On Sunday, November 1, 2026, Holy Cross hosted its 21st Annual Women in Business Conference. Nearly 200 students and alumnae attended the student-run event focused on networking, professional development, and creating space for meaningful conversations. Throughout the day, attendees participated in panels, connected with fellow alumnae, and exchanged ideas and experiences.
The day began with breakfast and opening remarks from Helen Boucher ’86, former College board chair, and a “Connection Cafe” ice breaker led by Julie Palazini ’89, co-founder of Idea4Action. The conference then moved into the keynote interview, where Marybeth Reilly-McGreen ’89, senior writer for Holy Cross, interviewed Susan Jurevics ’89, executive in residence at Pix Media. Jurevics drew on her 30-year career across media, entertainment, and technology, including senior leadership roles at Nickelodeon, Sony, Mattel, BareMinerals, Pottermore, and Audible.
A central theme of the conversation was that careers do not have to follow a predetermined path. Jurevics emphasized that “your first job is not your last job,” and encouraged attendees to take chances, build meaningful relationships, develop foundational skills, and remain open to opportunities that may not have been part of the original plan. A memorable part of Jurevic’s story was how rediscovering an old paper that unexpectedly inspired her to return to graduate school, illustrating how unexpected experiences can shape one’s career path and lead to new opportunities.
Jurevics also highlighted how relationships played an instrumental role in many of the major opportunities throughout her career. She encouraged attendees to focus on doing excellent work wherever they are, even when their responsibilities may seem small, and to invest in relationships with colleagues at every stage of their professional journeys. “Opportunities come to you,” Jurevics shared, “but foundationally, under any of those opportunities, you actually have to do the work that makes that possible, and part of the work is maintaining those relationships.”
The conference also brought together 26 alumnae speakers for five panels covering a wide range of industries, career experiences, and professional skills. Topics included:
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- Beyond Business: From Stage, to School, to Service
- Led by AnnMaura Connolly ’86, Susan McCann ’84, Jill Michelhaugh ’16
- Consulting: Cracking the Case on Success
- Led by Emma Doherty ’21, Stephanie Dorsey ’94, Bridgette Dwyer ’20, Ines de la Fuente ’25
- Negotiation Skills & Career Confidence
- Led by Raha Maalin ’17, Carol McCabe ’93, Maggie McDonald ’20, Karson Silver ’19
- Real Talk: Life After Graduation
- Led by Carly Flahive ’20, Meaghan Lanctot ’21, Kate McLaughlin ’21, Stacy Paulino ’23
- Women in Real Estate & Architecture
- Led by Alix Curtin ’19, Sarah Jones-Maturo ’04, Emily Perry ’17, Carlye Toritto ’20
- Beyond Business: From Stage, to School, to Service
Together, these sessions gave attendees the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths and industries. Overall, the breakout sessions offered valuable insights and practical advice that carry throughout careers, including perspectives on strengthening communication skills, building professional confidence, and navigating career trajectory.
“Hearing directly from our alumni was incredible,” shared Kate McGoldrick ’29, “as they gave honest and thoughtful advice on navigating the transition from college to professional life, building a strong community, and staying open to where the journey takes you.”
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- Watch the keynote interview on YouTube.
- Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Congratulations to the student organizing committee, including Isabella Doyle ’27, Bridget Fessenden ’27, Maeve Kenny ’27, Caroline Wall ’27 and student members Margaret Dervan ’28, Julisa Suchite ’28, Makaylah Kelso ’28, Haley Labdon ’28, Lauren Yee ’28, Teresa Kosar ’29, Corinne Massey ’29, Isabella Mazzocco ’29, & Natalie McDonough ’29 as well as the WIB Advisor, Cassie Gevry.
Written by Lauren Yee ’28