TEDxMolloy University

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Alex Chan

  Assistant Professor, School of Business, Molloy University

  Alexander B. Chan is an Assistant Professor of Business Analytics in the School of Business at Molloy University. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering from the University of Warwick (UK), an MBA from the Open University (UK), and a Ph.D. from Cardiff University (University of Wales). Dr. Chan resides on Long Island, New York.

• Ana Ludemann

  Vice President / Wealth Management, Financial Advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott

  Ana Ludemann is a financial services leader and community advocate whose journey spans from Serbia to senior roles in the U.S. financial industry. After earning her degree from Megatrend University, she immigrated to the United States and graduated from Adelphi University with a 3.95 GPA while raising her son. Ana began her career at Merrill Lynch, where she completed FINRA Series 7, 66, 9, and 10 licenses, and later served as a Vice President Risk Officer at Morgan Stanley, providing supervisory oversight and regulatory guidance. She earned her M.B.A. from Molloy University in 2023 while raising two young children. Ana is currently a Vice President and Wealth Management Financial Advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott, helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve long term financial goals. She remains active in professional and alumni organizations across Long Island.

• Dr. Sherone Smith Sánchez

  Assistant Professor, School of Education and Human Services, Molloy University

  Dr. Sherone Smith Sánchez is a multifaceted leader with experience in education, research, social services, ministry, and organizational development. She serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor with the York College CUNY Teacher Education team and as a full-time Assistant Professor in the Graduate Education Department at Molloy University. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Columbia University, along with multiple master’s degrees and certifications. Dr. Smith Sánchez is committed to community impact through board service, philanthropy, ministerial work, and participation in education initiatives, including QUALITYstarsNY. An accomplished author, she writes on leadership, personal growth, and social issues, including the Indie Award–winning Triumph in the Trenches trilogy (2025), with a new volume planned for 2026. Her honors include the Nassau County Unsung Heroes Award, the Molloy University Lighthearted Lion Award, and the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Award.

• Eduardo Leon Lotero

  Molloy University Business Student

  Eduardo León Lotero is a full time second year student at Molloy University, majoring in finance with a minor in music. He is a member of the Molloy Honors College and Business Honors Program and belongs to the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society. Eduardo serves as a Resident Assistant, Head Student Ambassador for Admissions, New Student Orientation Leader, and President’s Leadership Ambassador. An accomplished cellist, he performs with the Molloy String Ensemble, Hofstra Symphony Orchestra, and South Shore Symphony Orchestra.

• Ethel Ulrich

  Associate Dean for Advanced Nursing Practice and DNP Program, Molloy University

  Ethel Ulrich, DNP, APRN, ANP BC, is Associate Dean for Advanced Nursing Practice and Director of the DNP Program at Molloy University, where she also serves as Medical Director of the Molloy Community Care Van. Dr. Ulrich earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Loyola University New Orleans, a master’s degree in nursing education and an advanced certificate as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from Molloy University, and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Binghamton University. With a 40 year clinical career focused on cardiology, women’s heart health, and care for underserved populations, she has participated in medical missions to Jamaica and continues to serve unhoused individuals through the Community Care Van. Since 2014, Dr. Ulrich has mentored more than 50 DNP students, presented nationally, and published scholarly work. Her honors include the Dominican Service Award, Nurse of Excellence Nominee, and Loyola University’s DNP Scholar Award.

• Jenny LaMonica

  Associate Professor, Art Department, Molloy University

  Dr. Jenny La Monica is an Associate Professor of Art History at Molloy University whose interdisciplinary work bridges art history, spirituality, and reflective practice. She earned her Ph.D. in Art and Religion from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and holds an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Molloy University. Her scholarship reimagines art history as a human-centered discipline grounded in ethical imagination and connection. As a curator and educator, she fosters public engagement and experiential learning. In her artistic practice, she creates contemplative assemblages exploring memory and interconnectedness. She lives and works on Long Island, New York.

• Karina Tiniganay

  Molloy University Business Student

  Karina Tiniganay is a sophomore in Molloy University’s Business Management Dual Degree program, with a minor in Spanish. A dedicated campus leader, she serves as a Tour Guide and Mentor, helping prospective and new students navigate academic life and build a sense of belonging at Molloy. Karina is committed to academic excellence, leadership development, and fostering a welcoming community for fellow students.

• Mary Kate Muller

  Teacher (4th Grade) and Coach, PS 119 – The Peace School

  Mary Kate Muller is a lifelong educator with over 23 years of experience teaching and coaching in New York City schools. She holds a B.A. in Child Study from St. Joseph’s University, a Master’s in Literacy from Brooklyn College, and a degree in School Building Leadership from Molloy University. Mary Kate has worked across elementary grades, ICT classrooms, and adult education. She has worked as a classroom teacher and district literacy coach, and she currently teaches 4th grade and coaches at PS 119, The Peace School. She is a mother of seven, and brings the same passion for curiosity, connection, and joy from her classroom to her family.

• Maureen Mackenzie Ruppel

  Professor, School of Business, Molloy University

  Dr. Mackenzie-Ruppel is a Professor, Industry Leader, & Leadership Coach. Her corporate experience partners with her academic experience as Dean & Professor. Development of the Capstone Consulting Experience created a shift in how students view themselves in their profession while developing advanced speaking skills. Maureen’s publications include coaching, happiness, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She holds an ICF credential at the PCC level; coaching certification is with NeuroLeadership Institute. Maureen served as President of the Northeast Business & Economics Assoc. She chairs an NGO advisory council for YGLF.org as a United Nations passholder. Maureen has been honored twice as one of the "50 Most Influential Women in Business" by the Long Island Business News. Maureen held leadership positions for Allstate Ins. Co. Industry roles included Chair of the NYS Fraudulent & Abusive Practices Subcommittee & Governing Board Member on multiple state-level Automobile Insurance Plans.

• Tom Rizzuto

  Adjunct Professor of Music, Molloy University

  Dr. Tom Rizzuto is an adjunct assistant professor of music at Molloy University and an adjunct professor at SUNY Old Westbury. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Molloy University, a master’s degree in musicology from the City College of New York (CUNY), and a doctorate in Educational Leadership for Diverse Learning Communities from Molloy. His academic work examines the intersections of music, culture, and social change, with research published in Discovery Magazine, History Magazine, and Arts Education Policy Review. Dr. Rizzuto has presented at national and international conferences and is also an active performing musician throughout New York City and the Tri State area. Based on Long Island, NY, he has taught at Molloy University for more than a decade.