Stories.

Donte Jovan Lewis

Scholar. Leader. Researcher. Innovator. Humanitarian. That’s Donté Lewis, whose major is cell and molecular biology. He might also add bookworm, food enthusiast, nature observer, and chef to the list. Donté is deeply involved in Northeastern’s culture. He’s vice president of the College of Science Student Leadership Council; vice president of the Beta Alpha Chapter of […]

Chinonso Ginika Morsindi

Throughout Chinonso Morsindi’s five-year academic journey, she has achieved academic excellence, inspired leadership, and exhibited professional development. Chinonso is set to graduate from the D’Amore-McKim School of Business with a 3.77 GPA. Chinonso is president of the Black Business Student Association (BBSA), and planned the group’s inaugural Black Professionals Conference, a landmark event that fostered […]

Diana Venus Turrieta

Before beginning her PhD program in August through the Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology Track at Yale University, Diana Turrieta will continue to help and support minority students. This summer, she will be a TA in chemistry and algebra for high school students in the Mathematics and Science for Minority Students Program at […]

Chisako Julia Oga-Cunningham

Most people go to college and then grow into their careers. Chisako Oga-Cunningham is not like most people. She already has a lucrative career as a principal dancer with the Boston Ballet, and will soon be a Northeastern University graduate. Chisako is currently one of the best in the world in her profession. She is […]

Mya Jane Leonardo

Mya Leonardo, who will graduate with a 4.0 GPA in biology, is narrowly taking a break before she starts attending Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine in July 2025. This pace is not unusual for Mya, as she has been a powerhouse on campus and in the community throughout her time on […]

Shannen Dawn Louie Espinosa

“An interdisciplinary marvel” is how Senior Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Student Experience, Khoury College of Computer Sciences Ben Hescott refers to Shannen Espinosa. She has worked in labs from Boston to London—focusing on neuroendocrinology at Boston Children’s Hospital; exploring the role of quantum computing in international law at the UN office in Geneva; […]

Ashley Paige DiLorenzo

Playwright, actor, songwriter, singer, scholar—that’s Ashley DiLorenzo in a nutshell. The multitalented, soon-to-be Northeastern grad has penned eight plays, co-produced two Off-Broadway developmental workshops of new musicals, won the 2021 Musical Theatre Songwriting Challenge sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and American Theatre Wing, and performed in front of many theatrical audiences. Ashley […]

Sebastian Caicedo

Sebastian Caicedo has demonstrated leadership and integrity in both his native Texas, in Boston, and at Northeastern. He is devoted to making the world a better place and taking on the plight of immigrants and the underserved. In Texas, Sebastian interned with Dia de la Mujer Latina, a community health organization, and helped inform the […]

Clara Barsoum

“Clara Barsoum is the definition of leadership, service and volunteerism, academic integrity, and commitment to Northeastern,” says Kelliann Henry, associate director of undergraduate student engagement at CSSH. “While Clara is a student I have supervised, I also consider her a colleague in the work of social justice leadership on campus and beyond.” Since arriving on […]

Gabrielle Rose Bailey

“When I think of students who best embody the values of Northeastern and in particular the ideas of these awards, I think of [Gabrielle Bailey]” says Tim Lannin, her professor and associate chair for undergraduate affairs in BIOE. “A great purpose drives Gabi—that of helping people.” Gabrielle has proven that countless times during her years […]

A Career Full of Energy

By Tommy Switzgable

Bob Deacy, CJ’80, never imagined his Northeastern social sciences degree would eventually lead to a long career in the energy industry. “I remember standing on top of an oil rig as we were drilling, and thinking to myself, ‘How did I get on top of an oil rig when I studied criminal justice?’” he recalls. […]

Supporting a New Era in Boston 

By Brianna Mitchell

“If I could have told myself in high school that I was going to work for the mayor of Boston, who is the first female mayor of Boston [and]….a mom whose kids go to the same school as mine…I don’t think I would have believed you. I try to remember that, and it does put […]

Engineering Change at Google and Home   

Growing up in Bahrain, Fatema Janahi, E’22, MS’22, was always interested in environmental sustainability. Inspired by dialogues on reforming economies to be less dependent on the gas and oil industry, Janahi believed she would pursue environmental science in higher education—therefore it was a surprise when she joined her after-school robotics program. Despite not being enrolled […]

Making a Rare Impact  

By Brianna Mitchell

You may have seen their viral blush star in countless TikTok makeup tutorials, heard about their recent celebrity-studded benefit to raise money for mental health resources, or know the beauty brand’s founder, actress and singer Selena Gomez. As a social media and content assistant manager, Louise Dechelle, AMD’18, understands the gravity of working at Rare. […]

Ascending the Company Ladder

“It’s a phenomenal education that you’re getting at Northeastern, says Nick Fanandakis, DMSB’79. This school is now thought to be one of the premier institutions that exists today, not only academically but also because of its second to none co-op program.” Hailing from a suburb, south of Boston, and now living in Pennsylvania, Fanandakis took […]

Live from New York, An Alumna Shines at NBCUniversal

Northeastern Alumna Antonia Sousa showcases the content creation skills she developed during her co-ops and College of Arts, Media and Design courses at NBCUniversal.  By Brianna Mitchell “Working in late night has been really exciting because I’m editing clips that go on social that very same day…it’s the most rewarding thing because you’re instantly seeing […]

Creating Magic Behind the Scenes at The Walt Disney Company 

Double Husky Ifteda Ahmed-Syed’s Northeastern journey helped her find her dream job as a software engineer at The Walt Disney Company.  By Brianna Mitchell “I like to joke that I was raised by films…so it was a childhood dream to at least be adjacent to storytelling and entertainment,” says Ifteda Ahmed-Syed, Khoury’20, MS’23. The Double […]

Striking a Professional Equilibrium Between Science and Fiction

“I still value everything that I learned at Northeastern,” says Nick Casbarro, BHS’14, while reminiscing about his time on the university’s Boston campus.

Delivering Good Vibes to the Corporate World  

Ali Singer, a 2012 graduate of the College of Arts, Media and Design, was a second-year student at Northeastern when her friend took her to a yoga class. Throughout that class, she felt the benefits of the practice—beyond just the physical ones.

Building a Career in Software Engineering with the Co-op

“I wanted a computer science program that is very solid in its foundation, very well-reputed, and at the same time, provides an excellent opportunity for getting a job,” says Dipanjan Haldar, MS’19, breaking down the criteria he used to select a master’s program. “Northeastern computer science is a top-rated program here in the United States, […]

Becoming Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

“My decision to pursue my Master of Science in human resource counseling with Northeastern, was driven by my interest in pursuing career advancement opportunities. I was working in human resources and recruiting at the time, and wanted to expand my knowledge” says Cheryl Haynes, MS’94 with a smile while reminiscing about her Northeastern experience. “It […]

Seizing the Power of the Northeastern Co-op

“I loved my time in Boston,” says Steven Summer, a 1972 graduate of the D’Amore-McKim School of Business, with a smile. “I mean, a lot of things drew me to Northeastern, notwithstanding the proximity and co-op program. At that point, Northeastern was much more focused on our careers and our work.” Summer, currently the president […]

Benjamin Lanava

“He has demonstrated the core values of leadership, volunteerism, and academic integrity throughout the past four years and is a natural leader that knows what it means to give back and is empowered to be involved in activities that benefit others at Northeastern.” -Annalisa Onnis-Hayden, Teaching Professor and Vice Chair for CEE Undergraduate Studies, and […]

Graham Moitoso

“This is an exceptional case of a student capitalizing on all the resources and paths of study that Northeastern offers, to excel, but more importantly, identify a passion of study that goes on to make real world impact.” -Daniel Adams, Director, School of Architecture, and Sara Jensen Carr, Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs Coordinator, School […]

Ryan Westmoreland

“Ryan’s Northeastern story is both impressive and inspirational—precisely what it means to be a Northeastern University Husky. Hard-working, professional, high-achieving, passionate, [and] highly-successful.” What are some of your hobbies and interests? Spending time with my wife and kids. I also enjoy watching movies and listening to podcasts. I like helping to develop young athletes into […]

Josh Van Alfen

What are some of your hobbies and interests? [Some of my hobbies and interests are] running, theater (acting), music (violin), camping, and cognitive health research. What are some examples of your involvement in the Northeastern community and the community at large? [At Northeastern, I was involved in] the Student Philanthropy Council, a Resident Assistant, NU […]

Michelle Pang

“Michelle’s achievements inside and outside of the classroom represent some of the best that NU has to offer, making her an excellent candidate for the Compass Award.” -Todd M. Alessandri, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, D’Amore-McKIm Business School What are some of your hobbies and interests? [My hobbies are] lifting weights and working out, cooking […]

Jenia Browne

“Jenia has the perseverance, initiative, creativity, and intellectual curiosity to be a fiercely positive force in the world.” -Layla D. Brown, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology, Africana Studies, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies What are some of your hobbies and interests? Academically and professionally, I enjoy researching and working with Black queer life, Black […]

James Chang-Davidson

“James has had an outsized impact on the Northeastern and Khoury community. He is always happy to volunteer for us to attend any event, serve on any panel, and talk to his fellow students about his experiences. We look forward to hearing of his exploits as an alumnus.” -Benjamin Hescott, Senior Associate Dean of Academic […]

Caro Aguilera Barraza

“Given Caro’s motivation with research and outreach excellence at Northeastern, I strongly believe that she makes significant advances in science and the world.” -Leila Deravi, Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Chemical Biology What are some of your hobbies and interests? I love reading, I’m a big bookworm, and my current favorite book is called “The Girl […]

Ashley Brown

“She is a fantastic asset to NU and I have absolutely no doubt that she will remain one of our highly involved alumni after graduation.” -Kirsten Fertuck, Biochemistry Director and Teaching Professor What are some of your hobbies and interests? I enjoy figure skating, watching figure skating, listening to a variety of music—from jazz to […]

Laurel Bellemore

“Laurel Bellemore embodies the values of leadership, volunteerism, academic integrity, and a deep-seated commitment to Northeastern and the broader community.” -Carmen Sceppa, Dean, Bouvé College of Health Sciences What are some of your hobbies and interests? One of the reasons I am so enamored with Boston is that it has so much to offer. In […]

Diana Turrieta

“[Diana] is an accomplished biochemistry researcher with an impressive academic record, but also a recognized champion of the underserved communities that she is passionate about, working tirelessly to improve NU’s resources and connections within these communities.” Kirsten Fertuck, Biochemistry Director and Teaching Professor What are some of your hobbies and interests? [My hobbies are] art, […]

From Farm, to Table, and to the Community

“I know that Northeastern has a quality of learning and care, from [the university and] your professors,” says Careen Turner, CPS’18 of Savannah, Georgia, by way of Owensboro, Kentucky. “You don’t get that everywhere, and they’re going to make sure that you understand the material. It’s going to make a lot of sense, and I […]

How Do We Think Critically feat. Dave Hagen

Meet Professor Dave Hagen, CJ'80! An associate teaching professor for the College of Professional Studies, Dave wanted to return to give back to the Northeastern community by teaching at his alma mater.

Progress at the Right PACE

“To my students, I always like to talk about how impactful the Northeastern community was for me,” says Marie Ganim, Ph.D.’05. “I hope you’re able to appreciate the program that you’re in and I hope you’re able to appreciate Northeastern professors, because to me, it was very significant and impactful in my life…a lot of [my career] had to do with my Ph.D. [in public affairs] from Northeastern.”

Helping Huskies Plan for the Future

Since she was a teenager, Alissa Krasner Maizes, CJ’90, has been a fan and consistent reader of Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine. This past October, every reader’s dream became a reality for her—she was published by the magazine highlighting her successful college saving strategies that paid for both of her sons’ Northeastern experiences while simultaneously allowing her and her husband to save for retirement.

Memories to Last a Lifetime

“I’m always looking around for pictures,” says Chelsea Matson, a 2011 graduate with degrees in Human Services and International Affairs. As the proprietor of her own photography business—capturing weddings, family sessions, brand photography sessions, and more—it comes as no surprise to hear that Matson has always viewed the world through a photographic lens. “With my […]

Supporting Customers Through Passion and Care

It’s no secret that a cornerstone of the insurance industry is customer care. “In an industry like insurance where you are not selling something that is tangible to a customer, you are really selling the people and employees that we have…I’m super passionate about that piece of things” says Rachel Switchenko, MBA’15. Beginning her career […]

Lights, Camera, Career: A Husky’s Journey to Hollywood

“Northeastern has helped me in a career sense,” says Isabelle Hahn, a 2020 graduate of the College of Arts, Media and Design. “I was also able to take courses at Northeastern that helped me with my creativity and my writing in a way that helps me now as a director

Choreographing a Balance Between Ballet and Education

The College of Professional Studies offers options to take your courses online,” says Dawn Atkins, a 2020 graduate of the College of Professional Studies, with an elated tone and aura of passion equivalent to the one she holds for ballet.

Using Sustainability to Create Healthy and Affordable Meals

“During my time at Northeastern, [my co-ops] did a lot of projects centered around reducing waste,” says Fry with a smile as he recalls his early university experiences. “[It] was a mechanism at Northeastern through which I practiced my environmental inclinations.”

The Maddock Family’s Legacy

“We have a desire to support the younger generation. There are a lot of people who can’t go to a higher level of education because of funding. The future of Northeastern and the country is on the next generation coming up and what they can do,” says Bob Maddock, E‘72. “We meet with the recipients […]

Connecting Business and Nature

“You just have to open yourself up to the Northeastern experience,” says David Fatula, DMSB’01. “I tried to do as many things as I could at Northeastern…I did so many things that expanded my own understanding of myself, emotionally.

Championing Accessible Sustainability 

“We’re in a phase now where we have a better understanding of sustainability,” says Henry Palmer, DMSB’20. “[We] thought of it in binary terms, either we are or we aren’t. Living sustainably is a journey, and a path that we’re on. I’d rather 100 people make one change than one person make 100 changes.”

Crafting a Business Through Networking and Community Support

January 27, 2023-After years of consulting for some of the biggest business firms in Massachusetts, Ye Tian, DMSB’12, decided it was time to stray from the conventional path and forge his own way through the ever-changing world of business.

Connecting Our World Through Numbers and Culture

November 11, 2022 - “Perspective is something that I have gained at both NEU and the USAF,” says Brad States, DMSB’23, of Charleston, South Carolina.

Helping Others Through the Power of Public Policy

November 11, 2022 - “To me, the fundamental ingredient associated with public service begins with a commitment to creating and sustaining lasting influences so that others who follow benefit from what you contributed to along the way,” says Jim McDonough, CPS’22.

Becoming a Voice for Veterans Everywhere

November 11, 2022 - “It’s the difference between who do you want to carry you over the finish line—someone who has never worked hard for something or someone who will give you everything they’ve got to get the mission done."

A Taste of Home

March 7, 2022 - Madena Mohamadi, SSH’13 got the idea to start JAHAN—an Afghan spice blend company—over the COVID-19 pandemic. “A beautiful part of my culture is food, “says Mohamadi, “and there is such a need for Afghan food in the market.”

Student Donor Spotlight: Megan Adams, SSH’22

January 10, 2022 - Megan Adams, SSH’22, has been described by her coach as the “ultimate team player.” She is the committed, hardworking, and selfless goalkeeper for the Northeastern women’s soccer team. Since making her collegiate debut in 2018, Megan has recorded countless saves for her team and was awarded CAA Defensive Player of the Week.

Student Donor Spotlight: Nicolas Maciel, E’22

January 10, 2022 - Nicolas Maciel, E’22, has always had a passion for engineering. Since beginning his academic career at Northeastern, he set out to immerse himself in learning the ins and outs of transportation engineering. Through multiple internships, co-ops, and extracurricular organizations, he’s done just that.

Reflections from an Office Trailer in Boardman, Oregon

October 29, 2021 - As leaders think through a remote-centric approach to work, the traditional office structure is changing. But Jude Arbogast, E’19 isn’t setting up shop at a local café or spare room in an apartment. You may have read about Arbogast’s honorable involvement with The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)—from his inclusion in the 2019 New Faces of Civil Engineering in the College category, to his former role as President. Arbogast shares the inside scoop on memorable moments and lessons learned at Northeastern.

Mohsen Alqunaie

March 24, 2021 - Graduating senior Mohsen Alqunaie, E’21, has always been active in Northeastern campus life. From community service to athletics, he does it all, making the most of his college experience and truly embodying the university spirit. He’s a member of the Hall Council, Triathlon Team, Class of 2021 Senior Year Experience Board, and Northeastern’s student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Manny Lubin and Josh Belinsky – Slate Milk

February 23, 2021 - Josh Belinsky, DMSB’18, and Manny Lubin, AMD’15, founded Slate Milk in 2018. In 2019, they successfully launched their natural, low sugar, high protein, lactose-free chocolate milks, and their sleek cans can be found in grocery stores across the country. In the early stages of building the company, they received help from IDEA and refined their branding with Scout. Read more about their story here. 

Henry Palmer – Lochtree

February 23, 2021 - In September 2019, Henry Palmer, DMSB'20, launched Lochtree, an online marketplace for eco-friendly products. Through Lochtree, Palmer strives to create meaningful change through sustainability and environmentally conscious behavior. The company is partnered with several initiatives to promote environmental care and create a lasting impact on the world.

Generate: Empowering Innovative Ventures

February 23, 2021 - Generate, operating under the Michael and Ann Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education, is Northeastern's student-led product development studio. Teams of students connect with clients to work together on engineering product development for early stage startups. Aimed at fostering entrepreneurial engineering on campus, the organization has partnered with clients to help build new technologies.

Cassie Choi

February 3, 2021 - During her third year at Northeastern, Cassie Choi’s nursing professor said “you’re not going to be a bedside nurse for long.” Much to her surprise, this turned out to come true. While working as a nurse for three and a half years, Cassie became intrigued by the business side of health care.

Miracle Olatunji

January 25, 2021 - An ambitious leader. An incredible mentor and friend. A true inspiration to her peers and community. Miracle Olatunji, DMSB’22 brings a positive attitude, generous outlook, and unmatched work ethic to everything she does.

Maria Oliveira

January 25, 2021 - A true people person and enthusiastic changemaker. With experiential learning in mind and an eagerness to get out of her comfort zone, Maria transferred to Northeastern as a third-year student. Here, she majors in psychology and minors in film production and behavioral neuroscience, blending her passions for critical research and cinema. An aspiring doctor, Maria has put countless hours into these interests and exploring how she can use them to better the lives of others.

Mary McQuillen

June 29, 2020 - While taking a Soul Cycle class in London, Mary McQuillen, DMSB'14 spotted a Northeastern zip-up among the sea of fellow cyclers. Little did she know that this sweatshirt served as an icebreaker for Mary to meet senior vice president for University Advancement, Diane MacGillivray and, ultimately, a catalyst to her role in supporting university programming through Alumni Relations. Mary raised her hand as a volunteer for the New York City community, where she continues to bridge conversations among new connections.

If you’re an entrepreneur, Northeastern is meant for you

May 6, 2020 - I’ve been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. In fact, I started my first business at 15, selling juice and snacks at my school in Cape Town, South Africa. We learned early on that consumers needed to understand the nutrition content and ingredients of each product so it could match their dietary needs. Our snack and juice stand was eventually taken over by the school and continues to run today.

Dayna Scandone

March 16, 2020 - After two co-ops at large corporations, Dayna Scandone, DMSB’17, decided to follow her passion and opted to join a small, Northeastern alumni-led start-up. Now, with the company growing, she’s coming back to the university to update her skills.

Steve Leber

January 30, 2020 - Meet the man behind some of the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll history.

Qian Qian

January 30, 2020 - The first time Qian stepped onto the Northeastern campus, he felt like Harry Potter entering the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! He knew that the door to opportunities was now open, not only during his time on campus, but also beyond. After returning to Shanghai, Qian decided to share his Northeastern experience with other alumni and community members, playing a pivotal role in establishing Northeastern’s first communities in China: Beijing and Shanghai. From supporting alumni professionally, to giving them an opportunity to find their place in the community, Qian continues to serve as the perfect ambassador for Northeastern.

Mark Olivito

January 30, 2020 - After high school, Mark Olivito, DMSB’97, wasn’t excited about his future prospects, until a chance meeting with a recruiter sparked an interest in Northeastern. Intrigued by the co-op program, Mark applied and was accepted to Northeastern, where the robust entrepreneurial environment pushed him to stretch his limits, and discover his true potential.

Nick Beek

January 30, 2020 - If you meet Nick Beek, SSH’12, you will immediately see his passion for bringing communities together. Having served as an alumni mentor for Northeastern’s Co-op Mentor Program in Washington, DC for the past two years, Nick has already helped numerous Northeastern alumni make connections and find the resources they need to achieve what’s next. He is also the co-leader of the alumni community there. For Nick, Northeastern is truly a lifelong connection.

Lee Spinale Rea

January 30, 2020 - Lee Spinale Rea, UC’72, believes in living life to the fullest. This is why she transitioned from her 40-year-long career as a Senior Business Development executive in medical imaging, to owning a local Edible Arrangements franchise for the past 13 years. Lee believes that her Northeastern experience empowered her to reach goals beyond her expectations and personal limitations.

Joe Ciccolo

January 30, 2020 - As a career anti-money laundering expert, Joe knew the banking system, with its archaic technology and redundant processes, was due for an upgrade. So, when he heard about bitcoin – the decentralized cryptocurrency that’s traded digitally – unlike his colleagues, Joe saw opportunity. In a market thirsty for credibility, in 2015, Joe launched BitAML, a cryptocurrency compliance advisory firm that brings legitimacy to cryptocurrency transactions around the world.

Lexy Von Keszycki

January 30, 2020 - Lexy Von Keszycki, SSH’16, came to Northeastern for the co-op advantage: having real work experience, and a foot in the door. But during her time here, she got the opportunity to explore another passion – Brazil! Through three opportunities to travel to the country, Lexy was able to better understand the culture and professional environment, and commit to making Brazil her home. And, to make sure she didn’t miss her Northeastern connections, she became a volunteer and started bringing Northeastern to Brazil.

George Valiotis

January 30, 2020 - As a civil and environmental engineer, solutions come easily for George Valiotis, E’09. For years as a real-estate professional, George was exposed to the lack of options for recycling glass. Most recycling facilities in US use single-stream, where metals or plastics are processed in one bin. Since glass breaks easily, many facilities reject it, causing most glass to be wasted in landfills. George’s solution: Pace Glass Inc., the world largest exclusively glass recycling facility. The company takes what it can use, and incinerates the rest to produce energy that powers their facility.

Ravel Charles

January 30, 2020 - As a healthcare IT professional, Ravel was looking for ways to expand his skills. But, he wasn’t just looking for another degree; he was looking for a career. When Ravel came to Northeastern, he got just that: a master’s degree in Informatics, a co-op at System Analysis Services, LLC, an experiential consulting project through the Experiential Network (XN) program, and a new business, supported by the university’s venture accelerator, IDEA.

Sam Creighton

January 30, 2020 - While studying behavioral neuroscience, Sam joined the university’s a cappella group, The Nor'easters, as a hobby. That moment changed her life. From appearing in a popular TV show, distributed on Netflix and Hulu, to performing live at the White House for President Barack and Michele Obama, Sam’s career trajectory has taken a full U-turn. Today, she’s a professional recording artist with two singles released last year, and another on the way. Sam is not looking back!

Yemi Arunsi

January 30, 2020 - It was always clear to Double Husky, Yemi Arunsi, CPS’12, BHS’14, that he wanted to give back to his community; Northeastern helped him find his calling. From classes that challenged his limits, to professors who were vested in his future, to lifelong bonds he created through his Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Yemi credits Northeastern for the service-focused trajectory of his career.

Yuki Shuck

January 30, 2020 - Yuki Shuck knew that a Northeastern degree would set her apart academically, but when she graduated with two years of work experience, and a global network that extended to every corner of the world, she knew she had hit the jackpot. Connections and relationships are what made Yuki’s Northeastern experience unique, and after graduating and moving to Singapore, she knew she wanted to maintain that network. She became the Singapore Community leader, and has been sharing her passion for everything Northeastern with community members for the past three years.

Ayukta Thakur

January 30, 2020 - Few have the privilege of finding their passion, and making it a career. Ayukta Thakur, AMD’12, decided to volunteer at a government school for children with special needs after she moved to Dubai following her undergraduate degree at Northeastern. She immediately found an avenue for her skills, and became an educator and advocate for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). She knew she’d found her calling. In 2016, Ayukta co-founded Integreat Center for Young Adults with Special Needs, which is Dubai’s first center that exclusively caters to young adults, and utilizes a holistic approach to teaching life skills development and vocational training. She is also a Board Member for the 2019 Special Olympics UAE organizing committee.

Van Sharma

January 30, 2020 - A chance meeting with a fellow alumnus gave Van Sharma, SSH’11, CPS’13, the boost he needed to formalize an idea that's disrupting an industry in Central London.