Our People

René Heavlow AC ’08

Ann Kaplan 1967 Director

René has over two decades of experience in higher education, guiding innovative, mission-driven programs that foster entrepreneurial thinking and financial confidence. In her current role, she leads vision-setting for the Center, cultivates cross-campus partnerships, and advances signature initiatives that empower students to turn ideas into impact. René serves as co-director of the Global Finance Concentration and chairs the planning committee for the Co-Innovate for Change Challenge. René earned her master’s in sociology from the University of Arizona and holds a bachelor’s degree in Afro-American studies and ethics from Smith College, where she’s been a valuable member of the staff since 2000.

Jennifer Kennedy

Operations Manager

Jennifer (she/her) is the operations manager, supporting the daily operations and administration of the Conway Center. Prior to this role, she was the administrative assistant at both the Conway Center and the Design Thinking Initiative. Jenifer had previously been a member of the Administrative Assistant Leadership Team (AALT) and Staff Council. Before joining the Smith staff, Jennifer spent nearly a decade working in Division III athletics as a coach and administrator at the institutional and conference level.

Sara Kragness AC ’21

Communications Coordinator

Sara is a social impact-driven entrepreneur, community organizer, and creative. Hailing originally from the Midwest, Sara relocated to the Valley in 2018 to attend Smith College as an Ada Comstock Scholar and has called the region home ever since. After graduation, Sara launched Crip Consulting to help small businesses align their marketing and branding to their values and a podcast to address social media’s growing influencer culture. Outside of work, Sara enjoys crafting, gardening, and spending time on the porch with her partner and dog.

Sara Jacobs

Administrative Assistant

Sara Jacobs (she/her) has worked in higher education for nearly ten years, providing administrative support to program directors and leadership to help meet strategic goals and ensure smooth operations. Sara enjoys fostering a positive, welcoming environment to enrich students' transformative college experience.

Sara also has a background in social services and advocacy. She holds an MSW in Community Organizing from the Silberman School of Social Work, at Hunter College CUNY, and a BA in Theatre and Performance from Purchase College.

Chris Aiken

Divisional Liaison

Chris Aiken, Professor and Chair, Department of Dance, came to Smith in 2011.  His research focuses on the ecological and the poetic aspects of perception and action through dance and ordinary human living.  His interests include design, the development of physical intelligence, and the science of learning.  Chris is internationally recognized for his work with performance improvisation and contact improvisation and tours regularly throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.  He has received numerous awards for his work, including fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Jerome Foundation, the Bush Foundation, and the Mass Cultural Council.

Michael Carrick

Visiting Assistant Professor

Michael is the inaugural visiting assistant professor of ethics across the curriculum sponsored by the Conway Center in partnership with the philosophy department. He received his doctorate in philosophy in 2024 at the University of Rochester, with a dissertation on theoretical issues surrounding the measurement of welfare. Prior to joining Smith, he taught at the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Rochester and the State University of New York, Geneseo. In his free time, Michael enjoys reading, hiking, and watching the major Boston sports teams.

Sabrina Antoine Correia ’11

Financial Literacy Empowerment Trainer

Sabrina is a first-generation professional and the founder of STC Coaching, a life skills training company designed to empower those navigating new paths without a roadmap. With a background in financial services, workforce development, and corporate social responsibility, Sabrina blends lived experience with strategic insight to help first-gen individuals affirm their identity, build financial power, and confidently shape their futures.

Katie Duarte

Postdoctoral Fellow

Katie is the inaugural Conway Center postdoctoral fellow in partnership with the Latin American & Latino/a studies (LALS) program. Her areas of expertise include gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, intersectionalities, and Latinidad. Katie is pictured here wandering around the Bronx Botanical Garden. When she goes home to the Bronx during breaks, she can be found wandering the grounds. Maybe you'll catch her walking through our Botanical Garden on campus! She also enjoys cooking and playing cozy games on her Nintendo Switch during her free time.

Susannah Howe

Divisional Liaison

Susannah works at the intersection of academia and industry, with a focus on design and innovation. As a faculty member in engineering, she coordinates and teaches the capstone Design Clinic course in which students collaborate with industry and government on applied design projects. During her sabbaticals and summers, Susannah has worked in engineering product development and visited many former students in their workplaces. Susannah's academic position is anchored with engineering, but Conway is truly a second home for her on campus. She has been involved with the Conway Center (and its predecessor, Women and Financial Independence) since she started at Smith in 2003, mentoring students for Grinspoon EI and Draper events, judging elevator pitch competitions and Co-Innovate for Change challenges, co-teaching entrepreneurship workshops and courses, and supporting strategic planning. She embraces collaborative design projects and brings an entrepreneurial mindset to all her endeavors. Ask her about SmithVent, the hands-free umbrella, and why snack is a critical ingredient in class.

Jessi Kirley, M.B.A.

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Jessi is the founder of JKirley Collective, a consulting practice that specializes in developing emotionally intelligent leadership and dignity-centered workplace cultures. With 20+ years in healthcare, education, and business advising, she coaches leaders and teams to lead with clarity, candor, and impact. As an Authorized Everything DiSC® Partner and Positive Intelligence coach, Jessi delivers high-impact organizational development and is known for her strategic, human-centered approach to culture change.

Kristin Leutz

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Kristin is an ecosystem builder and founder of Petra Impact Partners, which is focused on equitable prosperity through entrepreneurship and social impact. With 25+ years in organizational psychology, philanthropy, and strategy, she’s led in sectors from community foundations to startups. She was CEO of Valley Venture Mentors, Executive Director of Startup Champions Network, and co-led the Ecosystem Builder Leadership Project. Kristin founded two consulting collaboratives and holds a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation.

Mahnaz Mahdavi

Global Finance Concentration

Mahnaz Mahdavi is professor of economics and the faculty director of the Global Financial Institutions Concentration. She received her doctorate in economics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and has been teaching courses on topics related to finance and international finance. She was the 2008 Distinguished Professor of the Year and one of the inaugural recipients of the Sherrerd Teaching Award in 2004. She was a teaching fellow at the University of Michigan and a faculty contributor to the Women’s Executive Education program at Smith College.

Chloe McKenzie

Fund Your Future Partner

Chloe is a celebrated wealth justice activist and principal research investigator at 10Seven. She experienced financial trauma firsthand growing up, but did not have the language to understand or explain what happened to her. As an adult, the economic violence she witnessed at the hands of the financial system as a trader on Wall Street and as a financial counselor to Black women eventually made her question everything. Committed to doing better for herself and the most marginalized groups, she founded BlackFem in 2015, followed by 10Seven in 2021.

Ronald Molina-Brantley

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Ron is an entrepreneur and capital strategist focused on equity for minority, women, and LGBTQ+ business owners. He leads E&BC, Seeding Ventures, and Seeding Ventures Capital, building inclusive ecosystems and managing a multi-million-dollar equity fund. With past leadership at Valley Venture Mentors and Head of Multicultural Banking at Berkshire Bank. Ron brings deep experience in access to capital, community finance, and ecosystem design. He specializes in advancing social ventures through sustainable growth, financial innovation, and systemic impact.

Roisin O’Sullivan

Divisional Liaison

Roisin has been interested in all things economic and financial for decades. She believes the importance of economic and financial literacy cannot be overstated, and is committed to spreading the word. Her career path began as a central bank economist in Ireland in the 1990s, where she was involved in the process of European Monetary Integration. Fast-forwarding several years and one PhD later, Roisin joined the faculty at Smith, where her scholarly engagement with macroeconomic policy and economic education continues. She teaches a range of courses in monetary and macroeconomics and has been an enthusiastic participant in the Global Finance concentration since its inception. Other interactions with the Conway Center she has enjoyed include bringing her first-year seminar students to visit the Center. Learning about Conway’s resources and programming has had tangible benefits for these students, several of whom have subsequently participated in Conway offerings such as the Money Mentor program and the Elevator Pitch competition.

Daniel Schultheis

Demystifying Money Facilitator

Daniel is a lifelong educator who previously taught at Smith and now works at an education technology startup. He enjoys discussing financial topics and helping people build their comfort level with personal finance. In his spare time, Daniel loves woodworking, hiking with his kids, and reading every sci-fi book he can find.

Audrey Banie ‘27

Government major, Economics minor

The Conway Centre has been a source of incredible support and inspiration for me—from the amazing food, to the motivation it provides, to the powerful realization that anything is possible. I deeply admire the community that René, Andrea, Jennifer, and the entire faculty and staff have built through their dedication and care. It’s truly extraordinary. As a Conway Center intern, I’m excited to contribute to that mission and help other students discover, just as I have, that they too can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Sarina Duffy ’28

Government and Spanish double major

Hello! I’m super excited to be working at the Conway Center this year as one of the communications interns. I’m looking forward to helping other Smithies learn about all the fantastic resources offered here and how to take advantage of their time at Smith!

Isabella Grijalva ’27

Quantitative Economics and Sociology double major, Global Finance concentrator

I am a junior originally from Athens, Ohio who is extremely passionate about all forms of empowerment through finance! The Conway Center is one of my favorite spaces on campus—I love the collaborative environment and the incredible resources we have to help students, and I am extremely excited to assist students in taking advantage of it. I’m super excited to assist in facilitating outreach events and connecting the greater Smith community and promoting innovation, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship!

Eugenie Kawera ’28

Statistical & Data Sciences major

I’m passionate about contributing to sustainable solutions through projects that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Working with the Co-Innovative for Change Team at the Conway Center has allowed me to turn this passion into action, and I’m excited to keep learning and making an impact.

Radiah Khan ’28

Statistical & Data Sciences and Quantitative Economics double major

Hello everyone! I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I am double majoring in statistical and data Science and quantitative economics. I am really excited to work in Conway Center this semester because of how much it emphasizes on nurturing entrepreneurs at Smith College. I hope to take away the most from it and also give back to this community!

Malika Kopbayeva ’28

Statistical & Data Sciences and Quantitative Economics double major

Bloomberg Intern at the Conway Center, Malika is a double major in statistical and data sciences and quantitative economics at Smith College and also serves as a Money Mentor, advocating for empowerment through financial literacy while gaining hands-on experience in financial research, data analysis, and professional operations.

Pauline Newman ’27

Latin American Studies and History double major

My name is Pauline Vargas Newman, and I am from Brooklyn, NY. I am majoring in history and Latin American studies and will graduate in 2027. I am excited to work at the Conway Center because of the work they do. Through empowering Smithies with financial knowledge, entrepreneurship opportunities, and the promotion of innovation and collaboration, students gain a better understanding of the work ethic, the work of business, and everyday life skills. The Conway Center provides opportunities to Smithies that are typically not offered, allowing those who are part of the Smith demographic, a historically women’s college, to develop essential skills and confidence for their future endeavors in an environment that fosters support and mentorship. I am very excited to contribute to the center and all the amazing work that they will be doing in 2025–26!

Clare Njorge ’28

Undeclared major

I’ve always been deeply drawn to entrepreneurship and social innovation, and this past year the Conway Center gave me the chance to put those interests into practice; most notably through Ler Nyako, a project I co-founded. I’m excited to continue my journey at the Conway Center, deepening my learning and expanding the impact of my work.

Brianna Rosa ’27

English Language & Literature major

I’m an English major graduating in the year 2027. I’m interested in working at the Conway Center because I like global/social change and embracing oneself.

Abby Zhu ’29

Undeclared major

I am a first-year student from Buffalo, NY. As one of Conway Center’s communications interns this semester, I am eager to learn more about how communication can lead to collaboration and meaningful change. I am excited to leverage my experience in social justice outreach and education to promote the Conway Center’s resources to the Smith community.