Career Development Blog

Name: Isabella A. Giaquinta

Class Year: 2023

Organization Name: Lumanity

Title: Senior Associate 

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail? 

In life sciences consulting at Lumanity, I partner with top global pharma companies and innovative biotechs to shape commercial strategy, identify market opportunities, and refine product positioning—with a personal focus on the rapidly evolving cell and gene therapy space as well as autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you? 

Growing up, I watched my mom, Diane Giaquinta, with a mix of awe and confusion. I always knew she was important and that what she did was important, but had little to no clue what her role in pharmaceutical consulting actually entailed. Over time, I learned just how remarkable her career truly is—she’s held several influential leadership positions, including serving as the President of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), Vice President of Health Systems Management at Bristol Myers Squibb, and currently as the President of StrategiCare, the consulting firm she founded. Her expertise in managed care pharmacy and her ability to drive industry innovation had a lasting impact on me, even if I didn’t fully grasp it at the time.

I always had an interest in healthcare, but as I got older, I realized that being a doctor wasn’t the path for me. I wanted to stay in the field but was drawn to the business and strategic side. During my time at Holy Cross, I connected with people who worked at Clarion, which later rebranded to Lumanity, and it was through them that I learned about opportunities in life sciences consulting. I applied and was accepted into their summer internship program, an experience which solidified my decision to pursue this career path. After completion, I was fortunate to receive a return offer, and joined Lumanity full-time after graduation. 

As I continued to grow professionally, I came full circle and had the opportunity to lead the very same summer internship program at Lumanity this past summer. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to mentor the next generation of interns, helping them explore how life sciences consulting could be a perfect fit for them, just as it had been for me. Looking back, I am grateful for how my mom’s influence, my academic experiences, and my professional growth have all come together, deepening my understanding of the healthcare industry and motivating me to contribute to its continued evolution.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

At the College of the Holy Cross, I was involved in a range of academic and extracurricular activities that shaped my experience. I participated in XCHROM, supporting initiatives to promote gender equality and women in STEM. Through SPUD, I worked with Girls C.H.O.I.C.E., tutoring teenage girls from Worcester public schools at the YWCA. Additionally, I spent three years as a Relationship Peer Educator (RPE)—an experience that was especially meaningful as we worked to foster open conversations about sexual violence/assault on campus, emphasizing consent and promoting healthy relationships. I was also part of the Ski Team, where I enjoyed racing slalom, team road trips, and après-ski traditions!

 Academically, I was fortunate to conduct research with Professor Tsitsi Masvawure, applying a mixed-methods approach to study the impact of COVID-19 on AIDS Project Worcester, an organization providing healthcare and psycho-social services to marginalized populations. I also worked with Professor David Damiano, mathematically modeling the effects of COVID-19 vaccination and the Delta variant on SARS-CoV-2 incidence among healthcare workers and the broader community. Then, in my senior year, I was honored to be named a Fenwick Scholar, with Professor Shannon Stock as my advisor. My Fenwick Project was a statistical research study on refugee/migrant health outcomes in collaboration with the Immigrant and Refugee Health Center at Boston Medical Center. 

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was originally on a pre-med track but quickly realized that path wasn’t the right fit for me. I decided to pick up a math major after talking with Professor Gareth Roberts and Professor Cristina Ballantine. They helped me see how my growing interest in data and analytics could be applied to healthcare. As a math major I aspired to develop a strong quantitative background that could allow me to approach healthcare challenges from a different angle—through strategy, analytics, and optimization rather than direct clinical practice. This even led me to spend the entirety of my junior year taking mathematics courses at the University of Oxford, including a course on mathematical modeling in biology.

At the same time, I still wanted to keep healthcare as a focus in my studies. So, I added a Health Studies major, which allowed me to explore the broader implications of healthcare systems, policies, and strategies, and better understand the industry. Additionally, I pursued a minor in statistics, which further solidified my analytical skill set and reinforced my interest in using data-driven insights to solve problems in the healthcare space.

This combination of mathematical rigor, healthcare knowledge, and statistical analysis helped shape my decision to pursue a career in life sciences consulting. I found that my skill set was uniquely suited to this field, where understanding both the quantitative side of healthcare and the broader systems at play are key to making strategic decisions. Looking back, this shift in my academic focus not only shaped my career trajectory but also allows me to bring a well-rounded perspective to my everyday role at Lumanity. 

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

One skill I developed at Holy Cross that I use daily in my work is the ability to think critically and approach problems from multiple angles. Through my studies in math, health studies, and statistics, I learned to break down complex issues into manageable parts, analyze them, and consider their broader implications. This mindset has been essential in life sciences consulting, where I regularly assess market dynamics, evaluate product strategies, and navigate complex healthcare landscapes.

Additionally, my liberal arts education strengthened my research and reading comprehension skills, which have been invaluable in consulting. In this field, the projects we work on can vary greatly, and you often have to become an “expert” in a new topic in a very short period of time. Holy Cross trained me to quickly digest new information, synthesize key insights, and apply them effectively—skills that are essential when diving into unfamiliar areas and providing informed, strategic recommendations.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

My advice to students on campus today would be to embrace the opportunities to explore diverse interests and take risks in your academic and extracurricular choices. College is a time to figure out what excites you, and sometimes the best path forward isn’t the one you initially expected. Don’t be afraid to pivot—whether it’s shifting majors, taking on new challenges, or getting involved in different activities. You never know where a random conversation or project might lead you.

Also, take full advantage of the people around you—your professors, peers, and alumni network. They can offer unique perspectives and guidance that may shape your career in ways you don’t anticipate. 

Name: Sarah Rocha 

Class Year: 2024 

Title: Medical Assistant 

Organization Name: Boston Bone and Joint Institute 

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail? 

As a medical assistant in an orthopedic office, I assist with rooming patients, help providers with injections, fit durable medical equipment (DME), and perform suture removals. 

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

After graduating from Holy Cross, I planned to take two gap years before medical school to gain more clinical experience, and I wanted to find a place that would not only give me hands-on experience but also encourage growth in my knowledge of patient care and the medical field. Since orthopedic surgery is a specialty that interests me, BBJI stood out as the perfect fit. One of the biggest reasons I chose BBJI was because of Suzanne Miller, one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the country. As a female aspiring to work in a heavily male-dominated field like orthopedics, having the chance to work alongside a successful female surgeon was an incredible opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. 

Another reason BBJI appealed to me was the unique dynamic among the medical assistants. Unlike most practices, where MAs often pursue it as a long-term profession, at BBJI, all the MAs have similar goals, whether it’s to become an MD, PA, or PT. Being surrounded by like-minded people who are all working toward careers in healthcare was really important to me. On top of that, the concept of rotations with different providers fosters continuous learning. Every provider has their own style, and working with each one offers new insights, whether it’s how they like injections or how they prefer their patients to be roomed. The providers are also eager to teach as long as you show interest, which creates an environment focused on learning—something I always look for.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus? 

I was involved in SPUD (Student Programs for Urban Development), where I volunteered as a Portuguese translator at a free healthcare clinic in Worcester. I was also a member of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), Science Ambassadors, XChrom, and Best Buddies. 

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a biology major, and my interest in the sciences solidified my plans to pursue a career in healthcare and eventually go to medical school. Studying biology gave me a strong foundation in understanding the human body, which directly aligns with my passion for patient care and my long-term goal of becoming a physician. The major also helped me develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that I now apply in my current role as a medical assistant. 

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work? 

One of the most valuable skills I developed at Holy Cross was learning how to stay calm when facing something new and unfamiliar, which I gained during my organic chemistry class. Rather than panicking, I learned to trust that I had the tools to figure out a solution. I use this skill all the time now as a medical assistant at BBJI, where I’m constantly faced with new situations and learning opportunities. Even if I haven’t seen a specific situation before, I know I can handle it, whether by checking my Google Drive for information or asking someone with more experience. I always feel confident that the problem can be solved. 

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today? 

My biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid of failure or making mistakes. When things don’t go as planned, you have two options: 1) you can panic, which might lead to a downward spiral and affect your future performance, or 2) you can reflect on what went wrong, use it as a learning opportunity to address a weakness, and then move forward with the motivation to improve. If you’re making mistakes, it means you’re learning, and that’s the most important part.

Name: Shauna Conway (maiden name Crehan)

Class Year: 2004

Title: Founder & Executive Leader

Organization Name: Strategic Growth and Innovation (SG+I)

 

 

1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?

I lead an advisory strategy firm that partners with organizations to navigate the complexities of digital innovation, data management, AI strategy, and cybersecurity—driving sustainable growth, mitigating risk, and achieving transformative business outcomes.

 

2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

My journey into technology and strategy was both intentional and serendipitous. During the summers in high school and my first two years of college, I worked at law firms and the Concord District Court, where I developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and understanding complex systems. My junior year, a friend across the hall in Mulledy introduced me to an opportunity at Thomson Reuters, where I was exposed to the world of technology and data, sparking my interest in how information could drive business decisions. In my senior year, I attended a career fair and met representatives from FactSet. I was intrigued by their consulting training program, which required quick learning, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex solutions effectively. I joined FactSet after graduation, where the analytical rigor and client-facing nature of the role aligned with my strengths and passion for problem-solving. Throughout my career, I’ve found that roles are a good fit when they inspire learning, offer opportunities to add value, and present challenges that drive growth. This mindset has guided my journey, ultimately leading me to pursue leadership positions where I could shape strategy and drive innovation.

 

3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?

While at Holy Cross, I focused on building strong community ties. In Student Government and as a Student Affairs Judicial Liaison, I played a key role in making the campus smoke-free, promoting health, and fostering good community membership. I also contributed to constructing the first on-campus student apartments, aligning closely with my work on the ‘Civitas Branching’ Mosaic—a collaboration with Worcester residents to create a lasting symbol of partnership and connection. This experience fostered cultural understanding, teamwork, and civic engagement, which are integral to my professional life today. During my senior year, we also formed the Off Campus Student Union (OCSU), creating connections between Holy Cross students, City Hall, local police, and the community. Though my time with Mock Trial was brief, it still provided invaluable experience in teamwork, quick thinking, and communication—skills that I continue to leverage.

 

4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I majored in Economics, which provided a critical framework for understanding market forces, decision-making, and problem-solving. The rigorous education in economic theory and data analysis, paired with a liberal arts approach to learning, shaped my ability to assess problems from multiple perspectives. This adaptability and strategic thinking have been crucial in how I approach technology investments and business growth throughout my career.

 

5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

Holy Cross honed my analytical thinking and collaboration—skills essential to my role today as I work closely with clients to craft strategies and drive change. Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and early work experiences also taught me resilience and a strong work ethic, both vital for leadership in a constantly evolving tech landscape.

 

6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?

Be bold—take risks, and don’t fear failure; every mistake is an opportunity to learn. Let your values guide you, making an impact in line with Holy Cross’s mission of leadership and service. And go after what excites and challenges you—true growth happens when you step into the unknown.