Saints of NYC

Alumni Spotlights | New York metro area

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New York City, with its iconic skyline and dynamic pulse, offers unmatched opportunities that attract ambitious professionals from every corner of the globe. Flagler College alumni have harnessed this energy, creating a thriving network in NYC’s metropolitan area and making significant strides across the Big Apple's leading industries.

Luis Gonzalez (‘12), associate creative director at Adobe, shares how the big city’s relentless pace and creative environment were game-changing factors in getting connected with top-tier professionals.  

“The city offers endless opportunities to connect with award-winning creatives, directors, and some of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met,” Gonzalez said.  

Similarly, Chiara Cortesano (‘11), manager of global corporate communications at The Estée Lauder Companies, credits her career advancement to NYC's unparalleled access among industry leaders and media giants.

“It’s significantly boosted my professional network and visibility,” Cortesano said. 

Hunter Roque (‘19), media planning specialist at Volvo Car USA, argues that even living right outside of NYC offers rich professional networking opportunities rarely found in other metropolitan areas. 

"Living in New Jersey, with such close proximity to the city, has impacted my ability to build and leverage professional networks due to the cross-pollination of other professionals living and working in both NJ and NYC,” Roque said. 

 

Explore how these Flagler College alumni are thriving in the greater NYC metropolitan area and how they’ve come to call this vibrant region their career centers: 
 

Cassandra Schaffa walking on the NYC sidewalk
Cassandra Schaffa

Class of 2005
Majored in Broadcast Communication & Spanish

Director of People (HR) at Mixlab, a start-up pharmacy for animals

Fernanda Bascope subway photo
Fernanda Bascope

Class of 2022
Majored in Business Administration & International Business

M.S. Candidate, Columbia University Sustainability Management Program

Luis Gonzalez glamour b&w shot solo
Luis Gonzalez

Class of 2012
Majored in Graphic Design

Associate Creative Director at Adobe

Heather Seidel in Central Park
Heather Seidel

Class of 2015
Majored in Communication & Media Production

Associate Motion Director at Hook, a remote creative production agency

Marietta Ruhl CC photo
Marietta Ruhl

Class of 2023
Majored in International Business

Project Manager, Business Development Consulting at the German American Chamber of Commerce

Hunter Roque standing in front of Volvo car
Hunter Roque

Class of 2019
Majored in Strategic Communication and PR

Media Planning Specialist at Volvo Car USA

Chiara Cortesano on Kentyan Safari
Chiara Cortesano

Class of 2011
Majored in Communication (PR & Cinema Studies concentrations)

Manager, Global Corporate Communications at The Estée Lauder Companies

Ryan Brower b&w headshot
Ryan Brower

Class of 2008
Majored in Sport Management & Business Administration

Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health

Amanita Bessette with Joan Rivers
Amanita Pleasant Bessette

Class of 1994
Majored in English & Language Arts Education

Senior Director of Events and Donor Engagement for The WNET Group

Emily contact card photo
Emily Lemp

Class of 2019
Majored in Art History & Graphic Design

Media Arts Educator for NYC Department of Education