Fordham Footsteps

After beginning her career at New Line Cinema, Sara followed her passion for nonprofit work and ultimately found her way back home to Fordham University. Over 16 years, she toured the country with Father McShane, picked up two advanced degrees, oversaw the launch of the Fordham University Alumni Association, and even co-hosted a certain alumni podcast. Listen in as Sara talks us through her career at Fordham in her Footsteps send-off.

Dr. Mark Rego, FCRH ’81, joins Sara and Matt to talk about his career in psychiatry and the surprising ways he leveraged his undergraduate philosophy courses. A biology major, Mark went on to work with patients around the world and even started a mental health clinic in Peru. He also discusses his new book Frontal Fatigue, which explores the interconnectedness of mental illness and technology in the modern world.

Christine Schwall-Pecci, Ph.D., FCRH ’09, majored in biology, minored in chemistry and sociology, and received a Clare Boothe Luce fellowship to pursue research. Listen to this episode to hear how Christine navigated the core curriculum, the STEM world, an economic recession, and ultimately landed her job at a medical communications agency (all while maintaining connections to Fordham).

As an American studies major and member of the pre-law society, Justin Henry, FCRH '14, spent four years at Fordham thinking about law school. But it didn't quite work out that way. Tune in to hear how this former Rambler instead found his way to the NYC Urban Fellows Program, the Manhattan DA's press office, and now to his current work at a communications firm supporting public sector and nonprofit clients.

Kristina Dominick, FCLC ’09, double majored in communications and Spanish, and sang in the choir during her time as a student. Listen to how she turned her student worker job, theatre background, and internship experience into a career fundraising for the arts at the 92nd Street Y.

Be sure to check out Kristina's new podcast "With the Band" online at https://anchor.fm/kristina-dominick or wherever you get your other podcasts.

Bronx native Dr. Peter Paganussi, FCRH ’80, was involved in United Student Government and the Campus Activities Board, working specifically with the CAB Concert Committee and the American Age Lecture Series all while commuting to campus and studying biology and anthropology. Listen to how Dr. Paganussi turned his Fordham experiences and commitment to cura personalis into a 33-year career in emergency medicine.

Football player, history and sociology double major, and an early member of the Bronx African American History Project. Mark Smith, FCRH ’04, wore many hats as a student. Now a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo, he helps Sara and Matt connect the dots between a career in finance and a liberal arts degree. (You may even get to hear him sing!)

Celia Aniskovich, FCRH ’14, knew when she began her college search that she did not want to go to a school in New York City. But after a fateful tour of the Rose Hill campus, she knew Fordham was the one. Listen to this episode to hear Celia's journey from communications major to documentary filmmaker.

As mentioned in the episode, check out Celia's seven part podcast "Spy Affair" online at https://wondery.com/shows/spy-affair/ or wherever you get your other podcasts.

Mike Prichinello, FCRH ’97, studied history and sociology at Fordham, and began his career in politics. He now owns the Classic Car Club, races motorcycles, and is a recording artist on the side. Listen to this episode to hear how he has navigated his career, including maintaining a business and raising a child during the pandemic.

Elisa Lyew, MC ’07, owns and operates a gluten-free bakery, Elisa's Love Bites, in the East Village of Manhattan. Her unique perspective and thirst for knowledge provided Elisa with the skills to overcome two recessions. Yet how did she transition from theatre major working in public relations to business owner? Listen to this latest episode to find out.

Chris Bruno, FCRH '06, GSAS '07, was a history major who now serves as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Fairfax, Virginia. How did he get there? Tune in as Chris discusses this journey and his time in the NYC mayor's office, in law school, and with Michael Bloomberg's presidential campaign.

Amy Verel, FCRH '99, entered Fordham as a political science major. After exploring policy, she found a passion for urban planning and changed her major. Now a landscape architect for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Amy designs parks and playgrounds throughout the city. Tune in to hear about her journey and learn a bit about the parks in NYC.

Cat Wood, FCLC '06, joins Sara and Matt to discuss her experience as an economics and Latin American & Latino studies double major, her time working with local artisans and promoting sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic, and her professional journey to becoming an executive life coach.

Will Corrigan, FCRH ’07, attended Fordham to become a lawyer, decided he wanted to teach physics, and then found himself working in human resources. Will focuses on the support he got from the university as he navigated this journey and how it’s never too late to change your mind.

After time in Sierra Leone with the Peace Corps, Alexia Couture, FCRH '13, put her statistical skillset to work in public health. A former math major and member of Expressions Dance Alliance, Alexia chats with Sara and Matt about her journey and the experiences that brought her to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Mo Osman works in finance, but he is a graduate of Fordham College at Rose Hill. He found his passion for business while studying economics and through internships he found with help from the Office of Career Services. A graduate of the Higher Education Opportunity Program, Mo also believes it's important to support fellow Rams. Apart from his philanthropic support of students, he also volunteers with the Fordham University Alumni Association, the MOSAIC affinity chapter, and more. Tune in to learn more about Mo's journey in the first Fordham Footsteps interview recorded during the pandemic.

Nick Endo sees his vocation as the intersection of what he's good at, what he enjoys, and what the world needs from him. Just four years after graduation his career has already taken him to Micronesia, to El Salvador, and now back to New York City. Tune in as Nick discusses where he's been and us current work in Catholic education.

Jim Olearchik serves as a Boro Director, Restorative Justice at the NYC Department of Education, but 15 years ago you would have had better luck finding him at a Caribbean resort. This honors English major turned travel writer was paid to spend half of his time on vacation. What made him give it all up? Tune in and learn how Jim found his true calling in the classroom and the circles of restorative justice.

Maryann Reid found early success as a writer after graduating with her degree in journalism.  But after several successful book deals the 2008 financial crisis struck. Tune in and hear how Maryann reinvented herself and found balance between her artistic identity and her new roles as a teacher and content strategist.

Considering a career in real estate? Guthrie Garvin is a former student athlete and American studies major who worked his way into the competitive NYC real estate market through patience, hard work, and a smart use of the Fordham network. Now a member of Fordham's President's Council, Guthrie dedicates considerable time and resources to the benefit of current Fordham students. Tune in and learn about Guthrie's journey, his current work in real estate sales, and his Jesuit-informed commitment to the well-being of others.

Denise is a full-time dueling piano player for Howl at the Moon in San Antonio, but her Fordham story began as an accounting student at the Gabelli School of Business. As an undergraduate student, Denise nurtured her musical abilities through performance opportunities with the University Choir and the Fordham University Hot Notes - a jazz a capella group based at the Rose Hill campus. After earning her MBA as part of a 5-year program, she put her accounting degree to work in NYC. Tune in and hear how she made the career change to music in a new city.

As a student, Emily Pandise followed her passions outside of the classroom through internships at NBC, producing work with Fordham Mornings & WFUV, and countless hours with student theater groups. Somehow, she also found time to double major in american studies and communications. Listen as Emily shares her journey from Rose Hill to NBC News with Sara and Matt.

His work with animals has taken him all around the country, but NYC has always felt like home to John Scott, FCRH '12. Tune in to learn how this double major in political science and environmental policy found himself at the New York Aquarium and where he's headed next.

Samara Finn Holland has been at the forefront of influencer marketing since 2003. Tune in as she shares her journey from a communications and media major to social media guru with Sara and Matt. Fordham Footsteps is brought to you by the Fordham University Alumni Association.

You can do anything with a  Fordham education, but what exactly does that mean? Join Sara Hunt Munoz, FCRH '99, GSE '10, '19, and Matt Burns, FCRH '13, from the Office of Alumni Relations as they discuss career paths with fellow rams. Learn how a religious studies major became an event planner, or the path the accounting student took to become a full-time dueling piano player. Lessons abound for students and alumni alike. Fordham Footsteps is brought to you by the Fordham University Alumni Association.