Impact Stories

Isabelle Kellezi ‘25

"My mentor provided invaluable guidance to me during my internship application process; she was always a quick phone call away for any questions I had about resume edits, interview tips, or networking opportunities."

Christine Kraft ‘92

"The VSB Mentor Program has given me the opportunity to pay it forward by mentoring junior professionals and students. It's been extra special to share the experience with my two sons, John and Daniel. I've really enjoyed supporting others in their academic and career journeys. In doing so, I've been able to reflect and evaluate my own career choices. It's been amazing to be a part of the Program and experience its growth over these past 10 years - we've come a long way since those early days! Great people, fantastic initiative and so much fun - so very proud to be a part of the team!"

Dan Temple ‘96

"Being a mentor in the VSB Mentor Program has allowed me to help students with advice and guidance on school, internships and life. It has been very rewarding for me to develop these relationships and has been a great way to stay connected to Villanova."

Jessica Gerber ‘93

"It has been a pleasure to be part of the VSB Mentor Program for the past several years. As an Advisory Board member, I've met so many smart, incredible students and deepened my connection to the Villanova community. The joy and privilege of my mentor relationship with two outstanding women, Erin Neilsen and Nicole Andersen, has broadened my perspective and helped me refine hiring and managing within my company. The VSP Mentor Program brings so many rewards and I'm thrilled to be part of it."

Erin Neilsen ‘23

"The VSB Mentor Program has impacted me by showing and teaching me the importance of helping other Villanovans. Through my involvement in the Program, I have received mentorship from an incredible formal mentor and countless other informal mentors who I have formed relationships with. Seeing their impact on my personal life and professional trajectory has inspired and motivated me to seek to give back to others involved in this Program!"

Michele Gianforcaro ‘89

"In 2013, I was invited to return to VSB and launch the VSB Mentor Program. I could never have anticipated the impact this Program would have on thousands of Villanovans and me! I've met and connected talented students and passionate alumni, while leveraging my own business experience. The VSB Mentor Program has grown my network and established a culture of mentoring on and beyond campus."

John S. Ondik ‘83

"Being a part of the VSB Mentoring program has afforded me so much: the opportunity to share some of the business and life lessons I've learned with incredibly bright and motivated students; the chance to connect and work with fellow alums; the satisfaction that comes with giving back; and the thrill of doing all of this alongside my daughter, Alexandra, '13, who is also a mentor and board member. It has been special, and so worth the time. Thank you, Michele and team and fellow mentors and board members."

Jerry Quinn ‘87

"In the Fall of 2021 I was contacted by a former mentee in the program (Nick Stefaniak VSB 2020) who asked for a recommendation for a position he was applying at the Federal Reserve. Nick had moved to the DC area after graduation for a job in the Summer of 2020 with GEICO. As an active alum in the DC area, I was thrilled to have another Villanovan come and start their career here. I was so humbled by being asked to support this Villanovan and proud of Nick for pursuing his career aspirations. Our mentor/mentee relationship had ended after he graduated but it just showed me how our time spent together can help others down the road. Of course Nick got the job at the Federal Reserve!!!! 
 
Villanovans helping Villanovans. It is what we do and it is not a 4 year relationship but a 40+ year relationship that continues to grow and provide ways to further connect with other Villanovans."

AJ Pettko ‘23

"Mentoring had such a tremendous impact on my undergraduate experience, and I would not be in the position that I am today without it. Being only a couple months removed from graduation, my career journey is just beginning. I am so thankful to have the network that I do to help assist me on my journey.  
I think my two biggest takeaways from the VSB mentorship program and networking in general are never underestimate where a single connection can take you and to network with intention. Countless times I've spoken with someone who thought someone else could be a great resource for me and this is how I was introduced to the majority of my mentors today. All it took was an initial conversation where I was open and honest about my interests and almost every time people will want to help you.  
 
This leads to my other takeaway of networking with intention. It's not necessarily as important to have a large quantity of mentors as it is to have quality mentors. It's difficult to make meaningful connections when you spread yourself too thin and don't give your mentor enough meaningful time (mentorship is a two-way street after all). Al Capone once said, "I'd rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies" and I think that quote applies perfectly to mentoring. A quarter can help you get a lot further than a penny with your career! 
 
The VSB Mentor Program is an incredible opportunity for anyone that's looking for not only a quarter, but I'd go as far to say a whole dollar bill. It's truly a one-of-a-kind experience and I can't recommend it enough!"

Olivia McEntee ‘19 

"I've been a part of the VSB Mentor Program as a student mentee, an alumni mentor and now as an Advisory Board member. All of these experiences, alongside helpful guidance from leadership of the VSB Mentor Program, have inspired me to further promote the spirit of mentoring at my employer by both assisting in the build out a mentorship program for junior talent as well as acting as mentor myself in this program."

Charles Saunders ‘02

"This empowering program has enabled me to give back, both as a mentor and as a real estate professional, supporting students, interns and graduates who move to or invest in the vibrant landscapes of NYC or NJ. By encouraging more students and alumni to get involved, we amplify our collective strength and contribute to the growth of the global Villanova community. Together, we have the power to build life-changing networks and unlock limitless opportunities. Cheers to a decade of transformative connections and countless success stories! 
 
Humbled to share the Villanovan article in support of helping fellow Wildcats."

Luke DeGrossi ‘11

"John Kinsella (VSB ’21) and I connected in 2019 when he was a junior. He was fairly certain – although not 100% just quite yet – that he wanted to pursue a career in commercial real estate. Throughout our mentorship relationship, I had the honor of watching John grow from an undecided undergraduate student to a fully committed alumnus with several institutional CRE employment offers post-grad. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch John grow within the industry over the years and although our mentor / mentee relationship may have formally ‘ended’ in 2021, it marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Our 2nd Augustinian value of 'Unitas' (or, Unity) is the entire essence of the mentorship program and I am proudly committed to furthering our cause: Villanovans helping Villanovans!"

Jaden Surratte ‘25

"Having my mentor means having someone by my side through the process of securing an internship. I am fortunate to have someone helping me with my networking skills to eventually boost my professional brand."

Caroline Summers ‘23

"Through my experience serving on the VSB Mentor Program Advisory Board, I have been empowered to lead the charge in creating a mentorship program for a non-profit organization I am interning for in Melbourne, Australia that connects professional women with a passion for corporate governance. The power of mentorship is truly universal!"