10 minute read
ALUMNAE PROFILES Read about three
from Connections 2022
by rpcs8
ARIEL EGBUNINE, 2017
Diagnosed at birth with pulmonary hypertension of a newborn and meconium aspiration, Ariel Egbunine, 2017, was rushed to the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. A pediatric intensivist named Dr. Ivor Berkowitz treated her with a then-relatively new lifesaving therapy called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). With the odds of survival stacked against her, she eventually made a full recovery. The early life experience was so transformative for Ariel, that she knew from a young age she would pursue a career in medicine and help families in need.
When Ariel joined RPCS in the eighth grade, she shared her incredible story in a speech to the entire Middle School. Throughout her five years at Roland Park Country School, she demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for math and an obsession with natural science. Ariel recalls her time at RPCS as a remarkable chapter in her life. As a scholar in what is now named The Holliday Heine STEM Institute, Ariel reunited with Dr. Berkowitz for a yearlong research internship to investigate if ECMO treatment was a true benefit for respiratory failure. “The most pivotal moment of my STEM training was, and still is, my high school internship with Dr. Berkowitz,” Ariel said. “The doctor who gave me a chance at life became my mentor, embraced my passion and listened attentively to my needs, goals and dreams.”
After graduating from RPCS, Ariel attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and graduated in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In July 2021, she joined the Pediatric Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Department of Johns Hopkins Hospital as a research coordinator. It was another extraordinary turn of events that Ariel could both give back and pay forward at the same children’s hospital that cared for her two decades earlier. This fall, Ariel will attend St. George’s University School of Medicine to earn her medical degree in Pediatric Anesthesiology.
“Operating under the ethos ‘Any person who provides intensive care must care intensely with passion, integrity, and trust’ has sustained my growth, created balance, and fortified my desire to have a profound and positive impact on every life I’m fortunate to touch,” Ariel said. “The satisfaction I receive from helping others is self-fulfilling and rejuvenating. I am innately laser-focused on creating my future and confident it will be bigger than my past.”
Dr. Berkowitz with Ariel at her RPCS graduation in 2017
CARTER ARNOT POLAKOFF, 1993
As President and CEO of Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore, Carter Arnot Polakoff, 1993 truly has her dream job – and one that’s been in the making since shortly after she graduated from Roland Park Country School. After six years at RPCS, Carter attended Denison University in Ohio until she heard about the museum, which was then in the planning stages. She was so inspired by the mission, vision and potential that Port Discovery held for the families in her hometown that she transferred to Goucher College in Baltimore, just so she could pursue an internship at the museum and become a part of the team that helped open its doors.
Carter then spent more than 20 years at Baltimore School for the Arts growing from a Development Associate to becoming the Foundation Director and earning a reputation as one of Baltimore’s top fundraisers, leaders and mentors. After rejoining the Port Discovery team in 2020, Carter’s passion for play, learning and families continues to shine through as she works to lead the museum’s team of educators, dreamers, planners, and play experts to create powerful, memorable experiences that bring communities together.
A strong believer in the power of childhood memories, Carter fondly recalls her time at RPCS, especially her teachers, who she adored and credits for helping her navigate the challenges of school. “I am confident that the village of teachers who helped me get to the finish line know exactly who they are, and I hope they take a lot of credit for my success,” she said.
Carter is also grateful for her involvement in clubs and activities at RPCS that helped her find enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment during her Upper School years and beyond. “When I was at RPCS, I was celebrated for my role outside the classroom,” she said. “That meant a lot to me and gave me the confidence to push forward as a leader.”
As she leads Port Discovery through the years ahead, Carter hopes to inspire people near and far to benefit from the magic that play can bring to people’s lives and build community relationships and initiatives to support the museum’s diversity equity and inclusion work. Carter has two kids in high school and works nonstop during the week, but has a lot of fun doing it. “I love what I do, and I always find ways to add some silliness and fun to even my longest days!”
Throughout her 12 years at Roland Park Country School, Dorsey Waxter, 1970 learned how to be true to herself. As an art dealer and gallery owner, Dorsey credits RPCS with helping her pursue her career path and stay focused in her work life after embracing the discipline her schoolwork required. “I really cared about pursuing art as a life interest, and along the way there were times when I turned down other opportunities in order to find my niche in the art world,” Dorsey said. She was also inspired by a sense of competitive camaraderie in her class and recalls being encouraged to speak up and participate constructively, which as she points out, is a useful tool in today’s world.
Art has been the touchstone for Dorsey’s entire professional life, beginning with two teachers at RPCS: Mrs. Stonesifer and Mrs. Cavanaugh. “I loved looking at ancient sculptures and Greek temples when we pasted pictures into a book in Mrs. Stonesifer's class,” Dorsey said. “Mrs. Cavanaugh took art history to another level of interest by connecting the dots between culture, history and art.” After graduating from RPCS, Dorsey majored in Art History at Denison University and completed several independent studies before going to New York City in January 1974 to work in a new gallery in SoHo. Throughout her career, Dorsey has always worked in either a gallery setting or as a private art advisor. In addition to working with world-famous artists, including David Hockney, Anthony Caro, Helen Frankenthaler, Anne Truitt, and Kenneth Noland, Dorsey also worked for eight years as a private art advisor specializing in post-World War II American art, and served as president of The Art Dealers Association of America for three years. Currently, Dorsey is a partner of an art gallery, Van Doren Waxter, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, showing historical work from artists' estates and foundations, as well as living artists from the 20th and 21st centuries from the United States, Europe, Africa and South America. Some of Dorsey’s favorite memories of RPCS include morning carpools with girls from all different classes, getting food from vending machines in the cafeteria that she didn't eat at home, brown oxfords and pettipants, sunbathing in the Cherry Tree courtyard, modern dance, the junior/senior banquet, readings in the Christmas pageant, and the play “Li'l Abner” she performed in the fourth grade where she played the role of Wolf Girl. Dorsey also fondly remembers her classmates. “The friendships that I made at RPCS remain among the most important happy memories of growing up.”
DORSEY WAXTER, 1970
Dorsey Waxter, 1970 with her husband, Richard Armstrong, on top of the Peggy Guggenheim Museum at a dinner for the Venice Biennale 2022
Professional Connections:
RPCS Alumnae Share Career Advice with Upper Schoolers
“To know the road ahead, ask those coming back,” goes the famous Chinese proverb. Roland Park Country School Upper Schoolers did just that when eight alumnae returned to campus in person and virtually for the School’s annual Professional Connections program last December. Organized by the Alumnae Office, the RPCS graduates met with small groups of Upper School students, where they discussed how they chose their respective careers, offered wise advice for handling life’s challenges, and revealed how being a RED helped prepare them for life after graduation.
Annette Fleishman, 2008, a senior product manager at Autodesk, spoke about how the critical thinking and study skills she learned at RPCS prepared her well when she attended Vanderbilt University to study civil engineering. Attending an all-girls school also instilled in her a sense of confidence that helped her in college and beyond as she was never afraid to speak up and ask questions. She encouraged our current students to notice and appreciate the sense of empowerment that is reinforced at RPCS because it will be valuable for years to come. Emily Sunderland, 2009, a principal at Boston Consulting Group, advised her group of Upper School students to explore various career options and focus more on the process of learning, growing and gaining new experiences rather than the destination. “There is no single path for what to do, no matter what your end goal is,” she told them. Several alumnae also spoke about the importance of connecting with other students to create ties that may last a lifetime. “Coming from a school like RPCS gives you an opportunity,” Deniece Holley Roahrig, 2006, who works in digital entertainment at Spotify in Los Angeles, shared with her group of students. Deniece has built her career in integrated media working at companies that include Buzzfeed, Complex and Fullscreen, Inc. and encouraged the students to value their lasting friendships with classmates and keep in touch with fellow graduates to network. “Someone from RPCS might be your inroad to your next job.”
Tanaira Cullens, 2008, an environmental scientist at Biohabitats, Inc., an environmental consulting firm, and Elizabeth Duke, 2004, a pediatric neurologist and medical officer in the Office of Oncologic Diseases at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), shared similarly wise advice. “Making real connections is very important,” Tanaira emphasized to the students. “Make sure to make good use of the space you are in now and use your network while you have one.” Dr. Duke shared her email address with students to help them take the first step to build their own professional connections. She also urged the students to pursue work they are passionate about to ensure a fulfilling career.
The alumnae speakers also imparted wise advice that can be applied to both careers and life. Tiffani Jefferson Reidy, 2000, whose work at Reidy Creative encompasses interior architecture, creative direction, graphic and publication design, and photography, talked about the importance of adaptability and flexibility, especially during unpredictable times, such as COVID-19. Kelly Donovan-Mazzulli, 1994, a child advocate lawyer, advised the RPCS students: “A good life lesson is being able to immerse yourself in others’ perspectives and opinions, in order to form your arguments. … It’s essential.”
Carla Johnston Driscoll, 2004, a registered nurse in the Neurobehavioral Unit at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, summed it up well when she spoke about pursuing a career: “Just go for it and don’t be scared!” Carla also noted that her classes at RPCS were harder than any of her university courses and said, “That’s why they call it college prep!” The theme of finding happiness and meaning beyond their careers resonated with many of the alumnae. “You can and will do amazing things, but always remember how important it is to have a good worklife balance.” Kelly Donovan-Mazzulli said. “With balance and mental health stability, all good things flow. It is of primary importance. Fulfillment in life is not all about how much money you earn.” “There is no single path for what to do, no matter what your end goal is.”
Our annual Professional Connections program was held on December 6, 2021 for Upper School students. The following alumnae returned to campus (in person and virtually) to share the stories of their career paths and their best advice for current REDS. Pictured here, from left to right: Tiffani Jefferson Reidy, 2000, Carla Johnston Driscoll, 2004, Elizabeth Duke, 2004, Kelly Donovan-Mazzulli, 1994, and Tanaira Cullens, 2008 – along with our three remote participants, Annette Fleishman, 2008, Deniece Holley Roahrig, 2006, and Emily Sunderland, 2009.
