Meet the Team

Emily Griffen has been facilitating professional development and organizational change projects, mainly within higher education, for over fifteen years. At Amherst, Emily manages a team of 18 professionals, steers an active alumni advisory board, and collaborates broadly with college leadership, faculty and donors. Through securing major philanthropic investments, Emily has developed unique and robust programs that strengthen equitable career preparation for liberal arts students, particularly through increasing access to internships and alumni mentors. She serves on the Provost’s Anti-Racism Leadership Group, which helps coordinate and guide inter-departmental strategies to achieve race equity at Amherst, as well as the Leadership Council, a group that advises senior staff on topics concerning institutional strategy, decision-making and communications.

Previously, Emily held roles in both executive education and career development at Columbia University. Before beginning her career in higher education administration, Emily was Director of Human Resources for the travel retail brand Flight 001, where she led recruitment, talent management and organization development initiatives, in addition to managing general human resources operations. As an independent coach and consultant, Emily has worked with young professionals transitioning into leadership roles, and examined and advised on inter-generational conflict and communication in the workplace.

Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts, with a concentration in fine art, from Sarah Lawrence College, and a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has received coaching training from the Columbia Coaching Certification Program and the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

From my student days at Amherst, I’ve had a deep passion to reflect, explore, experience, and work to promote healing and the health of people and communities. What’s the real meaning of health, of healing? What makes for a healthy community, and how can we make a difference? For those who are interested in any health profession, we offer many ways to explore and pursue your aspirations, and to put into practice your ideals. What steps does one take to make these aspirations come alive? I am here to stimulate such conversation and help you in your journey.

At Amherst, I majored in religion, led the Amherst Amigos, and helped found the Amherst ABC Program.  My medical and public health school education (Rochester and North Carolina) led me to a multifaceted in pediatrics, public service, public health, teaching, and mentoring. I strive to inspire a new generation of health professionals.

As the director of the Career in Arts & Communication Program, I support students interested in entertainment, visual/performing/literary arts, journalism & writing, museums & libraries, marketing, publishing, strategic communications, and media. Through our work together, students identify their big picture ambitions, set personal and professional goals, and design career pathways that combine rigor, creativity and curiosity. I’m a first-generation college student and the child of immigrants, so I’m especially invested in ensuring that students from all backgrounds connect with meaningful leadership and learning opportunities.

I received a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and returned to western Massachusetts after a decade of work as a freelance arts & culture writer and leader of community-based arts organizations. I hold an M.A. in Arts Administration from Columbia University Teachers College and spent seven years at Hampshire College, where I was the director of two interdisciplinary arts programs.

As the Associate Director of Communications of the Loeb Center, I strive to ensure that all students are able to easily access the Loeb Center’s resources, events, and announcements. I collaborate with the Loeb Center staff and the wider Amherst community to strategically develop diverse digital and print projects. I continuously search for more creative, efficient, and effective ways to communicate with the Amherst student body, always aiming to engage and inform.

I began my marketing career at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts before lending my skills to the social justice organization YWCA Hartford Region. Most recently, I was the advertising and research manager at Springfield College. I earned my A.A. in Graphic Design from Tunxis Community College, my B.S. in Communication Media and B.S. in Business Administration from Fitchburg State University, and my M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Springfield College.

Contact me if you would like to work together on any projects. Also, follow us on Instagram.

As the program director for the Traub Careers in Business and Finance Program, I work with students and alumni pursuing careers in finance, consulting, business, and entrepreneurship. In this role, I coach, advise, and prepare students to apply their liberal arts education to a wide range of roles in business, finance, and consulting. I also work with alumni and employers to increase internship and full time job opportunities and create programs and experiential learning opportunities for students.

I bring more than 20 years’ experience in business and the financial services industry.  Most recently I worked at BNP Paribas as a Managing Director in Global Equities and Commodity Derivatives (“GECD”) leading teams in New York, London and Hong Kong.  Prior to BNP Paribas, I was a Principal at Banc of America Securities.  I started my career at Arthur Andersen as a tax consultant.  I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) at The University of Texas at Austin.

As the Assistant Director for Early Career Exploration, I work closely with first-year and sophomore Amherst students providing advising sessions and creating programming designed to help students identify core interests and strengths, explore potential career pathways of interest, search for internships, and acquire essential career management skills. In this role, I also serve as the primary career advisor for the Meiklejohn Fellows Program, a program designed to support post-graduate planning and success for Amherst College students from families with low incomes, and to those who are the first in their families to attend college. 

Prior to coming to Amherst College, I worked in the field of counseling and education (PreK-12 and higher education) as a licensed school counselor, career advisor, and practicum supervisor. 

As a first-generation college graduate, I know firsthand the importance of early career exploration and its positive impact on post-graduate planning. With my personal and professional experience, I hope to be a welcoming face for students who are getting started on their career paths.

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Westfield State University and my Masters of Education in Psychology with a concentration in School Counseling at Springfield College. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my family, cheering on my three children in soccer, field hockey, and basketball, and taking time to connect with and appreciate nature.

At the Loeb Center, I work closely with employers, alumni, and graduate admissions contacts to develop mutually-beneficial networks and cultivate meaningful opportunities and events for Amherst students.

Before coming to Amherst College, I held conference planning and project management roles at Pearson Education, New York Law School, and Random House Publishing Group. I hold a master’s degree in Publication Management from Drexel University in addition to my bachelor’s in English/Communications from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

I grew up in western Massachusetts and have enjoyed returning to my roots after a 10-year stint in Philadelphia and New York City. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading and writing fiction, honing my cooking skills, and dabbling in various creative arts.

As the director of the Careers in Science and Technology program, I work with faculty, staff and students to identify and serve the needs of Amherst students and alumni as they prepare for the next step of their academic and professional careers. Together with my colleagues, I am working to forge new collaborations with workforce partners in the science and technology fields and expose students to possible career opportunities across the spectrum of STEM.

I received a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University. After completing my undergraduate degree, I spent a year as part of Northeastern University’s East/West Marine Biology Program (now the Three Seas Program) exploring a wide variety of topics related to the ocean realm. I earned a doctorate in Marine Biology and Fisheries from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science for my research examining the interactive effects of water flow rate, light level, and ocean acidification on the survival and growth of cnidarians. Prior to coming to Amherst, I spent six and a half years at Miami Dade College as a coordinator and then director of various STEM grants aimed at assisting underrepresented students in their pursuit of degrees in these fields. Through my grant work and in my role as an adjunct professor, I found a true passion for helping students find their path and assisting them in discovering opportunities for growth and learning.

In my free time, I enjoy singing, baking delicious treats, and dancing (anything from waltz to salsa and everything in between).

I provide leadership, oversight, and coordination of the major operational areas of the Center including; the on-campus recruitment program, technology, fiscal and talent management, event logistics, communications, data and reporting, and support staff functions. I oversee strategic planning/development and process improvement to support the long-range vision and infrastructure that allows the Loeb Center and its staff to achieve its key objectives and goals. In my capacity leading the center’s employer relations team, I am responsible for employer engagement strategy for early career opportunities and broadly coordinate alumni and parent engagement across multiple programs and initiatives. A creative thinker by nature, my goal is to innovate and expand employer and alumni relations facilitating access to premier career opportunities for our students across all interests and disciplines.

Before finding a home here at Amherst College, I had a rewarding career at Pearson Education. My work there focused on recruitment, strategic innovation, communication strategies, and project development.

Outside of work, I enjoy cheering on the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins, cooking, and spending time with my amazing family and friends.

As the Assistant Director for Data Analytics and Operations, my goal is to use data analytics to drive strategic decision-making, objectives and goals, particularly around diversity, equity and inclusion. By sourcing, analyzing and reporting on data, my goal is to deliver insights to the leadership team as well as to provide support to the larger Loeb Center team. As part of the Operations team, I also manage and support multiple business operations including the implementation of Loeb Center platforms and resources.

Prior to joining the Operations team, I was part of the Internship Programs here at the Loeb Center. In this role, I provided logistical and operational support to the Charles Hamilton Houston Internship Program. I received my B.A. in Spanish and M.B.A. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

In my spare time, I enjoy practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with my family.

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If you need notary services, please email Marcela, a notary public, to schedule a free appointment.

As the Event and Programming Coordinator at the Loeb Center, I coordinate logistics for a multitude of career exploration events and immersive learning opportunities, including workshops, panel discussions, alumni programs, and employer recruiting events. I work closely with Loeb Center leadership, internal campus partners, and outside vendors to host high-stakes events and emerging initiatives, including the Sophomore Summit, the Loeb Center Advisory Council, the Arts and Humanities in Action Initiative (AHA), and the Meiklejohn Fellows Commencement.

Prior to joining the Loeb Center, I managed events for over 20 years—as the Education Administrator and Facility Rental Manager at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, and as a Conference Manager at Lesley University. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, practicing yoga, and honing my DIY skills on our 1850s farmhouse.

As the Administrative Associate, I will be the first point of contact for students, employers, and everyone in between when they enter the Loeb Center. My goal is to provide a welcoming and warm environment during what might be a stressful time in a student’s life.

I have an A.S. in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics from Holyoke Community College, which fuels my interest in learning more about the cybersecurity field. In the future, I hope to further my education in the cybersecurity sector.

Out of work, I have a myriad of hobbies. I enjoy reading fiction books geared toward the fantasy, romance, and murder mystery genres. I also enjoy playing video games on multiple gaming platforms, knitting scarves and cowls, and building mechanical keyboards. I have learned many skills through my varied hobbies, including soldering!

I am excited to be part of the Amherst College community and to grow professionally and personally with the Loeb Center team.

As the Early Career Programs Coordinator, I support programming operations, outreach, event planning, and the summer funding application process for the  Meiklejohn Fellows program and Charles Hamilton Houston Internship program. I also serve as the main point of contact with campus partners in matters related to summer funding, funds management, and stipend allocation for these programs.

As someone who is a first-generation American and the first in my family to go to college, I understand the importance of having mentors and support to help navigate the career exploration process. I aim to help students walk away from internship experiences feeling more confident in themselves and the possibilities ahead without financial barriers. 

Before Amherst (and Western Massachusetts), I worked in the performing arts industry as an actor and stage manager in New York City while attending the Atlantic Acting School Conservatory.  

I received my associate’s degree from Holyoke Community College in Liberal Arts and my bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in human resources from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass, Amherst. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, making jokes, making art, and being with loved ones. 

I am passionate about cultivating effective and caring teachers, creative collaborations among diverse partners, and helping learners realize the educational value in exploring beyond their comfort levels. Through the generosity of Chuck Lewis ’64 and Penny Sebring, Ph.D., I serve as the principal resource for Amherst College students and alumni considering and planning careers in education, including teaching, administration, research, technology, and policy.  Through seminars, treks, advising, and internships, I also work with the selective Ed Pros Fellowship students. Previous contributions include creating a leadership development program at The College of Charleston, developing a global teaching program at Washington College, and launching an innovative engineering course for NASA. I have been researching experiential learning since the early 1990’s, and place-based learning since 2001. Ongoing work with the National Park Service involves the preparation of teachers and informal educators with place-based pedagogies and curricula within K-16 learning environments.

As the program director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Internship Program, I provide comprehensive support before, during and after internship experiences, supporting students through the intentional design and implementation of our flagship internship program. I have a student-centered, strengths-based approach to advising and believe that every experiential learning opportunity can provide value towards our life and career journeys. Through one-on-one advising, workshops, community events, visioning and reflecting, I primarily work with sophomores to make meaning through the internship process.

I’ve worked at Amherst since September 2019 and especially love spending time at Frost, Book + Plow and the Mead. Previously, I worked as Assistant Director for Career Development and Academic Advisor at California College of the Arts in San Francisco, California. My practice as an artist is place-based, community minded and focuses on themes of sustainability, equity, embodied learning, healing and belonging. I received a BA from Bennington College and an MFA from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

I’m an avid home cook, reader, writer and am curious about just about everything.

Working closely with the Health Professions Advisor, I support students and young alumni throughout their time at Amherst as they consider or pursue health-related career paths. This includes, among other things, managing the application process for those applying to medical, dental, veterinary, physician assistant, public health, or other graduate schools. I also support the various pre-health student organizations, and help to coordinate events and programming of interest to the pre-health community at Amherst. I’m particularly interested in the medical humanities and the insights into health, illness, the body, and the mind made possible by interdisciplinary approaches.

I graduated from Mount Holyoke College with an academic focus in twentieth-century American literature and received an MPhil from the University of Cambridge. Prior to coming to Amherst, I worked as a copyeditor, bookseller, and on a women-run, organic vegetable farm; outside of work, you’ll find me continuing to do much of the same.

At Amherst, I have joined a fantastic team of professional advisors and serve as the strategic lead on the career community and affinity-based advising and programming practices in the Loeb Center. With over 20 years of experience in staffing, recruiting, higher education, and leadership, I am a seasoned expert in creating and executing innovative programs and resources that enhance Amherst College students’ career readiness and employability. My engaging, thoughtful, and driven leadership qualities enable me to achieve tangible and significant results for our diverse learners. My primary focus is preparing students to launch meaningful careers and increasing access to career support while maintaining service excellence. I am confident in my ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for our students and am committed to providing the highest level of service and support.

As the former Director of Career Readiness and Internships, I partnered with the Deans of Curricular Integration to integrate the career readiness competencies, based on the standards set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), into students’ academic and extracurricular activities. Additionally, I led various career education programs, such as the Designing Your Life & Career course, established campus-wide collaborations, nurtured connections with employers, and provided guidance to the Center for Career Readiness.

I earned both a bachelor’s degree in Biblical & Theological Studies and Christian Education and a master’s degree in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College. Additionally, I am certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator and a Designing Your Life Coach.

I provide career education expertise, research, and analysis to drive various projects, initiatives, and programs that aid the Loeb Center in pursuing long-range strategic objectives and align with institutional and organizational goals.  As a member of the leadership team, I serve as a thought partner and advisor across a range of topics, identify and help plan staff professional development and training opportunities, and participate in developing organizational policy.  In addition to my Director of Career Education Strategy role, I am pleased to serve as the office’s dedicated pre-law advisor, supporting students and alumni in achieving their goals of attending law school and joining the legal profession.  

I joined the Loeb Center team in 2016 and have held various student-facing positions in the office.  Before coming to Amherst College,  I worked at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, for five years as, first, Special Assistant to the President and finally the Dean of the Work Program.  There, I discovered my passion for advising and supporting students during their transition to the next exciting phase of their lives post-graduation.

I am a Tar Heel, born and bred.  I received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters in Public Policy from Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy.  Outside work, I am an avid reader, history buff, and creative writer.