St. John’s University continues to shape dynamic leaders whose talent, service, and ambition transform industries and communities worldwide. Johnnies of the 21st Century showcases exceptional alumni who embody the University’s mission through their professional accomplishments, dedication to service, and commitment to uplifting others as they succeed. Their stories reflect the enduring impact of a St. John’s education—and the bold future our graduates build every day.
2025-26 Johnnies of the 21st Century Honorees
Sarah Cullivan ’22TCB, ’24M.B.A.
Associate Analyst, Madison Square Garden (MSG) Entertainment Corp.
Sarah's LinkedIn page
A double alumna of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, and a member of St. John’s President’s Society, Sarah Cullivan is using the skills she developed at the University in her role as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Analyst at Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. There, she leads initiatives to optimize the organization’s CRM system across MSG Entertainment, MSG Sports, and Sphere, to ensure it meets strategic goals, while enhancing client engagement and data-driven decision making.
“St. John’s provided hands-on, real-world experiences through programs like Global Loan Opportunities for Budding Entrepreneurs (GLOBE); the Student-Managed Investment Fund; the Executive-in-Residence Program; and Global Destination courses that gave me practical guidance, prepared me to navigate the business world, and helped me launch my first professional role,” she said.
Ms. Cullivan was honored by TheIrish Echo as one of its “Irish 40 Under 40” in 2022 and continues to embrace her Irish heritage by annually attending the Irish Legal 100 event at the Irish Ambassador’s residence in Washington, DC, a tradition she first experienced through an internship at St. John’s. She also organizes community gatherings and coaches youth basketball, combining her passion for leadership and mentoring the next generation.
Diana Esposito ’18CPHS
Orthopedic Surgery Physician Assistant, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Queens, NY
Diana's LinkedIn page
Diana Esposito earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2018 and is now an Orthopedic Physician Assistant at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Queens, where she is a member of the orthopedic team, specializing in hand and wrist surgery.
At NewYork-Presbyterian, she assists in surgical procedures, conducts patient evaluations, emergency room consults, and manages postoperative care. Her clinical experience spans multiple specialties, including emergency medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Dedicated to patient-centered care, Ms. Esposito combines technical expertise with compassionate communication to help patients achieve optimal musculoskeletal health.
She remains deeply involved in the St. John’s community, both during her time as a student and long after graduating. “At St. John’s, I worked as an orientation leader and a Discover New York peer leader,” she said. “Now, as an alumna, I attend health-care events at St. John’s to connect with prehealth students interested in a health-care career.”
Michael Leavy ’12CCPS
Founder, Fuzz on the Lens Productions
Michael's LinkedIn page
A distinguished independent filmmaker, Michael Leavy earned his bachelor’s degree in Television and Film from the College of Professional Studies (now, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies) in 2012. Two years prior, he and his two partners cofounded Fuzz on the Lens Productions, which gained international recognition with its viral “Staten Island Clown” publicity stunt in 2014.
As a director and producer, Mr. Leavy helmed the comedy-fantasy feature, Abnormal Attraction, starring Malcolm McDowell, Gilbert Gottfried, Leslie Easterbrook, and Academy Award-nominee Bruce Davison. He is also known for his performance as “Will the Exterminator” in the cult classic, Terrifier.
Mr. Leavy served as both producer and assistant director of the box office hits Terrifier 2 and Terrifier 3, which is the highest-grossing unrated independent film of all time, earning more than $100 million worldwide.
“St. John’s not only provided me with a world-class education, but also instilled in me the values of perseverance, service, and community that have guided my career and personal journey,” he explained. “Giving back is important to me because I want to ensure that future generations of Johnnies have the same chance to grow, dream, and achieve beyond what they ever thought possible.”
Ellen A. McBurney ’12SJC, ’14M.A.
Chief Operating Officer, Civic Builders
Ellen's LinkedIn page
Ellen A. McBurney serves as Chief Operating Officer at Civic Builders, the nation’s leading nonprofit lender and developer of public charter schools. In this role, she oversees organizational performance and leads engagement with key stakeholders. She has led several transformational initiatives, including the design and development of New York City’s first charter school incubator and the expansion of Civic Builders’ national reach.
At St. John’s, Ms. McBurney earned a combined B.A./M.A. in Government and Politics with a concentration in International Relations and minors in French, Philosophy, and Theology and Religious Studies in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She also distinguished herself as a member of the President’s Society, the highest honor society for undergraduates; Senior Senator in Student Government, Inc.; and President of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She was honored with both the Spirit of St. John’s Award and the Vincentian Founder’s Award for Leadership and Service for her outstanding leadership and dedication to community engagement.
Along with her husband, John, a fellow St. John’s alumnus, they have supported the Developmental Disabilities Institute since their college days. They are the proud parents of two enthusiastic St. John’s fans, Lily and Maeve.
Elin Minasi O’Brien ’10TCB, ’14J.D.
Executive Director, Senior Structuring Officer, UBS
Elin's LinkedIn page
Elin Minasi O'Brien is Executive Director and Senior Structuring Officer for UBS’s Unified Global Alternatives business. As part of the investment team, she oversees structuring, due diligence, and deal negotiations for hedge fund portfolios. She also leads volunteer efforts within her unit, organizing service projects and fund-raising initiatives that reflect the Vincentian values she embraced at St. John’s.
“I was the recipient of a great education, both in undergrad and law school,” she said. “Service to the community was just embedded in the curriculum. This translates to several service-learning opportunities we now do as a work team and family.”
A first-generation Armenian American raised in Medford, NY, her parents’ journey to the US as religious refugees instilled in her a deep sense of purpose. As an undergraduate in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, she was a member of the President’s Society (the highest honor society for an undergraduate student), and involved in the Student-Managed Investment Fund. At St. John’s Law, she served as Vice President of the Evening Students Association and was active in the Women’s Law Society.
Ms. Minasi O’Brien has worked at several hedge fund businesses, including The Blackstone Group and HedgeMark. Mentorship has guided her at every step, and she is committed to offering the same support.
“Having an excellent mentor makes a world of difference, and a little can go a long way,” she said. “So, take a meeting with a student, make an introduction. Those moments are what shape someone’s trajectory.”
Jesse Schaefer ’18TCB
Manager, Financial Services Business Transformation Consulting, EY
Jesse's LinkedIn page
Jesse Schaefer is a Manager within EY’s Insurance Consulting practice. Leveraging an experience-driven design approach, Ms. Schaefer leads cross-functional teams in untangling complex client problems by re-imagining end-to-end experiences, designing innovative target operating models, and implementing core technology platforms.
Jesse earned her B.S. degree in Finance from The Peter J. Tobin College of Business and was a four-year starter on the Red Storm Women’s Soccer team. “My St. John’s education, experience, and network have provided incredible opportunities that kick-started my career,” she explained. “St. John’s offered me a unique college experience by connecting me with a diverse group of people who challenged me to think, listen, and lead differently.”
She was recently recognized as a 2025 Women’s Bond Club Rising Star, a program that aims to cultivate the next generation of women executives in the financial services industry.
Christopher Scharbach '05ED, '08M.S.Ed., '20Ed.D.
Principal, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy
Christopher Scharbach is Principal of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy in Belle Harbor, Queens, the largest Catholic elementary school in the New York tristate area. In this role, The School of Education triple alumnus leads more than 635 students, 60 faculty members, and numerous strategic initiatives that strengthen Catholic education, technology integration, and community engagement.
“St. John’s instilled in me a deep commitment to faith, service, and leadership, which continues to shape my vocation as an educator,” he said. “It is important to give back to St. John’s because it provided the foundation for my professional success and lifelong mission.”
Join Christopher and give back
St. John’s University is proud to recognize and honor Johnnies of the 21st Century who exhibit success in their chosen professional fields, exemplary service to the University, and/or commitment to the service of others. If you know an individual who deserves recognition for such personal and/or professional achievements, and graduated from St. John’s between the years of 2001 and 2024, please share their story during the nomination period.
Contact Us
Casey Grzinic ’21GEd
Assistant Director, Institutional Advancement
[email protected]
Nominate a Johnnie
If you know an individual who deserves recognition for such personal and/or professional achievements, and graduated from St. John’s between the years of 2001 and 2024, see the details below.
- The nominee must be a graduate of St. John’s University who completed their degree between the years of 2001 and 2024
- The nominee must not be currently employed by St. John’s University
- The nominee should demonstrate success in one of the following categories:
- Professional field
- Public service
- Non-profit organizations
- Educational organizations
- Religious organizations
- Professional organizations
- Service to St. John’s University
- The nominee must have high personal integrity and character, demonstrating and living the mission of St. John’s University
- Nominations will be accepted from St. John’s faculty and staff, alumni, and friends of the University
- Need not be a St. John’s alumnus to submit a nomination
- Self-nominations are accepted
Eligible nominations are screened internally with final selections made in April. Honorees will be announced in May.
Eligible nominations are screened internally and finalists are formally notified in late Spring. Once selected, honorees will participate in university-wide marketing campaigns featuring their story, name, image, and likeness, to amplify the mission of St. John’s University. Honorees will rally their peers to fundraise in support of a university cause of their choosing.