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
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.
Bridging Public Art and Public Service
Art history major Cathie Behrend ’70 recently received a Legacy Award from the 92nd Street Y in New York City. We spoke with her about receiving this honor, her love of art and public service, and her Simmons experience.
Finding Her Place in Political Science
First-generation student and political science major Syeda Anas ’26 reflects on her involvement with the Barbara Lee Fellowship Program, and about learning to talk to people without fear of judgment.
Dual Degree Alumnus Found His Voice at Simmons
Alec Chunn '15MA/MS reflects on how the Children's Literature & Library Science dual degree has informed his work as a reviewer of children's literature, a jurist for literary prizes, and a Youth Librarian at Multnomah County Library in Portland, Oregon.
Community Immersion and Everyday Leadership
Africana studies and international relations major Alexandra “Ale” Huamán ’26 reflects on four years at Simmons: getting involved in the Boston community, being a Barbara Lee Fellow, and studying abroad to name a few of the activities she packed in.
Finding Inspiration in a Women-Centered Environment
Victoria Savoie ’26, a political science and communications major, reflects on her participation in the 2025 spring NYC Agency trip through the Department of Communications, the articles she wrote for the student-run news organization, The Simmons Voice, and her selection for the Barbara Lee Fellowship program.
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.
Digitizing Local Archives and Reminiscing with Alumnae/i
Jenn Leishman ’26 reflects on choosing their major, an internship in the West End Museum in Boston, favorite courses, and how Simmons helped prepare them for a career as a library professional.
Ways to Get Involved as a Gwen Ifill School Alum
Share Your News
We are proud of the accomplishments of our alumni and want to promote your work. Have you received a promotion, been hired for a new position, engaged in meaningful volunteer work, published an article or book chapter, or received an award? Please let us know! Please submit your news and the Simmons news team will be in touch.
Donate
Consider donating to a special scholarship or initiative. Your support will resonate with future Gwen Ifill School students.
Contact Us
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.