Alumni Spotlights

How a mistake landed an autistic actor-musician and Montclair graduate the roles of a lifetime

Montclair State University’s ‘Billy the Batboy’ turns years of interviews into a valuable resource for aspiring athletes

An adult student finishes what she started with dramatic flair.

In his senior year in high school, Zackary Logan ’18 had few options. He was living in a youth shelter, trying to find a way forward with little guidance and few resources. College seemed impossible until a gift of $65 to pay his Montclair application fee changed everything.

Shatiera Porte’e ’06 is forever grateful to the faculty, staff and fellow students at Bloomfield College who helped her find the confidence to pursue her dreams. Today, the education consultant and author of “I Forgive Myself for Forgetting Myself” mentors others, encouraging them to follow their own paths to success.

Taylor Trost ’23 MA, a 2023 Milken Educator Award recipient, is making her mark at Grace Norton Rogers Elementary School. Her ingenuity and dedication are helping to transform education in New Jersey’s East Windsor Regional School District.

Presidential Scholar and 2-D Animation graduate Aurelio Soto ’23 attributes much of his success to Bloomfield College’s TRIO Student Support Services program, a federally funded initiative that played a pivotal role in shaping his career-ready skills.

From her early college days, Cassandra Bien-Aime ’07 sought to understand the root causes of racial inequity in our society. Now the founder of her own non-profit organization and health chair in 11 cities for the NAACP, she works to address those inequities daily.

Through outreach and relationship building, Frank Galindo ’20 MBA, assistant vice president of Public Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at Lincoln Tech, builds awareness about the value high-quality technical education brings to students, and to the employers who hire them.

Lost in a large university, John Skowronski ’91 rediscovered his academic purpose at Bloomfield College. Here, he not only found his way but also discovered his passion.

After finding her voice in the 11th grade, Newark Public Schools Choir Director Domonique Walker ’09 had to catch up with peers whose vocal training began in childhood. But when she discovered her love for education, she knew she was in the right place at exactly the right time.

When she isn’t leading oversight and governance of BNY Mellon’s technology disaster recovery program, Huron Benson ’00 is building pathways to success for Montclair students through her involvement in the Black Alumni Advisory Council.

Alumnus, Trustee Emeritus and BCAA President Emeritus

A journey that started with a basketball scholarship took Gage Daye ’12 around the world and back. Now a successful real estate developer, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and author, Daye works to improve life in his hometown of Newark and to help youth reach their full potential. Currently vice president of the Bloomfield College Alumni Association, he seeks to pay it forward to the next generation.

Motivational speaker, licensed real estate broker and community leader Tezeta “Tez” Roro ’06 is a wellspring of positive energy who has used her undergraduate education as the springboard for a successful career.

Pediatric dentist Suffiyah Webb ’04 DDS, MPH is on a mission to bring dentistry – and the resulting overall health benefits – to children, starting with her home community of Newark, New Jersey.

As general manager of WMSC 90.3 FM, Anabella Poland ’20 MBA is raising the “Voice of Montclair State” to new heights. Under her leadership, the station is sweeping 2023 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) award nominations while providing valuable – and unforgettable – career preparation experiences for students who are passionate about radio

As Vice President, Public Sector – Experience Insights and Analytics at Medallia, Michael Maiorana ’99 MBA is bringing his passion for public service to state and federal agencies across the country, helping them to improve customer experience. Might his vision for effective customer dealings with government agencies have us looking forward to our next visit to the motor vehicles office? If Maiorana has his way, it certainly will.

Tiffany Perez ’09 is a highly regarded tattoo artist whose clientele includes celebrities from television, the music industry and professional sports. Now the owner of Ink Gallery Tattoo Studio – the largest tattoo studio in New Jersey – Perez is building a successful business while also building a community fueled by the arts.

Johnny Ross ’20 is more than a pretty face. A talented comedian, actor and makeup artist, Ross has created a winning social media brand, landing the #5 spot on Traackr.com’s list of top beauty influencers. A member of the elite Ulta Beauty Collective Class of 2023, Ross is already preparing for the next chapter for @mrjohnnyross.

Think you have an early wake-up call? When the alarm rings at 2:30 a.m., Ines Rosales ’04, traffic anchor for WNYW/Fox5 Good Day New York, is up and on the job, reporting road and mass transit conditions in one of the densest regions in the country.

As principal of the Passaic County Technical Institute, Antonio Garcia ’01 has found his leadership niche and is helping thousands of students chart their paths to success.

When Vashti T. White ’72, ’75 MA, graduated from Montclair High School in 1937, career paths for women were limited and advancement opportunities for African American women, in particular, were scarce. White’s passion for learning was not to be contained. Defying societal norms, she led beyond those boundaries to an impactful career as an administrator and educator.

For more than 15 years, Tog Samphel ’22 enjoyed a highly successful career as a digital product designer, enhancing user experiences for powerhouse brands. But it was his creative response to an everyday need that led him down the path of the inventor – and to a Shark Tank deal for his kitchen gadget, AnyTongs.

Forbes Weekend Updates Editor Raena Loper ’16 brings an eye for good design as well as a commitment to inclusivity to her work. Her thoughtful reviews of products ranging from laptops and vacuum cleaners to planners and portable blenders reach more than 150 million people around the world.

As a teen, Julián Omar Morales ’12 ’17 couldn’t fathom where his future would take him. By listening to his heart and following his calling one step at a time, he is choreographing a fascinating, at times painful but always meaningful, journey.

Alumna’s gift will help future generations

With nearly 290,000 Instagram followers and more than 25,000 YouTube subscribers, Albaner C. Eugene, Jr. ’18 is on the rise as an influencer with a mission to help youth move forward in every aspect of their lives.

Michael Hughes ’90, director of INTERPOL Washington, circles the globe, helping to ensure that 195 unique countries coordinate their resources to fight transnational crime and to implement crucial humanitarian efforts. As head of the United States National Central Bureau and a member of INTERPOL’s 13-member executive committee, he is helping to bring together diverse voices with the shared goal of making the world safe for all.

When Erica Fischer-Kaslander ’13 MA began as the first executive director of Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the organization was little more than a dream and a borrowed office cubicle. In the 15 years since, Passaic County CASA has advocated for more than 1,000 children and trained hundreds of volunteers to serve as champions for abused and neglected children

Building relationships for better results Business of Building Community.

Research scientist and professor Nathaniel Frissell ’07 began his Montclair journey with a passion for music and a hobbyist’s enthusiasm for ham radio. Today, Frissell’s research is deepening our understanding of the way radio waves travel through earth’s upper atmosphere.

Creative strategist and entrepreneur Taylor Jeffers ’13 ’16 MBA has helped raise the profiles of such noted brands as the NBA, Bed Bath & Beyond and The Black Bachelorette. Now, Jeffers is raising the aspirations of students in Montclair’s Accelerated MBA program and bringing her expertise and energy to Montclair’s Black Alumni Advisory Council.

Neil John Barnes ’17 has always had a fascination for the workings of Wall Street. As Vice President, Business Data Analyst (Systems Trading) at Citi, Barnes delves into the fine print and – sometimes less apparent – nuances that drive systems-level investing. As he completes graduate study and settles further into his career, Barnes looks forward to returning to Montclair to get involved in alumni life at his alma mater.

Tom Kennedy ’08 ’10, “The Other Mentalist,” uses everything he learned at Montclair to engage – and amaze – audiences. In July, he brought his special brand of performance to Summer Bridge Program students at his alma mater, ensuring that their Montclair journey begins on a memorable note.

Al-Nesha Jones, CPA ’07 ’13 MBA is using her expertise to build up the community, one small business at a time. She is also bringing her positive energy to Montclair as a mentor and a new member of the Montclair State University Black Alumni Advisory Council.

“It’s important to give back; I’m honored do it,”

Winning cases for those who face discrimination based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Believing in the Power of Commitment

As a member of the 1977-78 Montclair Women’s Basketball team, Wanda Szeremeta ’80 helped lead the Red Hawks to the Final Four.

Hometown Hero is Transformational Leader

HR Strategy Expert Builds Global Business Value

Building Business and Community

Breaking the Cycle of Violence

Alumni Brings Lifelong Learning to Life

PNC Chief Diversity Officer Is Ready to Maximize Her Impact

Success by Design

Montclair State Paves a Path to Success for Daniel Grant ’17

Entrepreneur Diamonique Lundy ’21 Makes Healthy – and Delicious – Meals Accessible to All

Christopher Condon ’20 is redefining what success can look like for a Montclair State University English degree graduate.

Alumna pays it forward by encouraging students to explore opportunities

Through her recent gift to establish the Syrtiller McCollum Kabat Endowed Scholarship, Kabat is creating a path for students in the Red Hawk Fellows program.

Bringing Excellence to Public Relations

Dancing with Fate

Changing the Landscape for Those in Need

On a Mission to Transform Lives

On a Mission to make New Jersey a Healing-Centered State

Brings Financial Expertise to the Montclair State University Foundation Board

Being involved in so many organizations at Montclair State made the now assistant principal a natural leader and mentor, something that he takes pride in today.

The professional wrestler turns dedication and hard work into success in the ring, on the screen and in life.

Alumnus had a passion for languages that led him not only to a teaching career but coincidentally to a successful career in publishing as both an author and editor and marketing manager.

The community activist is in the forefront of the fight to end State control of the Newark school system, and she is not stopping her endeavors anytime soon.

The certified paralegal is on a mission to ensure that everyone has access to quality legal services. Through his paralegal services company, which now has three locations in the U.S., he helps people navigate the legal system effectively, and affordably.

The audiologist owes her success in helping conduct research on TBI in the military population to the connections she made at Montclair State, and encourages students everywhere to remember that no one started as an expert in their field.

The Independent Short Film award winner’s professors urged her to talk about her experiences as an undocumented immigrant, and with it came many accolades.

President and CEO of the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) urges colleagues and students alike to remain positive and make opportunities in these hard times, and to look at the current affairs as great opportunities to create.

The 2019 “Nutrition Entrepreneur of the Year” owes her success to a professor who inspired her to change her major, and encourages current students to get to know their professors for a lifelong opportunity of mentorship.

Dean of the Norm Brodsky College of Business at Rider University still looks at success as a research study, and he has found a lot of good material to work with over the years.

Alumna of Montclair State, Rutgers and Stanford has proven to have had an extensive career in education– even 22 years after her retirement.

North Arlington teacher puts her tools to the test to make sure her young students know that education still matters during a pandemic.

Partner for Yorktown Partners LLC reflects on the important relationships she made in college that lead to her many accomplishments.

Assistant principal of Clifton Public Schools proves that achieving the American Dream is possible with hard work and determination, plus good insight from some pretty great teachers.

2018 Milken Educator Award recipient continues to make sure her students know that they can do anything and are the leaders of their own destiny.

Musician-turned-accountant credits his alma mater for laying the foundation for his future career: being the vice president and CFO of a multi-billion dollar corporation.

Vice president of Ideation and Innovation at Voyant Beauty proves how passionate she is about helping increase the quality of life for women and men from her time in the lab.

At 99, curiosity and a forward-looking interest still propel an accomplished alum, now as ever.

Vice president of Business Development in Individual Life Insurance at Prudential Financial never imagined that majoring in philosophy would lead him to a career in finance, but he owes it all to his experiences at Montclair State.

Pharmaceutical scientist at Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) incorporates Montclair State in her extensive professional career that has prioritized advocacy and giving back to the science community.

Montclair State Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and Managing Partner at New York Life found love at Montclair State, and they advise current students to take in the college experience while they can.

Alumni couple credits Montclair State for helping them achieve their individual successes, along with their 27 year-long marriage.

Executive director of the Acelero Learning Camden Philadelphia Head Start attributes her passion for nurturing young children to her early childhood education instructor from her days at Montclair State.

Montclair State’s first Master of Public Health graduate and the son of health care professionals decided to make a career in hospitals while growing up in Nigeria, and has since made a significant impact in the San Francisco community.

Multiple Tony-Award winner never expected his education in business administration and accounting would lead him to the entertainment industry, but he soon discovered his passion was in the field all along.

Poet, activist and fifth-grade language arts teacher still uses her college lessons of empowerment and tries to pass them on in everything she does.

President/CEO of Vision Quest Productions, Inc. and second-generation alum of Montclair State owes his extensive career in television production to the opportunities he took advantage of in college.

Vice President/CFO at Eisai Inc. has been able to achieve his dream of supporting patients while contributing to society in a meaningful way, and his alma mater played a pivotal role in his journey.

Alumna who switched her major from Dance to Business Administration finds her way back to the stage, and her determination made her a Rockette.

Alumna’s loyalty and love for Montclair State is now a legacy, and she is forever grateful for the adventure her alma mater has given her.

Principal of Catham High School still appreciates the relationships he made during his time at Montclair State for aiding his successful career in education.

The award-winning dietician credits Montclair State University’s Food Science and Nutrition Department, as well as perseverance, for the keys to achieving her dream of becoming a retail dietician for Shoprite, and then some.

The Chief of Staff to New Jersey Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake proves to be a great example of how the connections students establish can result in big post-graduation opportunities.

The award-winning performer is set to appear in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” and the film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In The Heights”– and he’s just getting started.

Montclair State was the catalyst for the couple’s careers, she as a Home Economics teacher and her late husband as an Industrial Arts teacher. Together, they would go on to serve a combined 75 years of teaching and give back to the university that gave them each other, and so much more.

The now-retired national director of Medical Science Liaisons for Women’s HealthCare and Neurology at Bayer HealthCare looks back at the impact she made at Montclair State as an undergraduate student, and the impact it has made on her in return.

By being exposed to research and understanding scientific literature, as well as preparing presentations, the biologist built a solid foundation at Montclair State to perform his public outreach responsibilities all along the east coast.

Campbell, who started her undergraduate years as a Chemistry major and then became an audiologist, encourages current students to keep an open mind as they go through their academic career and life.

Learning the value of customer relationships translated into opportunity for Price Rite president.

The actress and singer is ready to be the first queen to be featured as the ruler at Medieval Times, and she is definitely reigning the rest of the theater world supreme.

Making good decisions comes with the territory of being an effective corporate leader. For the U.S. Steel Executive Vice President and CFO, it was key to his start as he chose to attend Montclair State.

The CEO of YWCA Bergen County has always made it her mission to help the people around her, and through her history of advocacy and community service, she is continuing to pave the way for future generations.

The vice president for Student Affairs at Stockton University is passionate about providing students with access to the same transformative learning experiences that he experienced as a student, and his longtime work in higher education proves it.

An associate’s degree in fashion, as well as losing his job, motivated the entrepreneur and supervisor of the Transportation department at Montclair State to go back to school for his Bachelor’s degree as an adult, and it definitely payed off.

The production assistant for the New York Giants credits her past internships and Montclair State’s Center for Career Services for letting her realize that sports and broadcasting were her passions all along.

The president of Client Experience at Vista Global Holding Limited credits his education and experience at Montclair State as the launching point for his successful career in the aviation industry.

The fourth grade Literacy Teacher and Head Reading teacher at Gregory Elementary School in Long Branch (N.J.) has had a lifetime of experiences in volunteering and teaching students, ultimately preparing her to live out her dream.

Award-winning actor, associate professor and head of performance at George Mason University is still loving the process of learning a complicated craft, and still effectively shows that in his performances and lectures.

Alumnus’ college experience as a player and aspiring teacher laid foundation for distinguished career in education.

Training program launches 34-year career, and instills commitment to alma mater for the retired leader at Prudential.

The award-winning poet looks back on the experiences that cultivated her love of the written word, and inspired her to do it all in her extensive career in literature, performance and teaching.

The former SGA president remembers Kennedy assassination on its 50th anniversary and how it encouraged him and his generation to take responsibility for the late President’s legacy.

Broadcaster of the Year Award (2011) Goes to Tom Kaminski ’84

The Family and Child Studies program at Montclair State was the foundation for the alumna’s career of helping one million hungry New Yorkers each year.

The Family Services Specialist with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency of New Jersey credits several professors and courses at Montclair State for his continued love of social work.

When Patel graduated, she was ready for the challenges her career would bring. She’d already had to work hard, budget time and put in long hours. When she accepted her dream job at a Big Four accounting firm, Patel was ready to give it her all.

The R&B Hall of Fame inductee reflects on her numerous accomplishments in her trailblazing and multi-dimensional career, and thanks her degree in music education for getting the ball rolling.

Co-producer and writer of “The Simpsons” proves that childhood hobbies and odd jobs can lead to a more rewarding destination than your wildest dreams could ever imagine.

Long before this actor was torturing people on the big screen as the psycho killer John Kramer, aka “Jigsaw,” in the Saw horror film series, he was earning his master’s degree in Environmental Studies at Montclair State.

The chief financial officer of Liberty Science Center reminisces on his time at Montclair State and advises current students to never stop learning.

The Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer had plans of becoming a journalist and going to law school– now, she has no regrets about the great journey her career actually took her on.

Charles credits Montclair State for exposing her to the political process in ways that help her respond to challenges that she faces at work each day, and advises current students to stay enthusiastic about their goals.

After a successful and award-winning career in sports journalism, this writer hopes his experience can help inspire current journalism students at Montclair State.

The now-retiree credits his education at Montclair State University as the launching point for a successful 40 year executive career in the marketing, communications and advertising field, as well as giving him the confidence to pursue his professional and family dreams.

From the age of nine, this alumna had dreams of performing on Broadway. Those dreams soon became a reality after attending an open call in Manhattan her freshman year.

On her first visit to campus as a potential student, she was struck by the friendly, welcoming environment that greeted her. It was what convinced her to choose Montclair State University for her undergraduate education, and what has kept her here for an impressive 30 years as a staff member.

Before graduating, this proud Red Hawk would have never imagined spending the next 17 years as an educator, where he would accomplish many milestones he never even believed before.

The 2018-2019 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year knew she always wanted to be a teacher, and advises current students to research their own dream career paths.

Since graduation, this alumna has held various creative titles. However, if asked as a freshman if she saw herself pursuing any of those career paths – her answer would have probably been “no”.

The president of Alfred Bundy Productions reflects on his years at Montclair State, and advises current students to always truly believe that the best is yet to come.

The Margaret and Herman Sokol Award for Alumni Achievement and Civic Engagement recipient takes time to give back to his alma mater.

The actress and President’s Club member has always loved the theater and it was that love that brought her to Montclair State, as well as pushed her to give back to its arts program.

When it comes to Montclair State University, this alumni couple are all in. Both attended the Feliciano School of Business to earn degrees in Business Administration – Accounting, and now they are directly involved in ensuring success for future graduates.

This traveler, photographer, published author, donor and former teacher’s path has led her along many exciting adventures, and Montclair State University was the first step.

The Group Vice President of Audience Solutions at Acxiom owes his early success to Montclair State, which motivated him to return for his Master’s degree that would eventually lead him to helping change the world for good.

Adjunct professor at Montclair State and lawyer reflects on his career beginnings and how it lead to him diving deeper into the field from a wider social context.

The youngest female franchisor in the United States may have started her career as a professional dancer, but a desire to create the perfect role to match her individuality lead her to a future career beyond her dancing dreams.

Drums of Thunder

Broadway Producer

Career Counselor at Berkeley College

Legal Assistant at malpractice and personal injury law firm in Bergen County

Data Driven: Alumna turns love for statistics into successful career in analytics

Read the full story on NJ.com

CFO and Tax Collector in Boonton Township

Communications in the STEM Sector

New York City Department of Education

Medical Student at Meharry Medical College

Writer for USA TODAY and On-air Personality on MSG

Deputy Counsel to NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio

Owner, Clos Pepe Vineyards LLC

The co-founder of Two Ton Brewing participated in the first ever Homecoming Beer Garden at Homecoming 2015, and he was proud to be pouring his product at his alma mater.

Assistant Research Scientist at The College Board

Assistant to the Associate Vice President for Development Seton Hall

Fleet Supervisor at Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Program Associate and Pianos Project Leader at Sing for Hope

Health Sciences Teacher at Union City High School and winner of the Milken Educator Award for NJ

The Honorable Bonnie J. Mizdol ‘79, A.J.S.C; Assignment Judge of Bergen County

Leading Expert in the geology of New Jersey

Musician and Founder of #ProtectOurFutures

President, Andrew Freeman and Co. Restaurant and Hospitality Consultants

Chief, Bergenfield Police Department

Senior Vice President, Chief Data Scientist, Dun and Bradstreet

Senior Vice President and Senior Philanthropic Specialist, Wells Fargo

2014 Tom Waddell Award Recipient

Principal Development Scientist, ConAgra Foods Company

Dean of Students, Allen University

Audit Senior, Deloitte

Project Coordinator, Kallman Worldwide

President, Art Emphasis Designs LLC

Historian, Little Falls Historical Society

President and CEO, the Akron Zoo

The senior vice president of video programming and development at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has enjoyed the roller coaster ride of the ever-changing media industry and is proud to say she is a Montclair State alumna.

Executive Director and CEO of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants

Commissioner, New Jersey State Athletic Control Board

Mayor, East Orange, NJ

Chief Nursing Officer, Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack Valley

Principal, John T. Baker Middle School

Chief Financial Officer, Lightyear Capital

Women’s Head Soccer Coach at Gallaudet University

The VP and general counsel of Ferrari North America extends his gratitude to his alma mater that gave him so many opportunities.

Through the years, these college best friends and co-founders of Phoenix Marketing Solutions, LLC climbed from the staircase on Valley Road to landing at top leadership positions within the medical communications industry.