Meet the Team

Stefan “Steve” Koppi joined Boston University as Executive Director of the Center for Career Development in January 2024. Previously, he led career development at Saint Anselm College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Mount Holyoke College, Gallaudet University, and American University. His professional experience includes work with students and employers at institutions such as Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, and Brown University. Koppi was an early adopter of career coaching and has published and presented on this topic for audiences at a wide range of colleges and universities on behalf of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Recently, he co-authored the chapter “Transactional to Strategic: Transforming University-Employer Relationships through Career Services” published in Cases in Career Services: A Working Guide for Practitioners (NACE, 2021). Koppi also headed the alumni relations office at his alma mater, The Catholic University of America, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in college student personnel from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Education

• M.A., College Student Personnel (University of Maryland)
• B.A., Religion (Catholic University of America)

Colby joined the Center for Career Development in May 2022. In her role, Colby leads the Career Communities strategy to support and advance the career interests and outcomes of the BU community. Colby also supports the Career Ambassador Program and focuses on fostering student engagement with CCD programs and services through student-led programs and peer education initiatives. Originally from Long Island, she holds a bachelor of arts degree in urban and community studies from the University of Connecticut and a master of science in student affairs in higher education from Miami University. Colby enjoys swing dancing, running, baking, exploring new cities and local coffee shops, and going to see plays, musicals, and comedy shows.

Education

• M.S., Student Affairs in Higher Education (Miami University)
• B.A., Urban and Community Studies (University of Connecticut)

Heather joined the Center for Career Development in December 2005. Prior to her arrival, Heather worked in corporate human resources departments, specifically on the university and college relations programs. With a background in helping students find intern, co-op, and entry-level full-time positions, Heather seeks to bridge the gap between students and employers. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and gardening.

Education

• B.A., Religion (Mount Holyoke College)

Jimmy Huynh (he/him/his) joined the Center for Career Development in June 2023. In his role, he is responsible for the First Destination Survey process for undergraduate students at BU, implementing data strategy across the various teams at the CCD, and the quality of career data across CCD-owned platforms.

Prior to joining the CCD, he held positions within Institutional Research and within student affairs including Residential Life and Student Services. Outside of work, he enjoys running, cooking, visiting museums, and exploring the city!

Education

• M.Ed., Higher Education & Student Affairs (University of Vermont)
• B.S., Mathematics and Statistics (University of Connecticut)

Sarah joined the Center for Career Development (CCD) in November 2022 and has worked a Boston University since October 2019. In her role, Sarah supports the Executive Director in building and executing strategy for the CCD. As Associate Director for Operations, Sarah is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving the CCD’s operational strategies, procedures, and policies to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of career services and resources for all BU students. In addition, Sarah oversees resource allocation and budget administration in alignment with the center’s mission and goals. As an advocate for first-generation students, Sarah is proud to manage the Professional Clothing Closet, a collaboration with the Newbury Center.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys knitting, learning languages, playing the violin, folk dancing, and exploring the world.

Education

• Ph.D., History (University of Michigan)
• B.A., Russian Language and Literature; Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies (University of Washington)

Zanefa joined the Center for Career Development (CCD) in January 2025. In her role, she connects students, alumni, and employers to the CCD’s resources through diverse marketing and communications strategies. Specifically, she connects the dots between the CCD’s cross-functional efforts to make career education and the steps to career readiness clear, aiming to empower students to envision and achieve meaningful career paths.

Education

• M.S., Digital Marketing & Design (Brandeis University)
• Master’s, International Relations (Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations)
• B.A., Anthropology (George Washington University)

Agustina joined the Center for Career Development in October 2025. Originally from Argentina, she enjoys every opportunity to speak Spanish, whether with students, colleagues, or community members. Education is one of her core values, and she feels fortunate to support students as a Career Success Coach in Education and Human Services. She is passionate about helping students navigate their career journeys, create meaningful connections and opportunities, and access the tools and resources they need to feel empowered. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, biking, and camping outdoors with her family.

Education

• Coaching for Life and Work Certificate (U.C. Davis)
• M.A., International Higher Education (Lesley University)
• B.S., Psychology (Boston University, Metropolitan College)

Education

• M.Ed., Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Higher Education Administration Concentration (Boston University)
• B.S., Early Childhood and Elementary Education (Champlain College)

Ayrfan is the Operations Coordinator at the Center for Career Development. He is responsible for ensuring smooth office operations, maintaining efficient administrative processes, and providing excellent customer service within the CCD. As a first-generation immigrant and college graduate, Ayrfan understands the importance of access, support, and opportunity in shaping a student’s educational and career journey. He takes pride in knowing that his work has a real impact on the success of BU students beyond their time at BU. Outside of work, he enjoys metal music, genre films, video games, and exploring world cultures.

Education

• B.S., Information Technology (University of Massachusetts Lowell)

Briana joined the Center for Career Development in October 2025. Prior to joining the team, Briana supported recent high school graduates as they explored college, direct employment, trade programming or the military. Briana is originally from  Lynn, MA – just 30 minutes north of Boston – and still lives in the North Shore area with her fiancé, daughter, and two cats. As a first-gen student, education and career access has always been a passion of hers and her career goals have always led to her to work with teams and organizations who prioritize students, their experiences, and their identities. Outside of work, you can find Briana working on craft projects, watching movies (horror movies are her favorite), and spending time with her family.

Education:

• M.Ed., Education Leadership and Policy Studies (Boston University)
• B.A., Psychology and Education (Colby College)

Claire joined the Center for Career Development in May 2025. Before arriving at the CCD, she spent ten years in campus recruiting. Claire is looking to bring her knowledge as a previous employer to her role on the Employer Engagement Team. Claire has always been passionate about supporting students on their career journeys and hopes as a Recruiting Program Manager she can continue that support through building strong relationships with employers. In her spare time Claire likes to read and build Legos.

Education

• M.A., I/O Psychology (Fairfield University )
• B.A., Psychology (Fairfield University)

Corinne began working at Boston University in January 2002. As the Assistant Director for Employer Engagement, she manages on-campus activities (interviews and information sessions) for employers and helps students with the recruiting process. She also assists both students and employers with Handshake. Outside of work, Corinne loves to read and cook.

Education

• B.A., Psychology and Management (Boston College)

Deb joined the Center for Career Development in March 2010. In her role, Deb counsels students, as well as facilitates workshops and programs on a number of topics from networking, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, and more. She is fluent in French and loves practicing other languages, including German and Spanish. She enjoys baking for fun occasions, practicing yoga, and swimming. She loves animals and has two cats who are siblings.

Education

• M.S., Human Resource Development, Career Development Concentration (Northeastern University)
• B.A., French and French Literature (University of Wisconsin)

A native of the Boston area, Donna has worked for the Center for Career Development since September 1987. As a member of the EE team, Donna plays a key role in fostering connections between students and employers. In her spare time, Donna enjoys spending time with her daughter, cooking and baking, reading, taking long walks, attending dance performances, going to the movies, and listening to music.

• M.B.A., Questrom School of Business, (Boston University)
• M.A., Political Science (Loyola University)
• B.A., Political Science (Loyola University)

Holly loves working with all students, but particularly those who are exploring what they want to do. It can feel both exciting and overwhelming to start exploring career options, whether you have a lot of ideas or feel like you don’t know where to start. Holly’s approach is to truly listen to your story and context, and support you to identify the next right move for you and feel empowered and excited to take another step forward. Outside of work, she enjoys baking (especially bread), reading, live music, and trying new restaurants.

Education

• M.A., Educational Psychology, Higher Education Concentration (University of Minnesota)
• B.A. English and American Studies (University of Minnesota)

Karen joined the Center for Career Development in February 2025. As a first-generation college graduate, Karen is committed to empowering students as they navigate their career journey. Originally from California, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Cal State Fullerton and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership with a Concentration in Student Affairs and Higher Education (SAHE) from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. During her free time, Karen enjoys trying new food, DIY projects, and spending time with friends and family.

Education

• M.A., Leadership with a Concentration in Student Affairs and Higher Education SAHE (University of Colorado, Colorado Springs)
• B.A., Sociology (California State University, Fullerton)

Education

• M.S., Applied Statistics (California State University)
• B.A., Economics (Mount Holyoke College)

Lisa joined the Center in October 2025 with a focus on STEM careers. She takes great pride in showcasing the opportunities in STEM and connecting student’s passions with career pathways. With an engineering background and many years working in robotics, she enjoys helping students connect to industry. Outside work, you will find Lisa in, on or around the ocean, paddling her SUP, or in the pool.  When on dry land she usually is spending time with her Bernese Mountain Dog and her family.

Education

• Master in Landscape Architecture, (Harvard University Graduate School of Design)
• B.S., Civil Engineering (Union College)

Liv joined the Center for Career Development in August 2025. Prior to her arrival, Liv worked in Student Services at Boston University’s College of Education and Human Development in Student Services. She received her B.A. from Bates College in History, with a specialization in colonialism, and she is currently studying Project Management at Boston University’s Metropolitan College. In her free time, she loves knitting, crocheting, sewing, baking, traveling, and spending time on the Charles River Esplanade!

Education

• B.A., History (Bates College)

Martha Brill joined the Center for Career Development at Boston University in September 1998. She enjoys facilitating the self-discovery process and helping to empower others to make well informed career decisions in all areas of career development. She is also interested in assisting others with the grief process and has done several years of volunteering in this area. In her spare time she enjoys drawing, music, walking, jogging, meditating and spending time with friends and family.

Education

• M.Ed., Education, Counseling Concentration (University of Massachusetts Boston)
• B.S., Criminal Justice (Northeastern University)

Noelle joined the Center for Career Development in March of 2020. In her role, she works to ensure that students and alumni have the resources they need to build meaningful careers. Outside of work, Noelle can be found running, watching Bollywood films, or in search of good chai.

Education

• M.S.Ed., International Educational Development (University of Pennsylvania)
• B.S., History and Government (St. Lawrence University)

Shawn Wright (he/him/his) is a first-generation, Korean-American who grew up in Diamond Bar, CA. Prior to joining the CCD, he held positions with various hospitality groups as an Operational Lead. In his free time, you can find him gaming, watching shows, and exploring different cuisines!