Kassandra Montenegro ’17 (CLAS)

Assistant Director, Fairfield University Career Center

Recipient of the 2026 Alumni to Watch Award

Kassandra (Kassi) Montenegro is a communications professional whose career reflects a deep commitment to career development, talent strategy, and alumni engagement. A 2017 graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, she has consistently translated her communication education into roles that strengthen institutions and empower individuals.

Kassandra currently serves as Assistant Director of the Career Center at Fairfield University, where she supports Engineering & Computing students. Her work centers on career advising, employer engagement, and strategic programming that bridges academic experience with workforce readiness.

Prior to this role, Kassandra earned extensive experience in recruiting and talent operations. She served as Recruiting Coordinator at Jones Day in New York City, supporting full-cycle recruitment within a fast-paced legal environment. Earlier, at Clever Inc., she held roles as Recruiting Coordinator and later Recruiting Operations Specialist, contributing to leadership initiatives, process improvements, and managed the university recruiting program.

Kassandra’s relationship‑building foundation was established in higher education. She worked in Advancement at Fordham University as Program Manager, leading career development and alumni engagement initiatives. Prior to that, she held the role of Admissions Officer which supported the alumni volunteer program at Stanford University, strengthening outreach and community networks.

Beyond her professional roles, Kassandra has demonstrated continued dedication to her alma mater. She served on the Executive Board of the UConn Asian American Alumni Association, acting as Event Chair where she led alumni affinity programming and cross-functional collaboration efforts. She continues to stay connected to higher education through active participation in the Alumni Admissions Program, representing her alma mater at regional college fairs and returning to campus to volunteer for UConn Bound Day.

Across higher education, nonprofit leadership, and corporate talent strategy, Kassandra’s work is defined by thoughtful engagement, operational excellence, and a commitment to helping others thrive. Her career trajectory exemplifies the impact of a communication education in action, making her the UConn Department of Communication’s 2026 Communication Alumna to Watch.

Connect with Kassi on LinkedIn.

Steve Wolfberg ’81 (CLAS)

Co-Owner/Chief Creative Officer
Cronin Advertising (Retired)

Recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn.

Shay Smith ’17 (CLAS)

Associate Manager, Programming at ESPN

Recipient of the 2025 Alumni to Watch Award

As a proud UConn Communication graduate, Shay Smith has built an impressive career in the world of sports media, currently serving as an Associate Manager, Programming at ESPN. With nearly five years at the global sports network, she has played a pivotal role in the scheduling and strategic development of college basketball and high school sports programming, ensuring seamless coordination across ESPN’s platforms.

During her time at UConn, Shay immersed herself in sports and media, gaining hands-on experience as a Student Manager for UConn Women’s Ice Hockey and Men’s Basketball, a Social Media Specialist for the Department of Chemistry, and an intern at major media organizations. Her ability to merge passion with strategic expertise set the foundation for her success in the industry.

After graduating, Shay began her career at iHeartMedia, where she worked as a National Sales Assistant. In this role, she collaborated with sales executives, advertising agencies, and Fortune 500 clients—including Walt Disney Motion Pictures, NBC, T-Mobile, and PepsiCo—to execute multi-platform advertising campaigns. She also played a key role in market research, sponsorship proposals, and campaign execution across radio, streaming, digital, and activation platforms.

Building on her early career experience, Shay transitioned to ESPN, where she quickly advanced through multiple roles in programming and format analysis. Before stepping into her current position, she worked as a Programming Coordinator, managing college basketball and softball schedules and providing strategic support for ESPN’s sports programming initiatives. Her tenure at ESPN has also included format analysis, where she collaborated across international networks, optimized programming strategies, and contributed to ESPN’s diversity and inclusion efforts. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Women@ESPN Business Employee Resource Group (BERG).

Beyond ESPN, Shay remains deeply committed to community impact and education. As a Foundation Board Member at Manchester Community College (MCC) and Chair of the Fundraising and Stewardship Committee, she plays a vital role in advancing scholarship opportunities and academic initiatives.

As a UConn COMM alumna, Shay has modeled exemplary Husky Pride, returning time and time again to share her career journey and professional expertise with students. Whether participating in a COMM Careers Event, visiting a COMM class, or mentoring UConn students through the Sport Business Association’s annual conference, Shay has embodied the generosity of spirit that defines UConn Nation.

A trailblazer in her field and a champion for higher education and mentorship, Shay Smith continues to shape the landscape of sports programming while making a meaningful impact in her community—making her the 2025 COMM Alumna to Watch.

Connect with Shay on LinkedIn.

Kyle Muncy ’92 (CLAS), ’22 MS

Director of Brand Partnerships and Trademark Management, UConn

Recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Communication Alumni Award

A proud graduate of the University of Connecticut’s Communication program, Kyle Muncy has dedicated over three decades to enhancing the university’s brand, communications, and corporate partnerships. His leadership in collegiate branding, corporate social responsibility, and ethical sourcing has positioned UConn as a model institution in the licensing industry.

Kyle’s journey at UConn began in January 1992, when he secured an internship in the Athletic Communications office during his senior year. This pivotal experience, under the mentorship of Tim Tolokan, ignited his passion for sports communication and brand management, setting the foundation for a distinguished career.

In 1994, Kyle officially joined UConn Athletics as Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications, a role he held for over 17 years. During this time, he managed media relations and public outreach for the university’s nationally recognized programs, working closely with legendary athletes, including Emeka Okafor during the 2004 NCAA Championship. His ability to amplify the voices of student-athletes and share UConn’s success with the world shaped his early career.

Transitioning in 2011 to Associate Director of Athletics for Trademark Licensing and Branding, Kyle led efforts to protect and grow UConn’s brand identity. He later served as Associate Director of Athletics for Strategic Communications & Brand Management, and since 2018, he has been Director of Brand Partnerships and Trademark Management. In this capacity, he has overseen corporate partnerships, licensing strategies, and brand initiatives, notably contributing to the development of the “Basketball Capital of the World” brand identity. His work has ensured that UConn’s dominance on the court is reflected in its branding and national reputation.

Kyle’s contributions extend beyond branding—he has been a leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical sourcing. His commitment to human rights in supply chains helped UConn earn the 2021 ICLA Service Award, a recognition of the university’s impact in ethical licensing. Under Kyle’s leadership, UConn implemented one of the country’s most stringent vendor codes of conduct, ensuring that all internal apparel and promotional vendors are FLA-affiliated and committed to fair labor practices. His oversight of UConn’s licensees, along with his role on multiple CSR committees, has set a standard for universities nationwide.

Beyond his work at UConn, Kyle has been a strong advocate for ethical branding and corporate responsibility. He has served on the President’s Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility since 2011, the Board of Directors for the Worker Rights Consortium since 2017, and previously on the Fair Labor Association’s Monitoring Committee. Additionally, Kyle helped spearhead UConn’s participation in a Living Wage Pilot Program, making UConn the first university in the nation to test retail-based living wage initiatives with multiple licensees and retailers. His passion for community engagement is also evident through his roles as a Board Member for the Mansfield Downtown Partnership and an Advisory Board Member for UConn Brewing Innovation.

For Kyle, UConn is more than a workplace—it’s home. The Muncy family’s connection to UConn is profound. In 2019, Kyle’s daughter, Taylor, earned her bachelor’s degree from CLAS, nearly three decades after her parents first met in Storrs as undergraduates. In May 2022, Kyle and Taylor shared the unique experience of graduating together, each earning their second degrees from the UConn School of Business.

As Kyle approaches his 32nd year at UConn, he remains as passionate as ever about the university and its community. From an eager intern in 1992 to a leader shaping UConn’s national presence, Kyle Muncy’s career exemplifies dedication and excellence. In recognition of his decades of service and significant impact on communication, branding, and corporate responsibility, he is honored as the 2025 Distinguished COMM Alumnus.

Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn.

Alicia Young ’94 (CLAS)

Managing Partner at Finn Partners

Recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Communication Alumna Award

Connect with Alicia on LinkedIn.

Ama Appiah ’19 (CLAS)

Associate Manager, Programming at ESPN

Recipient of the 2024 Alumna to Watch Award

Ama Appiah is a visionary and prolific marketing leader from Middletown, CT, now based in New York City. She graduated in 2019 as a Communication and Molecular and Cell Biology double major during her undergraduate tenure at UConn. At UConn, Ama served in many leadership roles, most notably as the first Black, female Undergraduate Student Body President. In this role, she successfully advocated for students through programming, policy changes and diplomacy – increasing funding for campus mental health programming, restructuring general education course requirements to include additional experiential learning, implementing diversity education opportunities, and expanding career development support for students entering post-grad. Additionally, she successfully led the charge to revise the final examination week schedule to include more reading days for students, increase opportunities for non-honors students to participate in research, and increase accessibility to advising resources online.

As an alumna, Ama continued to stay involved by serving on the UConn Life Transformative Education task force, which focused on cultivating methods to improve inclusive learning, improve advising, and identify support needed to implement life transformative education in the university culture. Ama was awarded the prestigious Forte Fellowship to pursue an MBA and Global Business Management certificate at George Washington University (GWU). At GWU, Ama served in diverse roles that included teaching English to GW Korean international students, serving on the Board of Trustees Environment, Social, and Governance Committee, holding leadership positions in the GW Student Association as a two term Graduate senator and Vice Chairperson for Education Policy, mentoring in the GW Black Girl Mentoring Program, and guiding international students as an Exchange Student Ambassador.

Ama has a dynamic career in international marketing across seven different industries, including entertainment, technology, media, gaming, fashion, higher education, government – all through the lens of youth culture, pop culture, internet communities and digital marketing. She is a trailblazer in the online media space. She had her start with running a media business for news on her favorite artist. While managing a global team of 5, her page attracted 65K+ followers, including news organizations such as iHeartRadio and Yahoo News UK. From designing statewide youth public health campaigns with former CT governor Dan Malloy to developing digital marketing strategies for startups in Ghana, Ama has developed a sharp/creative acumen in bringing stories that target global audience to life. Currently, she works at HP as a Global Brand and Partnerships manager. In this capacity, she leads the global commercial brand campaigns and high-profile partnerships. Her most recent activity includes partnership campaigns with the Real Madrid football club in Spain and Wrexham AFC in Wales.

Ama’s commitment to amplifying voices and fostering community engagement extends beyond her professional endeavors. As the host and producer of “The Bonnet Talks” podcast, she engages Gen Z from around the world in conversations on current issues, trends, and driving meaningful dialogue. The podcast is currently streamed in 88 countries by thousands of listeners globally. She also serves as the Communications Director of Raised By Grace Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping those on the Autism Spectrum transition successfully from school life into adulthood.

Connect with Ama on LinkedIn.

Marvin Louis ’18 (CLAS)

 Managing Director at Future 5

Recipient of the 2024 Alumnus to Watch Award

Marvin Louis is an innovative leader hailing from Bridgeport, CT, recognized for his adept management of services, resources, and facilities to meet community needs and enhance local engagement. With a robust background in strategic planning, program development, and fiscal management, Marvin excels in fostering collaborative environments and cultivating inclusive, productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

His career trajectory saw significant milestones at the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, where as Unit Director, he spearheaded the development and implementation of comprehensive programs catering to over 250 members, spanning the areas of STEM, athletics, and mentoring. Marvin’s strategic vision was evident in his adept management of a $2M operational budget, forging partnerships, and securing grants to expand program offerings. Notably, Marvin’s initiatives included the establishment of an aquatics program, internship program, and culinary initiative, all of which garnered acclaim and positively impacted member engagement. Furthermore, his dedication to mental health initiatives and community partnerships underscores his commitment to holistic youth development.

Prior to his tenure at the Boys & Girls Club, Marvin played pivotal roles at Digital Media Connecticut and The Business Council of Fairfield County, where he demonstrated his versatility in project coordination and talent development.

Marvin is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Media Studies.  Complementing his academic achievements are certifications in Youth Mental Health First Aid and First Aid/CPR, reflecting his commitment to holistic well-being.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Marvin is deeply engaged in community service, serving on the boards of Friends of the Ferguson Library and Future 5, and actively participating in Heart & Purpose initiatives.

With a track record of transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to community enrichment, Marvin Louis continues to be an inspiring beacon in the field of youth development and community engagement.

Connect with Marvin on LinkedIn.

Maureen Ahern ’85 (CLAS)

Executive Leadership Coach, PCC

Recipient of the 2024 Alumni to Watch Award

Maureen’s career trajectory epitomizes adaptability and leadership. Starting at The Associated Press, she swiftly rose to lead the Satellite Networks division. Transitioning to Standard and Poor’s Comstock, she excelled as Director of Operations, expanding sales across the US and driving business in Asia and South America. She secured a landmark deal with Technicolor at Mainstream Data, marking a career highlight. Venturing into entrepreneurship, Maureen founded Ahern Consulting before joining momAgenda as COO, steering it to success for 13 years. Passionate about leadership coaching, she obtained certification from Georgetown University and launched Ahern Leadership Coaching and Consulting.

Maureen’s impact extends beyond the boardroom; as an Adjunct Professor at UCONN Stamford for over 20 years, she instilled leadership potential in her students. She is committed to mentorship and volunteers with CT NEXT and the Freshman Founders Program at the Werth Institute. She cherishes family time with her husband of thirty years (whom she met while at UConn), their three children, and beloved black lab, Nino, while finding solace in yoga, literature, and beach walks.

Maureen’s mission remains steadfast: empowering leaders to reach their full potential, blending firmness with compassion to drive transformative growth.

Connect with Maureen on LinkedIn.

Mike Soltys ’81 (CLAS)

Vice President of Communications at ESPN

Recipient of the 2024 Alumni to Watch Award & 2017 Distinguished Communication Alumni Award

Mike, a native of Storrs now residing in Southington, developed a passion for communication at a young age, inspired by his father’s role as the sports information director at the UConn athletic department. His formative years were spent assisting his father with various UConn athletics tasks, fostering a deep-rooted interest in sport that persisted throughout his academic journey.

Mike spent his summers while in college working at the UConn Public Information office. His entry into the realm of ESPN was facilitated by a connection through his father, who had ties to Bill Rasmussen, the network’s founder. Bill offered Mike an unpaid intern position at ESPN, to which he eagerly commuted from Storrs twice a week during his senior year. His dedication paid off as ESPN extended his tenure, ultimately leading to a PR role post-graduation.

In the nascent stages of ESPN, Mike thrived in the company’s dynamic environment, wearing multiple hats and contributing across various departments, including lobbying efforts. Reflecting on his journey, Mike attributes much of his success to the internship requirement of UConn’s communication program, which steered him toward his career path and enabled him to cultivate a diverse skill set.

Armed with a master’s degree in communication from the University of Hartford, Mike briefly contemplated a teaching career but found fulfillment in his current trajectory. Alongside his professional pursuits, Mike dedicates his time to Bread of Life, a Southington-based soup kitchen. Serving as board chairman for a decade, Mike played a pivotal role in the organization’s mission to combat food insecurity through meal deliveries and a summer lunch program for students.

Offering sage advice to aspiring professionals, Mike underscores the importance of securing internships, particularly in the competitive sports industry, to distinguish oneself. He also emphasizes the critical role of writing skills in various communication-related fields, including PR.

Mike was selected as the Distinguished COMM Alumnus in 2017.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.