Mary Beth Sheridan ‘83
Mission-Driven
As we wrap up this series, Maura Sweeney ‘07 speaks with Mary Beth Sheridan ‘83. After studying abroad in England during her junior year at Holy Cross, Mary Beth caught the travel bug and discovered a passion for international affairs. Thanks to a well-timed question from Professor Helen Whall during her senior year, she embarked on a career in journalism that would take her around the world. Beginning in Spain as a freelance journalist, Mary Beth would go on to serve as a foreign correspondent for the Associated Press, Miami Herald, and Los Angeles Times before joining...
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Cymetra Williams ‘03
Mission-Driven
In this episode, Maura Sweeney speaks with Cymetra Williams ‘03. The conversation follows Cymetra’s winding path from the Pacific Northwest, to Worcester, Japan, NYC, New Jersey, and finally, landing in Oklahoma, where, at the time of the podcast recording, she worked as the Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Cymetra recently relocated to Washington, D.C., and now works as legal counsel for Booz Allen Hamilton. While her path has not been straight, the mission and purpose that drive her work have been unwavering. As a...
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Annie Long Sullivan ‘94
Mission-Driven
In this episode, Maura Sweeney ‘07 speaks with Annie Long Sullivan ‘94. A native of Long Island, Annie ended up applying early decision to Holy Cross thanks to a friend from summer camp and never looked back. An English and French double-major, Annie served as a features editor of the Crusader and studied abroad in France her junior year. She continued to leverage her combination of writing and interpersonal skills after Holy Cross as she pursued roles in advertising. After a period at home to raise her young family, Annie embraced her inner entrepreneur by joining a startup and eventually...
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Nalani Ramos Ruiz ‘21
Mission-Driven
In this episode, Maura Sweeney ‘07 speaks with Nalani Ramos Ruiz ‘21. A recent graduate of Holy Cross, Nalani has wasted no time making her mark on the future of Holy Cross. A member of the Holy Cross Board of Trustees, Nalani uses her voice to spread awareness about the importance of diverse people and perspectives among the Holy Cross community. Through her work at Raytheon Technologies, she continues to advocate for others and ensure that access to education and meaningful employment are available to all. Thanks to her care and compassion for championing the voices of others, Nalani is...
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Kerry Sullivan ‘78
Mission-Driven
In this episode, Maura Sweeney ‘07 speaks with Kerry Sullivan ‘78. Former president of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Kerry spent her career forging a path in corporate philanthropy. Early on, she was instrumental in developing Philanthropic Management Foundation Advisory Services — a team responsible for providing philanthropic counsel and grants management to high-net worth clients. As the field of corporate philanthropy grew, so did Kerry’s role and impact. Today, she sits on numerous boards where she continues to use her talents to serve others. Thanks...
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Quinn Fitzgerald ‘11
Mission-Driven
In the first episode of the Lighting the Way series, Maura Sweeney ‘07 speaks with Quinn Fitzgerald ‘11. A mission-driven entrepreneur, Quinn co-founded a company in 2016 focused on creating products that provide a discreet lifeline to people in emergency situations. Her company, Flare, was sold in March 2023. In our conversation, we speak about Quinn’s journey to becoming the co-founder of Flare and all of the impactful moments along the way. As someone committed to championing founders, survivors, entrepreneurs and students, Quinn is lighting the way for others to follow. ...
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Sean O'Connor '92
Mission-Driven
In this final episode of Season three, Siobhan Kiernan from the class of 2021 speaks with Sean O'Connor from the class of 1992. As a fundraiser and member of the Holy Cross Annual Fund Team, Siobhan talks with Sean about his accomplished career in fundraising. Today, he continues to make a difference as the Chief Development Officer at the National Audubon Society. Their conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to support the nonprofit organizations that we love. The Holy Cross mission of serving others is central to the work that they do. As people foreign with...
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James Scott '95
Mission-Driven
In this episode, Colman Benson from the class of 2024 speaks with James Scott from the class of 1995. They connected back in the fall of 2022 to speak about James' path from Ohio to Holy Cross to the Marine Corps, culminating in his current career in banking. They speak about how a clever marketing commercial changed the course of James's career path and how you're never too old to reinvent yourself. What's even better, the friends you make on the Hill and the Holy Cross Alumni Network will always be there to support you on your journey. Interview originally recorded in December 2022. --- ...
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Joe Dulac '90 & Ely Bueno '98
Mission-Driven
Listen as Ely speaks with Joe about his career in family medicine, what it's like to build a practice from scratch, and how they supported one another during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Thomas Cotter '17 & Brendan Quinn '06
Mission-Driven
In this episode, Conor Joslin '23 interviews Thomas Cotter '17 and Brendan Quinn '06. Thomas and Brendan met while Thomas was a student at Holy Cross. Their professional journeys converge thanks to the app INDX, a startup co-founded by Thomas and funded by Brendan. Through INDX, they hope to channel their energy and create a product that fosters learning, discovery and growth for all. True entrepreneurs at heart, they show us what's possible when you take a problem and focus your efforts on finding a solution. Interview originally recorded in March 2022. --- Thomas: You can't just build...
info_outlineIn this episode, Maura Sweeney speaks with Cymetra Williams ‘03. The conversation follows Cymetra’s winding path from the Pacific Northwest, to Worcester, Japan, NYC, New Jersey, and finally, landing in Oklahoma, where, at the time of the podcast recording, she worked as the Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Cymetra recently relocated to Washington, D.C., and now works as legal counsel for Booz Allen Hamilton. While her path has not been straight, the mission and purpose that drive her work have been unwavering. As a student at Holy Cross, Cymetra found support and inspiration from many different areas, with a particular appreciation for the programs run by the Chaplain’s Office. Today, she continues to live a life of service as she fights for the rights of the victims she represents. Thanks to her dedication to advocacy, care for others and care for self, Cymetra is lighting the way for others to follow.
About the Lighting the Way Series:
In September 1972, the first women enrolled at the College of the Holy Cross, lighting the way for generations to follow, women who would advance to create lives of personal and professional impact across all vocations across the globe, inspired by the foundation of a Jesuit, Catholic liberal arts education.
The Mission-Driven: Lighting the Way podcast features College of the Holy Cross alumnae who are lighting the way for others today. Through their service, professional and personal pursuits, these women are living the Holy Cross mission and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Interview originally recorded in August 2023.