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Check out the extraordinary lineup of inspiring thought leaders who illuminated the stage during CALC 2024 on February 23-24 in Baltimore, MD.
Associate Vice President of Alumni Affairs at Cornell University
In June 2018, Michelle returned to her alma mater with a deep background in global marketing and communications, having spent 18 years in progressively responsible roles at Proctor & Gamble. Her final assignment there was leading the brand communications, public relations, and crisis/issues management team for P&G's $5 billion health care division. Michelle holds a bachelor of science degree from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Read more
CALC Kickoff and Welcome, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. ET
Founder and CEO of Sandbox Together
Danielle Boris is a visiting lecturer at Cornell University, the author of The Energy of Weirdos, Founder and CEO of Sandbox Together, and Host of the Unboxing Humans podcast. Beginning her career in research at BuzzFeed and innovative experience technology at Tiffany & Co., Danielle's journey evolved to founding her software business. Read more
Unboxing Humans: Unlock the Extraordinary Talent Hidden on Your Team, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET
Distinguished Senior Lecturer of Leadership, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, SC Johnson College of Business
General George W. Casey, Jr. served 41 years in the U.S. Army following his graduation from Georgetown University. He is an authority on strategic leadership. Read more
Leading through Challenging Times, 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. ET
US Men’s Rowing Team; Instructor, Peloton (Men’s Rowing)
Alex transferred to Cornell in the Fall of 2009 (after spending a year at Trinity College) and graduated with a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He joined the USRowing Training Center in 2013 and rowed on the national team from 2013 - 2021, including the Rio and Tokyo Olympics. In August 2021, he moved to New York City and started business school at Columbia University. Peloton reached out with an opportunity to join their newly formed rowing team and Alex has been a Peloton rowing instructor since May 2022. Read more
Breakfast: Student and Campus Life Experience and Robert S. Harrison '76 Recent Alumni Volunteer Award, 7:45 – 9:30 a.m. ET
The Meakem Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education
Dr. Nicki Moore was named the Meakem Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education at Cornell University on Nov. 30, 2022. She has provided visionary leadership in modernizing and restructuring the department in her first year while maintaining the success the Big Red has long been known for. Read more
Breakfast: Student and Campus Life Experience and Robert S. Harrison '76 Recent Alumni Volunteer Award, 7:45 – 9:30 a.m. ET
Current Cornell student graduating in 2024, College of Arts & Sciences
Sydney Moore is senior captain of the Cornell volleyball team, and studying Psychology at the College of Arts & Sciences. A passionate advocate for gender and racial equity in sports, Sydney has led multiple advocacy initiatives including the launch of a digital sports platform for young women (VOICEINSPORT), a national advocacy program for high school and college athletes to advocate for gender equity at their schools (VIS Advocate Program), and expanding the reach of Women of Color Athletics at Cornell. Sydney’s dedication to improving the student-athlete experience was recognized on major stages; she was honored with the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award at the ESPYs in 2022, and in September 2023, she was named one of Glamour Magazine’s College Women of the Year for her work to introduce the Fair Play for Women Act into Congress. After graduating from Cornell this May, Sydney will complete her NCAA eligibility as a graduate transfer at Syracuse University and pursue an M.S. in Marketing. Sydney intends to pursue a career in speaking, marketing, and advocacy already having worked with major brands like Dicks Sporting Goods, Clif, and Champs Sports on deals with a social impact focus. Read more
Breakfast: Student and Campus Life Experience and Robert S. Harrison '76 Recent Alumni Volunteer Award, 7:45 – 9:30 a.m. ET
Retired NFL player; President, NFL Players Association (Football)
JC Tretter retired after a 9-year career in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Cornell and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 2013 NFL Draft. After playing 4 years for the Packers he signed with the Cleveland Browns in free agency, where he played his final 5 seasons. JC was elected President of the National Football League Players’ Association in March 2020, as the union was voting on a collective bargaining agreement with the NFL. JC led the NFLPA’s negotiations with the NFL throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. JC was inducted into the Big Red Athletics Hall of Fame in September 2023. Read more
Breakfast: Student and Campus Life Experience and Robert S. Harrison '76 Recent Alumni Volunteer Award, 7:45 – 9:30 a.m. ET
Director of Growth at Compass; Founder, Cornell Women's Athletics Network (Women’s Lacrosse)
For 16 years, Margaux has helped shape go-to-market and growth initiatives for innovative tech companies, including Compass, Impossible Foods, and Eventbrite. She currently leads expansion for Compass Real Estate in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Margaux is passionate about working with high-performing business leaders to maximize their potential and is a Certified Professional Coach, certified Applied Positive Psychology practitioner, and breathwork facilitator. She co-founded the Cornell Women's Athletics Network and annual Career Day in 2016. Margaux graduated from Cornell University cum laude with a B.S. in Applied Economics and Management. At Cornell, she was an All-American lacrosse player, two-year team captain and MVP.
Breakfast: Student and Campus Life Experience and Robert S. Harrison '76 Recent Alumni Volunteer Award, 7:45 – 9:30 a.m. ET
Founder / CEO of The International Social Impact Institute
Liz Ngonzi, MMH '98, is a globally recognized expert in AI for Impact. As the founder and CEO of The International Social Impact Institute®️, she has empowered nearly 1,000 social impact leaders with AI knowledge, since June of 2023. Liz's expertise in integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital storytelling into social impact initiatives is backed by over two decades of experience in technology and education.
As an award-winning adjunct assistant professor at New York University, she excels in teaching and crafting digital transformation strategies. A proud Cornell alumna and member of the President's Council of Cornell Women and the Cornell University Council, Liz is deeply committed to fostering innovation and leadership. Her engaging speaking style and ability to clearly explain complex AI concepts for social impact make her a respected and sought-after speaker, especially in dialogues about using technology for social good and enhancing both organizational and personal branding.
AI Essentials for Alumni Leaders: Enhancing Engagement and Elevating Personal Brands, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. ET
Founder, Say It Skillfully Inc.
Founder of Abella Consulting and Say It Skillfully Inc., Molly Tschang helps senior management and their teams to Win As One. Across over 80 mergers and acquisitions, Molly has helped management navigate the human after-effects of intense change. She guides leaders to commit to each other’s success as they learn to thrive in complex internal environments. Through Say It Skillfully®, Molly is on a mission to empower people at all levels to communicate skillfully and authentically. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard and understood on their most important and challenging topics.
Molly is host of the popular Say It Skillfully® podcast and video series; she is a TEDx speaker and a member of Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches. She serves on the boards of several privately-held companies, the Cornell Engineering College Council, and Community Solutions (2021 winner of the $100 million MacArthur Foundation “100 & Change” award for accelerating an end to homelessness). She holds a BS in chemical engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from UCLA.
Say It Skillfully® Be Who You Are and Say What Needs To Be Said, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. ET
Co-Founder & CEO, Spicebox Inc
Marisha is a lawyer, technologist and creative strategist. With Masters degrees from Cornell Tech and Parsons School of Design, her expertise extends from innovating at global law firms to AI. A ballroom dancer and occasional chef, she champions innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex challenges.
Design Thinking + Design Doing: Turning Ideas into Impact for Your Life and Career, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Senior Extension Associate, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Executive Director, Lead New York
Larry Van De Valk is Executive Director of Lead New York, a leadership development program for adult professionals in the food, agriculture and natural resource sectors. Van De Valk is also a Senior Extension Associate in the Department of Global Development at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University. Read more
Leadership Development: The Importance of Self-Awareness, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
President and Owner, Just In Weather; President and Co-Founder, Just In Power Kids; Founder, The Maryland Trek
Justin Berk, a former broadcast meteorologist and college professor, defied adversity when faced with a near-leg amputation at 14 due to a cancer misdiagnosis. Despite enduring surgery and complications, he emerged as a high school track champion. Transitioning to entrepreneurship, Berk leveraged his extensive social media following for positive impact, founding the Maryland Trek solo in 2014. Alongside the growth of his family, Berk's venture flourished, culminating in a union with his wife, forged during Maryland Trek 4, blending their families into a symbol of resilience and love. Read more
Featured Speaker during Saturday Lunch, 12:15 - 1:45 p.m. ET
Influencer and Content Creator, Instagram and TikTok
J.C. is a Cornell 2023 Graduate from Atlanta Georgia, and a short form content creator! He primarily creates beauty, lifestyle, and science based videos for an audience of 3 million people across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Read more
Cornellians as Social Media Influencers, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Host of the Cornell (ThankU) Podcast
Stephanie Marmelstein Gitlin ’90 is co-host of the Cornell (thank) U podcast (with her college roommate Michelle Stuzin Katz ’90), where they interview current and past Cornellians about their experiences at Cornell and their lives after graduation. Guests have included CEOs, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, authors, influencers, athletes and media personalities. The goal of the podcast is to reconnect Cornellians to campus and with each other.
Stephanie graduated with a BA in Psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences. After graduating from University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1994, she went on to practice law in Hartford, Connecticut. Currently, Stephanie is an attorney at Halloran Sage and has worked remotely for over a decade. She is a founder of a non-profit organization called Deeds for Needs, and is also an active community volunteer on several boards. She is married to another Cornellian, David Gitlin ’91, and they have three young adult children. Since graduation, Stephanie has lived in Philadelphia, West Hartford, Boston, San Diego, Charlotte, and now resides in Jupiter, Florida. Her favorite Cornell bar was Ruloffs, and her Hot Truck order was always a PMP with G&G. Read more
Cornellians as Social Media Influencers, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Assistant Brand Marketing Manager, Biossance; Content Creator, Tik Tok and Instagram
As a Manhattan-based marketing professional, Macy Hung specializes in brand marketing, social media management, and design. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Cornell University, she holds a degree in communication where she has been recognized for her research in social networks and eating disorders. Read more
Cornellians as Social Media Influencers, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Chef and Content Creator of Matthew in the Kitchen
Matt is a current Cornell University student studying Hotel Administration and pursuing a minor in Food Science. By studying hospitality, he intends to pursue his passions for Food and Beverage, business, and entrepreneurship. His experience ranges from working back of the house to social media content creation to publishing my cookbook. At Cornell, he work on the culinary team for Hotel Ezra Cornell and serves as the social chair and media chair in his all-male acapella group, Last Call. Read more
Cornellians as Social Media Influencers, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Host of the Cornell (ThankU) Podcast
Michelle Stuzin Katz ’90 is co-host of the Cornell (thank) U Podcast (with her college roommate, Stephanie Marmelstein Gitlin ’90), which consists of conversations with current and past Cornellians about their experiences at Cornell and their lives after leaving the Hill. Guests have hailed from a wide range of fields, including heads of industry, entrepreneurs, social media influencers and authors. The goal of the podcast is to reconnect Cornellians to the campus and with each other. Michelle graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the College of Human Ecology. She then spent several years in advertising and public relations at Chiat/Day/Mojo and MasterCard International before getting an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University in 1997, majoring in marketing and management. Upon graduating from Stern, Michelle worked for The Maloney Group, a boutique consulting firm. She is married and raised two children in NY, coaching her daughter’s basketball teams and volunteering at Maria Fareri Pediatric Cancer Infusion Center. Her favorite Cornell bar was Ruloff’s, and her Hot Truck order was always a PMP.
Cornellians as Social Media Influencers, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Sr. Director Volunteer Programs at Cornell University
Tina is a seasoned professional in higher education with over 24 years of experience at Cornell University. Her diverse background includes roles in nonprofit organizations, leadership, training, and alumni relations. With expertise in volunteer management and a strong track record in human resources as a senior team leader, Tina's career reflects a dynamic range of skills. She earned her BS in Early Secondary Education from the State University of New York College at Cortland.
Leveraging Volunteerism in Your Professional Lives, 2 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Executive Director of Cornell Career Services
Erica joined Cornell Career Services in September 2022 and leads efforts to transform career and professional development across the university. Erica has worked in higher education for 15 years and is passionate about the long-term success of our students. She strives to ensure students and alumni are able to connect to opportunities and networks that will help them achieve their goals. She is constantly seeking new and innovative ideas to support individuals’ career and professional growth and works to ensure equity is at the forefront of career education and opportunities for college students. Read more
Leveraging Volunteerism in Your Professional Lives, 2 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Director, Volunteer Operations at Cornell University
Heather joined the Cornell Volunteer Programs team in 2020 after volunteering for Cornell as a class officer, regional club leader, CUC member and more since graduation. Heather has more than 15 years of professional experience in alumni engagement and is passionate about helping alumni volunteers explore their own flexible, lifelong path of involvement with Cornell. In her role, Heather works with many volunteer organizations’ nominating and membership committees and manages the annual Alumni Trustee Election.
Leveraging Volunteerism in Your Professional Lives, 2 - 3:00 p.m. ET
LCDR Nieva M. S. Brock '87, JAGC, USN (RET) 1995 – 2015
Nieva M. S. Brock currently serves as the Senior Counsel to the Director, Information Management and Compliance Office at the Defense Intelligence Agency. Prior to this role, she served as the Chief, Administrative Law and Litigation Division at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and is retired from the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. While in the Navy, Ms. Brock served in many roles including the Deputy Director, National Security Litigation Division, Office of the Judge Advocate General; the Staff Judge Advocate to the Director, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and as the Office in Charge, Office of Criminal Investigations, Task Force 134, Task Force Legal, Multinational Forces Iraq. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1988 and her Juris Doctor in 1994 from the University of San Diego School of Law.
Mastering Leadership through Military Experiences, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. ET
Captain Robert Patrick Callahan '14, US Army 2014-2023; Army Reserve, 2023 - present
Rob Callahan '14 recently transitioned to the technology industry after serving as a medical evacuation pilot in the Army for 9 years. His military service took him to eight different countries and all across the United States. At the same time, he stayed engaged with Cornell by co-chairing his class's fifth reunion campaign, co-founding the Cornell Military Network, and supporting the establishment of the Veterans House on West Campus. He even tuned in to CALC 2020 via Zoom from Afghanistan!
Mastering Leadership through Military Experiences, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. ET
SSG Seamus Murphy '17 (Army) 2005 - 2012
Seamus received his degree from CALS in International Agriculture and Rural Development in 2017. He is currently a MPP candidate at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy. While serving, he achieved the rank of Army Staff Sergeant and also co-founded the Cornell Undergraduate Veterans Association.
Mastering Leadership through Military Experiences, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. ET
LCDR Brian Pickerall '82, USN Surface Warfare Officer 1982 - 1992
Brian is a Cornell Engineering School graduate (Class of '82) and Pepperdine University MBA (1990). After graduation, he served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy with tours aboard USS Duluth (LPD-6) and USS O'Brien (DD-975), followed by 5 years of Active Reserve Duty. After leaving active duty, Brian spent 21 years at ARINC Inc supporting naval weapons systems, Air Force radars, communications satellites, and eventually Train Control systems. After meeting his wife Kathy Miller (CALS '82) at their 25th reunion, he moved to DC and spent 13 years at Booz Allen Hamilton, leading the Transportation and Infrastructure business. In 2021, he accepted his current position as Sr. VP at Changeis Inc supporting the US Department of Transportation, Dept of Homeland Security, and several other agencies.
Mastering Leadership through Military Experiences, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. ET
Övül Sezer is an Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations, Nolan School of Hotel Administration, SC Johnson College of Business Scientist and a stand–up comedian who observes life with science, wonder and humor. Övül's research focuses on Impression (Mis)Management—the mistakes we make when we want to impress others. We all think we know how to make a positive impression, and we can easily spot the mistakes others make, but when it comes to our own missteps, we tend to be blithely oblivious. Sezer identifies these mistakes and investigates how we can better navigate our social world. Learn more about Övül
Keynote: Impression (Mis)Management, Saturday, 4:30 – 5:25 p.m. ET