Leveraging a Liberal Arts Education: Sean Mullaney ’20 on Building a Career in Real Estate

Kevin Birenbaum and Sean Mullaney

I was given the opportunity to have a conversation with Holy Cross alumni Sean Mullaney ‘20, a distinct graduate of Holy Cross who’s career is a testament to taking advantage of his liberal arts education to pursue a successful career in the Real Estate Investment industry.

Sean began his professional career by landing an internship role at a prestigious brokerage firm, Newmark, going into his Junior year at the college. That Summer, Sean worked as a part of the Capital Markets team in London. The following Summer, Sean stayed with Newmark where he was a Leasing Intern in New York City. Following his graduation from Holy Cross, Sean took a job with Brookwood Financial Partners, LLC, where he worked on Acquisitions as well as Asset management. In January of 2021, Sean took a new role at a leading pure-play commercial real estate investment management firm, Clarion Partners. The Firm is headquartered in New York with a presence in major markets across the United States and Europe. After about eleven months with the company, Sean was promoted to Senior Analyst, his current role.

Sean accredited Holy Cross to much of the success he has had in his early professional career. He spoke extremely highly of the Holy Cross alumni network and explained the importance of utilizing that to your advantage when looking to begin your career: “People from Holy Cross are more than willing to help. If you don’t reach out, someone else will.” Taking initiative was another thing Sean pressed on during our conversation. Getting out there and taking advantage of everything that Holy Cross has to offer is not something you can take for granted.

“People from Holy Cross are more than willing to help. If you don’t reach out, someone else will.”


Communication and the skill to build and maintain relationships are two of the more important aspects of a liberal arts education. Sean talks about how real estate is a people-driven industry, and he has found his liberal arts education to suit him very well in this profession: “Being a man and woman for others. Thinking impactfully. Being a server and a leader. Doing things for the good of doing things, not just for the benefit of yourself.” He goes on to say how he found these traits were often carried by a majority of the students at Holy Cross.

Written by Kevin Birenbaum ’26 

Cutting-edge Python workshop offered by Beau Lescott ’95

Instructor at front of class

Last year the Ciocca Center was contacted by Beau Lescott ’95, (philosophy major) COO -Public Investing at Silver Point Capital because he wanted to pilot a workshop focused on giving liberal arts students technical skills in the area of coding. “Two of my favorite classes were logic,” starts Lescott, “taught by philosophy professor Karsten Stueber, and a philosophy of mind class that was offered jointly by the philosophy and psychology departments. These classes taught me the power of a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. As an investor, there is nothing more important than to be able to evaluate a puzzle from multiple angles. This ability grows in relative importance the further you are in your career.” 

In the spring of 2024, we offered Beyond Excel: Python for Business Data Analytics, a workshop for 15 students from all four classes and a variety of majors. The goal was to help students gain exposure to the python programming language and learn how to approach strategic business questions using data-driven insights through coding exercises.

This year we will offer it again as a two-part series, one weekend in the fall and the second in the spring, to provide students with the foundation to continue self-directed learning in more advanced areas of data analysis and draw on examples from real-world business operations.

Student Highlight: Kevin Birenbaum ’26

Kvein

My name is Kevin Birenbaum ‘26 and I am a junior at Holy Cross from Norfolk Massachusetts. I am majoring in International Studies, with a thematic focus on International Political Economy and a regional focus of Europe. I am also in the process of pursuing my Certificate in Finance and Banking. I have completed the Excel Tutorial, Corporate Finance & Banking workshop, as well as the Interview prep workshop. My experience with the Ciocca Center so far has not only grown my intellectual curiosity, but has also been enlightening in helping me gain real-world business experience. The Corporate Finance & Banking workshop in Boston has been one of the most helpful steps in my early professional career. Having the chance to learn about the various firms we visited and be present in their offices gave me a comprehensive understanding of what each firm is truly about. The other substantial benefit of the workshop was having the ability to meet and connect with a vast number of Holy Cross alumni who work in various roles in the finance industry. I had always heard about how helpful the alumni network at Holy Cross was, but never fully understood, or took advantage of it, until I participated in this workshop. Seeing first hand how eager and willing the alumni are to help us Holy Cross students in our professional careers was inspiring. I am still in touch with numerous alumni that I met during the workshop, and many of them have been extremely instrumental in my personal professional development.

“I had always heard about how helpful the alumni network at Holy Cross was, but never fully understood, or took advantage of it, until I participated in this workshop.”

I just recently finished my Summer Internship where I worked at a Real Estate Investment Firm called the Revival Companies, in their Dorchester, Massachusetts office. Throughout my time here, I worked closely with the Asset Manager and Head of Property Management for a 200-unit portfolio across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I was given the opportunity to handle budgeting, unit turnover, and new acquisitions. I assisted with the behind-the-scenes of remodeling units, managing permits and contractor coordination, and facilitating rental rate increases. This Fall, I am interning for the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, & Society where I will interview alumni to explore their diverse career paths and professional journeys, connecting their experiences with the liberal arts and its relevance to the business world. I am eager to get to know more of the college’s Alumni that have been able to embark on a successful career in business upon their graduation from Holy Cross.

Fullbridge Professional Edge Program Recap August 2024

Fullbridge Professional Edge Program Recap

Team Lululemon

This past week, Holy Cross students participated in the Fullbridge Professional Edge program, gaining invaluable experience designed to prepare them for today’s competitive job market. Participants worked in teams, tackling real-world business projects that honed their professional skills and boosted their confidence.

The program immersed students in a simulated workplace environment. Over several days, they engaged in a hands-on, experience that culminated in a final team presentation competition.

We’re thrilled to announce the finalists of this year’s competition:

  • Team Puma: Anna Hagan ’27, Daniel Illanes ’26, Patrick Kelly ’26, and Christopher O’Brien ’27

  • Team Under Armour: Maya Benet ’27, Grace Damico ’27, Kevin Greed ’26, and Conor McCann ’27

  • Team Lululemon: Jennifer Prince ’27, Jack Rogus ’27, Nicholas Popeleski ’26, and Johnathan Prior ’27

Team Lululemon, emerged as the overall winners and received Apple gift cards for their outstanding performance!

Congratulations to all participants! We look forward to seeing more work in our next session, starting on October 15th.

Jim Keyes ‘77 Inspires Lifelong Learning

Jim Keyes '77 shaking students hand

Holy Cross recently had the honor of hosting notable alumni Jim Keyes ‘77, member of the Holy Cross Board of Trustees, who took the time on April 25, 2024 to engage with students and share insights from his new book, “Education is Freedom.” Keyes’ journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful business leader as former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster is not only inspiring but also filled with valuable lessons for young students across the globe. 

Keyes began his talk by delving into his childhood, where he experienced the challenges of living in poverty with a house lacking basic amenities like running water. Despite these hardships, he was determined, always putting his best foot forward in everything he did whether it was sweeping the floors at McDonald’s with incredible speed or outworking white-collar employees at corporate internships.

One of the pivotal moments in Keyes’ early career was his internship at Gulf Oil. Here, he demonstrated his dedication and passion for his work, which quickly made him stand out among his peers. However, his commitment to excellence didn’t go unnoticed, and he encountered resistance from a colleague who felt threatened by Keyes’ hard work, fearing it would reflect poorly on others.

Keyes’ experiences shaped his belief in the power of education and continuous learning. He understands that education is not just about academic knowledge but also about personal growth and empowerment. In his book, “Education is Freedom,” Keyes emphasizes the importance of education in preserving democracy and promoting critical thinking. Keyes highlights the role of education in fostering an informed electorate capable of discerning truth from fiction. He advocates for a return to the values of civil discourse, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

“Education Is Freedom” serves as a self-help guide for individuals and society as a whole. It allows readers to embrace education as a tool for personal and collective growth. Keyes believes that knowledge is the ultimate freedom, as it provides individuals with the chance to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Keyes’ journey from childhood poverty to advocating education for freedom is a testament to the transformative power of learning. With support from Snoop Dogg, Mr. Beast, and many more influential individuals, it is no secret that Holy Cross is beyond grateful to have someone like him share their personal experience. 

Thank you to Nico Corporon ‘26 for this event recap!

Ciocca Center Congratulates Business Certificate Graduates

Business certificate gradutesThe Ciocca Center is thrilled to announce the Business Certificate Graduates for the spring 2024 semester.  This academic year, we are awarding 62 Certificates, up from 51 last spring.  To celebrate this milestone, students are encouraged to meet up with other Ciocca students and recharge before finals on Wednesday, May 1st from 1-3pm for the annual Business Social on the Hoval.

Business Certificate Program graduates can pick up their hard copy certificates, cords and graduation pins.  Underclassmen interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to chat with Ciocca Center staff for more information and to register for a Business Certificate Program.

Attendees will enjoy music with delicious food truck fare with Braised and Uncle Joey’s Cannolis!  It will be a celebratory afternoon and we look forward to seeing you there!

Congratulations to the Business Certificate Program Graduates!

Certificate in Business Fundamentals

Kasamba Amiri ’24
Nicholas Bettenhauser ’24
Lucy Brown ’24
Andrew Burton ’24
Alexander Christie ’24
Julia Clarke ’25
Eleanor d’Arbeloff ’24
Arthur Danas ’24
Doran Deehan ’24
Tyler Durling ’24
Eileen Evans ’24
Mia Fedeli ’24
Liam Gill ’24
Katherine Guden ’24
Thomas Koenen ’24
Maya Krzywda ’24
Anna Lee ’24
Saia Lorenzo ’24
Mikaila Lupoli ’24
Kyle McCabe ’24
Litzy Mejia ’24
Kelsey Minister ’24
Jackson Monteiro ’24
Bridget Moriarty ’24
Madeline Morton ’25
Alexandria Paradise ’24
Alexandra Parsons ’24
Shanil Perez Lantigua ’24
Sandra Rodriguez ’24
James Rogus ’24
Kaelah Ross ’24
Millie Sirum ’24
Cole Seeger ’24
Lane Torosian ’24
Daniel Varano ’24
Laney Vasseghi ’24
Fiona Willette ’24
Emma Wilson ’24
Jiayun Xiong ’24
Liliana Zuniga Diaz ’24 Continue reading “Ciocca Center Congratulates Business Certificate Graduates”

New Speaker Series: CrossTalks

CrossTalks Speakers in front of sign

The first CrossTalks event hosted by the Ciocca Center took place on Saturday April 6, 2024 as part of the College’s celebration of 50 years of coeducation. Cassie Gevry, associate director of the Center, introduced the new series bringing esteemed speakers to give provocative and engaging presentations to connect the community across campus, generations, disciplines, industries and beyond. This event showcased three alumnae: Julie Halpin Anderson ’84, Francine Rosado-Cruz ’94, and Carolyn Risoli ’86. They presented on “Discernment in Action,” highlighting the value that their liberal arts education and various majors bring to their work in business. 

Julie Halpin Anderson ’84, a French major, is a brand builder, leadership coach, and creativity accelerator, known as one of the industry’s most recognized and well-respected experts on brand strategy and creative expression. During her talk, she reflected on her journey as a Crusader, acknowledging past feelings of dissonance between her chosen industry of advertising and the Jesuit call to be a woman for others.  Julie recounted a pivotal moment when a colleague’s creative idea sparked a realization about the essence of her work in advertising – not just selling products, but facilitating moments of inspiration and creativity for others. This epiphany led her to explore the deeper significance of creativity and its potential connection to spirituality, prompting a shift in perspective towards her role as a facilitator of “goosebumps moments.” She further illustrates this by asking “what business are you in…really?” to help others uncover a deeper purpose and foster a sense of serving others, ultimately affirming her identity as a Crusader.

Francine Rosado Cruz ’94, an English major, is an HR strategist, consultant, and executive coach, considered to be a thought leader, influencer, and subject matter expert on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Francine embraces and embodies Jesuit values of magis, discernment, service rooted in justice and love, solidarity, and kinship, as they are symbolic to the most important values in her own career.  She started by reminiscing about her father’s humble origins in Puerto Rico and her family’s multicultural background. She recalled her journey through college, guided by their father’s insistence on a Jesuit education, and how the values such as cura personalis and magis shaped her career path towards DEIB work. Francine recounted pivotal cannonball moments, including experiences with her college roommate, career choices, and health scares, crediting the liberal arts for her ability to stay curious. In the end, she expressed gratitude for the Jesuit values instilled at Holy Cross, which continue to inform her personal and professional endeavors, advocating for a life of dialogue and unity.

Carolyn Risoli ’86, a history major, is a fashion and luxury industry executive with over 30 years of experience. She is a seasoned veteran and pioneer in the field. She starts her talk with the question the interviewer from her first job out of college asked her, “History Major? What are you going to do with that?”  Drawing parallels between historical analysis and business strategy, Carolyn highlights the importance of learning to “think critically, speak persuasively, and write effectively” as well as developing pattern recognition as a means to predict consumer behavior. She encourages students not to focus solely on job-specific skills but to embrace the broader perspective and adaptable mindset fostered by liberal arts education, which equips them to thrive in an ever-changing world. She closes with “So what can you do as a history major? Pretty much whatever the future throws at us.”

This CrossTalks event will be the first of many.  If you are interested or know someone who might be great at sharing their story on stage in < 15 minutes, apply to be a CrossTalks speaker.  We encourage you to take this opportunity to inspire others with the connections you have made between your studies and the value you bring to the business world. 

Stay tuned for links to the recorded talks in the coming days! 

WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown

Rob Murner speaking

On April 2, 2024, eight student-run organizations participated in the inaugural WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown at the BrickBox Theater in Worcester hoping to secure real investment for their startup company. Student entrepreneurs hailing from the College of the Holy Cross, Clark University, Nichols College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, presented to a panel of esteemed and notable sharks. Among them, Brian Geisel serving as the CEO of Geisel Software, Mark A. Wingertzahn, Ph.D., holding the position of Head of Development at INVIVYD, and Margaret McEvoy-Ball, with 40 years of experience in technology marketing and sales. 

Representing the College of the Holy Cross were TJ Haigh ‘26 showcasing his app Trivflic and Logan Mott ‘27 and his brother Skylar Mott (who attends Leigh) revealing their invention Mark-It. Trivflic was awarded $2,000, and Mark-It received $1,500 to continue the growth of their initiatives. Moreover, all teams received valuable in-kind rewards, including 100 hours of mentorship from the sharks, WorcLab memberships, strategy sessions with Mike Mitchell, and meetings with MassVentures.

Congratulations to our students from the College of the Holy Cross for their pitches: 

– TJ Haigh ‘26 founder of Trivflic

– Logan Mott ‘27 and Skyler Mott founders of Mark-It

Tj Haigh, Logan Mott, and Skylar Mott

Further congratulations to the following students pitching from Nichols, WPI and Clark:  Continue reading “WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown”

11th Annual Cross Tank Competition

Winners of the Cross Tank Competition

The 11th annual Cross Tank Competition took place on Monday, March 25th, at Smith Labs 155, hosted by HC Launch through the Ciocca Center. This year showcased an array of pitches, highlighting fresh and innovative approaches to problem-solving. Ideas ranged from optimizing track and field distance tracking to unveiling a 100% waterproof fabric, an app for musicians to collaborate to, and more.

Our panel of judges brought a wealth of diverse expertise to the table, featuring 2022 winner Nick Lazzaro ’23, Venture Forum Executive Zak Dutton, and Adjunct Professor and Healthcare Executive Tom Patton ’86. Teams vied for a total prize pool of $9,250.

The competition unfolded in two categories. In the Concept Stage, participants presented business ideas poised for launch:

  • First Place ($1,500): 

Continue reading “11th Annual Cross Tank Competition”

Navigating Venture Capital: Insights from Joe Darcy ’11

After having the chance to sit down with Holy Cross alumni Joe Darcy ’11, many valuable insights were taught on the inner workings of a venture capital firm, career paths leading up to these roles, and how students can maximize their time while here on the hill. 

Joe’s journey into the world of venture capital has landed him as Investment Manager at Volvo Group, where he plays a pivotal role in the company’s team. With a focus on investing in startups relevant to Volvo’s industry sectors, Joe and his team conducted thorough due diligence, meeting with hundreds of startups annually to find the right fits for the company’s investor portfolio. Joe’s entrepreneurial background—starting his own hockey club at just 14 and building the Holy Cross Club Hockey team from the ground up while serving as club president—equipped him with the mindset needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of venture capital.

Drawing parallels between building a VC portfolio and assembling a hockey team, Joe emphasized the importance of diversity in both. Just as a hockey team needs a mix of forwards, defensemen, vocal leaders, and quiet leaders to succeed, a well-rounded VC portfolio requires a diverse range of startups with different strengths and personalities. It’s this blend that ultimately leads to success, as each startup contributes to the collective goal of building businesses and generating investment returns.

Joe also shared valuable academic advice for current Holy Cross students. He emphasized the importance of taking advantage of resources like .edu emails to network and explore career opportunities early on. This access provides students with a distinct advantage in connecting with alumni and industry professionals, facilitating mentorship, internships, and job opportunities crucial for their future careers. Joe encouraged students to embrace their time at Holy Cross as a period of growth and learning, urging them to be sponges and absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible. He highlighted the benefits of the tight-knit community at Holy Cross, which not only fosters strong relationships but also prepares students for professional workspaces beyond graduation.

In conclusion, Joe’s journey from Holy Cross to venture capital exemplifies the value of a liberal arts education in preparing students for diverse career paths. Through his experiences, Joe has not only made the most of his post-grad life but also offered valuable insights and advice for current and future Crusaders embarking on their own professional journeys.

Written by Nico Corporon ’26