Meet Our Experts

Your access to expert career advice is an important part of your JWU education. In the classroom, faculty give you an insider’s understanding of your career. On campus, you’ll meet leading employers at career fairs, presentations and interviews.

And at our career center, our experts connect you with the range of opportunities you can only find at JWU. Start building the career skills that will set you apart.

My Marriott International Career
By Cashwayne Brown ’11
International Hotel and Tourism Management

When I was accepted into Marriott's Management Development Program, I sat with my career advisors to prepare. Through mock interviews and resume assistance, I knew I would be successful. I really couldn’t have done it without their coaching.

My career started with my internship. Find yours!

Experiential Education & Career Services
Read our EE&CS vice president's internship blog on the Huffington Post.

Sheri Ispir, director, 401-598-1872
Sheri has worked for the university for the past 16 years. She spent the first half of her career recruiting international students for JWU in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She joined EE&CS as director in 2005. She has a Master’s degree from JWU.

Andrea Frost, assistant director, Experiential Education, 401-598-4612
Andrea brings extensive experience within higher education. Prior to joining EE&CS she was the Associate Director at the Planning Center of Rhode Island. Andrea has a Master’s degree from JWU.

Donna Remington, assistant director, Career Services, 401-598-1180
Donna’s career path includes more than 25 years in marketing, communications, events management and public relations in a variety of industries, including healthcare, a privately owned corporation and the not-for-profit sector before joining EE&CS in 2006. Donna has a Master’s degree from JWU.

Karen Miller, assistant director, practicum internships, 401-598-1441
Karen brings extensive experience in the area of practicum internships having been with the university for 28 years. Karen has a degree from JWU in Business Administration.

Employer Relations
Akanksha Aga, assistant director, 401-598-2414
Akanksha has 15 years experience in the hospitality industry and higher education. She started her career with Taj Hotels in India, working in various operational areas in New Delhi and Mumbai. Akanksha earned her MBA at JWU. Before joining Employer Relations, she oversaw Experiential Education.

Experiential Education Coordinators
Alice (Aleese) Burrows, Business, 401-598-2172
Aleese brings 17 years of experience working in the healthcare services industry and in higher education. She held positions in career services, event coordination and office management prior to joining JWU. She has degrees in Education/Special Education, and Psychology.

Dianne Compos, Culinary, 401-598-2144
Dianne brings 17 years of experience in customer service and senior product management, and another 9 within culinary arts, catering and nutrition.

Heather Cosimini, Graduate School, 401-598-1874
Heather has a background in high school education. She worked at JWU’s counseling and advising center prior to joining EE&CS. Heather has a Master’s degree from Boston University and has a doctorate degree from JWU.

Cathleen Dionne, Technology, 401-598-1874
Cathleen brings more than 14 years of experience in the commercial arts and higher education arena. She has held positions in financial aid, admissions, as well as career services and has represented freelance commercial artists. She holds an advertising degree from JWU.

Ashley Foley, Culinary, 401-598-4694
Ashley's experience is within the hospitality, foodservice and event management fields, which includes experience in catering and banquets as well as wedding planning. Ashley has been part of the team since 2009 and holds a Master’s Degree from Johnson & Wales University.

Carrie Ann Marshall, Culinary, 401-598-4659
Carrie Ann has years of experience in multiple segments of foodservice, including healthcare and both private and corporate-owned restaurants.

Sarah McDaniel, Hospitality, 401-598-2207
Sarah has worked in the Hospitality industry for the last 12 years, namely at The Ritz Carlton and Marriott International, specializing in operations, sales and marketing. 

Leslie Migneault, Business, 401-598-2143
Leslie has over 7 years experience within insurance, marketing and sales. She has an MBA from Johnson & Wales University.

Bryan Mullin, Culinary, 401-598-1420
Bryan has 17 years of experience in the restaurant and retail industries. Prior to joining EE&CS, Bryan worked in Admissions for 8 years. He holds a Master’s degree.

Michael O'Malley, 401-598-2415
Michael has more than  20 years of culinary industry experience, having worked as a chef, manager and trainer in the United States and overseas. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and earned an MBA from Johnson & Wales University.

Liz Roche,  International, 001-401-598-4732
Liz has 20 years of experience in customer service and office management in a variety of business settings, from banking and the performing arts to assisting with a start-up company. Liz previously worked for Johnson & Wales in the Admissions Office.

Career Advisors
Martin Connell, Business, 401-598-1061
Martin brings a law degree, experience in the Rhode Island Public Defender's office and retail management expertise to JWU, along with five years as a student financial planner.

Sharon Gold, Business & Technology, 401-598-2142
Sharon has extensive experience within career education, including career coaching certification and an internship in career counseling at MIT. She has a Master’s degree from New York University. 

Michael Mroz, Hospitality, 401-598-1892
Mike brings seven years experience working with the Chamber of Commerce in business and educations programs before making the move to EE&CS 15 years ago.

Robert Poirier, Business, 401-598-1873
With 30 years of experience as an account executive with Chanel Cosmetics and Fragrances, Bob brings extensive industry expertise to JWU students.

Kristin Wakefield, Culinary, 401-598-1320
Prior to joining EE&CS in 2009 Kristin worked in Quality Assurance at Dunkin’ Brands. She brings over 10 years of foodservice experience and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at JWU.

Carly Warrener, Hospitality, 401-598-2418
Carly has more than five years experience managing all aspects of internships, externships and fellowships in the environmental field. She has also worked for many years in the hospitality industry including restaurant service and event coordination. Before joining Career Services, Carly worked as an academic coordinator at JWU’s Hospitality College.