To forge new connections among TC’s alumni network and offer opportunities for personalized growth, TC Alumni Relations and TC NEXT are connecting TC grads through its newly revamped Alumni Mentorship program, unveiled this month.
“Teachers College alumni lead transformative change across the world — as problem-solving researchers and practitioners — in classrooms, in their communities, in the field and beyond,” says Susan Scherman, Senior Executive Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations. “Creating further opportunities for them to connect with one another, and for experienced alumni professionals to support recent graduates, is a priority, and we're excited to continue that work through the Alumni Mentorship program.”
The initiative is designed to support alumni at every stage of their career journey, providing invaluable guidance and direction as they navigate their professional paths. Through the program, seasoned TC alumni will connect with recent graduates, offering advice, encouragement and valuable networking opportunities.
“This program goes beyond connecting alumni based on their career paths," shares Tiffany Garcia, Associate Director of TC NEXT. “It’s about helping [alumni] to expand their networks and explore opportunities they might not have considered before, while building meaningful, lifelong connections.”
We spoke with alumni participants building connections through the program about their experiences so far.
Meet Ryan Hata (M.A. '19) and Maxine Dimalanta (M.A. '25)
How They Connected: After applying to TC’s Alumni Mentorship program, Ryan Hata (M.A. '19) and Maxine Dimalanta (M.A. '25) quickly bonded over their shared background as graduates of TC’s Higher and Postsecondary Education program. “The connection formed through our academic experience ignited an immediate friendship,” recalls Dimalanta. Hata adds, “I was actively involved in campus life, serving on TC’s Student Senate for several years. When I heard about the mentorship program, I was excited to further my involvement and give back to my alumni community in a meaningful way.”
How They Make an Impact: In his role as Associate Director at the Jerome A. Chazen Institute for Global Business at Columbia Business School, Hata supports short-term travel abroad programs through which MBA students have the opportunity to “immerse themselves in the business practices of other countries for a week.” “This role has allowed me to apply the skills I gained at TC in a practical and impactful way.”
For Dimalanta, her professional path led her back to West 120th. Before pursuing her degree in TC’s Higher and Postsecondary Education program, Dimalanta worked closely with first-generation students as a college coach. Today, she serves as an Administrative Coordinator in TC’s Office of International Student Services (OISS), where she assists international students in navigating their academic careers. “Learning from Ryan’s experiences working in international education, paired with the support from colleagues in my office, has broadened my worldview,” shares Dimalanta.
What They’ve Learned: Connection is paramount. “This program has emphasized the importance of building and maintaining connections—both here in New York City and globally,” explains Hata. “The connections I’ve made throughout my alumni network continue to grow and have opened doors to many opportunities personally and professionally.” He remains actively involved in TC’s Young Alumni and Student Engagement Committee. “Maxine and I always always make it a point to connect over a meal and share what we’ve been up to at our favorite spot near campus.”
Meet Pamela Greene (ED.M '02, M.A.'96) and Lena Taekyung Kim (M.A. ’26)
How They Connected: Greene and Kim met during TC NEXT’s Virtual Mock Interview Day, where Greene –Senior Strategy Consultant at Crimson Education– helped Kim prepare for an upcoming job interview. For Kim, the program facilitated a comfortable place to ask questions about the TC experience and the professional world ahead. “I really appreciated the sense of community that came from knowing that TC alumni want to help current students. It made me feel like I was part of something broader than just my own program.”
How They Make an Impact: In her professional role, Greene supports students from around the world in achieving their educational goals. And as a TC Alumni Mentor, she is “committed to providing ongoing support and guidance to students, encouraging them to stay in touch and reach out whenever they need assistance.”
Kim is pursuing her master's degree in TC’s International and Comparative Education program, while working as a teaching associate in the East Asian Languages and Cultures department at Columbia University. “I've been able to connect theory and practice by helping students in the classroom, teaching language and culture and applying my skills in a global business setting. Having Pam to lean on and bounce questions off of has been super helpful.”
What They’ve Learned: “Giving back to incoming and current TC students helps me stay engaged with a community that I truly value. My experience at TC —both as a student and an employee, where I worked for nearly 10 years— was transformative and life-changing,” shares Greene.
“I've discovered that having a mentor involves offering perspective just as much as it does giving advice,” reflects Kim. “[The program] has encouraged me to think more carefully, network proactively and even gave me a more expansive perspective on my professional potential.”