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.
Making an Impact through Social Entrepreneurship: UN Leader Insights
Are you ready to create a positive impact through social entrepreneurship? In this video, Gina Lucarelli, leader of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Labs, the world’s largest learning network, explains how social innovation, sustainable development, and global collaboration can tackle pressing challenges and ignite positive change. Whether you look to launch a startup or scale your impact, this conversation equips you with the tools and motivation to make a real-world difference.
Career Mentoring for College Students: What to Expect & How to Find a Mentor
Do you ever feel lost when it comes to planning your career? Imagine having someone who has already been through the same experience and is happy to share their knowledge with you. They can guide you, answer your questions, and support you—that’s the power of mentorship.
In this blog post, we dive into the benefits of having a mentor for career development and equip you with the knowledge and tools to embark on your mentorship journey.
Kick-Start Your Career Journey: Insights from St. John’s Career Adviser
Are you looking to take your career journey to the next level? Meet Elisa Zervos ’22MBA, an exceptional career expert with extensive experience in operational management and professional development coaching across all industries. As the Associate Director of Career and Internship Advising at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University, Ms. Zervos combines her strategic vision and hands-on experience to deliver guidance and support to ambitious professionals seeking to achieve their goals.
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.