Career & Life Design Center
Our Mission
Our mission is to support Trinity College students and alumni as they navigate college and career transitions, providing life design coaching, programming and experiential learning opportunities, and global connections.
Our Vision
Our vision is to guide Trinity College students and alumni in designing meaningful, individualized plans for a fulfilling journey – through and beyond Trinity – enabling them to become active global citizens.
Quick Access
Find information about how to partner with us on our Events, Programs & Partnerships page!
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Vera Agresti, Employer & Alumni Engagement Coordinator, at [email protected].
The Cornelia Center has 2 interview rooms available between 8:30am and 5:00pm!
Email [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance to reserve a room.
Mae O'Neill Class of 2025The Career and Life Design Center helped me find the resources I needed on campus in terms of looking for different career opportunities and connecting with alumni. I met with the coaches very frequently during my senior spring, trying to find different job opportunities and getting advice on how to best use the center's resources. It was a huge part of me being able to navigate the first few months after graduation.
Anna Franceschi Class of 2025The Career and Life Design Center provided ongoing, intentional support that kept me aware of my options and a coaching team that helped me understand what my academic and professional experiences meant for my future.
Meet the Team
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Maria DyaneInterim DirectorMaria is a strategic leader and educator who designs and drives initiatives that connect career development, innovation, and entrepreneurship to meaningful student and institutional growth. With a background in strategy, management consulting, and public policy, Maria brings an analytical and global lens to leadership and program design – bridging sectors to transform ideas into frameworks and vision into measurable impact. Known as a thoughtful weaver of people, purpose, and possibility, Maria integrates design thinking, data-informed strategy, and cross-cultural insight to build environments where learning is intentional, collaboration is authentic, and impact is lasting. At Trinity College, Maria shapes and executes strategies that help students design purposeful lives, strengthen partnerships, and advance innovation across the college and beyond. Cornelia Center Office #127 |
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Lisel MoynihanSenior Assistant Director, Career & Life DesignHello, I’m Lisel! As a Career & Life Design Coach, I support students by meeting with them 1-1, to learn who they are as a person and what they hope to achieve in their time at Trinity and following graduation. By developing this personal relationship, I can assist students with navigating the college transition, identifying potential internships & careers, and provide guidance as they develop the skills sets necessary to create a successful path forward. Cornelia Center Office #125 |
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Joey AbadAssistant Director, Career & Life DesignHello, I’m Joey! I support Bantams in designing meaningful career paths by clarifying goals, telling their stories, and connecting learning to real-world opportunities. My background as a performing artist and photographer shapes the creative, human-centered approach I bring to coaching, workshops, and partnerships across campus and beyond. Cornelia Center Office #128 |
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Nate HopkinsCareer & Life Design CoachHello, I’m Nate! A life-long learner with over a decade of professional experience in education, passionate about holistically advising, coaching & teaching students through the emotional, social, academic & professional milestones that define each year of college & beyond. Role is helping others better understand how to actualize their full potential, pursue causes greater than oneself, & continuously construct a coherent life that harmonizes who you are, what you believe, & what you do.
Cornelia Center Office #130 |
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Paul GagnonAlumni Career ConsultantHello, I’m Paul! I assist alumni at all stages of career search including from seeking a first job, to mid-life career change, to applying to graduate and Ph.D. programs. My career spans 45 years, including M&A and new business development jobs at Fortune 500 firms, in higher education roles, and self-employment. Remote Office |
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Vera AgrestiEmployer & Alumni Engagement CoordinatorHi, I’m Vera! I serve as the Employer and Alumni Engagement Coordinator, helping Bantams connect with meaningful opportunities and the people who can open doors for them. With a Master’s in International Studies and experience in nonprofit policy, volunteer engagement, and career development, I bring a global, community-focused lens to building partnerships. As a proud first-generation college graduate, I’m passionate about empowering students to explore pathways, build confidence, and design futures that feel both authentic and achievable. Cornelia Center Office #137 |
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Catherine ChicaMarketing SpecialistHello, I’m Cat! I focus on communications, design, and how our center engages across campus. My work involves developing materials, creating content, and coordinating messaging to connect with the Trinity community. My background is in brand development and website building, with a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design. Cornelia Center Office #126 |
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John D’AngeloAdministrative AssistantHello, I’m John and I support the center’s administrative and logistical needs. Utilizing organization and efficiency, I thrive on formulating solutions for challenging problems, supporting complex schedules, and working in a fast-paced environment. Cornelia Center Office #111 |
Career & Life Design Center
114 Vernon Street,
Hartford, CT
