Parag is one of more than 9,000 BU alumni who call the Bay Area home, and he’s in good company with over 200 fellow Terriers also working at Google in California. Recorded August 2019

In 1969, Thomas W. Jones (Questrom’78) stood firmly at the center of the armed student takeover of Willard Straight Hall at Cornell University. Pulitzer Prize-winning images of Jones and his fellow classmates emerging from the student union after a peaceful resolution powerfully captured widespread frustration over stalled civil rights efforts. Upon leaving Cornell, Jones entered the financial services industry, earned his MBA from Boston University, and continued to break new ground as a pioneering African American executive atop renowned firms like John Hancock, TIAA, Citigroup, and more. Jones recently published a memoir, From Willard Straight to Wall Street, and he joined us on Proud to BU to explore his remarkable journey. Recorded April 2019

As Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank, Jeremy Shure (LAW’08) is a partner to startup founders as they navigate the early stages of their business development. Recently named a Kauffman Fellow, Jeremy is now part of a world renowned network of innovative leaders working to transform relationships between entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. On this episode of the podcast, hear Jeremy reflect on his time at BU and how he intends to scale his impact in the innovation economy. Recorded March 2019

As a lifelong educator, Joanne Steinback (Wheelock’66) worked at the forefront of the transformation of special education in the American school system. Her career is centered on implementing innovative strategies to effectively engage children with emotional challenges and learning disabilities. Joanne reflects on the lessons she learned, the challenges she faced, and the role BU played in sparking her life’s passion. Recorded March 2019

Are we living in a renaissance for criminal justice reform? Somil Trivedi (LAW’09), Staff Attorney at the ACLU Trone Center for Justice and Equality, joins Proud to BU to explore his unique perspective on this prescient topic. Somil traces the origins of his passion for social justice and shares the prominent role BU played in scaffolding his platform as a public-minded lawyer. Recorded March 2019

What does it mean for a company to emphasize people over profit? Michael DiSalvo (COM’09) is a self-proclaimed Ogilvy enthusiast, having called the company his professional home for the last 9 years. In that time, Michael has quickly climbed the corporate “staircase” as he would call it to become the company’s youngest Senior Vice President. He was recently named one of PR Week’s 40 under 40. Michael joined us on the podcast to explore his journey beyond BU, the importance of drinking the free coffee at the office and what he’s learned about creating an authentic, positive, workplace culture. Recorded October 2018

Not many resumes include experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Buffalo Bills, and the Brooklyn Nets, but after chatting with Dan Liburd (SAR’06), you’ll quickly hear how it all adds up. As the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Brooklyn Nets, Dan spends his days ensuring his colleagues, who just happen to be some of the world’s most elite athletes, are able to maintain their peak performance. On this episode of the podcast, Dan talks about his experience working in both the NFL and NBA as well as the lessons he learned from remarkable mentors along the way. Recorded February 2019

Karen Holmes Ward (COM’77) is a staple of the Boston media landscape and has built a distinguished career earning her a spot in the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. She is the Director of Public Affairs and Community Services and many New England natives or transplants will recognize her as the Host and Executive Producer of the weekly TV talk show, CityLine. Karen joined us on Proud to BU to unpack her journey to Boston University, the many lessons she learned while finding her passion in the local media industry and her experience as the leader of BU’s Black Alumni Leadership Council. Recorded February 2019

Billie Weiss (COM’16) has what many in New England would consider a dream job. For the past seven years, Billie has documented the World Champion Boston Red Sox as the team’s manager of photography. On this episode of Proud to BU, Billie explores his unique journey from BU to Fenway Park and offers a behind-the-scenes look at his remarkable career. To learn more about Billie and to see some of his work, be sure to keep an eye out for the next edition of Bostonia magazine. You can also explore Billie’s portfolio on his website, billieweiss.com. Recorded January 2019

Welcome to the Young Alumni Edition of our Proud to BU Podcast. In this first iteration, Corinne Tramuta (MET’17) chats with Sahara Rose (CAS’13) about her path at Boston University and how she developed her brand as a health and wellness blogger, and author of the Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda. In this episode, Sahara Rose (CAS’13) explores her entrepreneurial journey from starting a health and wellness blog during her time at BU to becoming a best-selling author of the Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda. From there, Sahara went on to publish her second book, Eat Feel Fresh, and her brand now encompasses a massive social media following, a popular podcast called “The Highest Self” and much, much more. Recorded December 2018