Invited Guest Speakers
Connor Schoen
Connor Schoen ’20 is the Co-Founder and CEO of Breaktime, a Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to ending young adult homelessness through employment and community support.
A graduate of Harvard College with a degree in Applied Mathematics, Connor co-founded Breaktime as a student and has since grown it into a nationally recognized workforce development organization. He has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and received WBUR Community Honors Award for his leadership and social impact work.
Co-Founder & CEO at BreaktimePlenary Panelist for "The Power of Now: The Next Generation of Changemakers”
Justin Tseng
Justin Tseng is a dedicated public servant and policy professional with a passion for strengthening communities through civic engagement and effective local government. A graduate of Harvard University, Justin brings experience in public policy, research, and community leadership, and is committed to creating meaningful opportunities that improve the lives of residents and students alike.
Medford City Councilor (At-Large)Plenary Panelist for "The Power of Now: The Next Generation of Changemakers”
Inno Reporter @ the Boston Business JournalMaren Halpin
Maren Halpin is an innovation reporter for the Boston Business Journal, where she covers startups, technology, and emerging trends shaping the future of the region. A graduate of Suffolk University and an award-winning journalist, Maren is passionate about telling stories that spotlight innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact across Greater Boston.
Plenary Panelist for "The Power of Now: The Next Generation of Changemakers”
J.D. Candidate at Harvard Law SchoolOwen Toomey
Owen Toomey is a current second-year law student at Harvard Law School. He most recently served as the Director of Congressional Affairs at the Council for Opportunity in Education, where he advocated for TRIO students and practitioners in Congress. Before that, he had a brief stint at a lobbying firm. His first job out of college was working for Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03) on Capitol Hill. He is a strong believer in the power of consistent advocacy and engagement with elected officials at all levels.
Plenary Panelist for "The Power of Now: The Next Generation of Changemakers”
Director of Student Services, On-Campus (Boston-CRC)Junior Peña
Junior Peña is a higher education leader and student affairs professional passionate about empowering students to thrive both academically and personally. Through his work at Boston University and his longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and mentorship, Junior creates spaces where students can authentically engage, develop leadership skills, and build community.
Moderator for Plenary Panelist for "The Power of Now: The Next Generation of Changemakers”
PhD Candidate in Economics | Graduate Research Assistant @ UNH Center for Studying Healthcare MarketsMaría Cecilia Gómez
Maria Cecilia Gómez is a research and healthcare policy professional affiliated with the University of New Hampshire’s Center for Studying Healthcare Markets, where she focuses on advancing research at the intersection of health systems, equity, and public policy. She brings a global perspective shaped by international experience to her work, which reflects a strong commitment to improving healthcare access and understanding structural drivers of health outcomes.
Panelist for "From Scholar to Scholar: What Comes After the Acceptance Letter?
PhD Candidate | BME | Dunlop LabEric Bueno
Eric, a McNair Scholar at the University of Connecticut, earned a B.S in Computer Science and Engineering in 2021. After graduation, he completed a two-year post-baccalaureate program in MIT’s Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences in Dr. Steve Flavell's lab, where he developed a protocol for annotating more than 100 distinct neuronal cell classes in C. elegans. In 2023, he began his Ph.D. studies in Biomedical Engineering at Boston University & joined Dr. Mary Dunlop’s lab the following Spring. His current research focuses on understanding how horizontal gene transfer affects E. coli at single-cell resolution using a combination of computational & experimental approaches. Outside of research, he enjoys reading, social dancing, & rock climbing.
Panelist: "From Scholar to Scholar: What Comes After the Acceptance Letter?
Rudy Joseph
M.Ed, Applied Human DevelopmentRudy is a first-generation undergraduate and graduate college student from Boston University. He has received his Bachelor of Science in Education & Human Development and a Master of Education in Applied Human Development with a certificate in Child & Youth Policy. He works full-time as a College and Career Advisor for Boston Public Schools through Americorps, supporting seniors with their post-secondary planning. Rudy has been involved in numerous opportunities at Boston University to engage with student involvement and practicum spaces in his academic field. He plans to pursue a doctorate within the next few years to explore hidden barriers to post-secondary engagement.
Panelist for "From Scholar to Scholar: What Comes After the Acceptance Letter?
Kayci Resende Abbott is a Boston-born and raised community advocate and educator committed to equity in urban education and community settings. Kayci earned her Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from Suffolk University and her Master of Education from Boston University, within the Education for Equity and Social Justice program.
Kayci has personal ties to the McNair program as she was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar and McNair Executive Student Liaison at Suffolk University, where she cultivated her community-based research and educational purpose and practice. Through her work, Kayci explores the intersections of community, identity, and education, asking how systems and relationships can better empower young people and other community members to thrive.
Moderator for "From Scholar to Scholar: What Comes After the Acceptance Letter?
Kayci Resende Abbott
M.Ed, Education for Equity & Social Justice
Kayon Morgan is a Ph.D. student in Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy at Northeastern University. Her research interests are centered around Race, Crime, Justice, and Policing. She is interested in how race shapes health, violence and victimization, and police-citizen interactions.
She joined the Doctoral program in Fall 2025, after receiving her master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in May 2025. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Vermont State University in Political Science. Currently, she is a Research Assistant to Dr. Eric Piza in the criminology department.
Panelist: "From Scholar to Scholar: What Comes After the Acceptance Letter?
Kayon Morgan
Ph.D. Candidate, Criminology & Criminal Justice Policy, Northeastern
Dr. Marisa Kelly is the 11th President of Suffolk University and a nationally respected higher education leader. Since becoming president in 2018, she has advanced Suffolk’s commitment to educational opportunity, student success, career readiness, and social mobility. Under her leadership, Suffolk has earned national recognition for supporting first-generation students, fostering diversity and inclusion, and preparing graduates for meaningful careers.
Dr. Kelly previously served as Suffolk’s Provost and has held senior academic leadership roles at Ithaca College, the University of St. Thomas, and the University of the Pacific. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Kansas.
Invited Guest Speaker for Welcome Address
Dr. Marisa Kelly
University President at Suffolk University