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
Authentic Communication in Podcasting with Simmons Alumna
Julia Taliesin ’18 majored in communications with a concentration in journalism. She is currently an economic analyst and insurance correspondent at Insurify. There, she is responsible for researching and writing data-insights articles and is part of a creative team working on a new podcast called “No Dumb Questions,” with fellow Simmons alumna, Sara Getman ’22.
Confidence is Key to Navigating the World of Insurance
Sara Getman ’22 graduated from Simmons with a bachelor’s degree in English and was the Editor-in-Chief of Sidelines and a part of the Honors Program. Currently, Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and works with a creative team on a new podcast called “No Dumb Questions” with fellow Simmons alumna Julia Taliesin ’18.
Finding Identity in Politics
Political Science major Natalie Ochoa ’24 was a Kotzen Scholar and a member of the honors program at Simmons. She was also Vice President of Sunrise Simmons, a Student Government Association senator, and the president of the history liaison. Currently, Ochoa is a social studies teacher at James Hill House High School in New Haven, Connecticut, and is a corps member of Teach for America.
Podcasting as the New Medium for Journalism
Mackenzie Farkus ’20 received a bachelor’s degree in communications from Simmons University, with a concentration in journalism and a minor in cinema and media studies. While at Simmons, Farkus was a contributing member of The Voice and editor-in-chief for two years. Since 2023, Farkus has served as Associate Multimedia Producer for the Christian Science Monitor.
The Convergence of Marketing Communications and Healthcare
Alison Frenz ’04 graduated from Simmons University with a bachelor’s degree in communications, concentrating on public relations and marketing communications. Currently, Frenz is the Practice Lead at the healthcare communications agency, Real Chemistry.
Simmons Alumna Details Her Relationship with Education
Courtney Tierney ’24MSEd started her journey at the New England Center for Children (NECC) in 2016, and since then has risen to the role of education coordinator in the intensive instruction program.
From Sports to Healthcare: Storytelling by a Simmons Alumna
Eri O’Brien ’24 double majored in communications on the integrated media track and studio art with a concentration in photography. While attending Simmons, O’Brien was a photography teaching assistant for four years and started as a production assistant at Harvard Athletics during her junior year. Currently, O’Brien continues her role at Harvard and is a marketing and community outreach assistant at Charles Street Family Chiropractic, Inc.
Alumna Author Talks Writing Process and Guiding Students
Jo Knowles ’92, ’95MA graduated from Simmons with a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in writing and returned to Simmons for her master’s degree in children’s literature. While teaching at a low-residency MFA program, Knowles continues to write young adult fiction.
Gwen Ifill School Alums in the News
Simmons Students Honored at Bell Ringer Awards
Two Merit Awards were presented to Simmons University students at the PR Club of New England’s 58th Annual Bell Ringer Awards. Communications student Nevaeh Berenato ’26 was recognized for the article, “Concert Review: Maruja Protests with Punk at the Sinclair,” (The Simmons Voice, September 2025). The students of Studio 5 were recognized for “Elevating Pediatric Airway Health Awareness & Expertise.”
Regina Marshall ’98 Named CEO of Advocates
Regina Marshall '98 has spent her career advocating for people with disabilities, shaping public policy, and expanding access to care. Now, as Chief Executive Officer of Advocates, Inc., one of Massachusetts' largest providers of behavioral health and human services, she's leading an organization whose mission reflects the work she's devoted her life to.
Finding the Story Beneath the Story
Gloria Respress-Churchwell ’18MFA, MA uncovers the human heart inside history’s stories.
Children’s Literature Alumna Featured in WBUR
WBUR News profiled Boston-based educator, author, and editor Autumn Allen ’18MA/MFA. Allen just released her second young adult novel, You Only Live Twice (Kokila-Penguin Random House, 2026).
Congratulations to the 2026 SURPASs Scholars
Nine undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). From May to June, students will receive funding and mentorship to support their independent research. The six-week program includes workshops and research presentations, culminating in a student showcase in June.
Metafiction as a Willingness to Play
Rosie Lopolito ’29MA/MS shares how a diverse array of experiences led her to the Children’s Literature (MA) and Library and Information Science (MS) dual degree program at Simmons University.
Sharing the Untold Stories at Queer History Boston
Mik Hamilton '24MS ‘24MA is the archivist at Queer History Boston, a community archive dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich LGBTQ+ histories of Boston and New England. Hamilton shares how the dual degree in LIS: archives management and history at Simmons prepared them for a dream job just before graduation.
Barbara Lee Fellows Celebrate at State House
The 2025–26 Barbara Lee Fellows, as well as numerous Massachusetts legislators, attended an end-of-year celebration at the State House. Simmons President Lynn Perry Wooten, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Strategy, and Engagement Dr. Rachel Deleveaux, and the Fellows shared reflections and expressions of gratitude.
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.