Topic - Gael Power News (147)

Gael Power: Tiara Griffith ’20 (Alumni Profiles 3636)

ptascio — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:43:00 +0000

Gael Power: Tiara Griffith ’20 (Alumni Profiles 3636) ptascio Mon, 01/09/2023 - 16:43 Gael Power: Tiara Griffith ’20 January 9, 2023

Rotational Product Manager at Facebook

Major: Business Management

Tiara Griffith ’20 credits Iona’s Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation for being the first stop along her journey to landing her dream job at Facebook. One day she decided to explore a new path and step out of her comfort zone, becoming founding president of Iona’s Entrepreneurship Club, and it was that decision that would eventually lead her to develop the skills needed for the position she’s in today.

Perseverance is what led Tiara to become a rotational product manager at Facebook.

Once she had her sights set on that career path, she reached out to various product managers (PMs) and associate product managers (APMs) from different tech companies via LinkedIn to learn more about what the career was like and ask for advice.

She then joined a community of aspiring and current PMs where they conducted mock interviews to prepare for her three interview rounds with Facebook.

“The ability to not only work and try to solve complex problems, but also having the opportunity to come up with new product ideas that can solve core user problems, drive them to fruition, and impact billions of users worldwide is the most exciting part of my job,” she said.

Tiara had many opportunities to learn outside the lines at Iona, gaining valuable experiences both in and outside the classroom. She was one of two students selected to be on the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation search committee to assist with selecting the Institute’s founding director and also became the founding president of Iona’s Entrepreneurship Club.

Her involvement in Hynes also led her to participate in the Iona Innovation Challenge as well as the opportunity to study abroad in Turin, Italy at the European Innovation Academy (EIA).

“I really enjoyed collaborating with the Hynes Institute team, interns, and students,” she said. “It quickly became a second home to me.”

WHY IONA

“I chose Iona for two main reasons. One, I felt that the LaPenta School of Business would give me a solid education and provide valuable internship and networking opportunities. Two, it was within commuting distance from where I lived which meant I could live at home throughout college.”

TIARA’S ADVICE

“Be dedicated and determined, be patient, and don’t give up. I applied to many companies and heard many no’s before receiving that one yes that changed my life.”

A DAY AT FACEBOOK

Collaborate with engineers, data scientists, product designers
Develop new products and features for Facebook and its family of products
Brainstorm marketing and product strategies

IONA HIGHLIGHTS

Hanging Out at GaelVentures Iona’s Co-working Innovation Space
Iona Entrepreneurship Club
Hynes Institute Workshops & Events

Gael Power: Jonathon Nosowitz ’18 (Alumni Profiles 3635)

ptascio — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:32:35 +0000

Gael Power: Jonathon Nosowitz ’18 (Alumni Profiles 3635) ptascio Mon, 01/09/2023 - 16:32 Gael Power: Jonathon Nosowitz ’18 January 9, 2023

Member of the Titan astrochemistry research group at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Major: Computer Science | Ph.D. Student, Catholic University of America

Like many students, when Jonathon Nosowitz ’18 came to Iona, he didn’t know exactly what career he wanted to pursue or what he envisioned his life to look like after graduation. But he recognized that the experiences offered to him at the University – inside and outside the classroom – would help him find his way. Conducting research with a professor led to Jonathan landing an internship at NASA, an experience that changed the trajectory of his life forever.

At Iona, Jonathon had the opportunity to work side by side with late professor Robert Novak, CFC, Ph.D., studying the atmosphere of Mars. Because he was so passionate about the work they were doing, Br. Novak suggested that he apply for a summer internship at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

“I carefully developed and submitted my application explaining my passion for exploring the unknown and my interest in planetary science,” he said.

That internship experience gave Jonathon clarity on his future and inspired him to pursue his Ph.D. in physics to continue learning. “By the middle of the internship, I knew for sure that I wanted to go for a Ph.D. and that I wanted to pursue a research career focused on planetary bodies in the solar system,” he said.

Iona marked the beginning of a series of experiences and connections that opened doors for him, influenced his life goals, and set the course of his future.

Currently, in addition to pursuing his Ph.D. in physics, Jonathon is a member of the Titan astrochemistry research group at Goddard. A full circle journey, Jonathon collaborates with NASA scientists on his dissertation research as he studies Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.

“While I haven’t moved into a typical computer science role, many of the skills from the classes I took, along with the encouragement and support from my professors, have provided me with a sturdy foundation,” he said.

WHY IONA

“I knew Iona was the school for me when I first stepped on campus. The small class sizes meant more personal instruction and interaction with professors and other students. I also appreciated Iona’s emphasis on community, benevolence, personal growth, and academic success.”

JONATHON’S ADVICE

“Never give up. The path to reaching your dream job isn’t necessarily linear and making the best of your current circumstances can be highly beneficial to achieving your goals. Iona has a lot to offer both in an out of the classroom and does a great job making these opportunities accessible – take advantage of as much as you can.”

A DAY AT NASA’S GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

Conduct research
Attend events/lectures
Participate in coding seminars

IONA HIGHLIGHTS

Computer Science Club
Pep Band Drummer

Gael Power: Kimberleigh Costanzo ’14 (Alumni Profiles 3634)

ptascio — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:24:44 +0000

Gael Power: Kimberleigh Costanzo ’14 (Alumni Profiles 3634) ptascio Mon, 01/09/2023 - 16:24 Gael Power: Kimberleigh Costanzo ’14 January 9, 2023

Director of Grants Administration and Program Officer for the Howard Gilman Foundation

Major: Philosophy

Kimberleigh Costanzo ’14 made the most of all Iona had to offer her – engaging classes, dedicated professors, proximity to New York City and the space to hone her creativity. Her experiences at Iona led to her turning dreams into reality for artists and performing arts organizations, supporting them in living sustainable lives and in creating artistic work that will shape cultures for years to come. Today, she is the director of grants administration, and a program officer, for the Howard Gilman Foundation – the largest private funder of nonprofit performing arts organizations in New York City.

Although each day is different for Kimberleigh, her job consistently provides her with the opportunity to make a difference, effect change and pursue her passions.

As the director of grants administration and a program officer for the Howard Gilman Foundation, Kimberleigh combines her love of arts and philanthropy. “I make recommendations for funding designed to help meet the applicant needs and support the Foundation's vision of a more equitable and thriving performing arts ecosystem,” she said.

Kimberleigh chose to major in philosophy after an interesting philosophy course during her first semester at Iona. She looked at studying philosophy as a way to engage with texts and concepts from history, religious studies, English, and many other programs all at once.

“At Iona, I was making connections between concepts I was exploring in my Honors thesis and artistic work that I was creating and performing on stage,” she said. “I was making frequent trips into New York City to take dance classes and engage with the experimental dance and performance community there. The work that I do today would not be possible without the skills and interests I was cultivating, but it also wouldn't be possible without the proactive attitude that I developed by charting my own path at Iona.”

WHY IONA

“Because of Iona’s small class sizes, I saw the opportunity to form close relationships my professors, engage in independent studies, and craft a curriculum around my needs and interests. My time at Iona shaped the person that I am today. It grounded me in the importance of community and helped me to articulate so many of the values that guide me.”

KIMBERLEIGH’S ADVICE

“Surround yourself with people who are intellectually curious, have similar passions and interests, and an eagerness to learn. It will make all the difference in your college experience.”

A DAY AT THE HOWARD GILMAN FOUNDATION

Oversee various performing arts organizations
Handle grants and make funding decisions
Discuss programming, finances, and infrastructure

IONA HIGHLIGHTS

Honors Program
Office of Mission & Ministry
Mock Trial
Dance Ensemble Performances

Gael Power: Thomas Weingarten ’16 (Alumni Profiles 3633)

ptascio — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:02:20 +0000

Gael Power: Thomas Weingarten ’16 (Alumni Profiles 3633) ptascio Mon, 01/09/2023 - 16:02 Gael Power: Thomas Weingarten ’16 January 9, 2023

Chief Growth Officer at Overtime

Major: Business Management

What started as an internship at a startup, became the opportunity of a lifetime. Thomas Weingarten ’16 rose to the Chief Growth Officer for Overtime, a sports media company valued at over $500 million with hundreds of employees today. Thomas credits his leadership abilities, listening skills and time management tactics to his experiences at Iona. He took lessons learned at the University and became a social media trailblazer – innovating and creating viral sports content without a blueprint to follow.

When Thomas set out to find the perfect internship, he turned to where most people turn for information – Google. His first instinct was to look up “sports internships” since sports have always been his passion, and that’s when he came across Overtime.

Starting as an intern during his junior and senior years at Iona, Thomas eventually rose to head of social media, overseeing content for the organization’s 70 million social media followers.

Time management skills are critical in Thomas’ job, and he honed those skills at Iona.

“I was a full-time student while working a bunch of other jobs,” he said. “It was important for me to do well in school and find my passions outside of it. Without having to do that in college, I think I would’ve gone through a lot more growing pains in my career.”

Thomas also appreciated Iona’s career fairs. He would attend them to learn about each company and each role they had. After he graduated, Thomas came back and had his own booth for Overtime.

“I really felt like I had accomplished something by being able to come back,” he said.

WHY IONA

“I chose Iona because it felt like home – my mom, grandpa, and many of my relatives went to Iona. I also loved during a nice day how people were just outside on campus walking around and talking to one another. I felt like the students at Iona all respected one another and were very hard workers. That atmosphere inspired me to want to be my best.”

THOMAS’ ADVICE

“Take chances. You never know what internship, connection or experience might lead you to your dream job. I thought I had it all figured out, I was going to be a basketball coach. But one small internship changed my whole entire life.”

A DAY AT OVERTIME

Spend time on social media catching up on the latest trends
Internal meetings with team
External meeting with brands on collaborations
Brainstorm content ideas

IONA HIGHLIGHTS

Career Fairs
Commencement
Energy on Campus

Gael Power: Erin Kutch ’18 (Alumni Profiles 3632)

ptascio — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 20:48:03 +0000

Gael Power: Erin Kutch ’18 (Alumni Profiles 3632) ptascio Mon, 01/09/2023 - 15:48 Gael Power: Erin Kutch ’18 January 9, 2023

Segment Producer at NBC News NOW

Major: Media & Strategic Communications

Leadership. Travel. Friendship. These are just a few things that Erin Kutch ’18 reflects on when she thinks of her time as a student at Iona University. It was on Iona’s campus that Erin forged her own path, expanded her horizons and was afforded the opportunity to see the world.

Today, Erin is a segment producer for Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW, but her journey at NBC began as an intern in January 2017.

“Iona has such a strong alumni network, and that is how I got my start at NBC,” she said. An Iona alumnus connected Erin with a colleague and she never looked back.

A media & strategic communication major with a passion for worldly news, studying abroad was an obvious choice. “What I enjoyed most about the trips is that I got to see the places that I learned about in class with my own eyes,” she said. Erin spent her sophomore and junior year spring breaks studying abroad in Poland and Greece.

Erin also fell in love with and embraced Iona’s service-based mission. She recognized that opportunities for growth and learning come in the form of service to others and she threw herself into service wholeheartedly. Erin participated in Iona in Mission trips to Boston, Syracuse and Ireland, where she worked with homeless and hungry populations.

At Iona, Erin learned how to combine her love of writing, news and current events into a career, thanks to the support of her professors. The lessons learned on Iona’s campus inspired Erin to follow her passions and achieve success – a vision that came true as she climbed the corporate ladder and made her mark at NBC.

WHY IONA

"I wanted to find a college that would give me an opportunity to be close to a city and get work experience while also having a campus that would provide me with an amazing college experience, and Iona had it all."

ERIN’S ADVICE

"Always put your best foot forward when meeting new people and have confidence in your abilities. Even if you don't know exactly what you want to do, take the opportunity at Iona to hone in on your skills."

A DAY AT NBC

Team meeting to discuss various story assignments;
Collect video elements and pre-interview guests;
Put final touches on the segment and finalizes script with the NBC anchor;
Showtime!

IONA HIGHLIGHTS

Mission Trips
Study Abroad
First Basketball Game of the Season
Iona Scholarship Gala