BMAC Speaker Series: Storytelling, Strategy and the Power of Creativity
The Bentley Mosaic Alumni Council hosted a virtual conversation with alumni who are making waves in the creative and marketing worlds. Hear firsthand how they broke into their industries, insights into brand storytelling, consumer engagement and how creativity plays a central role in their work. Whether you’re interested in big brands or building your own, this conversation will inspire and inform your next steps.
Connect with the Council

Christian Abboud ’23 ASMSF ’24
Boston, Mass.
With a Bachelor of Science in Economics-Finance and a Liberal Studies Major in Global Perspectives, as well as a Master’s in Finance, Christian currently works as a Cost Controller at Technip Energies, a global leader in driving a sustainable energy future. He remains actively involved with OneGoal MA, where he previously interned through the BSLCE during his undergraduate studies. Christian looks forward to giving back to the Bentley community alongside a dedicated group of talented alumni.
Why I serve on BMAC: I serve on BMAC to help strengthen connections between Bentley alumni and students while fostering a supportive community. It’s an opportunity to give back, mentor future leasers and help expand the impact of the Mosaic network.

Laila Altanbour ’25
Stoughton, Mass.
Laila graduated with a bachelor’s in Marketing and a minor in Experience Design, a combination that shaped her into a creative business thinker and now working professional. She currently works as a Product Merchandising Associate at Wayfair HQ in Boston, while also running Luna Lab, a women’s fitness and wellness brand she founded that brings women together through shared movement and connection. Building community and inspiring others is one of her biggest passions, and she’s excited to collaborate with the remarkable alumni of color as a valuable resource for current students.
Student Activities: Muslim Student Association, Undergraduate Admissions, Multicultural Center, Mosaic, Black United Body Fashion Show, Social Innovation Incubator, Study Abroad, Falcon Society
Why I serve on BMAC: Throughout my time at Bentley, I always thought to myself: once I graduate, I want to come back and serve in any way that I can. Alumni, especially alumni of color, shaped my experience as a student through my various involvements. Whether it was by showing up to support events, donating, or just giving advice, it left a lasting impact. What’s inspired me through every endeavor is being supported by people who understand me and who I truly feel comfortable around. I’m excited to put forth my creative ideas, forge meaningful relationships with the other alumni, and be a part of the support system that allows our community to continue to flourish.

Vrishab Bharti ’24
Everett, Mass.
Vrishab Bharti graduated from Bentley University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and currently works as a Forensic Technology Experienced Associate at BDO USA, where he uses data analytics, SQL, Power BI, and other technology solutions to support complex investigations and global compliance matters. During his time at Bentley, Vrishab was involved in Alpha Kappa Psi, the Honors Program, the First-Generation Honors Program (Tri-Alpha), Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society, Bentley Consulting Association, and MKM. He remains actively connected to Bentley by supporting on-campus recruiting and helping students learn more about careers in consulting, technology and professional services. He looks forward to continuing to mentor students and give back to the Bentley community.
Why I serve on BMAC: I serve on BMAC because Bentley has been an important part of my journey, and I want to give back to the community that helped me get where I am today. I’m excited to stay connected, meet other alumni, and help create opportunities for the next generation of Bentley students.

Bwann Gwann-Daniels, MBA ’23
Worcester, Mass.
Bwann Kellie Gwann-Daniels is a higher education leader with more than a decade of experience advancing employee and student belonging across higher education. Throughout her career, she has developed campus engagement initiatives, facilitated institutional trainings, coached/mentored student leaders, and provided strategic advisory to university administrators. Her professional experience reflects a commitment to strengthening organizational culture and creating environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Bwann earned her MBA in Leadership from Bentley University in 2023 and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California. Her doctoral scholarship examines the structural, technological, and financial barriers facing indigenous African automotive firms in West Africa and explores pathways for strengthening their competitiveness within the global automotive industry. Her work is grounded in a commitment to organizational transformation, addressing systemic and institutional barriers, and developing innovative solutions that promote meaningful social and economic impact.
Student Activities: Bentley United Body (Grad liaison, 2022-23) and the Graduate Women’s Leadership Organization (President, 2022-23)
Why I serve on BMAC: I decided to serve on BMAC because I had a great graduate student experience at Bentley University. I want to ensure that every student continues to have memorable experiences and relationships with Bentley University, regardless if you are a current student or an alum.

Shika Holland ’09
Northborough, Mass.
As a marketing leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, I have built my career at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and storytelling, driving meaningful impact. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to mentoring others, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for people to grow.
Student Activities: Admissions Fellow, Resident Assistant, Service-Learning Lead, Secretary of the Bentley Fashion Club, and an active member of Black United Body
Why I serve on BMAC: Bentley played an instrumental role in shaping my personal and professional journey, and serving on the Mosaic Alumni Council is my opportunity to give back. I hope to strengthen connections among alumni, support current students as they navigate their own paths, and help foster a community where every student feels empowered to lead, contribute, and belong.

Demetria Johnson ’01
Boston, Mass.
Demetria Johnson, CRISC is a seasoned IT risk and assurance leader with over 15 years of experience in internal audit, IT governance and cybersecurity across industries including, financial services, higher education, retail and healthcare. She currently serves as the founder/owner of Sharp Strategies Risk Consulting, where she guides organizations in strengthening IT controls, IT-risk assessments and regulatory compliance. A trusted advisor and former IT audit leader for public accounting and higher education institutions, Demetria is known for building IT audit programs from the ground up and mentoring future leaders in IT auditing and IT risk management. She’s an AI Consultant, where she helps organizations identify and implement AI tools and systems in a controlled manner. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information Systems from Bentley and holds a Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification from ISACA.
Why I serve on BMAC: Bentley played an instrumental role in shaping my personal and professional journey, and serving on the Mosaic Alumni Council is my opportunity to give back to a community that gave so much to me. I’m looking forward to strengthening connections among alumni, support current students as they navigate their own paths, and help foster a community where every student feels empowered to lead, contribute, and belong.

Lakeya Newton ’11
Stamford, Conn.
Currently the director of marketing at King School, an independent school, Lakeya also serves as the staff coordinator for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. When she’s not working she also serves as an alumni board member for her middle school, Rippowam Cisqua School. At Bentley, she previously served as a Global Alumni Board and FOLD member and currently volunteers as the Chair for the Bentley Mosaic Alumni Council.
Student Activities: NABA, Black United Body, FIRE Step Squad, Residential Life and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Why I serve on BMAC: Volunteering for Bentley is incredibly fulfilling because it gives me the opportunity to help ensure that my alma mater continues to be recognized as an innovative institution that develops talented, driven graduates. Bentley played an important role in shaping my own success, and by giving back, I can help strengthen opportunities for current students and future generations. It’s rewarding to know that my involvement not only supports the university today but also helps preserve its impact and reputation for years to come.

Yun Song ’25
Yun Song, a proud double Falcon, a first-generation college graduate, and a former finance executive, is a Program Coordinator at the Multicultural Center. At Bentley, she has had multiple roles, serving as a MCC Intern, peer mentor for transfer students and honors students, Worldview ambassador and Non-partisan voting ambassador, rainbow scholar, and treasurer of the Graduate Student Association. She led invocation at Bentley’s 39th MLK Breakfast and published research articles on politics and economics in Scholars@Bentley. Recently, Yun’s project — an AI planner — won the E-hub Incubator Phase 2 pitch competition. Passionate for inclusion and social entrepreneurship, she is determined to help make Bentley a vibrant and inclusive campus where students of all backgrounds can thrive.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, running, and dancing.
Why I serve on BMAC: Serving on BMAC allows me to help bridge the gap between campus and the real world, fostering collaboration, belonging, and opportunities that help people thrive.

Zhi Zhu ’05
Boston, Mass.
Zhi holds a degree in Accounting and Corporate Finance and brings extensive global experience in compliance, forensic accounting, and risk management. He currently leads global compliance auditing and monitoring efforts for a MedTech company based in Boston, overseeing initiatives that promote ethical business practices and regulatory integrity across international operations.
Previously, Zhi was a Forensic Accountant with a Big Four accounting firm, where he helped organizations investigate white-collar crime, fraud, corruption, and complex financial misconduct matters. His career includes significant overseas experience throughout Asia and China, providing him with a deep understanding of cross-border business practices, compliance challenges, and global risk environments.
Student Activities: Bentley Chinese Student Association, RA, AIA, Falcon Society
Why I serve on BMAC: Bentley played an important role in shaping my personal and professional journey. I serve on BMAC to give back to the Bentley community, support current and future students, and help strengthen the connections that make Bentley a lifelong community.
Recommend a Member
Suggestions for new members are accepted on a rolling basis, with terms beginning in July. All undergraduate and graduate Bentley alumni of color are eligible to hold a seat on BMAC. Council members serve a two-year term with the option to renew based on eligibility.
Apply to be a council member
Responsibilities and Expectations
- Assist in the planning of BMAC initiatives/events and complete committee tasks as needed.
- Attend BMAC events and monthly check-ins via phone or Zoom.
- Make a meaningful gift to either the Dr. Earl L. Avery Scholarship to support academically talented students of color who demonstrate financial aid; the Multicultural Center Study Abroad Scholarship to provide students with academically rigorous and culturally enriching international experiences, or the Multicultural Book Fund to support students on their academic journey.
- Solicit peers to make a meaningful gift and work to connect with the Bentley community in your region.
- Travel to campus (at the cost of the volunteer) for on-campus meetings, when necessary.
- Share Bentley social media campaigns with your personal networks.
- Be a positive advocate for alumni and for the university.
Mosaic Falcons
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Contact
If you have any questions, please reach out to Allison Kerivan at akerivan@bentley.edu or 781-891-2870.