Meet Maarten Eenkema van Dijk, E’14, MS’15! Maarten has been making an impact in his field since his time at Northeastern—whether it’s by building structures in Hudson Yards, taking a co-op to design luxury villas on the island of Mauritius, or leading the largest recycling systems supplier in North America as they help New York City sort their waste. Additionally, he recounts his experiences at the four Global Leadership Summits that he has attended, and why members of the Northeastern community should consider attending GLS in London this June

Meet Brigham Hyde, S’04! Combining his passion for chemistry with his instinct for business, Brigham co-founded Atropos Health—an AI-driven healthcare company that helps those in the medical field make informed decisions on their patients. In this episode, we’ll discuss his Northeastern co-op experience, why he started Atropos Health, and his favorite management style.

Learn more about Atropos Health: https://www.atroposhealth.com/

Meet Chloe Gold, Khoury’22! Chloe is currently a product manager for an advertising firm in New York City, and credits her co-op experience with helping her begin her professional career. We’ll discuss the impact of being a well-rounded Northeastern student, helping students find the perfect co-op, and what makes a great resume.

Meet Peter McKay, DMSB’86! The CEO of the AI-powered security platform Snyk, Peter was recently named a Boston Globe Tech Power Player for 2025. In this episode, we’ll discuss his impactful co-op experience, the best management skills needed to be a CEO, and advice for those looking to start their own venture.

Learn more about Peter and Snyk

Meet Ashley DiLorenzo, AMD’25! About to embark on her professional journey with Disney Cruise Line, Ashley has seen both ends of the spectrum in the entertainment industry—from her time at the Huntington Theater to media giant NBCUniversal. We’ll talk about why she chose Northeastern, the skills she learned during her co-op experiences, and how she networked her way to Disney.

Meet Samuel Akinin, E’16! An accomplished entrepreneur, Samuel’s businesses span across the country of Namibia, providing Namibians with everything from easy bank access to affordable housing. Hear how his Northeastern experience influenced him to become an entrepreneur and shaped his business acumen! 

Linkedin

JabuPay

Meet Adrianne Ohnemus, BHS’20! A doctor of physical therapy, Adrianne utilized her Northeastern experience to its full potential—from her engaging co-op experience to curating her skills in Bouvé’s simulation lab. We’ll discuss her co-op experience, Bouvé’s innovative approach to teaching, and her favorite charity, In My Running Shoes.

Give to Adrianne’s Boston Marathon Fundraiser for In My Running Shoes: https://www.givengain.com/project/adrianne-raising-funds-for-in-my-running-shoes-86039

In My Running Shoes

Boston Marathon Fundraiser

Meet Bill Brown, CJ’93! Currently working as a history teacher and special education case manager at Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, New Hampshire, Brown has a long history with working with at-risk youths in Massachusetts and making a difference in their lives. We’ll discuss his interest in Northeastern’s criminal justice program, his experience working with programs like the DMH and DCF, and transitioning into a career in education.

Meet Paul Palmisciano, E’04! After participating in a co-op that was part of Boston’s Big Dig project, Paul took his second co-op at Bechtel Corporations—where he was hired full-time and still works to this day. We’ll talk about his co-op experiences, his projects and accomplishments at Bechtel, and his favorite career advice. 

Tracy Fink, MBA’90 is a business coach, teacher and speaker who is passionate about showing people how to treat themselves as they would their best friend or client. She is the founder of The Tortoise Institute where she consults with companies and organizations to build awareness and leadership practices to boost individual and team effectiveness. 

Tracy holds an MBA from Northeastern University and a BA in Psychology from Boston University. She completed a year-long Teacher Certification Program at Search Inside Yourself, the global evidence-based emotional intelligence program engineered at Google. She is a mentor/advisor for the Women’s Interdisciplinary Society of Entrepreneurship (WISE) at Northeastern University.

Tracy enjoys collaborative cooking, adventurous travel, walking in nature, and college football. She is co-host of the podcast “Our Dead Mothers”.  She and her husband live outside of Boston, MA.

Meet Jae Williams, EdD’22! Williams, who has a doctorate in education from Northeastern and currently serves as executive in residence for the Business of Creative Enterprises program at Emerson College, has ambitions to take an innovative approach to teaching and making education inclusive for all. Learn more about his award-winning doctoral thesis, teaching success stories, and inspirational podcast Dr. Jae’s Office Hours that highlights the intersection of business, creativity, and social justice. 

Meet George Blitch, SSH’01! George captures Northeastern’s entrepreneurial spirit—between starting his own publishing company to document Indigenous Elders, his own cartography company, and his own podcast, George has done it all. Learn more about how George’s Northeastern experience inspired him to forge his own paths in life.

View the Transcript here

Meet Howie Newman, S’73! After making his musical debut in 1973 at Northeastern, Howie spent the majority of his career as a professional baseball writer before transitioning to full-time musician. These days, you can find Howie touring around the country and playing his light-hearted at community centers, libraries, and for adults with developmental disabilities.

Meet Frank Green, SSH’92! After spending time working for an Irish senator during his time at Northeastern, Frank had a takeaway that would impact the rest of his career—the world is a big place with many different perspectives. Learn about Frank’s Northeastern and co-op experiences, his interest in the recruiting process, and why he is excited about the global envoy program.

View the Transcript Here

Meet Amelia Brooks, DMSB’26! In celebration of the 115th anniversary of Northeastern’s innovative co-op program, we sat down with Amelia Brooks to learn more about the co-op from the perspective of an enrolled student. We discussed how Northeastern prepares students for their co-ops, what she learned in each of her co-op positions, and how she plans on celebrating the 115th anniversary.

Watch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ5zYiD0LYc&t=9s

View the transcript here

Meet Ashita Chauhan, CPS’19! While studying for her master’s in regulatory affairs, Ashita participated in a co-op that gave her the tools to succeed in her current role at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Learn about Ashita’s co-op experience, becoming a co-op mentor for undergraduate students, and introducing regulatory affairs to her home country.

Meet Brian Good, MBA’10! The co-founder and CEO of iBorrow, a Los Angeles-based commercial real estate lending provider, Brian began his career in law before pivoting towards entrepreneurship. Learn more about obtaining his MBA at Northeastern, building your own business, and how AI will impact the future of real estate.

View the transcript here

Meet Christine Fitzpatrick, AMD’10! Beginning her career in the entertainment industry as a co-op for National Geographic, Christine recently had a “full-circle” moment by releasing her latest project, “Protecting Paradise: The Story of Niue”, through NatGeo. Tune in to learn more about Christine’s exciting Northeastern experience!

Stream Protecting Paradise: The Story of Niue on Hulu or Disney+

Link to Pristine Seas

Special thanks to Mike Barnaby ‘SSH 10 for his contributions to the “Protecting Paradise: The Story of Niue” project

Meet Jared Molton, AMD’10! After beginning his career as a professional magician and managing America’s oldest magic shop, Jared transitioned into the tech sphere and is now the vice president of consumer for Udacity. Learn more about his career transition, his favorite and most impactful class at Northeastern, and his memoir of his path from magician to tech executive.

Purchase a copy of “For My Next Trick”Register for classes on Udacity

View the transcript here

Meet Cynthia Orofo, BHS’19, Ph.D.’24! After starting Culture Care Collective while enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Northeastern, Cynthia has helped it grow to make an impact on surrounding communities in the Boston area—while garnering recognition as a Women Who Empower Innovator award winner and being named to the Boston Forbes 30 under 30 list. Learn about Culture Care Collective’s impact and why Cynthia’s nine year Northeastern experience!

Read more about Culture Care Collective:

https://culturecareco.com

View the transcript here

Meet Mari Andrade, E’96! Mari has mastered the art of storytelling—learn about how her experiences at General Motors and the Olympic and Paralympic Games have shaped her current career as a messaging and storytelling strategist. Plus, learn tips for self-compassion and how to craft a compelling narrative for yourself!

View the transcript here

Meet Sage Antonio, AMD’27! The founder of Sageware Fashion, Sage is an ambassador for how Northeastern’s entrepreneurial resources can help you grow your business—learn about their Northeastern experience, growing a business, and the Sherman Venture Co-op.

View the transcript here

Meet Meagan Reda, SSH’08! Meagan is one of the top shareholder activism lawyers in the world—learn how her Northeastern internships guided her to career success, her upcoming panel at Harvard, and advice she has for current Northeastern students.

View the transcript here

Meet Steve Stroum, DMSB’73! After a co-op experience that launched his career in sales, Steve started his own business—Venmark International. After helping clients succeed for over four decades, Steve embarked on his latest journey of providing tips for aspiring entrepreneurs in his new memoir “Success and Self-Discovery: A Business Memoir with Insightful Tips and Personal Development Advice that Will Help Any Entrepreneur.”

Purchase Steve’s book on Amazon

View the transcript here

Meet Ammy Lowney, SSH’05! A school teacher by day, Ammy moonlights as one of Boston’s most prolific entrepreneurs—the founder of the growing health cafe, JUICYGREENS. Learn more about her favorite Northeastern professors, her plans for expanding JUICYGREENS, and what it feels like to be a Women Who Empower Innovator award winner.

View the transcript here

Meet David Wyatt, E’88! The president of Wyatt Engineering, David has made a name for himself in his industry through his incredible accomplishments—his most recent being designing the flow meter that helped The Odysseus Lander touch ground on the moon. Learn more about his co-op experience, starting Wyatt Engineering, and being asked to be a part of this mission to the moon.

View the transcript here

Meet Jack Lovett, SSH’19, MPA’20! An office engineer for the City of Newton, Jack loves representing and helping constituents, as well as Northeastern’s young alumni and global community. Learn more from Jack about what your local government can do you for you, what it’s like to be a Young Alumni Advisory Board member, and why it’s important to be involved in your community.

Connect with Jack on LinkedIn

View the transcript here

Meet Kojo Addaquay, E’23! Currently working as a finance business systems analyst at Northeastern, Kojo has a history of working with the United Nations and his own fintech startup that aims to help farmers in Ghana finance their equipment. Learn about Kojo’s unique co-op experience, his techniques for self-discipline when learning a new skill, and his predictions for the future of global fintech!

View the transcript here

Meet Byron Hurt, AMD’93! After starting his journalism career at The Patriot Ledger while at Northeastern, Byron transitioned to documentary filmmaking that focuses on hot-button topics. Byron’s latest film, “Lee and Liza’s Family Tree”, traces the history of the Hurt family through various genealogical practices while using it as a vessel to explore a range of social issues. Learn more about Byron’s Northeastern experience, his journalistic inspirations, and his upcoming projects!

You can watch “NOVA: Lee and Liza’s Family Tree” here.

View the transcript here

Meet Meghan Phan, a graduate of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2022! While working toward her degree in philosophy, Meghan opened a bakery with her mother in 2018. Specializing in sweet treats, Vietnamese food, and coffee, Sweet Piglet Bakery offers something for everyone. Learn about starting a business as a student, balancing work with family, and this year’s Northeastern Holiday Market!

Follow Sweet Piglet Bakery on Instagram: @sweetpigletbakery

View the transcript here

Meet Greg Lainas, a graduate of the D’Amore-McKim School of Business in 1978! Greg had a long and prolific career as a CPA—working for industry giants like Robert Half and ESPN. Now retired, Greg leads speaking engagements on networking, telling his story of how he was able to create connections that lead to jobs, leadership positions, and even his first co-op experience. Learn more about the power of networking, tips for making connections, and how his networking skills gave him a unique and interesting opportunity with a Northeastern professor!

Follow and connect with Greg on LinkedIn

View the transcript here

Meet Martell Mason, a graduate of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2007! Beginning as a Starbucks barista while taking classes at Northeastern, Martell fell in love with the coffee industry. After spending time working as a coffee importer/exporter in Turkey, Martell asked himself, “How can I make coffee more accessible to underrepresented communities?” In 2021, he returned to his native Detroit to start the Sepia Coffee Project and make an impact not only on his local community, but give representation to coffee roasters from around the world. Learn more about his long and diverse history in the coffee industry, the goals of the Sepia Coffee Project, and how you can help!

Learn more about the Sepia Coffee Project:
https://www.sepiacoffeeproject.com/

Support the Sepia Coffee Project:
https://wefunder.com/sepiacoffeeproject

Follow the Sepia Coffee Project on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/scpdetroit/

View the transcript here

Meet Kade Krichko, a graduate of the College of Arts, Media and Design in 2012! After graduating from Northeastern, Kade began pitching sports stories that touched on the human condition to media giants like the New York Times and ESPN. After building relationships in the industry and writing award-winning pieces, Kade now teaches a class on media literacy at Northeastern and is ready to launch a print-based travel magazine. Learn more about his exciting career in journalism, how he gives back to the Northeastern community, and his unique approach to storytelling!

Subscribe and learn more about Kade’s upcoming travel magazine on their website:
https://ori-mag.com/

Follow Ori Magazine on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ori_magazine/

View the transcript here

Meet Rick Leary, a graduate of the D’Amore-McKim School of Business in 1989 and recipient of a Masters in Public Administration in 1992! Beginning his career in public transportation as a train attendant for Boston’s famous Green Line, Rick ascended to becoming the chief operating officer of the MBTA in 2005. In 2014, Rick moved to Canada to work for the Toronto Transit Commission, where he now serves as the chief executive officer. Learn more about his Northeastern roots, climbing the ranks in your industry, and the Northeastern Toronto campus!

View the transcript here

Rian Finnegan, a 2011 graduate of the College of Arts, Media and Design, returns to the Northeastern Next podcast with two years worth of stories and accomplishments. Currently the Head of Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing at Snap, Rian additionally runs the Little Loaf Bakeshop in Poughkeepsie, New York, a vegan bakery that moonlights as an independent music venue. Learn more about the state of the tech industry and how a small business can make a big impact on the local community!

Meet Ioana Good, a 2000 graduate from the College of Arts, Media, and Design and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Bianca Vranceanu, a 2022 graduate of the College of Arts, Media and Design! After founding the PR and Branding Agency, Promova, Ioana wanted to give back to her alma mater, to which she accredits much of her success. In early 2020, Ioana started offering co-op positions, and Bianca joined as the first intern for a position in PR & Marketing. Since then, Bianca has transitioned into a full-time role and Promova has launched an innovative new software, Find A Rainmaker, that helps companies quickly identify PR and BD leaders and form impactful teams. Learn about the growth of Promova, the benefits of the co-op program from the student and employer perspective, and Bianca’s special talent!

Meet Dave Fatula, a 2001 D’Amore-McKim School of Business graduate and founder of a one-of-a-kind guided hiking business! After 20 years behind a desk, Dave gave up his career in the world of real estate finance to launch his own business and pursue his passion for the great outdoors. As the owner and operator of Guineafowl Adventure Company, Dave seeks to remove the obstacles one faces when looking to explore nature. How do I get to the mountains? What kind of shoes do I need? What gear is required for a successful hike? Dave and his team of experienced, safety-trained guides can answer all of these questions, plus many more! To book a hike with Guineafowl Adventure Company today, visit https://www.guineafowladventure.com/.

View the transcript here

Meet Dr. Nash Hernandez, GC’07, MSc’07, PhD’09! With a career spanning nearly three decades, Dr. Nash is currently a member of the board of directors for GloboScience, a pharmaceutical and medical technology consultancy. Focusing on rare diseases, gene therapy, cell therapy, and advanced tissue products, Dr. Nash has utilized his unique background of marketing and biology to bring health products from a mere idea to an entrepreneurial reality. Learn more about Dr. Nash’s Northeastern journey as a triple husky and how he plans to expand his business by creating health products using new technology like Artificial Intelligence.

View the transcript here

Meet CJ Grasso, B.A.’16, M.S.’17, MBA’22. CJ began his journey at Northeastern as a business major. However, during his first co-op at a small law firm, he realized the need for change and found a new passion in community resilience and homeland security. A triple husky, CJ stays in touch with his co-op coordinator and continues to visit the university—he acts as a resource to co-op students by providing advice on topics such as effective interviewing and workplace leadership. Learn more about CJ’s experiences throughout his time at Northeastern and how they’ve positioned him for success within his current role at the management consulting and leadership development firm McChrystal Group.

Download the transcript here.

If you’re interested in becoming a co-op employer, email [email protected] to get started.

Meet Elke Thoms, a graduate of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2018 and currently a stand-up comedian and writer based in Los Angeles. Elke’s comedic journey began during her time at Northeastern after taking classes at Improv Boston, igniting a passion for the art of comedy. With a captivating stage presence, Elke has been performing standup all over the country at venues including The Comedy Store, Second City, Laugh Factory, and Boston Improv. Her creative expression also extends to the realm of poetry, with a selection of her poems having been published in esteemed Boston-based publications. Learn more as we dive into Elke’s journey from a tour guide at Northeastern University to an exciting career in stand-up comedy, while hearing her take on the Hollywood writer’s strike as it extends well into its second month.

Download the transcript here.

Meet Donna Halper, College of English‘69, College of Community and Counseling‘70, and College of English‘73! A remarkable trailblazer in the world of radio and music, Donna made Northeastern history in 1968 as the first female DJ of WRBB. One of Donna’s most significant contributions came in the early 1970s when she played a vital role in discovering the legendary rock band Rush. Recognizing their immense talent, Donna championed their music and gave them their initial airtime on US radio waves. Donna’s passion for music and broadcasting led her to work as a DJ across the United States, music director, radio consultant, and media historian. Learn more about how this future Massachusetts Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame Pioneer Award-winner utilized her experiences learned early-on at Northeastern to help shape her journey as a pioneer for women on the radio, and how she’s continuing to amplify the voices of women in media today.

Image courtesy of Lesley University

Meet Hannah Ung, DMSB’23! The founder of one of Boston’s most innovative startup companies, Boxy, Hannah has been helping college students find storage through a host’s underutilized space since 2022. With the support of Northeastern’s entrepreneurial network, Hannah has grown Boxy through market research and building a rapport with customers in the area, all of which helped her win a Women Who Empower Innovator Award this year. Learn more about her entrepreneurial journey, the impact of her Northeastern experience, and the exciting future of Boxy.

Meet Mike Troxell, DMSB‘10, Principal and Founder of Modern Financial Planning. After working in finance and wealth management, Mike opened a financial planning business in 2018 that serves millennials and Gen X in the tech industry. He completed two co-ops throughout his time at Northeastern, including one at Merrill Lynch on Wall Street during the peak of the 2008 financial crisis. Mike talks about the impression Merrill Lynch’s then-CEO made on him while on co-op and how that impression has stuck with him today. His work has garnered a lot of attention from the industry, including being named a Top 100 Financial Advisor of 2022 by Investopedia. Listen as Mike discusses the importance of compound interest, diversifying your portfolio, and establishing cash reserves.

Meet Gina V. Dunn, CSSH’06, CPS’13! A double-husky, Gina lives by the philosophy of to not just learn for school, but for life. Being a self-described lifelong learner, Gina has an eclectic resume and diverse career history—from surviving the 2008 recession to writing Paris Possibilities, her new innovative and informative guidebook for those visiting the city for the first time. Learn how Gina used her Northeastern experience as a vessel for different career paths. 

The Northeastern Next podcast showcases the stories, talents, and thoughtful insights of our university’s current and future alumni. In each episode, we will learn about their journey and hear what they plan to achieve next.

This Northeastern Next bonus episode is the culmination of five women’s quest to change the way the world perceives their strength. During her co-op in Northeastern’s Advancement division, student athlete and aspiring journalist, Madison Neuner, AMD’24 examines ways in which women own their right to influence social change for themselves and others. From advocating in office spaces to cheering on the track, learn how these alumnae and students are paving the way to overcome disparities and biases in our communities and beyond.

Guests:

Ally Legend, AMD’14, Senior Director of Equality Engagement at Salesforce

Michelle Satter, LA’74, Founding Senior Director of Artist Programs at Sundance Institute

Ahndraea Allen, AS’05, MS’09, Senior Training Specialist for Sales Academy UAE at Adidas

Darrel Schreiner, MS’22, & Dominique Schreiner, MS’22, Co-Founders of CAKE DENIM

Episode aired January 6, 2022

Click here to download the episode transcript

While TV medical dramas have ruled entertainment for decades, Dr. Washington, AS’05, was putting in the real work. She received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and was the first Black woman to be admitted into the residency program. From a private practice in Texas to a prestigious surgery fellowship in Oregon, Dr. Washington is a lifelong learner, now specializing in liver and pancreatic procedures. In this episode, she speaks about her experience as a Black woman in medicine—from her undergraduate days at Northeastern’s John D. O’Bryant African American Institute to the podcast she started with her two sisters called “The Drs. Washington.” Not only a healthcare hero, she is building a platform to mentor students, discuss medicine, and highlight African American physicians who are making an impact in the field. 

The Northeastern Next Podcast is your channel to your global alumni network. In this show, we will catch up with alumni to hear what they do every day to achieve what’s next, and learn about their journey after Northeastern.

Listen and subscribe on apple podcasts, google podcasts, or spotify.

Episode aired May 13, 2021

Northeastern alumni can be found around the world—there over 275,000 people who are connected by one global university. Every day our alumni volunteers give their time and talent to make the Northeastern network even stronger. 

In this episode, Ilana Gensler, MA’19 Assistant Director of Affinity and Domestic Engagement will speak with a few of our volunteers from San Francisco to Thailand. 

Volunteers: 

Rachel Rappe, DMSB’15, Chicago Community Volunteer, Young Alumni Advisory Board Member, Women Who Empower Mentor

Ezgi Kosereisoglu, E’14, Chicago Community Volunteer, Young Alumni Advisory Board Chair, NUCEAO President Emerita

Kim Tran, E’17, Alumni Co-op Mentor in San Francisco

Dave Wedge, AS’00, Northeastern Rugby Club Alumni President

Sureena Sachdev, DMSB’19, Alumni Community Leader in Thailand

Hear what volunteering is all about and why they give back.

Episode aired May 3, 2021

Learn More about Volunteering
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“The Breakfast Club with murder” is how Karen McManus, MA’04, describes her first novel, “One of Us is Lying.” Now with four books published and more on the way, this New York Times Bestselling author has made writing her full-time career. Karen started in PR and Marketing, but realized it was never too late to make a switch. In this episode she shares how a familiar ’80s song inspired her writing and gives updates on the forthcoming TV adaptation of her first book.

This episode was recorded in collaboration with the Northeastern Women who Empower Initiative. 

The Northeastern Next Podcast is your channel to your global alumni network. In this show, we will catch up with alumni to hear what they do every day to achieve what’s next, and learn about their journey after Northeastern.

Listen and subscribe on apple podcasts, google podcasts, or spotify.

Download the transcript

Website
karenmcmanus.com

Instagram
@writerkmc

There are five times as many books about trucks than there are about any children of color. When Sailaja Joshi, DMSB’06 was searching for authentic and appropriate stories of Indian culture for her own children, she found a huge diversity gap in children’s literature. So, she decided to solve the problem, and launched Mango and Marigold Press, an award winning independent publishing house focusing on the South Asian experience. Serving as the CEO and founder, today the press has over a dozen titles, and recently launched the #1001DiverseBooks initiative, with the goal to bridge the accessibility gap, and raise money to donate diverse children’s literature to underserved communities. Northeastern’s IDEA venture accelerator gave this alumna a leg up, and she later utilized SCOUT, the student-led design studio, for her company’s rebrand.

The Northeastern Next Podcast is your channel to your global alumni network. In this show, we will catch up with alumni to hear what they do every day to achieve what’s next, and learn about their journey after Northeastern.

Questions, comments, or ideas for next guests can be emailed to the host,  [email protected].

Listen and subscribe on apple podcasts, google podcasts, or spotify.

Download the transcript

Website
mangoandmarigoldpress.com

Instagram
@mangoandmarigoldpress