Our People

René Heavlow AC ’08

Ann Kaplan 1967 Director

René has over two decades of experience in higher education, guiding innovative, mission-driven programs that foster entrepreneurial thinking and financial confidence. In her current role, she leads vision-setting for the Center, cultivates cross-campus partnerships, and advances signature initiatives that empower students to turn ideas into impact. René serves as co-director of the Global Finance Concentration and chairs the planning committee for the Co-Innovate for Change Challenge. René earned her master’s in sociology from the University of Arizona and holds a bachelor’s degree in Afro-American studies and ethics from Smith College, where she’s been a valuable member of the staff since 2000.

Jennifer Kennedy

Operations Manager

Jennifer (she/her) is the Operations Manager, supporting the daily operations and administration of the Conway Center, including budgets, events, and interns. She leads the planning of Joypalooza, the milestone celebration of students participating Co-Innovate for Change Challenge. Jennifer loves seeing Smithies utilize the Conway Center and its resources to get things done. Prior to Smith, Jennifer spent 10+ years in Division III athletics, as a student-athlete, coach, and administrator.

Michael Carrick

Visiting Assistant Professor

Michael is the inaugural visiting assistant professor of ethics across the curriculum sponsored by the Conway Center in partnership with the philosophy department. He received his doctorate in philosophy in 2024 at the University of Rochester, with a dissertation on theoretical issues surrounding the measurement of welfare. Prior to joining Smith, he taught at the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Rochester and the State University of New York, Geneseo. In his free time, Michael enjoys reading, hiking, and watching the major Boston sports teams.

Sabrina Antoine Correia ’11

Money Mentor Trainer

Sabrina is a first-generation professional and the founder of STC Coaching, a life skills training company designed to empower those navigating new paths without a roadmap. With a background in financial services, workforce development, and corporate social responsibility, Sabrina blends lived experience with strategic insight to help first-gen individuals affirm their identity, build financial power, and confidently shape their futures.

Katie Duarte

Postdoctoral Fellow

Katie is the inaugural Conway Center postdoctoral fellow in partnership with the Latin American & Latino/a studies (LALS) program. Her areas of expertise include gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, intersectionalities, and Latinidad. Katie is pictured here wandering around the Bronx Botanical Garden. When she goes home to the Bronx during breaks, she can be found wandering the grounds. Maybe you'll catch her walking through our Botanical Garden on campus! She also enjoys cooking and playing cozy games on her Nintendo Switch during her free time.

Charlotte Holoubek

Senior Adviser for Innovation Pathways

Charlotte Holoubek uses her legal, technological, and educational experience to secure IP protection for companies, inventors, entrepreneurs, engineers, and academic researchers.

Using her unique background as an attorney, M.B.A., and patent law educator with a biochemistry degree and graduate studies in mechanical and electrical engineering and biotechnology, Charlotte relays patent law to inventors, complex technology to patent examiners, and IP monetization strategies to entrepreneurs and investors.

In addition to her patent law work, Charlotte is an adjunct law professor at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law, one of the world’s top schools for IP law.

Kristin Leutz

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Kristin is an ecosystem builder and founder of Petra Impact Partners, which is focused on equitable prosperity through entrepreneurship and social impact. With 25+ years in organizational psychology, philanthropy, and strategy, she’s led in sectors from community foundations to startups. She was CEO of Valley Venture Mentors, Executive Director of Startup Champions Network, and co-led the Ecosystem Builder Leadership Project. Kristin founded two consulting collaboratives and holds a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation.

Mahnaz Mahdavi

Global Finance Concentration

Mahnaz Mahdavi is professor of economics and the faculty director of the Global Financial Institutions Concentration. She received her doctorate in economics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and has been teaching courses on topics related to finance and international finance. She was the 2008 Distinguished Professor of the Year and one of the inaugural recipients of the Sherrerd Teaching Award in 2004. She was a teaching fellow at the University of Michigan and a faculty contributor to the Women’s Executive Education program at Smith College.

Chloe McKenzie

Fund Your Future Partner

Chloe is a celebrated wealth justice activist and principal research investigator at 10Seven. She experienced financial trauma firsthand growing up, but did not have the language to understand or explain what happened to her. As an adult, the economic violence she witnessed at the hands of the financial system as a trader on Wall Street and as a financial counselor to Black women eventually made her question everything. Committed to doing better for herself and the most marginalized groups, she founded BlackFem in 2015, followed by 10Seven in 2021.

Daniel Schultheis

Demystifying Money Facilitator

Daniel is a lifelong educator who previously taught at Smith and now works at an education technology startup. He enjoys discussing financial topics and helping people build their comfort level with personal finance. In his spare time, Daniel loves woodworking, hiking with his kids, and reading every sci-fi book he can find.

Audrey Banie ‘27

Government major, Economics minor

Hello! My name is Audrey Banie. I am a Ghanaian and international student here at Smith. I believe these two identities pushed me to work for the Conway Center as a somewhat first-generation U.S. college student. I hope to somewhat be of help to all the people that pass through Conway whether it is by providing knowledge of Smith’s government major and requirements or the intricacies of the economics minor and maybe the Global Finance Concentration. Working at Conway, I get to connect students with all the resources that make sure they thrive here at Smith financially and without burden of thought. I get to do that, and I’m excited to get to do that for the second year in a row.

Julia Cardoso Dorneles ’29

Prospective Government and Religion double major

Hi, I’m Julia. I am an aspiring government and religion major who is apart of the class of 2029. Working for the Conway Center offers an incredible opportunity for working with a team and giving back to the Smith community. I am also excited about planning Joypalooza!

Isa Grijalva ’27

Quantitative Economics and Sociology double major, Global Finance concentrator

I am a senior originally from Athens, Ohio who is extremely passionate about all forms of empowerment through finance! The Conway Center is one of my favorite spaces on campus—I love the collaborative environment and the incredible resources we have to help students, and I am extremely excited to assist students in taking advantage of it. I’m super excited to assist in facilitating outreach events and connecting the greater Smith community and promoting innovation, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship!

Campbell Hill ’29

Quantitative Economics and Art History double major

Campbell Hill ’29 is a quantitative economics and art history major. As both an artist and an economics student, she loves exploring how creativity and analytical thinking come together to spark innovation. She is passionate about financial literacy empowerment and is excited to be part of the Conway Center, where students are encouraged to think boldly, collaborate, and turn ideas into action. Campbell looks forward to connecting with fellow Smithies and helping create a welcoming community where entrepreneurship feels accessible to everyone.

Shakila Jafari ’28

Computer Science and Statistical & Data Sciences double major

Hi! I’m Shakila, a junior majoring in computer science and statistics and data science. I’ve always enjoyed learning about different things and looking at ideas from different perspectives, which is part of what interested me to join Conway this semester. As a member of the data and research team, I get to explore these interests in a new way and learn more about the work happening across the Center. I’m excited to be part of the team this year and see where the experience takes me!

Michelle Jiang ’29

Computer Science and Quantitative Economics double major

I’m Michelle ’29 and I’m a computer science and quantitative economics major from Edmonton, Canada! I joined the Conway Center center because I love their events and programs in financial literacy. I always tell people to come to the Conway Center because the people are amazing, the snacks are delicious, and you learn a lot!

Pauline Newman ’27

Latin American Studies and History double major

Hi all! My name is Pauline Vargas Newman and I am a senior studying Latin American studies and history. I have a specific interest in the history of archives in Latin America and the history of photography. I am interested in working at the Conway Center because I believe in the power and independence of financial education. Additionally, Conway runs one of my favorite events on campus, Joypalooza.

Issy O’Connell ’29

Engineering major; Landscape Studies minor

Hi, my name is Issy O’Connell. I am studying engineering science and minoring in landscape studies at Smith College, with an expected graduation year of 2029. I enjoyed working at the Conway Center during my first year at Smith because of the networking opportunities, supportive community, and the chance to connect with students and professionals.

Michelle Quichimbo ’29

Quantitative Economics major; prospective Global Finance concentrator

Michelle is a sophomore at Smith College, majoring in quantitative economics, with the intention of completing a concentration in global finance. They are from Queens, NY and have enjoyed being a part of the Conway Center and are excited to continue to be of service to the Smith community.

Bri Rosa ’27

English Language & Literature major; Global South Development Studies minor

My name is Brianna or Bri for short. I’m a senior majoring in English literature with a minor in Global South development. I am interested in working at the Conway Center because I like to promote change in a global and domestic way. I enjoy becoming a demographic of women who are confident to change the world.