Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies is excited to host our 2018 Outstanding Alumni Panel Event on Thursday, October 4, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Six distinguished alumni who are making an impact in the world will share how interdisciplinary studies have influenced their lives and careers. Read their biographies below, and join us on Oct. 4 for the panel discussion and a time for networking.

Brandy earned her B.A. in Communications from GVSU and her master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications from Eastern Michigan University. She’s currently a Program Manager at West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT). Previously, Brandy served as the Youth & Inclusion Specialist at Kids’ Food Basket, focusing on youth development and co-leading the organization’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. She’s also the board president for the cycling non-profit The Spoke Folks, a member of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation Advisory Council, and she volunteers with several organizations in Grand Rapids. Brandy is the recipient of the 2016 Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Do-Gooder Award and 2017 WGVU Person of the Year Award.

Molly graduated from GVSU in 2012 with B.A. in Women & Gender Studies and Psychology. She earned her Master’s degree in Women’s & Gender Studies in 2014 at Roosevelt University. Molly’s thesis focused on sexual violence prevention programming in Chicago’s non-profit sector. Molly worked as the inaugural Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Advocate at the University of Michigan-Flint, where she developed their sexual violence prevention programming. Since 2017, Molly has been the Prevention Programming Specialist at Purdue University.

Anne Marie graduated from the GVSU’s Honors College in 2009 with a double major in International Relations and French and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Following graduation, Anne Marie taught English in France and prepared for law school. Anne Marie was a Global Law Scholar at Georgetown University Law Center from 2011-2014. Upon receiving her JD, Anne Marie worked at an international law firm in Washington, DC before relocating back to Grand Rapids in August 2016. Anne Marie currently works as a Corporate Attorney with Miller Johnson.

Alicia is a program leader for Steelcase in Grand Rapids. She supported the design and development of the Sustainable Systems Innovation platform within the Global Sustainability team over the past several years, having previously focused on Sustainable Design & Development competencies within Product Development & Launch. When she’s not reimagining business models, she spends time dreaming up new adventures, living in the moment, and nurturing relationships — old and new. She currently is working on accelerating Steelcase’s transition to a circular economy, by convening change-makers to enable product-service solutions.

Alfredo earned his B.A. in Liberal Studies with a minor in Philosophy from GVSU, and went on to earn his master’s in Comparative Religion from Western Michigan University. As a McNair Scholar and Thurgood Marshall Fellowship Recipient, Alfredo recognizes that knowledge of our history and culture helps us understand what shapes our inclusive and exclusive practices. Alfredo has worked in the field of equity for numerous years developing inclusive strategies for organizational change, he’s taught philosophy and anthropology courses at Muskegon Community College, and he’s currently the Equity Officer for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

Megan graduated from GVSU in 2015. She majored in Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. She’s originally from Wheaton, IL and is currently living in Milwaukee, WI where she attends Marquette University Law School.