SBU Alumna Moms Get Candid in New Career Center Series on Balancing Careers and Children

On Thursday, August 14, Stony Brook University alumna mothers gathered virtually to share honest reflections on the challenges and triumphs of balancing professional ambition with parenting. The event kicked off the Career Center’s latest initiative spotlighting the intersection of motherhood and career growth.

The panel, “From Dorm Rooms to Boardrooms to Playrooms: Raising Kids, Building Careers and Everything in Between,” was moderated by Christina Geraci ’04 and featured Stephanie Giunta ’12, MBA ’18; Rebecca St. John ’19; Sabeen Shah ’11 and Kylie Pernice LCSW ’10, MSW ’13. The group discussed a range of topics from postpartum depression and child care crises to making professional sacrifices and dealing with the mental load of parenthood.

“As parents, we put so much pressure on ourselves to do it all at work and at home, and it was refreshing to hear that we’re not alone,” said Geraci. “The tone of the panel was authentic and supportive, just like the Stony Brook community has always been. And just like we overcame challenges together as students, it was a great experience to bond over new challenges we may be facing.”

For St. John, who met her husband at Stony Brook, the panel was a great way for parents and prospective parents to have real conversations that “can help break down the barriers of loneliness, stress and anxiety that are sometimes associated with working parents.”

“By having transparent conversations, we can change the narrative around working parents,” said St. John. “Stony Brook is the perfect place for alumni to have these challenging discussions and help each other establish healthy boundaries and build a strong, supportive community.”

The series was developed by Giunta, a mother of two and marketing director, in conjunction with the Stony Brook Alumni Association and Alumni Career Services. The goal is to explore how women can feel as empowered in family-focused chapters of their lives as they did during their student years, with the university continuing to serve as a foundation for growth and guidance. Giunta, who was a Career Center intern and now volunteers at student and alumni events, thought Stony Brook would be the perfect place for this series. 

“Stony Brook holds such a special place in my heart. I hit so many milestones as a student, and I’m happy to be a part of the alumni community,” said Giunta. “I love the idea of creating a village of alumni moms at the university that supported us through academia and the start of our careers and is continuing to support us in another stage of our lives.”

Those who attended the first panel were engaged and eager to continue the conversation about how isolating being a working mother can be and what can be done to help rewrite that narrative, Giunta said. “The focus of this series is really to answer the question ‘How do I build my career and grow my family?’” she said. “And I’m excited to continue building awareness and momentum about the concept and drawing in a group of alumni — and possibly students — that feel the same way.” 

Looking ahead, the series will expand to include fireside chats with popular mom influencers, mentorship circles and resource-sharing sessions, providing a long-term support system that blends professional development with real-life parenting realities. 

“The Stony Brook University Career Center and Alumni Association are proud to bring alumni together in a way that honors both personal and professional growth,” said Marie Parziale,  assistant director of Alumni Career Services at Stony Brook University. “This series creates space for honest, unfiltered conversations about motherhood and career, the kind that remind us we’re not alone in navigating career shifts, caregiving and everything in between.”

Upcoming events include:

September 18 at 8 pm – Virtual Fireside Chat With Influencer Paige Connell and Giunta
Connell is a working mother of four who shares content on social media with her approximately 700,000 followers, highlighting the everyday experiences of women balancing motherhood, careers and relationships. This fireside chat will discuss the challenges of creating equity at home and in the workplace.
Register here for the Zoom panel.

October 25 at 10:30 am at the Stony Brook Career Center – Wolfie’s Career Center Cubs Club Event
Come back to campus for a morning of connection, conversation and family fun! Alumni parents can enjoy coffee, a light breakfast and meaningful networking while little “cubs” dive into crafts, join Wolfie’s Stroller Parade and meet our favorite Seawolf. Families can also snap keepsake photos before heading into Homecoming full of Seawolf spirit.
Register here for the event.

April 2, 2026, at 6 pm in the Student Union Ballroom – Student and Alumni Networking Mixer
Join us for an evening of networking with alumni and friends! There will be approximately 15–20 tables representing various careers. Do not miss this opportunity to help students increase their career knowledge and grow their professional network!

-Christine McGrath