EACE Leadership Empowerment

Leading With Confidence: Navigating Campus Dynamics

Wednesday, April 9th 
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 

Attend this interactive session for members who aspire to enhance their leadership skills and better navigate the complexities of campus dynamics. The program kicks off with a panel of leaders from various levels in the field, offering diverse perspectives on leadership, decision-making, and managing the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. Participants will hear firsthand insights on how to lead with confidence, communicate effectively, and build strong relationships with across the organization.

Following the panel, participants will engage in breakout room discussions, where they will explore real-world campus dynamics and leadership situations in a safe and supportive environment. Each breakout group will tackle specific challenges such as managing conflict, navigating power structures, and leading others. This collaborative space will allow career services members to reflect on their own leadership styles, share strategies, and learn from one another’s experiences. By the end of the program, participants will walk away with tips and ideas to lead effectively within our industry.

Speakers

Marianna Savoca, Assistant Vice President for Career Development & Experiential Education, Stony Brook University 

Marianna Savoca, PhD is the Associate Vice President for Career Readiness & Experiential Education at Stony Brook University - SUNY, on Long Island, NY. She leads campus initiatives to scale career readiness and access to high-impact, career-relevant, learning-integrated work experiences for all students in all academic programs and degree levels. The Career Center she leads is an umbrella organization for traditional Career Services, as well as units for Student Employment, Center for Service Learning & Community Service, Center for High Impact Campus Jobs & Internships, Employer Relations and Diversity Talent Development, & Alumni Career Services. Dr. Savoca’s research agenda includes experiential learning, career readiness, and professional development for experiential educators. She teaches courses in career development, experiential education, external relations, and leadership, with grants of $4+ Million. A published author and internationally recognized expert in the field, publications include: A Good Job: Campus Employment as a High-Impact Practice (2018), chapters in Advancing Talent Development: Steps Toward a T-Model Infused Undergraduate Education (2020), and The Handbook for Student Affairs Administration – 5^th Ed. (2023). She is a frequent contributor to national and international conversations that connect experiential education to career readiness. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with several awards, including the 2019 Distinguished Alumna Award from Indiana University, 2018 Innovator Award from the National Student Employment Association, 2016 AAC&U Fellowship, and 2005 Fulbright for International Educators. She was recently named a 2025-2027 Fellow for the Society for Experiential Education.Dr. Savoca earned degrees from SUNY Binghamton (BS), Indiana University, (MS) and Colorado State University (PhD).

Narali Taglialavore, Director of Cooperative Education, Wentworth Institute of Technology

Narali (Pronounced like Natalie) Taglialavore is committed to driving innovation, engagement, and professional development. She joined Co-ops & Careers at Wentworth Institute of Technology in September 2023, bringing a passion for student success and a vision for transformative career education.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Narali earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Education in Educational Leadership: College Student Affairs from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Her leadership journey began early, fostering a deep commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and the power of career development.

Over the years, Narali has spent time impacting change in career services at institutions such as Stevens Institute of Technology, Suffolk University, and Boston University, leading initiatives that enhance student engagement, employer partnerships, and leadership management.

As an champion for professional development, Narali actively contributes to the field through her involvement in EACE, NACE, CCC Northeast, and the Career Leadership Collective. She currently serves on the EACE Board of Directors as the Director of Public Relations & Communications and has been honored with the 2022 EACE Rising Star Award and multiple Presidential Citations for her impactful contributions. Additionally, she has completed the NACE Management Leadership Institute, further solidifying her expertise in strategic leadership and career services innovation. Narali is frequently presenting at EACE on topics such as social media strategy, marketing, and community-building through LinkedIn.

As a first-generation daughter of Argentine parents, Narali is deeply passionate about inclusive excellence in career education. She speaks fluent Spanish. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys traveling, the beach, catching up with friends and loved ones, dog walking, hiking, and cheering for Messi!

R. Lynn Sydnor-Epps, Director, Career Connections & Experiences, University of Delaware

R. Lynn Sydnor Epps serves as Director of the Career Connections & Experiences and operational co-Director of the University of Delaware Career Center. In her role, Lynn leads the Career Connections & Experiences Team (CCE), fostering collaboration and consultation with external organizations and campus partners across UD to develop and facilitate career experiences and connections for students. The CCE Team also plays pivotal role in facilitating interactions with employers, professionals, and alumni to enrich both the curricular and co-curricular student experience.

With over 25 years of experience in corporate and non-profit talent acquisition and higher education, Lynn brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to curiosity and exploration. A 2015 Fulbright Scholar (U.S. International Education Administrators Program, Germany/France) and Jackson Scholar, she has also completed the Stanford Life Design Studio Training for University Educators. Lynn holds degrees from Biola University (BS) and Eastern University (MS) and is currently pursuing an EdD at the University of Delaware.

Stefan Koppi, Executive Director, Center for Career Development, Boston University 

Stefan “Steve” Koppi, joined Boston University in January 2024 as Executive Director of the Center for Career Development, his charge is to reimagine career education at Boston University and foster strategic relationships.  Steve brings more than 30 years of experience in career education with institutions like Saint Anselm College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Mount Holyoke College, Gallaudet University, and American University.  He earned a Master of Arts degree in College Student Personnel from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from The Catholic University of America, where he also served as Executive Director of Alumni Relations, earlier in his career.

Jaime Grillo, Executive Director, Career Development Center, Mount Holyoke College 

Dr. Jaime Grillo joined Mount Holyoke College in June 2023 as the executive director of the Career Development Center, building on 17 years experience in career development, and higher education administration. Grillo earned her Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership in Higher Education from St. John’s University. Her research focuses on student success, internships, engagement, students’ confidence, and post-graduation outcomes.

Dr. Grillo came to Mount Holyoke College from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University where she was a director of career and professional development in the Office of Career Services. Prior to that, Dr. Grillo was the director of advising and internships in University Career Services at St. John’s University. Additional experience includes Syracuse University and On Point for College, Inc., an educational non-profit organization in Syracuse, New York. She has experience in managing collaborative teams and developing professional staff; student career development and readiness skills; and planning, implementing and managing large scale events both on and off campus. Grillo is especially passionate about building relationships with students, alum, campus partners, and employers. 

As a first-generation college student and former Division I student-athlete, Dr. Grillo specializes in creating inclusive environments and working with diverse student bodies. With a strong commitment to higher education, Dr. Grillo sits on the Editorial Board for the New York Journal of Student Affairs, has recently presented at the St. John’s University Leadership Symposium, NACE 2024, and will be presenting at NCDA in June 2025.

About the Leadership Empowerment Series

The 2025 Leadership Empowerment Series will include two separate webinars, Lead Your Way (March 12) and Leading with Confidence (April 9). You may choose to attend one or both webinars.

Registration 

EACE Members
One Session: $69
Both Sessions: $99

Non-Members
One Session: $99
Both Sessions: $149

Registration for this individual session or both parts of the series can be completed on the same form below.

Register