CPS Hosts the Third Annual Supplier Diversity Symposium
In a large meeting room on Northeastern’s Boston campus, a diverse group of leaders gathered for the Third Annual Supplier Diversity Symposium in Higher Education. The air buzzed with anticipation as Kathleen Byington, VP of Finance, took the stage to kick off the event.
“Our suppliers are integral to our mission,” Kathleen began. “Today, we explore how we can increase diversity in our supply chains, not just for Northeastern, but for higher education as a whole.”
The Symposium was organized and led by CPS’s Lab for Inclusive Entrepreneurship under the leadership of Francesca Grippa, Senior Associate Dean of Research, Carl Zangerl, Associate Teaching Professor, Corporate & Organizational Communication , and Youngbok Ryu, Associate Teaching Professor. With more than 160 in attendance, in person and online, the full day of meetings, presentations, and networking gave both suppliers and procurement leaders the opportunity to learn about the importance of diversifying supplier networks with actionable tools to put those goals into action.
As the keynote speaker, Peter Hurst, President and CEO of the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, stepped up to the podium, heads began to nod in affirmation and agreement as he painted a vivid picture of the landscape of minority business development.
“We’ve made progress,” Hurst noted, “with 1.2 million minority-owned firms generating $1.6 trillion in revenue and employing 9.9 million people in 2020.” But his tone grew somber as he continued, “However, the COVID-19 pandemic devastated many of these gains, particularly for Black and Hispanic-owned businesses.”
Hurst outlined the three critical needs of minority businesses: contracts, financial capital, and intellectual capital. “Less than one percent of venture capital goes to minority-owned businesses,” he stated.
Hurst continued to delve into the challenges facing supplier diversity initiatives. Recent legal attacks, stemming from the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action, had caused many companies to pull back on their diversity efforts.
“But why does this matter?” he asked rhetorically. He then unveiled stark statistics showcasing the racial wealth gap in the United States. “This gap affects everything from education to healthcare, from housing to career opportunities,” he explained.
As the symposium progressed, a panel of experts shared insights on leveraging untapped resources. Karen Wallace from Associated Industries of Massachusetts emphasized the importance of certification for minority-owned businesses. “It’s crucial for corporations and higher education institutions to tally their investments in diverse suppliers,” she noted.
The panelists agreed on several key themes: the need for transparency in procurement processes, the importance of access to capital, and the value of networking. Aliesha Porcena from the City of Boston highlighted available resources for small businesses, while Kathleen Wynn from Verizon stressed the importance of digital readiness.
As the day continued, attendees shared a renewed sense of purpose. Addressing supplier diversity isn’t just about ticking boxes – it is about creating a more equitable economic landscape for all.
As Hurst concluded his keynote address, he noted “when more people are successful, more people are successful. Period.” It was a call to action, a reminder that by working together to increase supplier diversity, we can all help bridge the racial wealth gap and create a stronger, more inclusive economy for all.
For more information about the Lab’s work, visit its website: https://nl4ie.sites.northeastern.edu/
The Limitless Possibilities of Analytics
Northeastern University recently hosted an exciting and insightful Analytics Employer Panel, where industry leaders and students came together to explore how analytics is transforming careers and industries. The panel featured a diverse group of professionals, many of whom are Northeastern alumni and active participants in the university’s co-op program, sharing their experiences and advice with an audience eager to learn.
The event was expertly moderated by Delaney Fordell, who did an excellent job guiding the discussion and ensuring that the insights from each panelist were shared in a dynamic and engaging way. Delaney’s thoughtful questions kept the conversation flowing and made the panel a valuable experience for all attendees.
Raina Chrobak, Senior Manager of Marketing Analytics and Data Science at Mass General Brigham and a proud Northeastern alum, shared her knowledge of using data-driven strategies in healthcare. She explained how analytics is integral to delivering actionable insights, ultimately improving the patient experience. “Harnessing data to deliver actionable insights isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about transforming the patient experience and driving better outcomes across the healthcare system,” she said. Raina also underscored the critical importance of data privacy in healthcare, where protecting sensitive information is paramount.
From the world of finance, Bill Safarik, Managing Director of Direct Client Platform Management and Analytics at Wellington Management, provided his perspective on how analytics plays a pivotal role in understanding and anticipating client needs. Bill, an expert in sales enablement and client analytics, discussed the power of data visualization in improving client relationships and driving operational efficiency. “Analytics is the key to understanding and anticipating client needs. It helps us stay ahead in a rapidly changing marketplace, and that makes all the difference,” he explained. Bill has worked closely with Northeastern’s co-op program, offering students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience applying data analytics to real-world business challenges.
Prasoon Raj, a graduate student in Applied Machine Intelligence at Northeastern, rounded out the panel with his insights on using AI to create impactful solutions. Prasoon is currently working as a GenAI co-op at the Burnes Center for Social Change, where he develops innovative AI-driven tools to address societal challenges. “It’s amazing to see how analytics and AI can come together to tackle challenges in healthcare, education, and beyond. The skills I’ve gained through Northeastern’s co-op program are invaluable,” Prasoon shared. His experience reflected the growing role of AI in analytics and the ways in which this technology is being used to solve real-world problems.
The event also featured a keynote address from Professor Joe Reilly, Program Lead for the MPS in Analytics at Northeastern University. Professor Reilly emphasized the significance of analytics as a key driver of innovation in today’s data-centric world. His keynote speech set the tone for the panel, reminding everyone of the limitless possibilities that analytics offers across industries. He encouraged students to embrace the evolving field and take advantage of the experiential learning opportunities available at Northeastern.
Camille B. Tineo, Project Manager at Anser Advisory, oversees the construction of Northeastern University’s Global Campus in Miami. She shared how analytics has become an essential tool in her work, allowing her team to make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle. “Analytics is essential in ensuring that complex construction projects stay on time and within budget. It helps us make informed decisions every step of the way,” Camille noted. Her experience with Northeastern’s expansion into new locations offered the audience a fresh perspective on how data can be applied in project management and construction.
Throughout the discussion, the panelists emphasized the importance of co-op and experiential learning in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. They encouraged students to seize opportunities to gain hands-on experience, which helps build both technical competencies and soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and leadership. The event made it clear that analytics isn’t confined to a single industry; its reach extends into fields as diverse as healthcare, finance, construction, and education.
As Northeastern continues to create opportunities for students to immerse themselves in real-world applications of their studies, this panel reinforced the value of analytics as a driving force for change across industries. The panelists showcased how skills gained in analytics programs are transforming careers and impacting organizations at every level.
The Analytics Employer Panel was a testament to how Northeastern University is preparing its students to succeed in a world where data is shaping the future. As businesses and organizations continue to leverage data to make more informed decisions, the role of analytics professionals will only become more vital.
Stay tuned for more panels and co-op opportunities, where students can continue to learn from industry experts and apply their skills to real-world challenges.
Hannah Mahany
Master’s in Professional Studies in Informatics ’26 and CPS Human Resources Associate
Three words encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Community-Built| Supportive | Rewarding
What have you had to face and how have you overcome any obstacles?
After working a few admin jobs post-undergrad, I knew I wanted to find my way back into higher ed. I missed the community-building, comradery, and sense of belonging I felt as a student. When I interviewed for my current role at CPS, I felt such an instant connection to my team. Your team dynamic can make or break your work experience and I am so happy that I found such a welcoming community. Separately, I also have family ties to NEU; my grandpa is a Northeastern alumnus and that made joining this community all the more special. One challenge I faced when joining CPS was learning about and understanding the organization a a whole. There are so many moving pieces; roles and departments are constantly changing to better align with University needs. It was a great accomplishment when I finally felt like I understood the ins and outs of CPS in its entirety.
What has your journey revealed to you about yourself?
Working at Northeastern has taught me to slow down and take things as they come. In my previous, more entry-level roles, I’ve always had to get a million little things done in one day; and when I first started at NEU, I wanted to leave each day with my i’s dotted and my t’s crossed. But that is simply not how higher ed rolls, and problems can’t be solved in a single day. And that’s okay!
What are your hobbies?
I love all types of board games, card games, video games, and puzzles. I currently spend my days meeting up with friends to play Cribbage, Catan, Dead by Daylight, Tetris, just to name a few. I also love downhill skiing, especially at Cranmore or Pat’s Peak. Nothing beats those $20 chicken tenders and fries from the ski lodge! When I’m not doing any of those things, I’m usually hanging out with any one of my friend’s lovely cats. I don’t have one of my own, but they are all so near and dear to my heart!
What advice do you have for others considering higher education, either at Northeastern or elsewhere?
Take advantage of the great communities that the university has to offer. Every higher ed institution has fostered its own unique and welcoming environment to help students, staff, and faculty all connect. From affinity groups, to student orgs, to staff/faculty clubs, there are so many opportunities to meet new people that you otherwise would have never known about.
What else would you like to say?
I can’t express how much I appreciate the CPS community. It has been so wonderful getting to know all of you over the past two years and I am so excited for what’s to come!
Olivia Reilly
Masters of Science, Management ’26 and CPS Human Resources Assistant
Three words encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Unique| Pivotal | Bouncy
What have you had to face and how have you overcome any obstacles?
The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a major challenge for me. A lot of my friends are not pursing their Masters and so they a lot more free time than me. I’ve learned that the best way for me to combat FOMO is by managing my time well. I’d even go as far to say that time management is my best friend! I write all of my tasks down and allocate time each day to complete them. If I don’t write something down it does not get done. So far this process has worked wonderfully for me!
What were some of your challenges and opportunities?
I was not a student when I joined Northeastern. I originally joined Northeastern in a contract role as a Student Success Coordinator for the NU.in program. This is a program for first year undergraduate students that allows them to go aboard during their first semester at Northeastern. I lived abroad in Berlin, Germany with 125 new Northeastern students. It was WILD. Living in a foreign country with a bunch of 18 year old first year students is not easy, but fortunately my coworkers became my best pals. We still talk everyday even though we don’t work together. That experience introduced me to a new community of friends that I would have never met if I didn’t accept that role. My CPS HR role has given me a similar experience. I have a great team and I laugh with them a lot. Working at CPS has helped me sharpen my professional skills and has prompted some unique challenges. My role has opened me up to new experiences and I look forward to continuing to serve the CPS employee population.
Why are you interested in the degree you’re pursuing? What motivates you?
I am pursing the MS in Management degree at Northeastern. During undergrad I studied communications and I utilize those skills everyday, but I desire a stronger understanding of business. Moreover, working in HR has exposed me to business in a new way. I’m motivated by all of the freedom that I have in this chapter of my life. I don’t have a mortgage, children, or even a dog. Essentially, this is a great time go back to school before my life gets too crazy!
What advice do you have for others considering higher education, either at Northeastern or elsewhere?
Try out working in higher ed! You will meet a lot of forward thinkers and you’ll get to pursue some exciting opportunities.
What are you hoping to do after you graduate? Where do you imagine yourself five years after school?
I always say that I want to be a pop star after I graduate, but unfortunately that is not going to happen. Instead, I want to continue being in a role of service and helping people navigate complex issues. In five years I hope to have a dachshund and to be a hybrid role where I can work from home with the dog on my lap. On a more serious note, in five years I would love to manage a few folks and mentor them. I have had a few great managers and would love to replicate that experience for someone starting out in their career.
What are some of your hobbies and other passions? Where do you find your joy?
My favorite form of meditation is power walking. I walk miles on miles each day after work. I rock out to my music and let my mind take a rest. It is great! I love to travel and have been to quite a few places. Traveling is fun and it keeps me young! I find a lot of joy in spending time with my loved ones. I have a lot of friends from different walks of life in Boston and its been really fun exploring the city with them. My family lives close by so I spend a good chunk of time with them too. I also have a senior dachshund named Cam who I am obsessed with. When I go home I like to snuggle with him on the couch. Life is great with all of them by my side!
What else would you like to say?
I love to meet new people and laugh! Come say hi next time you see me in the office!
Connect with Olivia: LinkedIn
Arjun Malarmannan
Master of Science, Project Management, 2024
Three words encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Transformative | Innovative | Resilient
Getting a degree while life is happening isn’t always easy. What are some of the challenges you’ve had to face and how have you overcome them?
A major hurdle was managing my time effectively while juggling academic responsibilities, internships, and personal commitments. Additionally, my father’s health issues, including two brain strokes, required me to be emotionally resilient and supportive. To overcome these challenges, I developed strong time management skills, sought support from mentors and peers, and utilized university resources such as counseling, advice from OGS, academic advisors, and career design services. Participating in internships and leadership roles, like being a GSG Senator and CPS Ambassador, also helped me stay focused and resilient, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
What has your journey at Northeastern University revealed to you about yourself?
My journey at Northeastern University has revealed my resilience, adaptability, and leadership abilities. Through the IDEA Lab, I developed and pitched innovative ideas, gaining valuable insights into entrepreneurship. Participating in MIT’s Venture Café broadened my perspective, allowing me to network with entrepreneurs and refine my pitches. These experiences enhanced my problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial mindset. Balancing academic responsibilities, internships, and personal commitments, especially during my father’s health crises, highlighted my ability to manage stress and stay focused. Northeastern has helped me discover my potential to make a meaningful impact in both my professional and personal life.
What advice do you have for others considering higher education, either at Northeastern or elsewhere?
For those considering higher education, whether at Northeastern or elsewhere, my advice is to embrace every opportunity and be proactive in seeking experiences that align with your goals. Start by checking job boards for career aspirations and skills required in job descriptions. Identify which courses will prepare you for those roles and ensure that the institution you choose offers relevant programs. Northeastern, for example, provides a range of courses, co-op programs, and extracurricular activities that equip you with practical experience and skills. Engage actively in internships, co-op programs, and extracurricular activities to gain practical experience and build your network. Utilize university resources, such as academic advisors, career services, and counseling, to support your journey. Finally, remain adaptable and resilient, and view every challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning. In my experience, higher education is an investment that has significantly enhanced both my professional and personal development. For example, participating in internships and hackathons at Northeastern has not only sharpened my technical skills but also expanded my professional network, leading to valuable job opportunities.
“I am a recent graduate and alum of Northeastern University. Pursuing my degree in Project Management with a focus on Analytics and Agile was driven by my passion for leading innovative projects and solving real-world problems efficiently. I’m motivated by the dynamic nature of project management, continuous learning, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in the tech sector.”
Where do you imagine yourself five years after school?
After graduating, I aim to secure a leadership position in project management within the technology sector, leveraging my skills in analytics and agile methodologies. Five years from now, I envision myself in a senior project management role, leading cross-functional teams on large-scale projects. Additionally, I aspire to mentor junior project managers and continuously innovate to drive organizational success
What are some of your hobbies and other passions? Where do you find your joy?
Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I find joy in a variety of hobbies and passions. I love gymming at the Marino Recreation Centre, where I follow diet plans with the University dietitian to stay fit. Playing cricket is another passion of mine; I participate in intramurals and play for Team Hoikers in the New England Cricket Association. I also enjoy meeting new people and building connections, which I often do through university events and networking opportunities. Additionally, I like borrowing board games from Snell Library to play with my friends and Husky Communicators team members. Photo and video editing, as well as preparing presentations for hackathons, are other activities that bring me a lot of joy.
Connect with Arjun: LinkedIn
NGN features CPS Associate Professor Darin Detwiler, National Food Policy Expert
Federal agencies have announced one food recall after another in recent weeks, with the most serious involving an 18-state outbreak of listeria from deli meat that has killed nine people as of Aug. 29.
Darin Detwiler, a teaching associate professor at Northeastern and national food policy expert, attributes the cases to better reporting but also breaks in the food safety chain.
Bachelor’s Degree Completion Application Success Workshop
During our Bachelor’s Completion Application Success Workshops, you’ll receive personalized, hands-on support to help you take your next steps. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about:
- Our no-fee application and the review timeline.
- Instructions for accessing the application portal.
- What transcripts are needed and how to obtain them.
- Which credits will transfer and how they are confirmed.
- All applicants will also be automatically considered for scholarships of up to $10,000 to be awarded within their decision letter.
Bachelor’s Degree Completion Application Success Workshop
During our Bachelor’s Completion Application Success Workshops, you’ll receive personalized, hands-on support to help you take your next steps. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about:
- Our no-fee application and the review timeline.
- Instructions for accessing the application portal.
- What transcripts are needed and how to obtain them.
- Which credits will transfer and how they are confirmed.
- All applicants will also be automatically considered for scholarships of up to $10,000 to be awarded within their decision letter.
CPS celebrates its second summer of empowering teens
As part of the Northeastern University partnership with the City of Boston’s SuccessLink summer jobs program, an initiative funded by the city of Boston to create 7,000 summer jobs for teens as an opportunity to gain work experience in supportive environments, CPS has hosted six interns who have spent the last 6 weeks working with the college. The interns have been under the guidance of employees Mariah Hwedi and Carl Barrows.
The interns, Marwa, Ruby, Benson, Kiandre, Anari and Jalen, produced this newsletter to tell the story of their internship experience; the production of the newsletter that was written, designed and published by them was also a lesson in corporate communications.
History of SuccessLink at CPS
Last year, when Mariah Hwedi received the outreach from Northeastern, she was eager to host interns at CPS and saw this as an opportunity to bring vibrancy and creativity to the college through the brilliant imaginations of the interns. Before working at CPS, Hwedi had a long history of work with youth and at-risk teenagers teaching history to third grade through high school students at the Commonwealth Museum. As an undergraduate at UMass Boston, Hwedi also worked as a global student ambassador and mentor for freshmen, first generation Asian-American students who were facing income disparities, as well as an overnight counselor for at-risk teenagers at Camp Wing in Duxbury.
It was at Camp Wing that she first realized the impact and life-changing results that could come from giving young people hope.
“The founder of Camp Wing decided that the best way to help young people in the city was to take them out of their urban environments and bring them to nature, where they could just get the chance to be a kid. Many of these kids experienced trauma from a young age – two siblings separated by foster care would get to see each other once a year at camp, one child came for the whole summer with only a Ziplock bag with socks to wear, and those were the lighter versions of the traumas these kids were enduring. I remember the first group that got off the bus at the start of camp was so angry and did not want to listen to authority because authority never showed up for them when they needed it most. By the end of the summer, those same kids were crying so hard, saying they didn’t want to leave us, that this experience changed their lives. We worked 24 hours a day with them, almost like their parents, and it was worth every minute. It still gives me chills thinking about it…about how much that summer gave them hope”.
After working at Camp Wing, Mariah promised herself she would continue to seek out any opportunity to help with youth betterment. Even though she had just started at CPS in March 2023, she was confident the SucessLink program would benefit all parties involved and knew she could balance the work.
Now that the program is ending its second year, Mariah has already seen the transformation in her interns: improved writing skills, confidence in public speaking, sharpened interviewing strategies, and data and research driven thinking that would make them all perfect candidates as Northeastern students one day. Mariah hopes that the internship will continue to recur annually.
Learn more about Northeastern Univeristy’s C2C Summer Intern Program.
Learn more about the Boston SuccessLink program.
Faculty Spotlight: Robert DeLeo, University Fellow of Public Life
Former MA House Speaker Robert DeLeo came to Northeastern University as a Fellow for Public Life in 2020. Much of his work at the university benefits the CPS Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP) program, offering consultations with students and faculty members. Four years later, he’s all settled in.
DeLeo served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1991 to 2020 and was elected Speaker of the House in 2009. He held that position until 2020, when, after 30 years in the House, he joined Northeastern University. DeLeo’s reputation is that of a man who can thrive in a highly politicized environment with an ease that consistently built bipartisan consensus on a variety of issues throughout his long career. He proactively diversified legislative leadership by appointing many women and minoritized individuals to chair positions during his tenure, with some serving as the firsts in those roles.
At 70, sitting as Massachusetts longest serving House Speaker at the onset of the pandemic, DeLeo knew it was time for his next step, but he couldn’t leave the role without disrupting the state’s legislative process; the entire body was figuring out how to conduct debates without being physically present in the chamber. Once things fell into a routine, DeLeo transitioned to Northeastern, where the university community celebrated his return to his alma mater.
Transition and the Technological Revolution
The transition from serving as a high-ranking government official to that of a University Fellow was stark. DeLeo describes his own technological revolution of moving from a place where a multitude of assistants would print out his emails, review them with him either in person or on the phone, and type out responses for him, to a setting where he had to execute all these administrative tasks himself, for the very first time in his life.
“I had no idea how to work a computer so I had to learn from scratch. It was daunting. I would go in once a week for someone to teach me how to use it, and how to do zoom calls. This was a steep learning curve; I was just used to people telling me where to go to give my speech,” he said.
DeLeo is proud to report that he has adapted. He said, smiling, “They told me I was a pretty good student, but I still have a lot to learn. I encourage people to learn because technology is here to stay and there is no going back.”
Rewiring, not Retiring
When asked what he is proud of while serving in elected office, DeLeo cites a host of accomplishments including passing laws on gun safety, transgender LGBTQ advocacy, and education advocacy that resulted in passing the 2019 Student Opportunity Act (SOA) that made state funding in K-12 schools more robust and equitable.
It is typical for long-serving government officials to register as a lobbyist or a consultant after retirement, because their insider perspective is valuable to so many interests. (A recent Vox article cites that about half of retiring senators and a third of House members register as lobbyists after retiring). For DeLeo, things turned out differently. One of the things he found when he was House Chair and Speaker was that he would be called upon to speak at schools and universities. “I found it so invigorating; I loved talking to the students”, he recalls.
“It was always in the back of my mind, ‘what’s the next chapter gonna hold?’ I decided to go into something I was passionate about, and that was higher education.”
According to DeLeo, Northeastern President Joseph Aoun, proud that DeLeo was an alum, would meet with him once or twice a year to discuss developments in the education sector. DeLeo recounted, “He once said to me, ‘When you leave being Speaker, you know you have to come to Northeastern.’ I looked at him and asked, ‘Why?’ He replied, ‘Because this is your home.’ And that always stuck with me.”
When DeLeo stepped down as Speaker, he got multiple offers from other schools, lobbying firms and law offices. “I looked inward and remembered President Aoun saying that to me; ultimately, I decided Northeastern would be a natural landing place. It was one of the best decisions that I ever made. I genuinely feel like I’m in a special place. When I speak publicly, I’m trying to sell the university, but I’m not doing it because I’m ‘selling the school’; I’m doing it because I believe in it. Sometimes when I drive home, I say to myself, ‘I love this place’.
Growing Up
DeLeo grew up in East Boston and Winthrop and attended Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in colonial-era America and the oldest existing school in the United States, founded in 1635.
His mother mainly stayed at home tending to domestic matters, the children, and a job at the local school’s cafeteria. He said, “She is where I got my compassion for people. In those days they didn’t have free lunch in the schools, but mom made sure everyone got fed. She just gave them food.” He jokes, “I think the statute of limitations has gone now, so I can admit that. She would also go to the donut store to pick up donuts for the teachers. My dad used to say to her “you’re the only person I know who is losing money working.”
DeLeo lived in a ‘three decker’ home, an architectural design mostly built between the 1880’s and 1930’s, known for the ability to provide affordable housing opportunities for a wide variety of working- and middle-class families, in an East Boston Italian American neighborhood. DeLeo describes each floor being occupied by family members; next door, his mother’s sister lived, and right behind their building, his grandmother and his other aunt resided. “I lived in the DeLeo version of the Kennedy compound.” he quipped.
“In those days if there was a neighbor that needed helping, you were there. If someone needed food or clothing, you were there. It was very matriarchal.” he said.
His father worked long hours as a bus boy and a waiter, and he worked his way up to become Matre d’ at the Statler Hilton, now known as the Copley Plaza. DeLeo said, “My Dad worked his way up the hard way and did very well.”
From 1964 to 1973, during the period when DeLeo graduated high school and entered college, America drafted young men for the Vietnam War. DeLeo recalls, “That was an interesting era; I was number 167 in the lottery. I was never called to serve.”
Northeastern: The Perfect Next Step
DeLeo graduated from Northeastern in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. “I can’t say I really knew what was next; I wasn’t like I was looking to go into a particular profession like ‘I want to be a doctor or an engineer’. What attracted me to Northeastern was the co-op experience. After leaving Boston Latin, where the academic curriculum was incredibly challenging, I knew I wanted to do something more hands on. I knew I wanted immediate work experience and freedom to see what everything was all about. Northeastern was my perfect next step”, he said.
DeLeo’s first co-op job was at American Airlines where he managed reservations by phone. He said, “people would call me and say ‘I want to go to Dallas, Texas’ and I had to look for the options by reading out a list of flights and prices. The upside to the job was that I got to travel for free and just pay the taxes on the flights.”
After American Airlines, DeLeo worked for the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and was involved with processing cases for accidents. While there, his interest in the law was piqued.
“One of the greatest things about Northeastern is the experiential learning.” he said.
First Generation Graduate
When DeLeo graduated college, he admittedly thought he was a ‘hot shot’. As the first one in his family to graduate, he describes feeling like ‘everyone would want me to work for them!”. That wasn’t really the case. Liberty Mutual wanted to send him to Hartford for a full time job, but he wanted to go to law school. Around this time, he also considered following his father into the hotel and restaurant business, but his college degree wasn’t exactly valued in the industry. He said, “They were like ‘you graduated college? Great. So what. You’ve got to work your way up’. They weren’t impressed.”
He enrolled in Suffolk University’s law school and attended evening classes while working during the day at the courthouse.
Students & Bagels
DeLeo’s primary role at Northeastern is to provide faculty and students with insights and context around global, national, state and local affairs. Although he does not teach classes, he is frequently invited by professors to speak on various topics or to spend time with students. He serves many programs across the university, working extensively within the Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP) and Doctor of Education (EdD) programs offered by the College of Professional Studies and Northeastern’s Political Science department.
JD LaRock, Professor of the Practice in the DLP program and professor to both DLP and EdD courses, said, “Since [DeLeo] came to Northeastern, he has been present in every single class that I’ve taught. He shares insights and experiences from his own time as a legislature and connects that with the issues we are studying. Those real life stories in policy that you don’t read in textbooks, he brings all of that in the classroom. I couldn’t do that on my own.”
DeLeo also spends a significant amount of time with both undergraduate and graduate students, offering guidance on their studies and dissertations. He provides advice on various topics, such as identifying good places to learn, finding suitable co-op jobs and places to work upon graduation. He said, “Sometimes students want to have more context, such as ‘how did you do this, what was that meeting like, how exactly did this law get passed?’ That’s the major part of me being here, and if I had to pick what I really love, it’s working with the students.”
Jack McDevitt, Professor of the Practice Emeritus at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and CPS Faculty Affiliate, who also served as interim director of the Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP) program, said that he regularly called DeLeo in to consult with both students and professors. He said, “DeLeo has been invaluable to us. For students enrolled in the doctorate program, you absolutely need an expert, and Bob’s done a fantastic job consulting on projects the students are trying to get done. He also helps plan the annual DLP trip to DC, and he arranges for students to meet senators and other people from the White House, including congress people and officials; he organizes all of that every year.”
DeLeo stated, “For the doctoral students, I’ll use my network to bring in speakers and set up people for them to talk to. They say something like ‘I’m doing a thesis on…say, paid family leave,’ and I connect them directly with people working in that field. I also work with undergrads who are very nervous and often ask, ‘What’s the best path?’ I always explain that the path is never straight and always winding.”
“If I was a lobbyist, I would be getting paid a lot more money!” he mused.
In reflecting on the impact that DeLeo had on his faculty and students, Jack McDevitt, Professor of the Practice Emeritus at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and CPS Faculty Affiliate said,
“Alot of students and faculty depend on him; he’s working across the university and has been a real asset. There are a lot of people that are benefitting from his expertise here at the University, but there are more that could.”
Chantei Alves, a Boston Public School special education teacher at the Allison Parks Early Education School in Mattapan is a doctorate student in the DLP Program. She enjoys DeLeo on her dissertation committee as her Second Reader. Her work is focused on mixed method research that looks at different states that have adopted science of reading laws, a body of scientific evidence that informs how students learn to read and write proficiently, into their curriculum, to see its impact on outcomes and teaching practices in early childhood education. She is scheduled to defend her dissertation next spring. She said, “because of Speaker DeLeo’s amazing work with the Student Opportunities Act in Massachusetts, I am so honored to have him as not just an advisor but as a mentor. For me, it’s the perfect pairing. For me personally, he checks in to make sure I’m ok, he pulls me to the side asking how’s it going, and he’s always motivating me, I really appreciate that.”
As testament to DeLeo’s humble disposition to serving others, Alves offers a story recalling the time her cohort took a trip to DC, saying, “We wanted to witness an important pharma case that was happening in the courts so we all arrived in front of the courthouse at like 6 in the morning to get in line to get inside. After waiting for about an hour, we all started talking about how hungry we were, then out of nowhere Speaker DeLeo walks up with drinks and a big bag of bagel egg and cheese sandwiches! Someone joked “thanks Bob, I guess this is a little different than serving in the House eh? And we all laughed. But he is such a servant to us and he doesn’t mind doing it! Without question, he didn’t mind bringing us bagels at 6 in the morning and he doesn’t mind just as generously sharing his time or contact with us in the ways we need. That bagel story really speaks to his character. He’s always making me feel like I’m extremely important to him and that is everything.”
The Power of Education
When DeLeo was speaker, he talked about the need for education, early education and community colleges.
“Many times, people talk about how we can change the trajectories of certain kids. When I saw how statistically children of socioeconomic privilege were doing so much better because they had those opportunities that others didn’t have, we started putting vast amounts of money into early education. It gave kids an equal opportunity in terms of where they could go. Without early education, statistics show that reading levels are lower, high school graduation rates are lower, and the likelihood of incarceration is much higher. I see education itself as one of the best social programs we can implement.
The same goes for community colleges. Everyone has challenges, and some people face obstacles to attending college.
These are the places where we have the opportunity to make a difference for people.”