In this episode, Frank Furbacher sits down with fashion stylist and Manhattanville College alum Marisa Engler (Class of 2009) to explore her unconventional journey into the fashion and celebrity styling world. 

Marisa shares how growing up in Colorado, attending the University of Arizona, and ultimately transferring to Manhattanville helped shape her path toward New York City and the fashion industry. From unpaid internships and navigating the challenges of the 2008 recession to styling celebrities and working behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, Marisa’s story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities. 

Along the way, she recounts remarkable career moments—including a chance encounter at Nordstrom that led to joining a concert tour with Marc Anthony, working in PR at major fashion brands, and eventually building a career styling high-profile talent and collaborating on major campaigns like a recent Super Bowl commercial. 

Frank and Marisa also discuss the realities of working in fashion, the importance of mentorship, how relationships and reputation shape opportunities, and the mindset needed to build a career in a competitive industry. 

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion world—and a reminder that career paths are rarely linear, but perseverance and authenticity can open unexpected doors.

Styling Opportunity: Marisa Engler's Journey from Manhattanville to Celebrity Fashion

In this episode of Valiant Talks, host Frank Furbacher reconnects with Manhattanville College Class of 2007 alum Amanda Kis, now Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Services at NBCUniversal.

Amanda shares how Manhattanville became the place where she found her voice—through student government, leadership experiences outside the classroom, and a willingness to explore different paths. From starting as a dance and theater major to considering law school, Amanda walks through the pivotal internship that redirected her career toward media and ultimately led her to NBC during a challenging job market.

The conversation explores Amanda’s rise through the organization, her leadership philosophy, and what it’s like working behind the scenes on major moments like presidential elections and the Olympics. She also reflects on the importance of work ethic, saying yes to opportunity, and not putting too much pressure on yourself early in your career.

A thoughtful and grounded look at career pivots, long-term growth, and building a meaningful professional life.

Saying Yes to Opportunity: Amanda Kis’ Journey from Manhattanville to NBCUniversal

In this episode of Valiant Talks, host Frank Furbacher '09 sits down with Melissa Goncalves Davis '13, a two-sport athlete whose college career was launched by a single missed shot. Melissa shares her story, from her roots as the proud daughter of Portuguese immigrants to the high school penalty stroke that made her realize her athletic journey "can't be it". She opens up about her brother's tough love that pushed her to play lacrosse, a sport that ultimately built her confidence and landed her in the Manhattanville record books. Melissa also details her "full-circle" career path: how networking with an alumna at a field hockey game kick-started her post-college life , and how she’s "paid it forward" by hiring multiple Valiants herself. This is a powerful conversation about sports, persistence, and the incredible value of the Valiant network.

Beyond the Assist: Melissa Goncalves Davis on Sports, Tech, and Paying It Forward

In this episode of Valiant Talks, Frank reconnects with former teammate Joe Gallace for a raw and powerful conversation that spans sports, finance, fatherhood, and a life-altering health journey. Joe opens up about his diagnosis with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2017 and a later battle with aplastic anemia in 2023—two serious conditions that tested his resilience and perspective. From chasing baseball dreams to navigating life with three kids and a demanding career, Joe shares how his competitive fire shaped his path and how grace, grit, and community helped him push through the toughest moments. Whether you're navigating career pivots, parenting challenges, or personal setbacks, Joe’s story is a masterclass in perseverance and reflection.

Built to Battle: Joe Gallace on Grit, Growth, and Getting Back Up

In this episode of Valiant Talks, Frank Furbacher reconnects with longtime friend and teammate Brendan Murnane—brewery owner, town board member, and master of college antics. Brendan shares his path from ski racing and launching cinnamon buns across dorm rooms to navigating politics and building a craft beer destination in Bolton Landing, NY. It’s a story of unexpected turns, entrepreneurial grit, and the power of saying “yes.” Whether you're into baseball, beer, or just good banter, this one’s got something for everyone.

Crafting Community: Brendan Murnane’s Journey from Baseball to Beer

In Episode 6 of Valiant Talks, host Frank Furbacher reconnects with Declan Galvin, Manhattanville College Class of 2010, for a captivating conversation that spans continents and careers. Declan shares how a study abroad semester in Kenya transformed his life—ultimately leading him to build a career in strategic risk advisory and investigative journalism across Africa.

From his self-designed major in ethnic studies to fieldwork with one of Kenya’s most notorious gangs, Declan’s journey is anything but conventional. He reflects on resilience, curiosity, and the power of following your intellectual passions—even when the path ahead is uncertain.

Post-Production Credit: Mike Seminara '05

Valiant Talks: From Maine to Nairobi – Declan Galvin’s Global Path

In this inspiring episode of Valiant Talks, host Frank Furbacher sits down with Jennifer (Paonessa) Cunningham, a dynamic force in the sports and entertainment industry. From her early days as a field hockey standout at Manhattanville to leading VIP fan experiences at REVELxp, Jenn shares her remarkable journey through sports, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Hear how a blizzard recruiting trip changed her college path, why being the “Red Bull girl” was a game-changer, and how she’s now shaping unforgettable game day and concert experiences across the country. Packed with wisdom, laughs, and powerful advice for young professionals, this episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing big dreams.

From Field Hockey to Fan Experiences — Jennifer (Paonessa) Cunningham’s Journey

In this episode of Valiant Talks, host Frank Furbacher sits down with longtime friend and fellow Manhattanville alum Damon Obijiski for a nostalgic and insightful ride through college memories, career pivots, and life lessons. From concussions on the quad to coffee-fueled internships, Damon shares how a love for math led him into the niche world of financial services—and eventually into the cutting-edge realm of blockchain tokenization.

Along the way, we hear about his unexpected musical side, a live wedding performance, and the importance of saying “yes” to new experiences. Whether you’re a current Valiant, a finance nerd, or just here for the beanbag stories, this episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and a reminder that nobody really has it all figured out—and that’s perfectly okay.

Rock Band to Real Bands: Damon’s Encore in Finance & Life

In this episode of Valiant Talks, host Frank Furbacher reconnects with Aldo Chavez, a 2009 Manhattanville alum whose journey spans the Dominican Republic, New York, Spain, and Denmark. Aldo shares how his early dreams of becoming a lawyer evolved into a passion for marketing, innovation, and customer experience in the tech startup world. From filming hockey games on campus to leading CX teams in Copenhagen, Aldo reflects on the power of reinvention, the value of problem-based learning, and the importance of embracing both the academic and social sides of college life.

Whether you're a student, a startup enthusiast, or just love a good story of global growth and grit—this one’s for you.

From Santo Domingo to Startups: Aldo Chavez on Finding Purpose Across Continents

Mia blends data storytelling with wedding planning, sharing her journey from a small town in Connecticut to Manhattanville College, and how her experiences shaped her career and personal life. Discover Mia's unique perspective on finding your passion, balancing multiple roles, and the art of storytelling through data. Tune in for insights and inspiration on personal growth and resilience.

Data to 'I Do': Mia's Journey of Storytelling and Wedding Planning

Hosted by Frank Furbacher, this podcast reconnects with Manhattanville (College) University alumni to explore their journeys from college to career. Through candid conversations, guests share lessons learned, unexpected turns, and the passions that drive them. It’s about growth, community, and the stories that shape who we become.

Valiant Talks

Independent Oakland is a community podcast dedicated to thoughtful conversations about Oakland, New Jersey.

Hosted by Mike G, the podcast explores the people, ideas, and experiences that help shape our town. Through interviews with residents, volunteers, local leaders, and community members, Independent Oakland seeks to inform, connect, and encourage civic engagement.

Our belief is simple: good ideas are not partisan, and strong communities are built when people are willing to listen, learn, and work together.

Whether discussing local history, community organizations, public service, or the future of Oakland, Independent Oakland is committed to respectful dialogue and putting the community first.

Frank Furbacher

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