During four Wednesdays in March, Mount Mercy Academy is holding Career Day events. Each week will feature several different speakers who will educate students about their careers, the path they took to their career and answer student questions. Students sign up for the session that most interests them.
The first week featured three Mount Mercy Academy alumnae, Liz Penepent, Class of 2004; Maria Makowski, Class of 2008; and Patty Krehbiel, Class of 1994.
Penepent received her undergraduate degree from Buffalo State and her master’s in business administration from Niagara University. For the past 11 years she has worked at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Care Center. She is currently a senior department administrator who is responsible for administration and strategic initiatives for several departments.
Senior Mallory Chase of Buffalo commented, “Miss Penepent’s presentation was extremely informative. It was interesting to discover how many different employment paths there are at Roswell and that there are so many different aspects to each job.”
Makowski earned her undergraduate and two master’s degrees from Canisius College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and completed a master’s degree in both literacy and school leadership. She taught for 10 years in the City of Buffalo and this past year was named assistant principal at Westminster Community College. In addition, she is an adjunct instructor at UB.
Sophomore Jai’da Hancock of Buffalo remarked, “Miss Makowski’s talk was very interesting. She stressed how communication can lead to strong relationships in a school between parents, students and staff. It was also impressive to see what a younger Mercy graduate has accomplished.”
Krehbiel completed her undergraduate studies at Buffalo State with a major in communications. Since graduation she has held various positions, including website management and market research. She currently serves as the relationship manager for Friends of the Night People.
Senior Lucy Duggan of West Seneca stated, “I was impressed to learn how many different career paths are available to someone with a communications degree. It was also interesting to learn how her volunteer work relates to the service we do here at Mercy.”
“I learned that the People of the Night, who are often portrayed differently, are really very nice, appreciative people,” junior Joyce Hibbs of Cheektowaga added.