Gwen Ifill School Alumnae/i
In the Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences, we cultivate a diverse and talented generation of trailblazers who are poised to become leaders in their professions and in their communities.
Student-Alumnae/i Interviews
Simmons Alum Finds Success in Children's Publishing
Interview is edited for length and clarity. What drew you to the field of children’s literature? I am originally from Rome, Italy, and I moved to the United States at 19 to pursue a career in children’s book publishing. I...
Teaching in Special Education and Higher Education
Interview is edited for length and clarity. What inspired you to go into teaching? It was a happy accident. I discovered the New England Center for Children (NECC) when they came to my undergraduate college, St. Lawrence University, to give...
Simmons Alum Dedicates His Time to Teaching Abroad
After earning an honors bachelor's degree in education from Great Zimbabwe University (MasVegas), Tinashe Ganyau enrolled in Simmons' Master of Education program. Simmons has partnered with the New England Center for Children (NECC) for more than 30 years. Ganyau was among the first to join NECC’s expansion to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, working at the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education.
From Video Production to Public Relations
Julia Welbourne ’04 received a bachelor's degree in communications and minored in women’s and gender studies. Over the course of her career, she has worked in video production in Boston, New York City, and Seattle. Today, Welbourne serves as a public relations advisor at Rochester Regional Health, where she applies more than 20 years of experience in both independent and corporate communications to the healthcare sector.
Alumna’s Perspective on College Life and Building Networks
Courtney Knapp ’03, ’06 received an undergraduate degree in philosophy and political science with a minor in communications. Subsequently, Knapp completed the graduate program in gender and cultural studies in 2006. For the last seven years, Knapp has been at the Pratt Institute and recently started a new role as the Chair of the Pratt Institute Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment.
Editor-in-Chief Shares Insights into Her Time at Simmons
Elissa Gershowitz ’00MA received her master’s degree in children’s literature from Simmons University and is currently Editor-in-Chief of The Horn Book literary magazine. The Horn Book is a central point for reviews of books from preschool through young adult selections. The Horn Book was also founded by Bertha Mahony Miller, a Simmons alumna, Class of 1906.
Gender and Culture in the Simmons Experience
Interview edited for length and clarity. What drew you to the field of gender and cultural studies? In my undergrad, I studied linguistics and psychology. However, by the end of it, I was focusing more so on transness [the state...
Alumna Uses Communications Degrees to Navigate US Politics
Maya Valentine double majored in public relations and marketing communications, and communications on the journalism track. Valentine was active in the Simmons Student Government Association, The Simmons Voice, the Black Student Organization, and was a Resident Advisor. Valentine is the Press Secretary for US Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware.
Gwen Ifill School Alums in the News
Honors 3+1 Student Embraces Interdisciplinarity
Abigail Pearson ’26, ’27MSW is an honors student pursuing an accelerated degree in social work. We spoke with her about the vitality of an interdisciplinary education and the thriving community at Simmons.
International Honors Student Studies Economic Development
Paulina Rodas Mejia ’26, a double major in economics and international relations, is pursuing research in economic development. We spoke with her about her interdisciplinary interests, the honors program, and being an international student from Honduras at Simmons.
Celebrating the 2025-26 Passionate Leaders Scholars
Six undergraduate scholars from different disciplines have been selected for a $3,000 grant that supports student-driven initiatives focused on advancing scientific research and improving communities, and represents unique voices through the arts and humanities.
Simmons Alum Supports Employer Relations for Students
In recognition of November as National Career Development Month, we spoke to Associate Director Employer Relations Jenn Walker Wall ’05 about her plans to strengthen relationships with area employers, and between Simmons students and alumnae/i.
Alumna Brings Joy of Discovery to Children and Families
Marie Beam ’95 is the Chief Executive Officer of the Discovery Museum in Acton, MA. We spoke with her about nonprofit work, her stimulating education at Simmons, and the value of curiosity.
Alumna Combines Story and Techspressionist Moving Images
Karen LaFleur ’97MA, a graduate of the Simmons Master’s in Children’s Literature, is a “Techspressionist” artist and writer who incorporates moving images, text, music, and artistic renderings of nature and scientific discovery into her artwork. We spoke to LaFleur about how her studies at Simmons shaped the development of her art.
First-Gen Commuter Student Navigates Higher Education
Valeria Cardoza ’27 shares her unique experience as a first-generation student at Simmons, and a participant in the Bonner Leaders Program.
Alumna Communicates Scientific Discovery at National Park
Julia Rush ’24 is the 2025 Cathy and Jim Gero Acadia Early-Career Fellow in Science Communication for the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park. We spoke with her about her love of journalism and the outdoors, and the essential training she received at Simmons.
Ways to Get Involved as a Gwen Ifill School Alum
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The Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences
The Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences cultivates trailblazers and leaders. Here, you'll study the modes of expression through which we record and interpret the human experience.