Meet Washington, D.C. Network Leadership Council Member and Women’s Network Co-Chair Tess Troha-Thompson ’06

What Tess is up to now and reflecting on her time at the University

Share a bit about yourself and your current endeavors. What excites you most about your work or personal projects?

After graduating from the URochester, I moved to Chicago and began working in public relations and affairs. In 2008, I leaped into the political world, joining my first campaign as a field organizer in Michigan for a candidate running for Congress. His victory led to another exciting opportunity—I moved to Washington, D.C., to work in his Capitol Hill office.

I spent five years on Capitol Hill in various roles including campaign manager for Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. This was a highlight of my career and personal life, bringing me back to Rochester, where I got to live out my college dream of living near Park Ave. I also LOVE that her professional papers are now archived at UR’s Rush Rhees Special Collections.

Since 2016, I’ve been with New Blue Interactive, a consulting firm focused on progressive digital advertising and fundraising. As Chief of Staff, I lead our team and manage client teams in digital strategy, communications, and fundraising.

I’m proud to have been named an AAPC 40 Under 40 honoree and included in City & State New York’s 2025 Political Consultants Power 100 List, thanks to my work with clients like Rochester’s Congressman Joe Morelle. My work continues to impact the Rochester community, which has greatly shaped who I am.

What are your most cherished memories from your time at the URochester?

During my time at the URochester, I was deeply involved in a range of activities, including being a tour guide with Meridian Society, a peer career advisor, president of College Democrats, and performing with OBOC and Chamber Singers. I was fortunate to form lasting friendships, some of which continue to this day, and I’ve built a strong network of mentors and mentees through the University.

The experiences I had, from public speaking to professional development training, significantly shaped my personal and professional growth. The critical thinking skills I developed have helped me think strategically and question assumptions. I’m grateful that my career has allowed me to reconnect with Rochester and the University, helping me see how they fit into the broader community. While I loved my time there, I’m proud to have contributed to strengthening the connection between the University and the city.

Volunteerism and making an impact

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What role(s) have you held?

I’ve been involved as an alumni volunteer since pretty much right after graduation. At first, I did and joined recruitment or admitted student events in Chicago to talk about my experience at the University and was a member of the Young Alumni Council and our 5-year Reunion committee. I even had the opportunity to come back to the University and be on a career panel about getting a job in politics.

When I moved to D.C., my involvement increased, and I added new roles! I have really enjoyed helping grow the Washington, D.C. Regional Network as a member of the Cabinet and as co-founder and co-chair of the . I think it is so critical to engage alumni at all stages of their lives and in a unique way that is most meaningful to them.

What have been some of your most rewarding and memorable experiences with the D.C. Women’s Network so far?

My favorite part of leading the D.C. Women’s Network is connecting different generations of grads who can lift each other up, inspire, and offer wisdom. Interestingly it goes both ways! A number of our older alumnae have become really inspired and learned from the younger alumnae as well! And, we all know that, in DC especially, who your “network” is can be a huge part of your ability to advance in your career.

I love that the University can be a part of someone’s life success after college. Working for Rochester’s own female Congresswoman and her role in supporting Rochester, really inspired me to want to continue to be a part of that tradition of female mentorship and it has been such a rewarding experience!

How has your work in the Washington, D.C. area influenced your approach to mentoring or supporting the next generation of leaders, particularly women?

In my role as Chief of Staff at New Blue (and throughout my career), I have always valued mentoring as a key part of both my own personal growth and as a way to embody the spirit of Meliora. I have had the opportunity to mentor students as interns, entry-level staff, and as more informal relationships that formed through alumni events, informational interviews, or through the .

The University offers great resources, and understanding how to use them, ask the right questions, and listen effectively are key skills I aim to help others develop. These skills are important at any career stage, whether you’re just starting out or further along. I learn so much from interacting with younger people and always aim to stay open to growth. Being receptive, seeking continuous improvement, and learning from others are essential for becoming a successful leader at any age.

How you can get involved like Tess

What advice do you have for alumni who are looking to get involved in advocacy or leadership networks in their own cities?

Start small! Co-host an event with one of the regional networks, sign up to be an admissions interviewer or even just join the and offer to connect with other alumni that way. It can feel overwhelming to join a “committee” or plan an event, so start with what you are comfortable with and enjoy. Reach out to old professors or ask an alumni staff member about how you might be able to help a student group you loved being a part of.

Every role I’ve played has been made so much more fun and significantly less stressful by the incredible alumni staff members who support alumni volunteers in everything we do. When I’ve had questions, concerns, or needed to step back, they are ready and willing to help. If you have an interest in getting more involved, my biggest advice is to take the plunge. It’s worth it!

Check out volunteer opportunities with the University today!

Meet D.C. Women’s Network member and cybersecurity consultant Grace Czechowski Llojaj ’13

Share a bit about yourself! What are you up to now?

I currently live in Washington, D.C. with my husband, fellow alumnus Gert Llojaj ’09, and we are expecting our first child in February, 2024. I work in the cybersecurity field as a consultant helping companies scale by providing services focused on growth, workforce planning, and talent solutions. Outside of work, I volunteer as co-chair of the D.C. Women’s Network, with Alpha Phi International Fraternity, and with Junior League of Washington.

What are your most cherished memories from the Ģ����ý?

The best memories of my time at the University were spent with my Alpha Phi sisters! Whether it was getting ready for a night out or just hanging out on the Alpha Phi floor, I absolutely cherish those times.

How did campus life and any co-curricular involvement (clubs, organizations, teams, etc.) impact your personal and professional growth?

Leadership opportunities that were provided to me during my time at the University allowed me to practice skills in a supportive environment that I use in my job to this day. As a leader across Ballet Performance Group, Club Cheerleading, Panhellenic, and Alpha Phi, I was able to learn to lead teams, delegate, plan events, make fundraising asks, and hone my time management skills. These continue to be valuable in my professional career and other volunteer roles.

Did the University offer any resources or initiatives that helped you transition smoothly into the workforce?

The Career Center’s résumé and cover letter templates were by far the most used resources that helped me as I made the transition from undergraduate to the working world. Since graduation, the network the University provides, whether formally through the Meliora Collective and events or just by having a common history with people in my field, has been invaluable.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

My time at Rochester was a pivotal period where my independence grew and I really leaned into pursuing opportunities that align with my values.

What sparked your initial interest in volunteering with the University? What role(s) have you held?

I have tried to stay involved in some capacity since graduation whether that was volunteering with Alpha Phi or interviewing prospective students. Since then, my role has evolved to help lead the D.C. region of the Women’s Network. I have also served as an industry leader at events put on with the Career Center and contributed to the Meliora Collective. My role as a volunteer may have shifted throughout the years but the desire to stay connected to the Yellowjacket community has always been there, so I make donating my time to volunteering with the University a priority year after year.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in our alumni and friends’ community?

Since graduation, I knew I wanted to give back and sometimes you feel like if you aren’t having a building named after you, then you really aren’t making an impact – that is just not true! Start by doing something small like volunteering to reach out to accepted students or showing up to events planned by your local alumni group. The University community is strongest when we all participate and give back, and like most things in life you will get out of it what you put into it, so just go for it and get involved!

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

Staying connected to the Yellowjacket community has allowed the connections I made during my time on campus to continue to grow and develop, which was on full display this past Meliora Weekend at my 10-year reunion when there were so many people that I got to see, and it was like no time had passed at all! It has also permitted me to make connections in my field and with alumni whom I didn’t overlap within the school but share this common thread with. In volunteering with current and prospective students, I get the opportunity to help usher in the next generation as well, so it feels full circle.

Meet Simon EDI Alumni Council member Tayler Torry ’20S (MBA)

Tell us about your time as a student.

I decided to pursue my MBA at the Simon Business School after a career in the non-profit sector. I didn’t know anything about Rochester or the University, but after one visit, I knew I was going to have a great experience at Simon. And I did! I made incredible friends and was highly involved (maybe hyper involved) as a liaison for , admissions ambassador, and through SWiB (Simon Women in Business). I also participated in the immersion trips to Israel and South Africa.

After graduation, I completed a three-year MBA rotation program at Medtronic, the world’s largest healthcare technology company. I’m currently a market development program manager for the renal denervation business.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I started volunteering very soon after graduating and became a member of the Simon EDI Alumni Council. Although, I haven’t been back to campus since graduation, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer through various virtual admissions programs.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

The most rewarding part of staying connected has been learning and collaborating with the other alumni volunteers. We only get to connect with so many alumni during the MBA program, but volunteering alongside others who’ve helped me during my time at Simon is a really cool full-circle moment. It helps me keep in mind how much alumni involvement can impact the student experience.

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?

My advice is to get involved however you can and to give back in a way that makes the most sense for you. There are a variety of ways to be involved and it’s important to find joy in it too. Life gets busy, so seek opportunities that are rewarding and mutually beneficial.

Meet avid Meliora Collective mentor and collaborative volunteer launching a global nonprofit Martin Levine ’68

Share a bit about yourself, your time at UR and your journey since you graduated.

In many ways the academic experience and friends I made at Rochester formed the foundation for a career journey I could never have anticipated. It’s led me from teaching political science at Miami University, to government service, social impact investing and international consulting. And coming full circle, along with six other Rochester alumni, this spring I’ve launched a global nonprofit – .

How did you reconnect with the University and what inspired you to get involved?

I reconnected with Rochester last year at the Fenno Conference in Washington – an inspiring event celebrating the legacy of one of our University’s most acclaimed political scientists. The day I spent there brought back a flood of memories from my time as a political science major. I met current Rochester faculty and dozens of fellow alumni, including two who graduated with my class. I was hooked! I knew I wanted to get back into the Rochester orbit.

How have you been engaged as a volunteer?

People in the Office of Alumni Relations encouraged me to join . That led to my serving as a mentor for two alumni and a graduating senior and it’s been enormously rewarding. I’ve become friends with an alum who lives in Japan; a ’21 graduate in Washington, DC; and an international student. Our pairings have become mentoring partnerships, as I’ve learned so much from them. Last month I served as an “Industry Connector” at the inaugural Rochester Connects networking event in Washington – introducing students and other alumni to opportunities in the nonprofit sector.

What advice do you have for fellow alumni and friends who may be interested in taking a more active role in the UR community?

Just jump in! There are so many points of entry – join the online Meliora Collective or attend an alumni-and-friends event. You can also reach out to the wonderful people in the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement and they’ll offer you a whole menu of ways to get involved.

Tell us a little more about the nonprofit you’re launching with other alumni.

Acting Globally engages people around the world to have an impact on global challenges, ranging from climate change to access to healthcare and education. We provide opportunities for individuals to volunteer their talents – remotely or on-site – with grassroots groups in developing countries. We currently have pilot partnerships underway working with two groups in Africa – one of which was founded by a Class of 2021 Rochester graduate. In addition to the Rochester alumni who are engaged in this initiative, we’re exploring other ways to expand our partnership with the University. To learn more or get involved, make sure to . We’re all proud to be part of the committed, caring Ģ����ý community.

Leading by example, meet driven mentor and alumni volunteer Mario Simpson ’99

Mario Simpson ’99

Tell us about your time as a student.

My time as a student was challenging. I was an electrical engineering student, on the track team, worked part-time, was an active member of the (NSBE), and volunteered in the Rochester community at , so finding the right balance for everything was challenging. My favorite classes were those that had a lab component to them because I was able to build something and see the theory being applied in a practical way.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life?

The Ģ����ý influenced my life by helping me develop the ability to think critically and solve challenging problems. That’s something I use in all aspects of my life. In my day-to-day work as an engineer, as well as in my evaluation of business opportunities.

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I was inspired to give back to the University and volunteer as a mentor to give current students access to a mentor working, or one who had worked, in the career area they were thinking of pursuing. I never had a career mentor during my time at Rochester, but I had a few mentors once I started working professionally and I learned so much. Early in my career I would sometimes think, “I wish I would have known this”, or “I wish someone would have pointed me in this direction earlier”. By volunteering, I’m trying to fulfill that wish for others.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

The most rewarding part is mentoring. Hearing all the great things a student is doing, from a philosophy perspective, for example, and thinking, wow, the next generation of graduates/professionals are on another level. As a Real Readers mentor, it’s also rewarding to see writing pieces towards the beginning of a class, provide some feedback and share some of my career experiences, and see how the student takes that information in and uses it to guide their final writing piece.

What are you looking forward to next?

I’m looking forward to scaling back. Passing the torch to the next person.

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?

Find an area or something that you’re passionate about and partner up with the Alumni Relations team to lend your expertise to the University’s initiatives and/or help develop new programs and events in those areas.

In her first job out of college, this alumna combines her engineering know-how with her passion for the environment

NEW JOB, NEW CITY: Two and a half years into her first post-college job, Tatem, a Greater Philadelphia native, has launched her career as a chemical engineer at Eastern Research Group, Inc. in Washington, D.C.

What does your job involve?

I work on Eastern Research Group, Inc.’s (ERG) facilities and process engineering team as a chemical engineer. ERG is a consultancy that serves federal clients such as the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency. My job is to analyze operations, systems, and equipment used in our clients’ manufacturing facilities and prepare process safety and quality documentation. This includes analyzing data, performing hazard analyses, writing and editing operating procedures, and producing technical reports.

How did your education prepare you?

As a chemical engineering major with a minor in environmental engineering, Rochester taught me to fine-tune my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Rochester also honed my attention to detail. These are all especially important skills to tap into when documenting operating procedures and identifying potential safety issues (all those lab reports I wrote in college turned out to be really great training exercises).

Rochester helped me sharpen my soft skills, too. Group projects helped me practice how to work effectively and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams. I learned leadership and presentation skills on the executive board of the Society of Women Engineers and as part of a student club associated with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Was there a pivotal Rochester experience that helped point you in your current direction?

I can think of two. I was part of a research project with Professor David Foster. In his lab, I learned about computational fluid dynamics and how to use simulation software to model fuel cells, which I really enjoyed. That experience showed me how much I enjoy engineering and wanted to continue pursuing technical work. The second happened during the summer after my junior year. That’s when I interned with Booz Allen Hamilton, a consultancy in D.C. Both experiences pointed me in this career direction, toward a job where I can practically apply engineering skills while working with a range of clients, projects, and people.

How did you find the job?

I saw this job posted on LinkedIn, applied, did a phone screening interview, and then was invited to interview via Zoom. I relocated from the Philadelphia suburbs to northern Virginia for the job and I now spend about half the week onsite at client facilities. I love it.

What would surprise people to know?

I’ve played the flute since I was about 9 years old. During college, I was a part of the wind symphony, which gave me a creative outlet and taught me how to work with a large group and understand my role within it.

What do you like most about your job?

I get to work on a wide variety of projects, interact with different clients and coworkers, and hone different types of skills, such as those related to process safety and technical writing. I love that every project is different. This job has also shown me that I am never done learning and I really like that.

What’s most challenging?

Starting my career has given me a new perspective on what it means to do my best. It definitely adds some pressure. It’s clear to me that the potential consequences are far greater than when I was in college and my work “just” affected me. Now, my work affects my colleagues, company, and clients. And, there’s money involved along with safety implications. At the same time, excelling at work is really fulfilling.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?

Washington, D.C. is full of museums, restaurants, and culture. And, just outside the city, there are so many parks and places to hike. I’ve also tapped into my Rochester network. I’m a member of the Young Alumni Council and the D.C. regional network, both of which have helped me meet, network, and make friends. Being alumni gives us a built-in bond with each other.

Meet Washington, D.C. Network Leader Cristin Monahan ’11

Cristin Monahan ’11 in blue suit (center) with wife Michaela Salvo ’17M (MD) and their Ģ����ý alumni wedding guests

What was your time like as a student?

When I came to the URochester, I knew I wanted to be involved with LGBTQ life and activism on campus. I grew up in a fairly conservative environment, and one of the reasons I chose Rochester was because of the vibrant and visible Queer community, both on campus and within the city. I joined the Executive Board of Pride Network (the LGBTQ student group) in October of my first year. I was on the Executive Board for the rest of my time at the University, and the ability and freedom to develop programming and engage in activism on behalf of my community was immensely rewarding.

As a history major, I had the opportunity and support to pursue research on topics that really interested me. Under Professor Wolcott, I performed field research and interviews to explore the diversity of gender identity and expression in the blue-collar lesbian community of Buffalo in the 1950s. For my senior thesis, advised by Professors Parthé, Applegate and Lenoe, I researched how the Bolsheviks used their new legal code to reinforce “proletariat mores” in revolutionary Russia by selectively prosecuting those who “subverted the natural order” by defying gender roles. Both projects were fascinating, fun, and challenging, and I was fortunate to have the guidance of fantastic faculty members.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your life? 

My time at Rochester left me with two lessons that I carry to this day: pursue your passions and exercise a multidisciplinary approach whenever possible. Your passions won’t always pay the bills (sometimes they will!), but the pursuit of interests or activities that you find deeply engaging provides a different kind of reward. I find that putting time and energy towards my (sometimes niche) interests revitalizes me and helps me avoid burnout in other areas of my life. As for following a multidisciplinary approach, the Rochester curriculum encouraged me to look at a problem or subject through different lenses. As a cybersecurity policy researcher, I try to understand what happens in cyberspace from military, political, technical, economic, legal, and societal perspectives. Although it takes more leg work, this approach provides a more complete understanding of the issue at hand and increases the odds of a solution. One added benefit is that I have interesting conversations with many people smarter than myself, and that’s pretty rewarding.

What made you want to become part of the Washington D.C. Network Leadership Council?

I had just moved to the DC area to pursue grad school, and I was looking for a way to make friends and build a network in my new home. I really enjoy developing programming for my fellow alumni, and I love learning about the fascinating ways that Rochester alums are making the world ever better.

What are you looking forward to next?

Traveling! Czechia and Iceland (because Rochester isn’t cold enough) are on my short list, and I would love to see Mongolia one day. Just add a face mask to my eye mask and wake me up when we land!

Brandon Pachman ’20, ’21 (MA) reflects on witnessing the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court

Brandon Pachman ’20, ’21 (MA) with Senator Amy Klobuchar

On April 7, 2022, the Senate voted to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the 116th Supreme Court justice. When sworn in this summer, Jackson will be the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.

As a congressional intern with Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office, Brandon Pachman ’20, ’21 (MA) watched the historic moment unfold from his seat in the Senate gallery. Here, Pachman looks back on that incredible day and the journey that led him there.

What did it mean to you to witness the confirmation of Judge Brown Jackson?

It’s difficult to find the words for something so special. I spent a lot of time studying history at UR, but truly saw it happening in real time that day. The energy was electric, and the room erupted with joy when the announcement came through. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.

How did you come to intern with the Senate?

I’ve always had a passion for public service and international relations. As an undergraduate, I interned at the U.S. Embassy to Italy in Rome. I wanted to learn more about the legislative process and how Congress works, so I moved to Washington, D.C. after completing my master’s degree. After six months with The Counterterrorism Group, I started my current role in January 2022.

How did your experience at the URochester influence your career path? 

The University allowed me to fully embrace my love of history by forging my own path in a multidisciplinary way that isn’t possible at other schools. My grandfather was a Holocaust survivor, and I understand that what we read about in textbooks happened to real people. It was easy to make the most of my education at UR, and I’m very fortunate to have had the chance to study there.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

No two days look alike. I’ve conducted background research on the war in Ukraine, handled constituent services, and even helped prepare briefing materials for Senator Klobuchar’s meetings with foreign dignitaries. The fast pace is exciting, and I’ve gained such a unique perspective on major world events.

What are you looking forward to next? 

I hope to stay in Washington, D.C., continue my public service career, and hopefully one day join the United States Foreign Service. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Meet Washington D.C.-based alumnus Randy Fultz ’17E, ’19E (MM)

How did your experience at Eastman School of Music influence your life today?

My six years at Eastman deeply impacted my life. Between my two degrees, by the time I left Rochester I had spent exactly a quarter of my life on Gibbs Street. I learned so many lessons on how to balance life, work, and musical progress, as well as gained endless inspiration from my teachers and my peers. I fully credit Eastman with molding me into the artist I am today. I’m also thankful for the intensity of the workload Eastman regularly exposed me too; balancing practice, homework, part time jobs, and time with friends was great practice for balancing adult life in the professional world.

How did you come to join the United States Army Field Band?

During my master’s program at Eastman, I was very fortunate to land my position with the United States Army Field Band. By the time I won my spot, I’d already taken around 10 auditions for professional ensembles over two years; I was so close to being burned out and temporarily calling it quits. The Field Band audition took place in January, and the next thing I knew life changed dramatically; I found myself preparing for a degree recital, final exams, graduation, and basic combat training! The rest of the semester was a blur filled with nostalgic moments with faculty and peers, as well as plenty of timed runs and endless pushups and pull-ups. At the end of it all, I essentially walked across the graduation stage and right on to a plane to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. I think I was so busy leading up to shipping out that I didn’t even have time to be nervous! After my three-month stint in Missouri, I got on a plane to the Baltimore-DC area and immediately got back to work making music. I only had about a month to relearn how to play the bassoon well enough to embark on a five weeklong concert tour; it was all a bit intense.

What is the most rewarding part about your position?

The mission of the United States Army Field Band is to connect America to its army, and our mode of doing that is through nationwide concert tours. The Field Band travels for about 100 days a year, through so many diverse communities: from bustling cities to tiny one-stoplight towns. When we get to perform in a nice hall in a larger city, that’s all well and great, but what I really love is when we play in some small backwoods community in a random high school gym. I grew up in a less privileged area of South Carolina, and there were very few opportunities to experience live symphonic music at such a high level.

What has been your favorite memory thus far with the band?

Because of the pandemic I haven’t toured very extensively with the Field Band just yet, but my favorite memory so far comes to a tie. The first one is very recent, with our 4th of July concert in New York City. The Field Band was asked by Macy’s to perform for the big fireworks show along the East River; the camera crews, celebrities, and crowds of people made for a very memorable and fun night with my colleagues and was overall just a super cool gig. My second favorite memory comes from a smaller show we played just before the pandemic canceled our Spring 2020 tour. The band was performing in Richmond, Indiana, and a large portion of my extended family that lived in the area was able to attend the concert. We performed a transcription of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite that night, and when I performed the bassoon solo, the entire back half of the audience erupted into applause from my family. It was the first time any of them had gotten to hear me play live since I was a high schooler, and they were all so excited! The memory still makes me smile.

What are you looking forward to next? 

The Field Band has some great new projects coming up soon. Aside from plans to get back on the road for official tours again (southwestern friends, be on the lookout for Spring 2022), we have several smaller projects in the works to round out 2021. I’ll revisit one of my favorite parts of New York State when we go on a small run-out to perform at the Chautauqua Institution, and I’ll get to finally experience Chicago for the first time when we travel there in December to perform for clinicians at the Midwest Clinic.

Meet Washington D.C. Network luminary Tess Troha-Thompson ’06

Tess Troha-Thompson ’06

When Tess Troha-Thompson ’06 graduated 15 years ago she knew that leaving Rochester would be bittersweet, but she was certain that her connections would be forever—and she was right. Now, as a committed volunteer and ambassador, Troha-Thompson holds a variety of leadership positions and roles to strengthen the Meliora spirit in Washington, D.C.

For Troha-Thompson, it all started while on the River Campus as a political science and english major. She kept busy as a Meridian Society member, giving college tours and assisting with the admissions interview process. She also was a Peer Career Advisor at the Greene Center, president of College Democrats, and performed with Off Broadway On Campus group as well as Chamber Singers.

After college Troha-Thompson went back to Chicago (she grew up in Waukegan, Illinois) and worked in Public Relations. She landed an internship for Senator Dick Durbin in his Chicago office and in 2008, joined her first campaign as a field organizer in Michigan for Mark Schauer who was running for Congress. When Schauer won, she was lucky enough to be able to join him in Washington, D.C. in his Capitol Hill office.

The next five years were spent expanding her career on Capitol Hill working in various campaigns in numerous roles. “One of my favorite positions was director of operations, legislative aide, political director, and campaign manager for Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, which was a true joy of my professional and personal life—not to mention I could live out my college dream of living near Park Ave in Rochester,” says Troha-Thompson.

Working for Rochester’s own Congresswoman and her involvement with the University inspired Troha-Thompson to be a part of the tradition of women mentors, which she feels has been a rewarding experience. Now working at New Blue Interactive, where she has been for the last five years, she serves as chief of staff, managing and overseeing staff and professional development. New Blue is a political digital fundraising and communications firm specializing in Democratic campaigns, progressive organizations, and nonprofits.

Troha-Thompson is committed to staying involved with the Ģ����ý and has been an alumni volunteer ever since she left. She says, “At first, I did admissions interviews and joined recruitment or admitted student events in Chicago to talk about my experience. When I moved to D.C. my involvement increased and I added new roles. I have really enjoyed helping to grow the Washington, D.C. network as a member of the Network Leadership Cabinet and as co-founder and co-chair of the D.C. Women’s Network. I think it is so critical to engage alumni at all stages of their life and in a unique way that is most meaningful to them.”

In addition to the exciting work in the region, Troha-Thompson also serves as chair of her 15th Reunion Committee. “It’s been really fun, especially after the isolation of COVID, to reconnect with fellow 2006 alumni and hear updates of how everyone’s doing. I also think the class gift is a wonderful opportunity to start to engage alumni who haven’t financially supported the University in the past. It’s a lot to ask right after graduation but I’m finding that by 15 years out, many of my friends are more financially able to give and they’ve had time to reflect on the role that the University has played in their life. They are ready to pay it forward for the next generation of students,” she says.

When asked about what she would tell others to get involved, Troha-Thompson suggests that alumni start small: “You don’t have to do it all right away. Talk to a contact in one of the regional networks and start a conversation, sign up to be an admissions interviewer, or join The Meliora Collective and connect with other alumni that way. It can feel overwhelming to join something official or plan an event, so start with what you are comfortable with. If you have an interest in getting more involved, my biggest advice is to take the plunge…it’s worth it!”