Employee Spotlight

graduation picture of Sarah Mogytych       artwork by Sarah Mogytych

What is your current role at Barrett, and what are your primary responsibilities?

My current role at Barrett is as an Honors Advisor. I am responsible for advising our honors students with last names Th-Y. On average, I get to speak with 25-30 students a week and we go over the honors curriculum, how to earn honors credits, various Barrett opportunities like research or events, and do a lot of thesis planning.

How long have you been with Barrett, and what initially drew you to work at Barrett?

As a former Barrett student, it feels like I have been here for longer than I have. Even though my professional time here only began in March, I am constantly having flashbacks to times I was walking about the complex as a student or coming to the advising suite to meet with my honors advisor. It is really cool now to experience Barrett from the other side.

What do you think sets Barrett apart as an employer and makes it a great place to work?

When I was thinking of applying to Barrett as a student, I was particularly drawn to The Human Event. I liked the idea of a course that explored different ways of thinking and promoted critical discussion in a safe space. Recently I was able to attend the LGBTQ+ Students Reception and was reminded of those core Barrett values – inclusion and discussion. Maybe it is the communication major in me but I really enjoy a work environment that encourages voices to be heard and offers places for people to speak.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

In my spare time I like to paint and do arts and crafts. You can see and shop some of my work at a local Tempe brewery called The Shop.

Do you have a favorite book, podcast, or movie that has influenced your perspective or inspired you recently?

This year, for the very first time, I read all 7 Harry Potter books. It was amazing.

Can you share a memorable travel experience or a dream destination you hope to visit someday?

Later this fall, I am traveling to Spain with my boyfriend! I have never been before and am really excited. We are going to Madrid and Barcelona so if you have specific recommendations, please let me know.

 

Riki Cleveland holding the flute

What is your current role at Barrett, and what are your primary responsibilities?

I have recently taken on the role of Development Coordinator at Barrett, where my main duties revolve around donor stewardship and scholarship coordination. I find myself in a truly delightful position, tasked with expressing our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors for their remarkable contributions to Barrett and making sure we do so in the most prompt and meaningful manner. At Barrett, we are fortunate to have the support of an incredibly compassionate and dedicated network of community partners, individuals, and families, and I am deeply privileged to be the one who acknowledges their invaluable support.

How long have you been with Barrett, and what initially drew you to work at Barrett?

I am very new to Barrett, going now into my third month in the college. I was initially drawn to working at Barrett because I am passionate about higher education and value the opportunity to support motivated students in their academic endeavors. Barrett attracts highly motivated and intellectually curious students, and I found the prospect of contributing to their educational and personal development through cultivation of philanthropy to be very fulfilling.

What do you enjoy most about your job and working for Barrett?

What I enjoy most about working in Development at Barrett is the opportunity to connect with individuals who are passionate about Barrett’s goals and mission. It's incredibly fulfilling to build relationships with our donors, learn about their motivations, and witness their enthusiasm for the impact of our work with students. Expressing our appreciation for their generosity and keeping them engaged with our mission is a rewarding aspect of the job.

I also appreciate the variety that donor stewardship in Development offers. Every donor is unique, and tailoring our communication and engagement strategies to their specific interests and preferences is both a creative and challenging endeavor. The variety keeps my work dynamic and interesting.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

Outside of work I can usually be found making music around the Valley. I am a five-year member of the Arizona Wind Symphony where I play the flute, and a 15-year member of the Mesa Community College Community Orchestra where I play the flute and piccolo. Music has always been my great passion and escape. When I am making music, I am not thinking about any stresses in my life or the world, and am fully engaged in the flow of the moment.

I am also a huge sports fan and on any given night can be found cheering on my favorite Arizona teams, including my beloved ASU Sun Devils! I especially love AZ Diamondbacks Baseball and March Madness is my favorite time of the year!

Is there a specific quote or mantra that resonates with you and guides your approach to life and work?

It’s not a deep philosophy, but I’ve always said, “If you don’t have a smile, I’ll give you one of mine,” and I believe wholeheartedly in the power kindness. It costs nothing to be kind and I like to think that I’m making the world a little better each day simply by expressing gratitude and appreciation to those around me and offering a kind word and a smile to friends and strangers alike.

We are thrilled to spotlight Angelina Storelli.

Angelina is an Academic Success Advisor - Coordinator with Barrett Advising located on the Downtown Phoenix Campus. A few special projects that she's had the opportunity to oversee during her time at Barrett includes Supervision of Barrett Downtown PALs, co-instructing HON 194: Academy of Excellence, Project Excellence Enrollment, Group Advising, Advisor Shadow Experience, Overseeing the B-Town Bulletin Newsletter,  and most recently working alongside our incredible team of Online Advisors! Two recent accomplishments of note include working with her Downtown Advising team to restructure Thesis Preparation Workshops on the Downtown Phoenix Campus to include Faculty Honors Advisors and working with our Barrett Course Scheduling team to create titles for Project Excellence courses in the class search beginning fall 2023. This spring, Angelina is most looking forward to serving as a chaperone on the Barrett Explores trip to Savannah, GA and Charlston, SC! Angelina's educational background is in Social Work with a focus in Higher Education: Student Community Development. She sees herself as an advisor working through a social worker lens and believes that on a college campus, she has the power to connect, refer and support students to ensure success whilst providing a positive and welcoming experience. Outside of the institution, Angelina enjoys creating and crafting as a novice candle-maker and wood-burner also, spending time with her beautiful fur babies Jax (pictured) and Bumble. 

Angelina Storelli in the woods with her dog

We are excited to shine the spotlight on Scott Hinkle this month!

image of scott hinkle

What is your current role at Barrett, and what are your primary responsibilities?
My current role is as Program Manager for transfer and online recruitment.

How long have you been with Barrett, and what initially drew you to work at Barrett?
I started working for Barrett in December of 2022. But I have been representing ASU and ASU Online for over 5 years now. I have been working in higher education for over 20 years. I have also been teaching online courses for over 10 years.

Can you share a significant accomplishment or project you've worked on during your time here?
I am most proud of the partnership we have been able to create with EdPlus and for the progress we are seeing with Barrett Online growth. Fall 2023 enrollment for Barrett Online was over 100 students. The most we have had to date. This number with continue to grow each semester!

How would you describe the culture and values of Barrett, and how do they align with your own values?
Helping others achieve their educational goals by helping them learn about the opportunities that Barrett offers. I believe that an education is the key to opening up future opportunities. I also believe in life long learning. Barrett provides a unique opportunity for students to enhance their education and help them fulfill their long term educational and professional goals. As I work with Barrett staff at all four campuses, I can see how each employee is dedicated to helping students achieve these goals.

How do you see yourself contributing to the continued growth and success of Barrett in the future?
Because my position is new to Barrett, a greater amount of time and effort can be put into growing the Upper Division and Barrett Online population of Barrett students. I only see strong growth each both areas. As I am able to get the word out to more students, both of these student population within Barrett with continue to grow. The excitement that I hear form students that I talk to, tells me that the goals that we have set are possible.   

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?
Over two years ago, I helped my son open up an online site where he can sell Lego. Both he and I love to buy and build Lego. When we found out that there is a website where he can have his own online store, we saw it as a great way for him to make money. I helped him get it started but for over two years now, he runs everything. He has made over $18,000 selling Lego, his store has on average of over 80,000 parts in it. I am very proud of what he has been able to build and what he has learned buy running his own business. Yes, my house is full Lego parts and many Lego sets.

What's a fun fact or hidden talent about you that most people at work might not know?
I played both water polo and basketball in high school.

Can you share a memorable travel experience or a dream destination you hope to visit someday?
Every summer break for my two boys, I try to take them on a special vacation. We have visited, Washington DC, Saint Louis, Boston and New York. We were in Washington DC when Covid was just starting and were in the Capitol building as congress was discussing how to address the pandemic. Our tour of the White House was cancelled because that same day Covid was declared a national pandemic. New York was our last big vacation and we were able to go to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, visit the 9/11 museum, the Empire State Building and much more. We have now try and watch a major league baseball game in the city that we visit. It is fun to watch different team and different stadiums.

What motivates you on a daily basis, both personally and professionally?
My greatest motivation, to do my very best on a daily and regular basis, are my two boys. As a single father of two boys, everything that I do is for them. I work two jobs to make sure that I am able to provide for them and give them the lives that they deserve.

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