College Podcast Features Ciocca Center

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The Mission-Driven Podcast features conversations with alumni who are leveraging their Holy Cross education to make a meaningful difference in the world around them.  Produced by the Office of Alumni Relations at the College of the Holy Cross.

In this episode, modern-day Renaissance woman Yolanda Rabun ’90, recent Women in Business speaker, is joined in conversation with Holly Tente ’23, Student Diversity Liaison for the Ciocca Center. Their inspirational conversation covers a lot of ground.  With their shared passion for social justice, they speak about how Holy Cross inspires them to work hard and make change in their own communities.

New Student Diversity Liaison Shares Outreach Strategy

Hello! My name is Holly Tente and I’m from Rumford, Rhode Island. I study History and Film at the College of the Holy Cross. In addition to my academics I am highly involved in different organizations across campus. I am a tour guide for the Admissions Office, a participant in ACT, and a co-editor for the History department’s newsletter History on the Hill. My most exciting endeavor recently has been working towards completing the Certificate in Business Fundamentals offered through Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society. This work has brought me to my current position as a Student Diversity Liaison for the Center.

This role is incredibly important to me because I truly believe in the importance of graduating with exposure to the world of business. Networking, Emotional IQ, and communication skills are all necessary when entering the workforce. Every industry has become evermore competitive due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the Ciocca Center has been able to form a curriculum so that every student at Holy Cross can benefit and be prepared to enter the real world. I am definitely not a traditional business student. In fact, I plan on entering the film industry in order to work on documentaries. As this work is not always stable, I recognized that I should expand my knowledge of the world of business. The Certificate in Business Fundamentals has helped me to polish my resume, LinkedIn, interview prep skills, and so much more.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore the world of business. As a Holy Cross student who is taking an unconventional approach to their academics, I want to help students become aware of the offerings within the Ciocca Center.”

As a Student Diversity Liaison, I plan on sharing my story so that students across departments, sports teams, RSOs, MSOs, and class years can recognize that it is possible to learn about business while on the Hill. My position will give me the opportunity to serve as an advisor to students that are considering opportunities to gain technical business skills through the Ciocca Center.  During my time in this role, I hope to use my creativity to engage students in all aspects of the Holy Cross community through advertisements and interactive opportunities. I am looking forward to helping students and proving why everyone should consider adding business to their academics!

Ciocca Center Hires Diversity Student Liaison

Student at Women in Business Conference

Starting this fall the Ciocca Center has hired a new workstudy position, Diversity Student Liaison, in an effort to reach the diverse populations on campus.  Nalani Ramos Ruiz ’21, a sociology and psychology double major pursuing the Certificate in Business Fundamentals, was already involved with the office through Women in Business. As the student committee began working to create a more inclusive and diverse conference and network, it became clear that this was an area that needed more focus.  Nalani readily stepped forward and was recognized for her efforts. 

“I have a passion for engaging minorities on campus to become successful students and future alumni.” commented Nalani.  “I am working to find new ways to increase student awareness and involvement.” 

The Diversity Student Liaison will be working with various campus partners including Career Development, Office of Multicultural Education, Athletics and the various student organizations on campus.

Please join us in welcoming Nalani Ramos Ruiz ’21 to the Ciocca Center team!