Angela Quagliaroli
Career Education Specialist
I advise for the following majors:
All Years: Education, Government, & Human Services
Criminology & Criminal Justice| Economics | Elementary Education | Early Childhood Education | Health & Physical Education | Music Education | Secondary Education | International Studies & Diplomacy | Political Science | Sociology | World Language Education
First & Second Year Students: Business and Data Analytics
Accounting | Business Analytics & Intelligence |Finance | General Business Administration | Global Business Management | Green Business | Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Management | Marketing | Supply Chain Management | Textile Marketing | Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design | Wanting Business | Business Undeclared
MBTI: ENFJ
Clifton Strengths: Strategic, Futuristic, Restorative, Individualization, & WOO
Education
Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology- The University of Rhode Island, Kingston RI
Master of Education, Higher Education- Providence College, Providence RI
Career Journey
Although my undergraduate degree is vastly different from my current role, a lot of my campus involvement as a student is what truly kick-started my passion for working in higher education. As a first-generation student, I arrived at URI with absolutely no knowledge of how to navigate what would become the most pivotal four years of my life. I found myself connecting with others and making friends through on campus clubs and organizations such as the URI Campus Tour Guides, Greek Life, and the URI Service Corps. I found myself feeling energized by my conversations with prospective students and their families or being a part of programming and events for current students. This eventually led me to applying into a Master of Higher Education program at Providence College where I spent two years as a graduate assistant in the Office of the Registrar, along with additional internship experiences in both Academic Advising & New Student Programs.
Since receiving my M.Ed. in Higher Ed, I’ve had the privilege of returning to my alma mater in 2021 originally as an Academic Advisor and now as your Career Education Specialist!
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: Clamming off of Hog Island, visiting my favorite local farmers markets in the Summer, trying out new restaurants, or hanging at home with my partner & two kitties Bernie & Doja Cat. I also love traveling, listening to new music/podcasts, camping, and dropping into a hot yoga class on the weekends!
What strength do you most identify with and why: Definitely my strength as a WOO. I feel like I can always find something to connect with someone about and it allows me to build networks and communities around me.
Brandon Sousa
Senior Career Education Specialist
Education
Master of Arts, Student Affairs in Higher Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts, Biology, University of Rhode Island
Bachelor of Arts. Psychology, University of Rhode Island
Minors: Leadership Studies, Chemistry, Sociology, University of Rhode Island
Career Journey
As a first-generation college student, I was eager to make the most of my time in college and did so by getting involved at URI. I found a passion for wanting to work and help students like myself so I became involved as a Resident Advisor, Orientation Leader, URI 101 Mentor, and also a member of Greek Life. After completing my time at URI, I was accepted to Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s (IUP) Student Affairs in Higher Education program. During this program I spent two years as an academic advisor/success coach for first-year and undeclared students, an orientation intern at Bethune-Cookman University, and a career services intern/mock interviewer for the career center at IUP. Upon graduating, I knew that I wanted to come back “home” to both New England and URI and have been working here at URI as a Career Education Specialist ever since.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI you will find me: At your local thrift store/flea market hunting for 80s/90s/2000s toys and retro video games.
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? The Strength that I identify most with is Connectedness: I genuinely believe that everything we do in our lives is connected and I am always amazed (but not surprised) as to how things happen right when you need them to. Time and time again life has shown me that when you do good you receive good so for me this has been my guiding principle in life.
Molly Williams
Career Education Specialist
I advise for the following majors:
Communication, Media & Design
Communication Studies | Film/Media | Journalism | Professional and Public Writing | Public Relations | Sports Media
MBTI: ISFJ
Clifton Strengths: Relator | Maximizer | Adaptability | Strategic | Individualization
Education
Master of Education, Higher Education & Student Affairs Administration – University of Vermont, Burlington VT
Bachelor of Arts, Medicine, Health, & Society, Double Major in Human & Organizational Development – Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN
Career Journey
My journey in higher education began when I took a job as a Resident Advisor at my undergraduate institution in my sophomore year. I’ve been working on college campuses ever since in a variety of areas, including Housing & Residence Life, Admissions, Academic & Career Advising, and Fraternity & Sorority Life. My passion is in helping students find meaning in the experiences they have both inside and outside of the classroom to help them identify and prepare for the next step in their journey. I know that for many people, myself included, your major is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to your career. I am excited to talk to students about all of their interests and passions and join them in learning about the myriad of possibilities that are open to them with their URI degree.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: Hosting trivia at restaurants around Rhode Island, reading (or going to the library to pick up something new to read), working on my latest knitting project, or going for walks in the woods or at the beach.
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? I find my Adaptability strength to be a really important part of who I am and how I approach my work. One thing I love about career advising is that no day is exactly the same. There are always new questions to ask and problems to solve. I appreciate the value of a routine, but I also find it exciting when the routine gets interrupted and I have to try something new – that’s where many of my best ideas and projects come from.
CJ Sanchez
Career Education Specialist
I advise for the following majors:
Animal Science & Technology | Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology | Biology | Biological Sciences | Biotechnology | Cell & Molecular Biology | Clinical Neuroscience | Communicative Disorders | Dietetics | Environmental & Natural Resource Economics | Environmental Science & Management | Geology & Geological Oceanography | Kinesiology | Landscape Architecture | Marine Biology | Marine Affairs | Medical Laboratory Science |Molecular Neuroscience | Nutrition | Plant Sciences | Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems | Wildlife & Conservation Biology
MBTI: ENFP
Clifton Strengths: Includer, Adaptability, Strategic, Ideation, and Restorative
Characters Values: Love, Creativity, Love of Learning, Bravery, and Kindness
Education
I am a URI Alum with a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife and Conservation Biology and hold a Masters in Higher Education from the University of Washington.
Career Journey
When I arrived to URI I was unsure of what I wanted to do, I come from a smaller family in southern Rhode Island and I was the first one in my immediate family to go to college. A lot was new to me and I picked my major to try and make a difference in the world. I got heavily involved in volunteering while I was a student and I was able to learn and see so much with the local non profits in Little Rhody. From there I was able to continue my love for civic engagement by completing AmeriCorps terms of service and then the Peace Corps in Nicaragua. I was eventually led back to working with students in the college and university setting and I made my way to Seattle to work with students pursuing STEM degrees at Seattle Central Community College. From there I landed in Career Education at the University of Washington supporting our LGBTQ+ students at the university and the community at large. I have worked as a Career Coach in multiple settings from informal support, conference settings, and tech bootcamps. I have always been passionate about helping others reach their goals and find a meaningful career that they are proud of.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: playing video games online with friends, painting tiny portraits, lifting weights at the gym, avoiding cardio at all costs, and trying to squeeze in community involvement when I can. I also love watching cartoons and animation in my down time.
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? The traits that I value a lot have to be the blending of intelligence and creativity. I love meeting with people who have an intrinsic curiosity to learn combined with a love of the arts. We live in a multifaceted world and I appreciate someone who can tinker with science in one moment and then fall into the fantasy of the arts in the next.
Lisa Kuosmanen
Senior Career Education Specialist
I advise for the following majors:
Chemistry | Chemistry & Forensic Chemistry | Computer Science | Data Science | Mathematics | Physics | Physics & Physical Oceanography
Engineering: Biomedical | Chemical | Civil | Computer | Electrical | Industrial and Systems | Mechanical | Ocean
MBTI: ENFJ
Clifton Strengths: Learner, Responsibility, Achiever, Connectedness, Focus
Characters Values: Love of Learning, Spirituality, Honesty, Perseverance, Kindness
Education
I have a B.S. degree in Marketing from Penn State University, a M.S. degree in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a M.Ed. degree in Higher Education Leadership with an advising concentration from Mercer University.
Career Journey
After graduating from college, I worked in large-scale event and sport management for 12 years managing events and programs for the NBA, 1996 Summer Olympic Games, NFL, WPSL, MLB, NASCAR, and Special Olympics. After that, I went to work at a marketing agency where I oversaw marketing events. Based on my skills and interests, I was invited to start a recruiting division for the company. Although I didn’t have any HR experience at the time, I jumped at the chance and became the founder and director of a recruiting division that hired over 8,000 people a year throughout the world. That experience really helps me advise my students. I know what it takes to get hired in the real world. From there I went back to school and got my master’s degree in higher ed, which led me to URI. How did I get this job? Through networking (including informational interviews), hard work, and creativity during my interview process.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: Spending time with my family especially my spouse, our daughter, and two Yorkies. I love to play tennis, hike, bike, kayak, coach my daughter’s sports teams, read, create photo books, travel, and make videos.
What strength do you most identify with and why: My number one strength is Learner, which resonates with me on so many levels. I have always loved learning in all areas of my life through education, reading, connecting with others, and experiencing different adventures. Through my role as a career education specialist, I strive to help students learn things that will help them both personally and professionally.
Chelsea Lenhart
Career Education Specialist
I advise for the following majors:
Human Development & Family Sciences | Nursing | Public Health | Psychology
MBTI: ENFJ
Clifton Strengths: Individualization | Empathy | Relator | Context | Positivity
Education
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lycoming College and a Master of Education in Counselor Education, with a specialization in School Counseling, from Penn State University.
Career Journey
I began my career journey in higher education the summer after completing my master’s program. I accepted a summer position as an academic advisor at Penn State, where I supported first-year and international students. Shortly afterward, I started my first year as a middle school counselor—a role I absolutely loved! I enjoyed building relationships with students and guiding them through such a pivotal time in their lives. A few years later, when COVID hit, I transitioned to working virtually as a high school counselor. This experience deepened my passion for college and career advising as I helped students plan for life after high school. I realized I wanted to focus on career advising full time, and when the opportunity to move into higher education came along, I knew I had to take it.
Prior to joining URI, I spent a year and a half working as a career coach at a small liberal arts college. I look forward to drawing on my background in psychology, education, and mental health to guide and support my students.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me:
Exploring New England, enjoying a good book on the beach, and going on nature hikes with my partner and our Australian Shepherd mix, Teddy.
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? The strength I connect with most is Relator. I love building deep, meaningful relationships and really value trust and loyalty. This helps me in my role as a Career Education Specialist because I enjoy getting to know students, supporting their growth, and celebrating their wins along the way!