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TESSTalk Series

TESSTalk Series

In May 2020 the ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ Office of Alumni Engagement launched the TESSTalk Series, a speaker series featuring ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ alumni, faculty and staff who will share their perspective on leadership, professional journeys and personal adventures. This program is named in honor of the former nickname of ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ students—Tessie.

Interested in being considered as a speaker for one of our future TESSTalks?

Upcoming

Elisa De La Rosa

Elisa De La Rosa
Feb. 28, 2023, at 6 p.m. CT

Save the date for our next TESSTalk with Elisa De La Rosa ’06.

Details and registration coming soon.

 

 

 

 

Past Speakers

Cynthia Nevels
Founder and Head Creative Chef, Soulgood
Cynthia Nevels ’96, owner of the Dallas-based organic vegan fast-food company Soulgood, discussed her journey at ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ and as an entrepreneur.
Anngienetta Johnson
Retired NASA engineer, American Redcross volunteer
Dr. Anngienetta Johnson ’71 discussed her time at ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ, career with NASA and volunteer work with the American Red Cross.
Roxanne Gonzales-Vogel
Nutrition and Performance Research Manager, GU Energy Labs
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ alumna Roxanne Gonzales-Vogel '17 shared how non-conventional choices led to her dream job and summiting the world's highest mountains.
Christina Williams
Scenic Painter
Christina Williams ’06, ’08 shared how ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ impacted her professional journey and the "mental tool kit" that helped her to persevere.
Luis Rendon
New York Post
Luis Rendon ’10 shared his journey into the professional world of media and journalism and reflects on his time as a male student at ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ.
Drs. David and Jody Popples
Psynet Group
Drs. David and Jody Popple discussed organizational development trends and structures for positive results in any economic climate.
Beverly Walker-Griffea
President, Mott Community College
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ alumna Beverly Walker-Griffea, PhD ’04 shared her truths and the stories that defined her professional journey in higher education.
Shakar and Quitney
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ alumni Shakar Soltani ’17 and Quitney Pryor ’14 discussed the importance of diversity and representation in the workplace.
Chancellor Carine Feyten
Chancellor & President Texas Woman's Univeristy
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ's Chancellor Carine M. Feyten, PhD, discussed the "State of the University" and changes made to enhance safety during the pandemic.
Merrilee Kick
Founder & CEO, BuzzBallz/Southern Champion
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ alumna and entrepreneur Merrilee Kick ’09 shared how she built her company from scratch and gave a master class in building your brand.
Henry Biddle
RN Service Manager, Emergency Department Parkland Memorial Hospital
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ alumnus Henry Biddle ’80 discussed his time at ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ and his time in the USAF Nurse Corps, the DEA and as an emergency medical worker.
Neva Cochran
Nutrition Communications Consultant in Dallas, TX
²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ alumna and registered dietitian Neva Cochran ’78 shared her advice on nutritious eating during the pandemic.

Page last updated 3:59 PM, October 21, 2025