The Johnnies Blog

Building a Finance Career: Lessons from a VP at BNY Mellon
Are you interested in a finance career where you can help people achieve financial empowerment? In this Q&A session, you get to know Duane Shippey '97A, a St. John’s University alumnus. As the current Vice President (VP) of Client Services at BNY Mellon, Mr. Shippey shares his journey of building a career in finance, the skills he has developed, and the challenges he has faced and overcome.

Prioritizing Your Mental Health in the Workplace: Q&A with Priscilla O. Agyeman ’16C
Balancing mental health and work responsibilities can be a challenging task. However, it is crucial to prioritize your well-being and seek support when needed to achieve personal growth and career success.
During this Q&A session, we speak with Priscilla O. Agyeman ’16C, a St. John’s alumna and mental health advocate. She shares her personal experience with mental health issues and the strategies she uses to navigate mental health in the workplace successfully. She also discusses the mental health resources she offers through her company, Saddie Baddies®.

Financial Literacy Tips and Lessons from Ebony Beckford ’03CPS
Are you a college student or a recent graduate who wants to learn how to build a solid financial foundation for your future? In this Q&A session, we speak with Ebony (Rentas) Beckford ’03CPS, a St. John’s alumna who is an author, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate. Ms. Beckford shares her personal story of overcoming financial challenges during and after graduation. She also provides simple steps that anyone can take to develop a healthy relationship with money and how these practices are applied in her company, Fin Lit Kids.

Celebrating Female Entrepreneurs: Five Stories of Representation and Resilience
In today’s world, gender equality is a top priority, and the representation of women in business is crucial and a powerful catalyst for change. Although progress has been made, the journey toward gender parity in entrepreneurship is far from over. That’s why it’s important to celebrate the stories of remarkable women in business—not only to recognize their achievements, but also to showcase the impact of diverse voices at the forefront of business.
Read the stories of five trailblazing female entrepreneurs and St. John’s University alums driving positive change in their communities and beyond.

Meet 8 St. John’s Alumni Shaping the Future of Black Entrepreneurship
It is essential to recognize the significance of representation in the business world. The establishment of Black-owned businesses not only promotes economic empowerment; it also serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for future generations. In this blog post, we showcase the businesses of eight exceptional Black entrepreneurs. These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, from reshaping the discourse on mental health to pioneering diversity in law and entertainment. They exemplify the transformative power of vision and dedication.

Entrepreneurship Development Success Story: Meet Albert Bateh
Albert Bateh ’16TCB, a graduate of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University, is a noteworthy alumnus renowned for his inspiring journey in entrepreneurship development. Born into a family running a flourishing textile business for over a century, Mr. Bateh grew up with a strong interest in the field. During his senior year at the University, he launched his first venture, EZ-Net Hair Care, which began his successful entrepreneurial journey.

Having an Impactful College Experience: an Alumna Conversation
Whether just embarking on your college journey or continuing your education, the experiences and opportunities you explore can significantly impact your career.

How to Succeed in Industrial Pharmacy: an Expert Q&A
In this Q&A, Dr. Gupta shares insights and advice for success in the pharmaceutical industry after more than eight years of experience.

Embracing Faith through Service: Q&A with Elvira Garcia ’20Ed
St. John’s University alumna Elvira Garcia ’20Ed has successfully integrated faith and service into her life and shared her extraordinary journey with us to commemorate Founder’s Week, an annual event honoring the University’s Vincentian and Catholic traditions.