ALUMNI INSPIRATION DAY
January 16, 2026
January 16, 2026 SCHEDULE 8:00- 8:30 a.m.: Junior Career Fair 8:30 a.m.: Seniors Arrive 8:35- 9:15 a.m.: Senior Career Fair 9:25-9:55 a.m.: Session 1 10-10:30 a.m.: Session 2 10:35-11:05 a.m.: Session 3 11:10 a.m.: Raffle and Closing Presentation 11:45 a.m.: Senior Dismissal
Katherine Chambers ’16 Project Coordinator, Elly Poston Interiors
Post College Career & My Path To Interior Design After graduating from Steward in 2016, I attended Elon University, earning a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Communications in 2020. During an internship as a marketing manager during college, I realized that sitting at a desk all day was not sustainable for me. Entering the workforce during the height of the pandemic was challenging during an uncertain job market. I moved to Raleigh, NC two months prior to graduating and worked as a nanny while completing my final online classes. Following graduation, I accepted a role as a Sales Representative for a periodontics practice. I also volunteered to manage the practice’s social media. I was referred to a part-time social media role by a coworker with the North Carolina School Board administration, which later became a full-time position. In that role, I managed social media accounts and content creation as well as event logistical coordination. I was in each position for approximately two years and realized I was seeking a more fulfilling and creative career path. Through a Steward classmate, I was introduced to an interior designer in Richmond. In July 2024, I moved back to Richmond to start as a Project Coordinator for her, where I started with helping coordinate logistics of each project and have more recently moved into more creative roles such as material selection and space planning. I have been in this role for the past 1.5 years and feel much more engaged and fulfilled and currently taking an Interior Design course at the University of Richmond to help me progress in my role.
Mike Edwards ’03 Assistant Director of Athletics, St. Catherine’s School
Working in Athletic Administration Mike Edwards '03 is a proud alumnus of The Steward School and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Athletics and Head JV Basketball Coach at St. Catherine's School. After graduating from Steward in 2003, Mike continued his athletic career at Hampden-Sydney College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Economics in 2007. He later completed a Master's in Sports Management from Virginia State University. Mike began his career in athletic administration at Hampden-Sydney College, serving as the Assistant Director of Campus Recreation while also working as an Assistant Basketball Coach. He went on to become the Athletic Director and Boys Basketball Coach at Fuqua School, leading the program and overseeing all aspects of the athletic department. In 2021, Mike transitioned to St. Catherine's School, where he supports 37 teams across grades 7-12, contributes to strategic planning and student engagement initiatives, and continues to coach and mentor young athletes. He is passionate about leadership, program development, and creating meaningful athletic experiences for student-athletes.
Alex Fabiato ’19 Senior Account Executive (Sales), Hibu
Taking on the Business World Alex Fabiato graduated from Steward in 2019, and currently works as a Senior Account Executive for Hibu, a digital marketing service. He is also the franchise partner of the Richmond branch of M14 Hoops, a national youth development basketball academy. Alex attended Randolph Macon College, where he played basketball for two years, and graduated in 2023. He also formerly worked as a Business Broker for Transworld Business Advisors RVA for two years, prior to starting at Hibu.
Gracie Goodpasture ’19 Watchman Clinical Specialist, Boston Scientific
Finding a Career in the Medical Device Industry My name is Gracie Goodpasture, and I am a class of 2019 Steward graduate and Lifer. After graduating from Steward, I went to Roanoke College where I was a student in the Honor College with a major in Biology and Minor in Spanish. Outside of academics, I worked as a Resident Advisor, an athletic department assistant for all NCAA teams at the college, was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority, and worked as an Admissions Ambassador for their Admissions Department, was a member of student government, and active in YoungLife Ministry. I initially was enrolled in the pre-med pathway and wanted to be either a pediatric oncologist or pediatrician, but later started looking into other healthcare related fields. In my search, I discovered the medical device industry. I had already had a personal connection to the industry, and became fascinated by all the different avenues. I decided to do my senior thesis project about the medical device industry, specifically Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) devices such as ICDs and Pacemakers, and through this project I was able to apply for an internship with Boston Scientific. That internship turned into a part time job my spring semester of my senior year. I then transferred from the Roanoke team to Richmond when I moved back after graduation. I worked for Boston Scientific Richmond CRM until about December when I applied for and got the opportunity to switch positions to the AF Solutions team for Boston Scientific. My current title is AFC Watchman Clinical Specialist, in which I go into all Watchman and many electrophysiology procedures across different hospitals in the Virginia territory to help walk doctors through device maneuvering and placement while they implant the device into a patient’s heart. It’s been a really cool experience getting to see the impact these devices have on patient’s health and help grow their quality of life.
Graham Hickerson ’89 Founder and CEO, Sound + Image Design, Inc.
Technology Integration Graham Hickerson is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sound + Image Design, a leading home technology integration company based in Richmond, Virginia. With a lifelong passion for electronics and video, Graham built his first custom video installation — complete with cable TV — in a tree house at the age of 12, igniting an early fascination with technology and design that continues to define his career. Driven by a desire to deliver high-quality home technology experiences, Graham founded Sound + Image Design after recognizing the growing demand for expert integration of home theaters, automation systems, lighting, and smart technology solutions. Under his leadership, the company has become known for its craftsmanship, tailored design solutions, and commitment to simplifying technology for homeowners, helping clients enjoy intuitive control over their entertainment, lighting, music, and automated systems. Graham’s vision centers on blending technical mastery with personal service, creating technology environments that both elevate everyday life and enhance the way people live, work, and play in their homes. His commitment to excellence and innovation has made Sound + Image a trusted partner for luxury homeowners and design professionals throughout the Richmond region.
Lindsey Jennings ’04 Director of Development, Institute for Humane Studies
Making a Career Out of Meaningful Work Lindsey C. Jennings '04, helps individuals and nonprofit organizations turn their values into meaningful impact. Over the past 13 years, she has raised more than $50 million to support mission-driven causes, building and growing high-performing fundraising programs at both regional and national levels. Her experience includes major gifts, donor strategy, grants, special events, marketing and communications, and operations. As a philanthropy leader, Lindsey has strengthened donor relationships, increased support, and helped organizations become more sustainable through data-driven strategy and clear goals. At the heart of Lindsey’s work is a passion for helping causes that do good in the world. She thrives at the intersection of relationships, research, and results —bringing structure to big ideas and connecting people to causes they care about. Outside of work, she enjoys mentoring emerging nonprofit professionals, reading, creating art, writing, cooking, and spending time with her husband and their two sons.
John Keefe ’15, E.I.T. Project Manager, Kjellstrom and Lee, Inc.
A Career in Engineering and Construction John Keefe is a Project Manager with Kjellstrom and Lee Construction, where he specializes in healthcare construction. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a licensed Engineer in Training. His project experience includes the VCU Engineering Research Building, the UVA MRI Expansion, and he is currently working on a new medical office building at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center in Midlothian. He chose a career in construction because it allows him to combine engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork while working on projects that serve the community.
Blair Moring ’15 Business Analyst, Dominion Energy
Wired for Success: Finding Your Current I am a proud Steward School alum (Class of 2015) and a Virginia Tech graduate (Class of 2019), where I earned dual degrees in Legal Studies and Communications. During undergrad, I focused primarily on my legal studies degree through internships on Capitol Hill with the U.S. Senate and later worked on several political campaigns, specializing in communications and public engagement. I began my career at Capital One and have since transitioned to Dominion Energy where I support teams across Electric Transmission with data reporting, process improvement, and change management. Over time, I shifted my professional focus toward my communications background while continuing my political interests as a community volunteer, and today I thrive in roles centered on communications, stakeholder engagement, and change management. I am a data enthusiast and master communicator who values learning, collaboration, and making an impact in the communities we serve.
Anna Pastore ’21 J.D. Candidate at UVA School of Law
Finding your Way to (and into) Law School Anna is a first-year student at the University of Virginia School of Law. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, she graduated from Steward in 2021 before getting her BA from Oberlin College, with majors in Hispanic Studies and Sociology. She plans to work in immigration law after graduating from law school. At UVA Law, she is involved with the Innocence Project, helping manage cases for those who were wrongfully accused in the state of Virginia. She also serves as a 1L representative on UVA Law's Immigration Law Society, is a Law and Public Service Fellow, and volunteers at first appearances in Charlottesville's court system. During her semester abroad/away in Tucson, Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, Anna was able to work firsthand with immigration aid organizations on the border, reigniting her passion for immigration law. She hopes to make the law more accessible and navigable for Spanish-speaking migrants entering the United States and is passionate about public interest law at UVA.
Russell Perkins Jr. ’99 Project Manager, F.G. Pruitt
Civil Site Construction Rusty joined F. G. Pruitt in May 2022. Previously, Rusty worked in the equipment and landscape construction industry. As a project manager, Rusty focuses on customer relations and managing projects in the central Virginia area. He enjoys working on the civil side of the industry. Rusty resides in Henrico with is wife Elizabeth, son Walker and daughter Caroline.
Will Perkins ’01 and Elizabeth Sumner Perkins Client Success and Business Operations Leader
Two Career Journeys, No Single Right Path Will Perkins most recently completed an 11½-year career at EAB, an education technology and services firm supporting K–12 schools, colleges, and universities. During his tenure, he advanced through multiple leadership roles across account management and partner success, building and leading highperforming teams, overseeing strategic initiatives, and refining onboarding and delivery standards for new institutional partners. Prior to EAB, Will built a foundation in sales and operations, with experience spanning the promotional products, branding and marketing, and trucking industries. A 2001 graduate of The Steward School, Mr. Perkins served on the Alumni Board from 2007–2013, including two terms as President. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Commerce from Hampden-Sydney College..
Dorothy Suskind ’92, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education, Longwood University
Chasing the Big Questions: How Earning a Ph.D. Opens Doors Dorothy Suskind is a writer, researcher, and Associate Professor in the Education and Counseling Department at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. In addition, she is the Director of Longwood’s Southside Virginia Writing Project, part of the National Writing Project. Dorothy earned her B.A. and M.Ed. from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Dorothy researches and writes on a variety of topics, including education, literacy, creativity and innovation, workplace bullying, work cultures, and women in the workplace.
Caroline Willhite ’18 Speech Pathologist
Speech Therapy: Understanding the Power of Communication Hi there! My name is Caroline Willhite and I’m a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP or speech therapist) with two years of experience working with elementary school students to support their communication skills. I graduated from Steward in 2018, completed my undergraduate studies at James Madison University, and earned my master’s degree from the University of Virginia. I love being a speech therapist because I get to build meaningful relationships, make learning fun, and help children find their voices. I’m excited to share my career path and experiences in speech-language pathology with everyone!
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