Ricordia: Merion Mercy Career Day 2026

by Maeve Quisenberry '29

On Wednesday, March 11, Merion hosted its biannual Career Day. Career Day allows Merion students of all grade levels to look towards their futures and begin to develop a sense for the career path that most interests them. The event included a panel discussion presented by representatives from St. Joseph’s University, as well as two selected speaker sessions by Merion alumnae working in fields from nursing to marketing and communications. Through Career Day, Merion students see themselves reflected in successful professionals who have walked the same halls, fostering important ideals of purpose, leadership, and impact. 

These were the sessions I personally attended:

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Panel - St. Joe’s University Representatives

The STEM panel consisted of speeches by: Dr. Rommel Regis, director of Data Science and a mathematics professor; Dr. Carrie Albright, associate director of Health Professions Advisory and Support and a professor of Health Sciences; Dr. Matt Nelson, Pathways to Medical Professions director, Health Professions Advising Committee co-director, and a biology professor; and Mr. Fredy Abboud, recent graduate of St. Joe’s with a Bachelor of Science. Students who attended the STEM panel learned about the growing opportunities in the data science field, the multitude of options available in careers in healthcare, and the experience of lab work. 

Political Science and Law - Kim Baxter ‘16

Counselor Kimberly “Kim” Baxter, class of 2016, is currently an associate attorney at the Cook Group working in product liability. Baxter received a degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from the University of Scranton, and a Juris Doctor from Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law, where she was a Public Interest Scholar. Having an interest in law since fifth grade, Kim always wanted to help those who couldn’t help themselves. 

Students who sat in for Counselor Baxter’s session learned about many aspects of a career in law, but most importantly, finding the specialty that is best suited for you. Baxter encouraged students to involve themselves in what they are passionate about, as well as being open to new experiences. 

Marketing, Communications, and Event Management - Freddy Braithwaite Watts ‘09

Mrs. Federica “Freddy” Braithwaite Watts, class of 2009, is a director at Comcast in the communications department. Mrs. Watts attended the University of Delaware where she received her bachelor’s degree. After college, she spent a year in Munich, Germany, working as a full-time au pair. When Mrs. Watts returned to the States, she was employed at a marketing agency, where she spent six years. Now, Mrs. Watts leads the operations of over sixty five events and supports 6,000 meetings and 120 productions each year. 

Students who elected to listen to Mrs. Watts’ session heard about the importance of following your heart and chasing your goals. Mrs. Watts shared her experiences of overcoming struggle, making difficult decisions, finding long-lasting friendships, and growing through challenges. Her advice to students is to always make the best out of any situation and to value every relationship and opportunity. 

Thank You to Our Incredible Alumni Who Came to Speak at Career Day:

Adriana Arcamone ‘00

Kimberly Baxter ‘16

Madison Boylan ‘19

Emma Campbell ‘13

Nadia Carlino ‘17

Bridget Winterhelter Cordray ‘09

Kellianne Nicholas DeBlase ‘06

Grace Del Pizzo ‘21

Alay’na DiSanto ‘17

Erin Donnelly ‘15

Kate Cafferky Gianacatarino ‘00

Moira Schanne Klinger ‘09

Lizzy Loftus ‘14

Amanda Lorei ‘11

Marielle Martino Mathews ‘00

Susan McCarthy ‘11

Christina O’Shea ‘13

Alyssa Pizzi ‘16

Tara Keohane Scherf ‘94

Caitlin Spillane ‘20

Devin Finn Vega ‘00

Sumin Walker ‘18

Frederica Braithwaite Watts ‘09

Cece Wendel ‘19