[ { "id": "mya-kyaw", "name": "Mya Kyaw", "classYear": "2018", "program": "Liberal Arts and Sciences: Mathematics and Science", "role": "Academic Advisor, SUNY Polytechnic Institute", "category": "Transfer", "indexLink": "Student Success", "signal": "Transfer momentum", "image": "assets/stories/kyaw-a.webp", "imageAlt": "Mya Kyaw at work", "summary": "A first-generation student built academic confidence, leadership experience, and a transfer pathway that now supports her advising career.", "details": [ "Kyaw began at MVCC as a first-generation college student and found early support through placement, classes, and campus services.", "She became deeply involved through the Learning Commons, Phi Theta Kappa, CSTEP, peer tutoring, and student employment.", "After MVCC, she transferred to Binghamton University, earned a biological sciences degree, and continued toward graduate study in public health." ] }, { "id": "memphis-brannum", "name": "Memphis Brannum", "classYear": "2020", "program": "Computer Aided Drafting", "role": "Engineer, Andela Products", "category": "Career", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "Applied technical learning", "image": "assets/stories/brannum-a.webp", "imageAlt": "Memphis Brannum at work", "summary": "A return-to-college pathway led into engineering work with a company that designs glass-recycling equipment.", "details": [ "Brannum returned to college after years focused on family and used MVCC support services to re-enter higher education.", "Hands-on CAD training helped her build technical skill and confidence for engineering work.", "Her current work contributes to equipment and systems that help turn waste glass into reusable material." ] }, { "id": "brian-jweid", "name": "Brian Jweid", "classYear": "2012", "program": "Business Management", "role": "Director, Civil Service Administration for Oneida County", "category": "Public Service", "indexLink": "Community Engagement", "signal": "Civic leadership", "image": "assets/stories/jweid-a.webp", "imageAlt": "Brian Jweid at work", "summary": "A fresh start at MVCC helped turn an interrupted college journey into a public-service leadership career.", "details": [ "Jweid came back to college after earlier academic setbacks and found direction through MVCC advisors and career services.", "He transferred to SUNY Polytechnic Institute after MVCC and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration.", "His county role now lets him support students, residents, and people exploring public-service careers." ] }, { "id": "julius-blackshear", "name": "Julius Blackshear Jr.", "classYear": "2015", "program": "Computer Aided Drafting", "role": "Drafter/Designer, National Grid; Owner, Visionary Vending", "category": "Entrepreneurship", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "Career plus venture creation", "image": "assets/stories/blackshear-a.webp", "imageAlt": "Julius Blackshear Jr. at work", "summary": "Drafting, civil engineering, and business courses helped launch both a technical career and a vending business.", "details": [ "Blackshear combined computer aided drafting with civil engineering technology coursework while at MVCC.", "That foundation supported roles with transportation and utility employers, including his current work at National Grid.", "Business coursework also helped him build Visionary Vending, with machines in Utica and Syracuse." ] }, { "id": "mackenzi-dishman", "name": "Mackenzi VanSlyke Dishman", "classYear": "2013", "program": "Photography", "role": "Senior Visual Communications Manager, C&D Advertising Agency", "category": "Creative Career", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "Portfolio-building experience", "image": "assets/stories/dishman-a.webp", "imageAlt": "Mackenzi VanSlyke Dishman at work", "summary": "Photography coursework, internships, and real studio exposure became a foundation for visual communications leadership.", "details": [ "Dishman used MVCC's photography program to build practical creative skills and professional confidence.", "Her experience included internships with MVCC Marketing and Communications and immersive learning beyond campus.", "After transferring to Cazenovia College, she entered C&D Advertising and advanced into senior visual communications work." ] }, { "id": "austin-cornacchia", "name": "Austin Cornacchia", "classYear": "2017", "program": "Civil Engineering Technology", "role": "Senior Engineer, City of Utica", "category": "Infrastructure", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "Job before graduation", "image": "assets/stories/cornacchia-a.webp", "imageAlt": "Austin Cornacchia at work", "summary": "Civil engineering technology coursework and local contacts helped him begin city infrastructure work before graduation.", "details": [ "Cornacchia secured construction inspection work with the City of Utica before finishing his MVCC program.", "He later transferred to SUNY Polytechnic Institute and completed a bachelor's degree in civil engineering technology.", "His career progression now includes senior engineering work, project management, and mentoring newer team members." ] }, { "id": "bruna-rosic", "name": "Bruna Rosic", "classYear": "2017", "program": "Early Childhood Education", "role": "Long-Term Care Social Worker, Sitrin Healthcare", "category": "Health and Human Services", "indexLink": "Community Engagement", "signal": "Purpose discovery", "image": "assets/stories/rosic-a.webp", "imageAlt": "Bruna Rosic at work", "summary": "A classroom and internship pathway helped her move from early education toward mental health and social work.", "details": [ "Rosic started at MVCC after moving to the United States from Croatia and initially planned to become a teacher.", "A special education internship sparked an interest in psychology and mental health.", "She went on to earn a psychology degree and now supports long-term care residents while pursuing mental health counseling." ] }, { "id": "nina-gray", "name": "Nina Gray", "classYear": "2014", "program": "Psychology", "role": "Director of Employee Relations and Personnel Development, Utica University", "category": "Affordability", "indexLink": "Affordability", "signal": "Low-cost launch point", "image": "assets/stories/gray-a.webp", "imageAlt": "Nina Gray at work", "summary": "MVCC provided an affordable and supportive start that helped lead to graduate study and a human resources career.", "details": [ "Gray, the child of refugees, chose MVCC for affordability, academic quality, and a welcoming environment.", "She became involved through intramural sports and Phi Theta Kappa leadership.", "After transferring to the University at Albany, she completed graduate study and moved into employee relations and personnel development." ] }, { "id": "hailey-anderson", "name": "Hailey Chrisman Anderson", "classYear": "2017", "program": "Culinary Arts Management", "role": "Pastry Cook, Turning Stone Resort Casino", "category": "Hospitality", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "Industry-ready skills", "image": "assets/stories/anderson-a.webp", "imageAlt": "Hailey Chrisman Anderson at work", "summary": "Culinary training in safety, sanitation, and presentation helped prepare her for professional pastry work.", "details": [ "Anderson's interest in baking began early and grew into formal culinary arts training at MVCC.", "Her program emphasized the practical standards needed in professional kitchens.", "She now applies those skills as a pastry cook at Turning Stone Resort Casino." ] }, { "id": "kyle-angelicola-richardson", "name": "Dr. Kyle Angelicola-Richardson", "classYear": "2010", "program": "Liberal Arts and Sciences: Sports Medicine", "role": "Orthopedic Surgeon, Rome Health", "category": "Health", "indexLink": "Student Success", "signal": "Professional school preparation", "image": "assets/stories/richardson-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Dr. Kyle Angelicola-Richardson at work", "summary": "Strong science courses and mentorship helped create a foundation for medical school and orthopedic practice.", "details": [ "Angelicola-Richardson chose MVCC for value and academic quality, then found strong preparation in science courses.", "He carried MVCC's mentorship model into later study and team settings.", "His career now combines orthopedic care with helping others find a path toward their goals." ] }, { "id": "amanda-tarbania", "name": "Amanda Tarbania", "classYear": "2022", "program": "Criminal Justice", "role": "U.S. Air Force Security Forces", "category": "Service", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "Public-safety pathway", "image": "assets/stories/tarbania-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Amanda Tarbania at work", "summary": "Criminal justice coursework helped build knowledge, discipline, and confidence for security forces work.", "details": [ "Tarbania made a major life change by enrolling in college in 2020.", "Her criminal justice studies gave her a foundation for police and corrections-related work.", "She now serves in U.S. Air Force Security Forces and connects her confidence to MVCC preparation." ] }, { "id": "aman-awais", "name": "Aman Awais", "classYear": "2019", "program": "Engineering Science", "role": "Systems Engineer, Plug Power", "category": "STEM", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "Clean-energy engineering", "image": "assets/stories/awais-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Aman Awais at work", "summary": "STEM belonging, faculty support, and leadership opportunities helped lead to clean-energy systems engineering.", "details": [ "Awais found inclusion and encouragement as a woman of color in science.", "Activities such as STEM Fest and campus leadership helped her build self-confidence.", "At Plug Power, she works on system integration and fuel-cell technology while planning continued graduate study." ] }, { "id": "sherri-parker", "name": "Sherri Parker", "classYear": "2023", "program": "Health Information Technology", "role": "Administrative Assistant, Lutheran Home", "category": "Online Learning", "indexLink": "Access", "signal": "Flexible adult pathway", "image": "assets/stories/sparker-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Sherri Parker at work", "summary": "Online health information technology study and internship experience supported a fast move into skilled nursing work.", "details": [ "Parker returned to school through MVCC's online Health Information Technology program.", "A professional practice internship in medical records confirmed the field was a strong fit.", "Within months of graduation, she earned certification and began working in a skilled nursing setting." ] }, { "id": "duane-defrees", "name": "Duane DeFrees", "classYear": "2011", "program": "Graphic Design", "role": "Project Manager/Estimator, Ansun Graphics", "category": "Adult Learner", "indexLink": "Access", "signal": "Reskilling", "image": "assets/stories/defrees-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Duane DeFrees at work", "summary": "Graphic design faculty helped a returning adult student expand from printing experience into design and project work.", "details": [ "DeFrees entered MVCC with printing experience and used graphic design coursework to broaden his skill set.", "He credits faculty mentors with pushing adult learners to keep building new capabilities.", "His design and printing knowledge now supports client problem-solving at Ansun Graphics." ] }, { "id": "mary-brewer", "name": "Mary Brewer", "classYear": "2020", "program": "Business Administration", "role": "Assistant Director of Human Resources, Herkimer College", "category": "Adult Learner", "indexLink": "Student Success", "signal": "Degree completion", "image": "assets/stories/brewer-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Mary Brewer at work", "summary": "An adult cohort pathway helped her earn a first college degree, continue to a bachelor's, and advance in human resources.", "details": [ "Brewer returned to college after more than 20 years away from school.", "Completing college during the pandemic helped reveal persistence and confidence she had not expected.", "She later moved into human resources leadership and described having multiple job offers as a powerful career milestone." ] }, { "id": "nick-gelfuso", "name": "Nick Gelfuso", "classYear": "2021", "program": "Engineering Science", "role": "Engineer, Pursuit Aerospace", "category": "Transfer", "indexLink": "Student Success", "signal": "Transfer success", "image": "assets/stories/gelfuso-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Nick Gelfuso at work", "summary": "Engineering coursework and transfer alignment helped him continue to Clarkson University and enter aerospace engineering.", "details": [ "Gelfuso transferred to Clarkson University after MVCC with credits moving efficiently.", "He had job offers before graduating from his bachelor's program.", "He connects MVCC's challenging engineering curriculum to the skills he now uses in industry." ] }, { "id": "nicole-wenham", "name": "Nicole Wenham", "classYear": "2019", "program": "Chemical Dependency and Human Services", "role": "Dual Diagnosis Chemical Dependency Counselor, Syracuse Recovery Services", "category": "Human Services", "indexLink": "Community Engagement", "signal": "Care workforce", "image": "assets/stories/wenham-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Nicole Wenham at work", "summary": "Two connected MVCC programs helped her move into counseling work that serves people with complex recovery needs.", "details": [ "Wenham studied through both the Rome and Utica campuses and completed connected human-services programs.", "Faculty and staff support helped her build personal insight and professional direction.", "She now works in dual diagnosis chemical dependency counseling." ] }, { "id": "briana-bowen", "name": "Briana Bowen", "classYear": "2020", "program": "Chemical Dependency Practitioner", "role": "Case Manager, Willow Park Assisted Living", "category": "Human Services", "indexLink": "Student Success", "signal": "Stacked credentials", "image": "assets/stories/bowen-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Briana Bowen at work", "summary": "An associate degree became the first step toward bachelor's and master's-level social work goals.", "details": [ "Bowen used MVCC as a steppingstone into further education in social work.", "Her career focus is mental health, especially in settings where residents have significant support needs.", "She now works as a case manager while continuing to build toward advanced social work credentials." ] }, { "id": "jennah-nitti", "name": "Jennah Nitti", "classYear": "2019", "program": "Psychology", "role": "Case Manager, Veterans Outreach Center", "category": "Community", "indexLink": "Community Engagement", "signal": "Veteran support services", "image": "assets/stories/nitti-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Jennah Nitti at work", "summary": "A psychology pathway at MVCC became an entry point into case management serving veterans.", "details": [ "Nitti's story connects MVCC psychology study to a helping profession.", "Her career path centers on case management and community support.", "The story is a compact example of how an associate pathway can lead into regional human-service work." ] }, { "id": "nazzy-deloach", "name": "Nazzy DeLoach", "classYear": "2020", "program": "Business Administration", "role": "Owner/operator, Dreamer Studios", "category": "Entrepreneurship", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "Small-business launch", "image": "assets/stories/deloach-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Nazzy DeLoach at work", "summary": "Business coursework and thINCubator support helped turn a creative dream into a recording and media studio.", "details": [ "DeLoach returned to school after time away and found support in business coursework.", "MVCC's entrepreneurship ecosystem, including thINCubator, helped shape the launch of Dreamer Studios.", "The studio now supports musicians, artists, videographers, photographers, and other creatives." ] }, { "id": "michael-pick", "name": "Michael Pick", "classYear": "2020", "program": "Business Administration", "role": "Entrepreneur / Owner of Tents 4 You", "category": "Entrepreneurship", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "Business ownership", "image": "assets/stories/pick-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Michael Pick at work", "summary": "Business administration coursework helped him apply strategy and planning to a tent-rental business.", "details": [ "Pick connects his MVCC business education to understanding himself and the business world.", "After purchasing a tent-rental company, he began planning expansion after the first year.", "His story highlights practical business learning, classmates, and faculty connections." ] }, { "id": "adam-turnbull", "name": "Adam Turnbull", "classYear": "2020", "program": "Business Administration", "role": "Insurance Agent, Turnbull Insurance", "category": "Business", "indexLink": "Community Engagement", "signal": "Local business connection", "image": "assets/stories/turnbull-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Adam Turnbull at work", "summary": "A business administration pathway helped connect him to the community and local insurance work.", "details": [ "Turnbull's story links MVCC business study with community connection.", "His current work as an insurance agent keeps that business learning close to local residents and organizations.", "The story broadens the index view of community engagement beyond events and into everyday professional service." ] }, { "id": "jenny-woods", "name": "Jenny Woods", "classYear": "2022", "program": "Human Services", "role": "Behavior Specialist, ICAN", "category": "Adult Learner", "indexLink": "Access", "signal": "Apprenticeship-to-degree pathway", "image": "assets/stories/jwoods-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Jenny Woods at work", "summary": "Employer-based apprenticeship and faculty support helped turn adult learning into a human-services degree and school-based work.", "details": [ "Woods entered an apprenticeship opportunity through her employer and converted that momentum into a Human Services degree.", "Faculty advising helped clarify the right pathway for her goals.", "She now works with ICAN as a behavior specialist in the Utica City School District." ] }, { "id": "kevin-ciulla", "name": "Kevin Ciulla", "classYear": "2019", "program": "Cybersecurity", "role": "Technology Coach/Webmaster, Little Falls School District", "category": "Technology", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "IT workforce", "image": "assets/stories/kciulla-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "Kevin Ciulla at work", "summary": "Cybersecurity skills and professional values from MVCC support his information technology work in a school district.", "details": [ "Ciulla's MVCC experience connects technical learning with professional practice.", "His work combines technology coaching and web support in a K-12 school setting.", "The story links cybersecurity education to regional educational technology capacity." ] }, { "id": "june-ciulla", "name": "June Ciulla", "classYear": "2019", "program": "Administrative Assistant", "role": "Administrative Assistant, Little Falls High School", "category": "Office Careers", "indexLink": "Workforce Alignment", "signal": "Workplace readiness", "image": "assets/stories/jciulla-a.jpg", "imageAlt": "June Ciulla at work", "summary": "Administrative assistant coursework helped translate classroom practice into workplace readiness.", "details": [ "Ciulla's story emphasizes faculty dedication and preparation for real work environments.", "Her MVCC pathway led into administrative support work at Little Falls High School.", "The story adds office and school operations to the dashboard's view of regional workforce alignment." ] } ]