Alumna Spotlights
Kristina Barile '08
Kristina '08 received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Harvard and a M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from MIT. After graduating, she worked as a rocket scientist, performing engine structural analysis for SpaceX and other aerospace companies. At 25, she was invited to join the faculty at Loyola Marymount University, where she taught graduates and seniors advanced mechanical engineering. Despite this success, in 2017, she and her husband decided to quit their jobs, sell their belongings, and leave the U.S. with one backpack each, travelling the world and eventually landing in Panama. Now, she is building her own off-grid home using only natural materials like clay and straw and aims to be entirely self-sufficient. On her farm in Panama, she pursues her passions in building, writing, photography, farming, art, herbalism, and ancient cooking methods. During the autumn season, she works as a high-requested freelance College Application Counselor and editor, helping students around the world apply to top-tier colleges. In the future, she hopes to build a natural retreat and permaculture school to educate others on traditional building, organic farming, ancient cooking, and water conservation techniques, as well as showcasing how to incorporate nature and simple living into our modern lives.
How did your SEM experience help prepare you for your current position/job/whatever it is you're doing?
“At SEM, I fell in love with math and physics! My strong geometry, calculus, and physics classes set the foundation for my engineering career, and these skills have come in handy while building my own home as well. I am also grateful for my English courses at SEM, which nourished my love of writing! Writing well was incredibly important as an engineer, especially when I had to describe complex systems to higher-ups. I transitioned to a career in freelance editing last year. The grammar and writing guidance I received at SEM are so deeply ingrained, and I apply them daily! Courses like AP European History with Mr. Schooley (and many other courses too) helped me learn what it takes to be a great teacher and how to be engaging with my students (although I don't think I'll ever reach his level!).”
What advice would you give to SEM students?
“Don't worry if you don't have it all figured out! I changed careers three times before I turned 30. In high school, I imagined my life turning out a certain way, and I am FAR from that now, literally and figuratively. You don't need a five-year plan. Focus on tomorrow. Take a step back from what is expected of you, think about what truly brings you joy, and go for THAT. Note: This is not necessarily the "smoothest" path, but it is certainly worthwhile and FUN. There is so much growth hiding within the challenges!”
Favorite SEM tradition?
“Stratford! I loved that SEM gave us the freedom and trust to explore the little town before the theater performance. I looked forward to it every year!”
Elizabeth DiCioccio ‘02
Elizabeth went to Middlebury College and is currently the Managing Director/Head of Middle East at KKR. She calls both Dubai and Lisbon home and has a two year old son named Galileo.
How did your SEM experience help prepare you for your current position/job/whatever it is you're doing?
“SEM prepared me in so many ways, but one specific thing that comes to mind is that I learned great communication skills, which are important in any career. The small classes meant that we have to discuss and defend our ideas on a daily basis – there’s no such thing as passive participation at SEM! I’m also not a “natural writer,” but learning to write about such a wide range of disciplines (using proper grammar!) at SEM was great preparation for colleague and professional communication.”
What advice would you give to SEM students?
“Stay curious and always be open to learning and new experiences. You can never perfectly plan your next five, ten or 20 years, and you shouldn’t feel too much pressure to have a long-term plan! Explore new opportunities and do what fulfils you in the moment. When I was in high school, I didn’t have much interest in the Middle East (or finance, for that matter!) and wouldn’t have planned this career path for myself, but I love it!”
Favorite SEM tradition?
“I have so many special memories of SEM, but I think that the tradition of a daily morning meeting is quite unique. It’s so nice to have this sense of community reinforced each and every day.”
Maya Meredith ‘11
Maya currently works as a Major Gifts Associate II at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.
How did your SEM experience help prepare you for your current position/job?
"My SEM experience created tough skin. Buffalo Seminary taught me about the comradery of girl power, while reminding me that my minority is my greatest super power. SEM gave me my identity, no matter the lesson. Standing on the spiral staircases every morning awaiting Morning Meeting brings me to my earliest days of self-actuality. I think it’s imperative for young women, especially women of color, to find their voice during such an important time in their lives".
What advice would you give to SEM students?
"Don’t give up on yourself! My advice to all SEM students is to find your voice, figure out what you like, take advantage of your inner strength and shine. High school can be demanding, and although college is approaching—do not be afraid of staying local and saving money. The best lessons learned during my SEM days was finding my light and not being afraid of continuing my education, despite not being at an Ivy league. You never know, your career may open those doors in the future."
Favorite SEM tradition?
"Hornet/Jacket day, for sure. You wish you were a Hornet!"
Sara Schmidle ‘14
Sara graduated from SEM in 2014 and is now a photographer at Pegula Sports and Entertainment. This includes photography for the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, and other entities within the PSE portfolio.
How did your SEM experience help prepare you for your current job?
“SEM allowed me to find my voice and take on leadership roles due to the small class sizes and opportunities available to me there. Through the variety of classes and activities at SEM, I learned that I wanted to do something creative in the future and began to discover photography as a passion.”
What advice would you give to SEM students?
“Use your time at SEM to try new things, interact with diverse groups of people, and challenge yourself academically and beyond. I felt so prepared for college and in the workforce by doing these things. Also, the female-empowerment-centric environment at SEM is so special, and it helps me to this day in the male-dominated industry I work in. Embrace it!”
Favorite SEM tradition?
“Hornet-Jacket Day (Go Hornets!)”
Danielle Little ‘16
Danielle is the founder and owner of Young Royalty Chess, an organization that seeks to build strategic minds one move at a time through chess education. Danielle attends University at Buffalo where she studies Communication and Law and is also Western New York Prosperity Fellow at UB. Danielle founded the Chess Club at SEM and was ranked the 41st young woman in the nation by the United States Chess Federation in her senior year. Danielle has won numerous entrepreneurship awards, and recently was featured on both Channel 2 and 4 and in Buffalo Business First. Young Royalty Chess Academy was awarded the 2020 Black Business of the Year Award by the BBB-accredited minority business directory That Brown Bag. During the summer she worked tirelessly to get over 400 face shields to essential workers on the East and Westside of Buffalo and sponsored the Buffalo Showcase. She is also currently a content creator for Foodytv and Streetbeatz.
How did your SEM experience help prepare you for your current position/job/whatever it is you're doing?
"My experience at SEM taught me the value of critical thinking and coming to my own conclusions independently. I also learned how to take the lead on projects and the importance of intrinsic motivation to get things done. As a woman, I don't think twice about asserting myself in rooms where I'm a minority because I SEM showed me the value of my thoughts and ideas."
What advice would you give to SEM students?
"Enjoy every second of your time at SEM because you may never get the opportunity to learn in such a warm, intellectual, and creative environment. Going to school without the distraction of boys teaches you to value your education. Take the time to get to know yourself in the safety of SEM, where you are surrounded by teachers and peers who genuinely want to see you succeed."
Favorite SEM tradition?
"Hornet Jacket Day!!!!! GO JACKETS :)"