Our Graduates

Ellis Alumnae Spotlights

Heather BOSSERT Cunningham, Ph.D. ’89 Helps Teachers Focus on Cultural, Racial Awareness in the Classroom

From an early career experience as an English as a Second Language teacher, Heather BOSSERT Cunningham ’89, Ph.D. knew that education would be the focus of her professional work—and, more importantly, that it was her passion.
Passion for Art a “Golden Thread” Through Beth HORN ’95’s Tech Industry Career

Beth HORN ’95’s career is as unique as her interests, perfectly threading her passion for music and the performing arts into roles where her sharp business mind and eye for innovative brand marketing shine. Working across an industry that’s known for rapid change, she’s seen her fair share of challenges and has helped her companies navigate them—thanks, in no small part, to the confidence and values instilled in her as an Ellis student.
Ellis Pillars Propel Lauren SCHULTZ ’00 into McDonald’s Leadership

Lauren SCHULTZ ’00 didn’t think she’d ever work at McDonald’s, let alone make a career of it. But that was before she experienced the energy and values of the brand, and the scale and scope of the international corporation. She has now been with the company for 14 years, first with Ronald McDonald House Charities as Manager of Marketing and Communications, and then with McDonald’s USA.
Amanda HOLLAND-MINKLEY, Ph.D. '91 Echoes Ellis Experience in Her Higher-Ed Classroom

From her days as an Ellis student who loved problem solving in math class to her current work as a college professor, Amanda HOLLAND-MINKLEY ’91 has been enthralled by the experience of learning.
Sara NESS '09 and Her Revolution of Authenticity

When Sara NESS ’09 graduated from Ellis and began her freshman year at the University of Texas, she quickly learned a lesson many people encounter at that time in their lives: living with people is hard, especially in communal settings like college residence halls. But where most might see a housemate situation to tolerate, Sara saw an opportunity to learn from her peers—and to teach others how to do the same.
Nell COX Yates ’02, Visual Arts Educator and Owner of Birdhouse Ceramics

It’s no exaggeration to say that Nell COX Yates ’02 sees art everywhere. A secondary art educator since 2009, Nell has spent the past 17 years working with students of all ages and sharing her love of ceramics and 3D design in a variety of studio settings. From serving as the Visual Arts Department Chair at Viewpoint School to owning and managing Birdhouse Ceramics, a small-batch pottery studio, out of her home in California, this lifer has made a colorful career out of a passion that was sparked in Ellis’ own art studios.
Amy WOLF ’96, Asst. Director Digital Media & Marketing

As the Assistant Director for Digital Media and Marketing at The New York Community Trust, Amy WOLF ’96 thrives on finding creative and powerful ways to share the impact of New York City’s community foundation--one of the top funders of local nonprofits. Since joining The Trust in 2008, Amy has led a multitude of highly visible projects. From redesigning their website twice to producing advertising campaigns from soup to nuts to shaping The Trust’s e-marketing and social media presence, Amy is a master storyteller and creative leader who helps donors understand how their generosity can be turned into action.
Lauren DRAKE '16, PhD Candidate

After completing her undergraduate degree in bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 2020, Lauren DRAKE ’16 chose to continue her studies and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt University. During her time at Penn, Lauren worked as an undergraduate researcher in the Shorter Lab, studying the biochemical mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and contributing to multiple projects and papers. In addition to these pursuits, she completed minors in creative writing and journalism and received Honors in English for her creative thesis. As a member of the Lippmann Lab at Vanderbilt, Lauren improves the complexity of brain organoids for use as a physiologically relevant neurodegenerative disease model. She was recently awarded a National Institutes of Health T32 Alzheimer’s Disease training grant. She is also a member of the executive board of the Diversity and Science Lecture Series at Vanderbilt.
Lauren INDOVINA '01, Director

Lauren INDOVINA ’01 is an Emmy Award-winning Director and Visual Artist based in Los Angeles. She is best known for her ethereal visuals and multifaceted approach to art, design, film techniques, and branding. With a background in fine art and fifteen years in advertising, she has created original art and directed for internationally acclaimed design, animation, VFX studios, and agencies. Her work is included in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent motion collection, her sculptures have been exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, she has directed Super Bowl ads, and her art has been on display on Rodeo Drive, at Radio City Music Hall, and in Times Square. Most recently, Lauren earned credits as the concept designer for Beyoncé's film Black Is King and the animation director for Amazon's Utopia series. She is currently directing and designing scripts for animated feature content and developing artificial intelligence and virtual reality characters and narratives.
Marsha RUCKER '86, Attorney

As the regional attorney for the Birmingham District of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Marsha RUCKER ’86 manages and litigates cases to further the eradication of unlawful employment discrimination. Marsha began her career with the EEOC as a trial attorney in the Birmingham District Office in 2008 and became the District’s regional attorney in December 2016. Prior to coming to the EEOC, Marsha was in-house counsel for two large public housing authorities. Early in her career, Marsha was a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. In this capacity, she represented more than 500 clients in various courts and tribunals in matters involving federal and state housing law, contract law, and public benefits. In 2019, Marsha’s work was recognized with the EEOC’s Chair’s Organizational Performance Award, the highest honor conferred within the organization. Marsha received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Duke University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where she was a Patricia Roberts Harris National Fellow.
Nancy HAYES Kilgore '65, Writer

While at Ellis, Nancy HAYES Kilgore ’65 fell in love with the books assigned to her in English class and realized she wanted to become a novelist. Her dream came true, and today Nancy is preparing to publish her third novel, Bitter Magic, later this summer. Now, along with being a writer, she works as a pastoral psychotherapist in Burlington, Vermont, and leads writing workshops for people to write and reflect on their own lives in a safe and welcoming space.
Sarah ZIMMERMAN Tuthill '87, Founder and Owner of ezpz gatherings

Sarah ZIMMERMAN Tuthill ’87 had always dreamed of opening her own business. So, with a love of all things food, wine, and design, she opened Gathering Boards by ezpz gatherings in 2020 as a way to bring people together.Throughout the pandemic, she offered charcuterie boxes to go and now, having just opened a brick and mortar store in Aspinwall, is offering beautifully constructed boards to the Pittsburgh area. Want to learn to make your own charcuterie board? Join us on June 15, 2021 for Ellis After Fifth Ave: Building the Perfect Charcuterie Board with Sarah ZIMMERMAN Tuthill ’87 from 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Colleen DAILY Simonds '95, Interior Designer

An interior designer based in Pittsburgh, Colleen DAILY Simonds ’95 is known for her ability to mix playful patterns and vibrant colors to create beautiful, bold spaces for her clients. A former merchandiser with Gap and J.Crew, Colleen chose to switch career paths, leave New York City, and pursue a creative career back in her hometown.

Check out Colleen's After Fifth Ave. session, Taking the Creative Road, to hear her talk about pursuing a creative career, starting her own business, and all things interior design!
Lila BALISTRIERI '18, Student

Lila BALISTRIERI ’18 is exploring her passions surrounding accessibility, public health, and the financial world at the University of Rochester. A Handler Scholar, she is triple majoring in English, Anthropology, and Medical Innovation and is also a research assistant at the university. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lila interned with ApiJect Systems America, Inc., a corporation that focuses on developing safer ways to deliver injectable medication to communities worldwide. Learn more about Lila and how she’s bringing her many interests to the table to make an impact at Rochester and beyond.
Jamie Beth COHEN '93, Storyteller

Jamie Beth COHEN '93 is a storyteller, in many ways. From her Young Adult novel WASTED PRETTY to her pieces published in major news outlets, Jamie has mastered the art of the story—and is helping others do the same. She has been featured in storytelling events across Pennsylvania and in New York City and has worked with storytellers of all experience levels to perfect their own craft. Watch her Ellis After Fifth Ave session, Telling Your Own Story, to perfect your own storytelling practices.
Beth HAMMER Genter '77, Financial Planner and Manager

A financial advisor and planner, Beth HAMMER Genter ’77 is the President and founder of Schenley Capital Inc., a registered investment firm in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. After spending six years working for Merrill Lynch, Beth decided to start her own firm and hasn’t looked back since. With over 31 years of experience in the financial world, Beth is committed to growing her client’s portfolios and ensuring that those in her sphere, especially women, know how to best manage their finances. You can watch her Ellis After Fifth Ave. session, Investing in Yourself, here for tips and tricks about how to budget and invest for your own success.
Kristen HAUSER '10, Automotive Engineer

After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Kristen HAUSER ’10 relocated to southeast Michigan to join the Ford Motor Company College Graduate Program. Throughout the program, she completed rotations in the areas of software development, program management, and product launch to deliver products, including the Lincoln Continental and F-150 Raptor. Now a Powertrain Fuel Economy Integration Engineer at the company, Kristen’s team is responsible for designing and implementing software that controls the electromechanical systems which allow gas engines and automatic transmissions to comply with federal emissions and fuel economy standards, as well as deliver optimal performance to customers. In her role, Kristen uses analytical tools and lab testing to find fuel economy opportunities within these control systems and collaborates with North American, European, and Chinese teams to implement the changes and ensure future regulatory compliance.
Nicole F. VÉLEZ, M.D. ’00, Dermatologist

Dr. Nicole F. VÉLEZ ’00 is a dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer, particularly Mohs micrographic surgery. Nicole graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Cum Laude from Carnegie Mellon University and with honors from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, before completing a combined internal medicine and dermatology residency at Harvard Medical School. Committed to teaching and staying on top of new advancements in her field, she has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and lectured both nationally and internationally on skin cancer. In 2019, she opened her private practice, Pittsburgh Skin, in Cranberry Township, north of the city.
Michelle GIRTS '70, Environmental Scientist

A dedicated environmental scientist who has worked in both corporate and research settings, Michelle GIRTS ’70 has been building successful businesses around technology and talent for 35 years. Prior to her retirement, Michelle worked for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Portland Water Bureau as an environmental science technical specialist collecting samples for water quality lab testing, programming data analysis, and reviewing and reporting the status of water quality throughout the system and the impacts of activities in the watershed. She then moved on to work as an environmental scientist for engineering company, CH2M Hill, where she developed and commercialized the innovative, low-cost treatment technology of engineered wetlands. Since her retirement, Michelle has been named to the Clark County Clean Water Commission, is an active volunteer in her local community, a master gardener, and flies a Cirrus single-engine airplane with her husband in her spare time.
Blaine DINKIN '13, Administrative Fellow

Blaine DINKIN ’13 was in her first rotation as an administrative fellow at Forbes Hospital when COVID-19 hit. As a member of Allegheny Health Network’s fellowship program, Blaine is exploring the operational, clinical, and strategic side of the healthcare system after receiving her master’s degree in health care policy and management. When the pandemic began in March, Blaine’s role changed and she put all of her energy into producing and assembling test kits. To date, Blaine and her team have assembled close to 150,000 COVID-19 testing kits for Pittsburghers—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.