St. John’s Alumna Credits Alma Mater for Shaping Global Marketing Career

“I knew I didn’t want to pursue a career in medicine, but I wanted to finish what I started,” she said.

After earning her bachelor of science degree in biology, she landed a role at a pharmaceutical advertising agency, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become a Senior Account Executive, working with high-profile clients like Pfizer, Inc.

While she thrived in the fast-paced world of pharmaceutical advertising, Ms. Sawires realized she lacked formal marketing training. “I was learning on the job,” she reflected. “I enjoyed the strategic and creative aspects, but I wanted to broaden my skill set beyond pharma.”

That insight sparked her decision to return to school for an M.B.A. in marketing. Her choice of St. John’s University was driven by more than academics.

“I always wanted to study abroad,” Ms. Sawires recalled. When she discovered the University’s Rome, Italy, campus, she said, “This is for me. Spending a year in Italy immersed in the culture, language, and international business was transformative.”

Her time in Rome included memorable experiences like attending the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin and celebrating Italy’s historic World Cup victory. She also gained exposure to St. John’s New York campuses, broadening her academic and professional network, which helped build a solid foundation in marketing—and a global perspective.

After earning her M.B.A., Ms. Sawires joined Brand Union, a branding agency where she led brand strategy from concept to execution. That role offered her a comprehensive view and set the stage for her next big move. In 2015, she transitioned to work with her insurance client ACE, taking on major branding initiatives—including a historic, $30 billion merger with Chubb, the largest in the industry to date.

“Leading the transformation of Chubb’s branding and visual identity across 54 countries was the most rewarding experience of my career,” she said. She spearheaded brand activations for global sports sponsorships such as the US Open, Australian Open, Chubb Classic, and LALIGA.

Over her decade-long tenure at Chubb, Ms. Sawires became known as a “brand guardian,” ensuring consistent standards and storytelling across all platforms. “Working with talented agencies and colleagues to produce meaningful work has been incredibly fulfilling,” she said.

Now, she’s stepping into a new leadership chapter, heading global advertising efforts for Citi as their Advertising Senior Group Manager for the enterprise brand.

Still, she credits much of her success to her time at St. John’s University. “My M.B.A. experience was foundational,” she reflected. “I wasn’t just learning the principles of marketing—I was also developing cultural fluency. That global awareness is critical in today’s business world.”

To current students and young alumni, Ms. Sawires offers this advice: “Focus on building your personal brand. Don’t be afraid to speak up, promote yourself, and share your work. Your voice and your perspective matter—especially for women, who sometimes hesitate to advocate for themselves.”

Looking back, Ms. Sawires sees her career not as a series of detours, but as a purposeful journey. “Every step prepared me for what came next,” she said. “And St. John’s gave me the tools, confidence, and global lens to lead with impact.”