Holly Hernandez
Assistant Director - Employer Relations
MBTI: INFJ
Clifton Strengths: Relator, Developer, Consistency, Belief, Harmony
Education
Lesley University, M.Ed.
University of New Hampshire, B.A.
Career Journey
My career path has been unique and varied, ultimately leading me to the University of Rhode Island about 18 years ago. Today, I’m proud to serve as the Assistant Director for Employer Relations in the Center for Career and Experiential Education (CCEE), where I support our team of Employer Relations Specialists and the employers who come to campus to connect with students from all majors.
My biggest piece of advice for students is to keep an open mind, embrace new opportunities, and trust your instincts as you move forward. While you may have a plan for yourself, always remain flexible and embrace the unexpected!
Outside of Work
When I’m not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you’ll find me spending time outdoors with my family, tackling DIY projects at home, or relaxing on the beach with a good book.
Strengths & Values
One of the strengths I most strongly identify with is Harmony. I am always looking for practical solutions to challenges in order to avoid unnecessary friction & ensure that those around me can focus on what is important in our work. I try to infuse humor and familiarity into every day, which helps me stay positive and grounded and allows me to see the “glass as half full,” even when challenges arise.
Kristin Souza
Employer Relations Specialist, College of Health Sciences
MBTI: ENFJ
Clifton Strengths: Achiever, Strategic, Futuristic, Communication, Activator
Characters Values: Creativity, Curiosity, Kindness, Love, Teamwork
Employer Industries I Support
College of Health Sciences: Clinical Neuroscience, Communicative Disorders, Human Development & Family Science, Kinesiology, Psychology, Public Health
Education
Master of Education in Student Affairs Counseling from Bridgewater State University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Rhode Island
Career Journey
My work in higher education is driven by a passion for creating opportunities that bridge the gap between academia and industry and prepare students for the current workforce. After graduating from URI, I discovered a passion for career development and earned a Master of Education from Bridgewater State University. Following graduation, I worked at Roger Williams University, where I taught career development courses and supported students through one-on-one advising. I returned to URI in 2018 as the Experiential Education Coordinator for the College of Health Sciences, partnering with faculty to integrate employer-based projects and career development initiatives into the classroom—helping students build the skills employers seek in today’s graduates. I also contributed to grant-funded projects focused on interprofessional healthcare education, technology access for older adults, and competency development. In 2024, I transitioned to my current role as an Employer Relations Specialist. In this role, I partner with health and healthcare employers to develop recruitment strategies and expand access to internships and full-time opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world success. In addition, I teach career courses through CCEE and serve as a part-time faculty member in the Psychology department where I aim to empower students as they prepare for today’s workforce.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: traveling with my husband or spending time with our cat, Callie.
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? I identify most with my “Achiever” strength as it propels me to continuously taking on new challenges that allow me to grow personally and professionally.
Audra Lavoie
Employer Relations Specialist, Life Sciences & Blue Economy
MBTI: ENFP
Clifton Strengths: Communication, Futuristic, Activator, Ideation, and Woo
Characters Values: Honesty Creativity Gratitude Love Fairness
Education
I am a URI alum. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, and a Masters of Public Administration.
Career Journey
As a URI student, I changed my major four times, ending with the same major I started with. I have worked in a variety of fields. The experiences that I often talk the most about have been my work in recruitment, emergency management, environmental education, refugee resettlement, and entrepreneurship. I have worked in government, business, and nonprofit organizations.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: hiking, writing, cooking, yoga(ing?) – who knows? I like to try new hobbies and create my own projects. Recently I began playing guitar and started taking martial arts classes. I believe time is our most valuable resource and I enjoy spending mine with my family and animals (two cats and a dog).
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? We all have many different strengths and talents. I really enjoy connecting with others and using my creativity and “activator” to get you started on the career goals that are meaningful to you.
Kathryn (Vani) Dayboch
Employer Relations Specialist, College of Arts and Sciences
MBTI: ISFJ
Clifton Strengths: Realtor, Learner, Adaptability, Arranger, Empathy
Character Strengths: Perspective, Humor, Humility, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, Social Intelligence
Employer Industries I support
College of Arts and Sciences: Fine Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Harrington School of Communication and Media, Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Education
Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University (and licensed to practice in both NY and RI)
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Development from University of Rhode Island
Career Journey
My journey began in early childhood education in Rhode Island and took me to New York City, where I pursued graduate studies and began working in pediatric social work at various nonprofit organizations across the city. I spent years supporting children and families in how to navigate the many micro and macro systems. Eventually, I returned to Rhode Island to shift my focus to higher education—first in alumni career advising and programming, and now in employer relations for the College of Arts and Sciences. I’m especially energized by building connections between students, alumni, and employers to create meaningful career pathways and outcomes.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me:
Doing house projects, crafting, chasing my dog and toddler or getting outside whenever possible.
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why?
I’m someone who shows up with authenticity in everything I do—whether during collaborating on projects, building relationships, or navigating challenges and doing it with a sense of humor to get me through.
Alicia Vignali Henry
Coordinator, Community Engagement
MBTI: ENFP
CliftonStrengths: Positivity, Connectedness, Woo, Empathy, Ideation
Character Values: Gratitude, Forgiveness, Love of Learning, Fairness, Social Intelligence
Education
Master of Public Administration, University of Rhode Island (Anticipated)
Bachelor Science, Political Science, University of Connecticut
(However, much of my most valued education is informal, obtained through interactions with diverse people, places and situations.)
Career Journey
I have always enjoyed working with people and building relationships. Being here at URI as the Community Engagement Coordinator is exactly where I am supposed to be, and many things contributed to me getting here! I was an unconventional student, I was a little bit older and worked full time at a Boys & Girls Clubs as an undergraduate. I studied abroad in Greece, with plans to stay a few weeks and ended up there for 9 months! I have worked in public schools, for international nonprofits and for public beaches. I am fortunate to have a wide variety of professional, personal and educational experiences that created the person I am! I am thankful for all the inspiring individuals I have met, and continue to meet along my journey. Bringing people together to serve, share resources and create sustainable and reciprocal relationships is the common theme of everything I do, and I incorporate that into all aspects of my life.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: At the beach, or thinking about being at the beach, with my 2 young daughters. I thrive in summer, so any chance to beat the cold and go somewhere warm I take it! I am always planning a new adventure or connecting with friends from a past one. I serve on committees for the Town of Narragansett and sometimes run for public office. I love to learn new things, connect people together and read books.
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? Gratitude is the value I appreciate the most, because there is always something to be grateful for. I practice gratitude throughout my day, looking for wins and for everything that is going right.
Zakary Pereira
Coordinator, Credit for Prior Learning and Career Advancement
MBTI: ENTJ
Clifton Strengths: Context, Achiever, Consistency, Learner, Analytical
Characters Values: Judgment, Love, Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, Humor, Love of Learning
Education
M.B.A. – Salve Regina University, Newport, RI
B.A., Political Science – Rhode Island College, Providence, RI
Career Journey
My journey into higher education began when I was an undergraduate orientation leader for four years at Rhode Island College. This sparked my passion for working with college aged students. After graduating, I began my career in enrollment management at Rhode Island College, migrating over to Salve Regina University and finally transitioning to student success here at the University of Rhode Island. Throughout my professional career, I have also maintained an active role in my community and civic life – even running for state elected office in 2022. I am passionate about legislative and policy solutions to our world’s problems and look forward to partnering with various state agencies and community partners on increasing access to higher education in Rhode Island.
When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: You will find me in my raised bed vegetable garden tending to my plants, kayaking in Narragansett Bay, or walking my Bernese Mountain Dog named Zuko around Rocky Point State Park.
What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? Definitely being a lifelong learner. I truly believe that knowledge is power and I am always seeking ways to increase my own knowledge base, competencies, and skills in my personal and professional life, and share the importance of continuous improvement and lifelong learning with the students I work with.