Alumni Spotlight
Since 1931, Berkeley College has prepared generations of leaders to achieve lifelong success in dynamic careers. Alumni enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge to innovate and make an impact in fields like business, finance, technology, fashion, public service, design, healthcare, law, criminal justice, and many more. Established in 2021 in honor of Berkeley College’s 90th anniversary, the Berkeley Proud: Alumni Spotlight project continues to tell the stories and celebrates the achievements of influential graduates. The diverse backgrounds of alumni, coupled with their talents and unique career paths, were enhanced by the education each alumnus received at Berkeley College.
Elijah Johnson
Executive Director, The Too Alive Tour Inc.
BBA, Business Management, 2014
Elijah Johnson
Executive Director, The Too Alive Tour Inc.
BBA, Business Management, 2014
From his early days at Berkeley College in White Plains, Elijah “Eli” Johnson knew he was meant to build something bigger than himself. As a Business Management student with a passion for music, media, and community, Johnson found countless ways to lead and engage—from his involvement in the Berkeley Music Entertainment Club and Social Media Department to his role as a Community Assistant. Each experience helped shape his entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to empowering others.
“Berkeley prepared me to think both creatively and communally,” Johnson said. “I was encouraged to take initiative, collaborate with peers across disciplines, and find innovative ways to carve out a path of my own.”
That drive led Johnson to internships with high-profile organizations such as Black Enterprise magazine, the National Urban League, and Roc Nation, where he sharpened his skills in digital marketing and organizational strategy. Today, he is the founder and executive director of The Too Alive Tour, an initiative dedicated to empowering young people through social and emotional learning, career development, and mentorship programming.
Looking ahead, Johnson sees himself thriving as an "Artistpreneur" – a visionary who curates spaces for collaboration, creativity, and change. His long-term goal is to expand his media company, TkACTN (Take Action) Media, into a dynamic platform producing high-quality content and fostering innovation through podcast production, indie record label services, and collaborative projects.
When asked what advice he would give current college students, Johnsons did not hesitate: “There is no set path to success—your ability to envision yourself in the spaces you desire is everything. Don't just exist. Thrive.”
Bridget L. Sorenson
CEO and Founder, Blue Water Wave LLC and BWW Golf Network
AS, Fashion Marketing and Management, 1985
Bridget L. Sorenson
CEO and Founder, Blue Water Wave LLC and BWW Golf Network
AS, Fashion Marketing and Management, 1985
From her early days at Berkeley College in Woodland Park to becoming the CEO and Founder of Blue Water Wave LLC and BWW Golf Network, Bridget L. Sorenson has built a career centered on professionalism, integrity, and community. A proud 1985 graduate of Berkeley College with an Associate in Science degree, Sorenson credits her time at Berkeley College with laying the foundation for her impressive journey in business and entrepreneurship.
"Berkeley prepared me for success by teaching me all the skills necessary to be a true professional with character and integrity," Sorensen said. "The exceptional faculty, invaluable internship experiences, and continued support from my professors made all the difference."
Sorensen’s early professional experiences included roles with industry giants Louis Vuitton, Bloomingdale’s, and Albert Nipon. These opportunities helped launch a career that now includes leading Blue Water Wave LLC and the BWW Golf Network—an innovative strategic networking and organic marketing enterprise with 11 chapters spanning five regions.
In addition to being honored as Alumni of the Year by Berkeley College in 1987, Bridget is an active community advocate who volunteers with The Valerie Fund and The Leonidas Foundation.
Sorenson is also passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of professionals. Her advice to today’s college students is grounded in wisdom and authenticity. “In this ever-changing world, your character is your business card,” said Sorenson. “Your smile will open doors. Doing your job with excellence will secure opportunities, and treating clients with respect will take you far. You never know who might help shape your future.”
Christine Peraino
Senior Manager of Patient Access and Epic Security Team, Atlantic Health System
MBA, Management, 2017 & BS, Health Services Management, 2015
Christine Peraino
Senior Manager of Patient Access and Epic Security Team, Atlantic Health System
MBA, Management, 2017 & BS, Health Services Management, 2015
As the Senior Manager of Patient Access and Epic Security Team for Atlantic Health System, Christine Peraino understands the importance of leadership in business. The Berkeley College alumna began her career at Chilton Medical Center more than 24 years ago, working in patient access and medical records.
Through hard work and a commitment to lifelong learning, Peraino advanced in her career and now manages a team of more than 20 team members, driving exceptional patient experience and outcomes through revenue cycle innovations.
Tina Outeiro
Entrepreneurial Design Leader, Ethan Allen
AAS, Fashion Marketing and Management, 1993
Tina Outeiro
Entrepreneurial Design Leader, Ethan Allen
AAS, Fashion Marketing and Management, 1993
For Tina Outeiro, a 1993 graduate of Berkeley College’s Associate in Applied Science program in Fashion Marketing and Management, success is about more than just career achievements—it’s about inspiring others to reach their full potential.
Originally from Zimbabwe and currently living in Clark, NJ, Outeiro attended the Woodland Park campus, where she gained hands-on experience through a work-study program in the fashion industry. After graduating from Berkeley College, she received an Interior Design Certificate from the New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD).
Today, Outeiro serves as an Entrepreneurial Design Leader at Ethan Allen, where she has worked for the past four years. In her role, she manages and develops design teams, ensuring a high level of professionalism and customer satisfaction while driving business growth.
Outeiro credits Berkeley College for providing her with a strong foundation of skills, resilience, and determination. “The network of support at Berkeley College was invaluable in guiding me toward achieving my aspirations,” she said. “Through the guidance of inspiring faculty and comprehensive courses, Berkeley College became the springboard that launched me into a successful career trajectory.”
Beyond her professional success, Outeiro is deeply committed to personal growth and community engagement. Looking ahead, her long-term goal is to create spaces where individuals can relax, recharge, and grow. “I want to establish havens that offer people the opportunity to reflect and equip themselves with tools for personal development,” she said.
Outeiro offered the following advice for current students and recent graduates: “Never stop learning, pivot when necessary, and know that nothing goes according to plan.”
Dipto Roy
Director, Paterson Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ)
BS, Marketing Communications, 2017
Dipto Roy
Director, Paterson Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ)
BS, Marketing Communications, 2017
As an immigrant navigating a new country, Dipto Roy faced his fair share of challenges. However, with determination and the strong foundation provided by Berkeley College, he transformed obstacles into opportunities. Roy’s education in Marketing Communication equipped him with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that have propelled him into a career of impactful service and success.
In various roles at Bokara Rug Company and Samsung Electric, Roy honed his operational, analytical, and strategic expertise, laying the groundwork for his future leadership roles. He currently serves as the Director of the Paterson Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) and is the first Bangladeshi nationwide to hold such a position. In this role, he leads economic development initiatives to support local businesses, foster job creation, and enhance the community. Among his many achievements, Roy was also appointed Commissioner of the Friends of Paterson Parks Board in 2022.
Community service is at the heart of Roy’s journey. Roye envisions a future where his impact extends far beyond Paterson. To today’s college-age students, Roy offers this advice: “Embrace adaptability, continuous learning, and meaningful connections. The world is changing rapidly, and the ability to learn new skills, think critically, and solve problems creatively will set you apart. Invest in yourself, take care of your well-being, and make the most of this time for growth and exploration. If I can do it, you can do it better.”
Maureen Carley-Vallejo
Director of Interior Design, Array Architects
AAS, Interior Design, 1992
Maureen Carley-Vallejo
Director of Interior Design, Array Architects
AAS, Interior Design, 1992
For Maureen Carley-Vallejo, earning an Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design from Berkeley College laid the foundation for a successful career in healthcare-focused design. Now based in Emerson, NJ, she credits her time at Berkeley College’s Bergen campus as pivotal to her career.
“Attending Berkeley was a defining experience,” Carley-Vallejo said. “The comprehensive curriculum and internship program provided the expertise, hands-on experience, and industry connections that launched my career.”
As Berkeley College celebrates 35 years of its Interior Design program, Carley-Vallejo stands as a shining example of how the program empowers students to turn their creative passions into meaningful careers.
Roshauna Bostwick
Contract Specialist, NYC Housing Authority
BBA, Marketing Communications, 2020
Roshauna Bostwick
Contract Specialist, NYC Housing Authority
BBA, Marketing Communications, 2020
Roshauna Bostwick graduated from Berkeley College’s NYC campus in 2020 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing Communications. Reflecting on her time at Berkeley College, she often says, “Berkeley changed my life!” This sentiment highlights her transformative journey, one that began without a clear plan yet blossomed into a path of leadership, community building, and professional success.
Before attending Berkeley College, Bostwick faced challenges that made her question her ability to achieve the college experience she always dreamed of. Bostwick credits the opportunities, staff, and professors at Berkeley with helping her become the confident leader she is today. While at Berkeley, she made a significant impact as the founder and president of the Women’s Empowerment Club and as an active member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her leadership qualities earned her the Berkeley College Women’s Empowerment Leader Award in October 2021.
Bostwick currently serves as a Contract Specialist in the Administration Department at the New York City Housing Authority, a role she has held since 2021. She oversees vendor relationships and manages contract budgets and finances, demonstrating her ability to excel in complex and detail-oriented environments. Deeply committed to giving back, Bostwick leads as President of the Berkeley College Alumni Association and serves on the Board of Directors for the Berkeley College Foundation. She is the driving force behind Blast Off Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and advocating for literacy.
When asked what advice she would give to today’s college students, Bostwick emphasized the importance of self-discovery and mental focus: “Understand that your path will be unique compared to the next person. Don’t focus or compare yourself to everyone else’s route and timeline. Create your own path and fully apply yourself. Your mental mindset is the most crucial and important part of your college journey. It wasn’t until I was mentally focused and locked in on my goals that everything else fell into place.”
Anthony Graham Jr.
Business Owner and Police Officer, NJ TRANSIT Police Department
BS, Justice Studies - Criminal Justice, 2014
Anthony Graham Jr.
Business Owner and Police Officer, NJ TRANSIT Police Department
BS, Justice Studies - Criminal Justice, 2014
Anthony Graham Jr., a 2014 graduate of Berkeley College’s Woodbridge Campus, has seamlessly blended discipline, ambition, and lifelong learning to carve a path of success in both law enforcement and entrepreneurship. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies – Criminal Justice, Graham reflects on the vital role Berkeley College played in preparing him for his professional and personal achievements. “Berkeley College gave me a home away from home, and for that, I’m forever grateful,” he shared. “I learned readiness, discipline, teamwork, critical thinking, and how to effectively network with others.”
Graham’s journey after graduation led him to roles such as a clerical intern at Woodbridge Township Municipal Court before pursuing additional education. He earned a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Maryville University of St. Louis, Missouri, before becoming a NJ TRANSIT Police Officer, a role he has held for the past two years. Graham is also the proud business owner of Media 22 LLC, where he showcases his creative talents as a videographer, photographer, and cinematographer.
“My short-term goal is to continue studying and educating myself on job tasks and NJ case law to gain a deeper understanding of my career. Long-term, I hope to retire as a ranked officer and transition to teaching at police academies or colleges, sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years.”
Graham’s advice to today’s college students is both practical and inspiring: “Stay true to yourself. Just know that it will get tough along the way, but it will mean that much more in the end at graduation.” His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, continued education, and the strong foundation built at Berkeley College.
Anabelle Rodriguez
Language Specialist, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
BS, Justice Studies - Criminal Justice, 2019 & AAS, Justice Studies - Criminal Justice, 2017
Anabelle Rodriguez
Language Specialist, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
BS, Justice Studies - Criminal Justice, 2019 & AAS, Justice Studies - Criminal Justice, 2017
Annabelle Rodriguez has always had a passion for law enforcement and decided early on to pursue a career in criminal justice to make the world a better place. She knew Berkeley College was the institution to set her on the correct path. “My professors were outstanding,” Rodriguez said. “They spoke from experience, and it made me want to go out in the world with my degree and find my own path. For anyone seeking a career in the criminal justice system, Berkeley College will not steer you wrong.”
Rodriguez’s career in law enforcement began at 19 with internships at the Juvenile Justice Commission and the Sayreville Police Department. She later worked as a security supervisor, auxiliary officer, and police officer before being hired by the FBI in 2024.
Rodriguez has also volunteered with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central and Northern New Jersey, the Domestic Violence Response Team, and local food shelters. She remains active in her community, pursuing roles that support child advocacy and participating in local government initiatives. She also earned her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from Kean University. Rodriguez aspires to take on a supervisory role within the FBI and one day run for public office in her community.
For today’s college students, Rodriguez offers this advice: “Learn everything you can, even if it doesn’t seem relevant. Network, get involved, and always stay humble. There is always someone around who you can learn from.”
Carlos Figueroa Hercules
Canine Explosive Detection Handler, MSA Security
BS, National Security, Concentration in Intelligence, 2024
Carlos Figueroa Hercules
Canine Explosive Detection Handler, MSA Security
BS, National Security, Concentration in Intelligence, 2024
As a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, Carlos Figueroa Hercules thought he had faced some of the greatest challenges of his life. But when the student-veteran enrolled at Berkeley College in 2021, he felt lost outside of the structure provided in the military.
“College is challenging. If it were easy, everyone would do it,” said Figueroa Hercules, a resident of Englewood, NJ. “The biggest challenge of my college career was adjusting from the military to civilian life. My advice is don’t give up. The feeling you get when they call your name on graduation day is worth every effort.”
Figueroa Hercules received a Bachelor of Science in National Security with a concentration in Intelligence from Berkeley College in 2024. He said his military career was instrumental in providing the discipline needed to advance his education.
He added that a degree in National Security, which prepares graduates to address safety threats in the public and private sectors, is aligned with his career goals to work for a federal agency.
Nancy Robles
President, Eastern Funding LLC
BS, Business Administration – Management, 2004 & AAS, Paralegal Studies, 2000
Nancy Robles
President, Eastern Funding LLC
BS, Business Administration – Management, 2004 & AAS, Paralegal Studies, 2000
“Brave.” That is the word Berkeley College alumna and author Nancy Robles uses to describe her journey to healing.
Robles serves as President of Eastern Funding LLC and is the author of “The Many Pieces of Me,” a narrative that details her experiences with generational trauma and abuse.
“When you are a survivor of any kind of adversity there is so much shame, which logically does not make sense because it isn’t your fault,” Robles said. “Part of the healing process is putting the shame where it belongs.”
Robles said her story is also a testament to the strength and confidence that education provide. She holds two degrees from Berkeley College, as well as a Master of Business Administration degree. She was named Berkeley College’s 2017 Alumna of the Year and sits on the Board of the Berkeley College Foundation.
Corrin Martin
Coordinator of Corporate Partnerships for Operations and Events, New York Giants
BS, Business Administration, 2015
Corrin Martin
Coordinator of Corporate Partnerships for Operations and Events, New York Giants
BS, Business Administration, 2015
Apply for your dream job. That was one piece of advice offered by Berkeley College alumna Corrin Martin, a 2015 graduate who serves as Coordinator of Corporate Partnerships for Operations and Events for the New York Giants.
“Rejection is good,” Martin said. “You’re going to learn so much from that ‘no’ and you’re eventually going to get to that ‘yes.’ Then it’s going to be all open doors.”
Martin, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Berkeley College, didn’t always envision herself working in the professional sports field. She considered careers as a teacher and chef before she was hired with the Giants organization as a Human Resources Coordinator in 2019.
“I’m soaking up as much as I can and learning as much as I can,” Martin said. “I love getting into new things and taking on new responsibilities – I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
The profiles presented are those of the individuals interviewed. The academic achievements and/or employment outcomes described in this profiles are specific to each individual and are not a guarantee of similar results for past or current students. For up-to-date and detailed information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu and view our catalogs at BerkeleyCollege.edu/publications.
