Our Students Are Going Places
Our Success
You're on track to reach your full potential.
As you explore your future field, gain experience that will stand out among your peers, and land your first (or next) job, you'll feel the support of the Widener community. So go ahead: dream about a role with that Fortune 500 company or nonprofit. Prepare for admission to a highly competitive graduate program.
Deeply connected to your Widener support system—including alumni from across the country and around the world—you'll write your own personal success story.
Success After Graduation
Featured Alumni
Amberly Caballero Pushes for Effective Interventions in Children with Autism
In this episode of the Far and Widener podcast, Greg Potter interviews Amberly Caballero, CEO of Elevated Kids, about the significant need for developmentally-appropriate and effective intervention for toddlers and young children diagnosed with Autism.
Joe Rauch on Wearable Tech
As assistant medical trainer for the Philadelphia Phillies, Rauch talks about advances in medical training and physical therapy technologies in professional sports.He discusses how data, wearable tech, and interdisciplinary teams of medical professionals are not only keeping pro athletes on the field, but helping them to reach new levels of success in their sport.
Deb McCracken Founded the Elsie Foundation
On Our Podcast "Far and Widener", Deb McCracken, president and founder of the Elsie Foundation, discusses how her organization impacts the lives of economically challenged college students by providing computer equipment and financial literacy education.
Richard Massi Goes Behind the Scenes
Richard Massi, vice president of DTC reliability and performance at Peacock, goes behind the scenes of the global platform responsible for some of the biggest events in streaming. Massi discusses how leadership and teamwork ensure the reliability of some of the world's most viewed content, including the 2024 Olympic Games.
Francis Doran Offers Insight on the Nursing Profession
Francis Doran, a cardiac ICU nurse at Penn Medicine and a nurse practitioner student at Thomas Jefferson University, discusses the current state of nursing post-COVID. He shares his insights about the impact of new technology on the profession, as well as the continued gender gap among nurses.
Ryan Raiker on Defining a Brand
Ryan Raiker is a two-time Widener Graduate and currently works in consulting and marketing. In his TED talk, he teaches how to build a brand for yourself and how to leave a legacy in the digital age of marketing.
Anthony Pompilii Supports Struggling Athletes
Anthony Pompilii graduated from Widener in 2024 with a Bachelors in Communications. He currently works as a communications specialist for IKEA. In his TED talk, he encourages struggling student athletes to reach out and seek help.
Kendall Gordon Cultivates Focus and Mindfulness
Kendall Gordon is a producer, editor, and videographer for CoastLife TV in Milton, Delaware. Kendall’s TED Talk explores strategies for staying present and mindful in a fast-paced world, helping others cultivate focus and presence in their daily lives.
Dante DiBattista Tackles Leadership in Business
Dante DiBattista is an award-winning community servant, leadership coach, and inspirational speaker. An emerging pioneer in the art and science of leadership development, Dante challenges the prevailing ideas of authority and how they are applied in the workforce today.
Shaakira Abdullah Addresses the Balance of Sexuality and Faith
Dr. Shaakira Abdullah, also known as The Halal Sexpert, is a Sexologist with a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality and a Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. She discusses learning how to maintain a comfortable balance between spirituality and sexuality.
Psychologist Dr. Lise Deguire Researches Bias Against Disfigured People
Clinical psychology alum and burn survivor, Dr. Lise Deguire, is the multi-award-winning author of Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor. She has appeared on NPR, NBC, ABC, and FOX and presented to The World Burn Congress, The American Burn Association, and more.
Robert Buckley Jr.'s Company Played Key Role in Rebuilding I-95 Collapse
Alumnus Robert Buckley Jr., president of Buckley and Company, joined us in-person and on the Far & Widener podcast to discuss his company's role in the record-setting rebuild of the collapsed portion of I-95 in 2023. He now advises Widener’s new engineering construction management program.
Registered Nurse, Natalie Sassi, Raises Awareness on Human Sex Trafficking
While a nursing major, Sassi devoted her attention to uncovering factors influencing health care access and delivery. Her groundbreaking work and honors presentation on the nurse’s role in helping to combat human trafficking inspired her TEDx Talk. She currently works as an RN at Penn Medicine.
Marcia Zaruba-O’Connor Runs an Award-Winning HR Company
Marcia Zaruba O’Connor, President and CEO of The O’Connor Group—one of Philadelphia Business Journal's Best Places to Work— has won Most Admired CEO and Philadelphia Titan 100 awards. She shared her success journey, challenges, and the importance of mentorship on our podcast.
Inspire Pride
Share Your Success Story
Have a story that inspires? We'd love to hear it!
- Students: Email the Communications Office
- Alumni: Submit on the alumni website
More Student Stories
On the inside track, students like you have turned their education into extraordinary careers. Check out their stories.
More Student & Alumni News
Our students and alumni acheive great things. Explore student news stories and alumni updates and recognitions.
Connect With Widener Alumni
There's plenty to learn from those who came before you. Get their perspective on your field, ask for tips about working in your dream location, and trade stories about your favorite professors.
Need Support on Your Personal Success Journey?
Could your story inspire future Widener students? Send us a note—we'd love to share it.
Communications Office
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Old Main, 2nd Floor
- 610-499-4246
- proffc@widener.edu
Office of Development & Alumni Engagement
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Old Main, 3rd Floor
- 610-499-1154
- alumnioffice@widener.edu