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 Breaktime

Plenary 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 Journal

Maren 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 School

Owen 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 Student in Economics | Graduate Research Assistant @ UNH Center for Studying Healthcare Markets

María 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 Lab

Eric Bueno

Eric Bueno was a McNair Scholar at the University of Connecticut, where he earned a B.S in Computer Science and Engineering in 2021. After graduation, he completed a two-year postbaccalaureate program in MIT’s Department of Brain and 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 and 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 and experimental approaches. Outside of research, he enjoys reading, social dancing, and rock climbing.

Panelist for "From Scholar to Scholar: What Comes After the Acceptance Letter?

Rudy Joseph

M.Ed, Applied Human Development

Rudy 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?