Faculty & Speakers
Meet Your Chair
Dominique Mendoza
Dominique is an alumni relations and student affairs generalist who currently works at the University of Southern California (USC) Alumni Association and has over 9 years of experience in various areas of higher education. Prior to starting her career at USC she traveled as a Leadership Development Consultant and worked at the Disneyland Resort. Dominique holds a master's degree in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from USC and a bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law, and Society from University of California, Irvine. In her free time, she enjoys meeting friends over a cup of coffee, cheering on her favorite sports teams, listening to music, and exploring the outdoors.
Faculty
Maggie Dermody
Maggie Dermody is the Senior Associate Director of Annual Giving Programs at the University of Chicago. In this role, she leads efforts to connect alumni through volunteerism and philanthropy, propelling the University of Chicago College reunion program to an impressive annual fundraising average of $26M. With an unwavering commitment to cultivating meaningful connections, Maggie strategically utilizes the reunion program as a platform for alumni engagement, orchestrating meaningful events and volunteer initiatives that leave a lasting impact.
Before joining the University of Chicago, Maggie honed her skills in Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at her alma mater, Saint Louis University.
Wendy Day-Brown
Wendy Day-Brown is a seasoned alumni engagement professional with extensive experience in designing and executing innovative programs at the University of California, Irvine. Currently serving as Director of Reunion Programs, she spearheaded the launch of a new affinity-based reunion program designed to enhance alumni engagement and pipeline development. Wendy’s efforts have redefined reunion models, resulting in increased attendance, deepened alumni relationships and expanded scholarship support. Known for her collaborative approach and strategic vision, she excels in fostering partnerships and delivering impactful programs that align with institutional priorities.
Natalie Ross
Natalie Ross is the Senior Director of Alumni Events and Programs at the University of Maryland Alumni Association. Her work focuses on Signature Alumni events that establish tradition. Natalie oversees the alumni events and programs team which supports regional, campaign, member, and athletics events. She develops strategies and tactics to increase alumni participation across the country. In addition to events, she also oversees the alumni association’s Board of Governors Awards and Recognition Committee. In that role, she works with across campus to identify, pipeline and recognize outstanding alumni and donors. Prior to working at Maryland, she was the Director of Special Events at The Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. During her tenure at Columbia, she supported the Chief Executive's office and executed donor and award dinners, AOA inductions, Commencement, ground breakings and other institutional celebrations. As a 19-year event professional she has worked in the public sector as well as private sector.