SUCCESS Symposium 2025

On behalf of the SUCCESS programs at each of the 15 community colleges, we would like to invite you to the SUCCESS Symposium for SUCCESS staff and directors! MassBay Community College Wellesley Campus, will be hosting this symposium on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 9am to 4pm. This event is free, there is no registration fee!

Symposium theme: Shaping the Future of Student Success: Transforming Engagement, Data, and Professional Growth

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Take this day to learn, to network with other SUCCESS staff from around the state and to enjoy yourself away from the typical day in the office. As advisors and student support service providers, we are always taking care of others, let’s make sure to take care of ourselves!

MassBay Community College encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions related to access for this event, please contact Elizabeth Kinsman, SUCCESS Initiative Manager at ekinsman@massbay.edu in advance of your participation or visit.

Junior Pena
Director of Student Services, Boston University
Junior, originally from the Dominican Republic and raised in Massachusetts, is a first-generation college graduate. He holds a BA in Psychology and Communication from UMass Boston and an MS in Higher Education Student Affairs from Florida State University.

With a passion for supporting underserved students and fostering authentic learning environments, Junior has dedicated his career to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work. He has served on the NASPA Massachusetts State Board, as the DEI Chair for NASPA New England, and launched mentorship programs for BIPOC professionals. In his free time, he enjoys live music, sports, and karaoke.

Dr. Kimberly Lowry
Vice President, Texas Association of Community Colleges
Dr. Kimberly M. Lowry is the Executive Director of the Texas Success Center and Vice President of the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC), where she leads statewide initiatives that promote innovation, collaboration, and student success across Texas community colleges. A proud first-generation community college graduate, Dr. Lowry has dedicated her career to transforming institutions and expanding educational access and opportunity for all students.

With leadership experience at the Aspen Institute, Lone Star College, Houston Community College, and Eastfield College, Dr. Lowry has spearheaded transformative programs with lasting impact. At the Texas Success Center, she focuses on advancing Talent Strong Texas Pathways, supporting the implementation of House Bill 8, and strengthening workforce alignment to ensure Texas colleges remain key drivers of economic and social mobility.

Dr. Lowry is a certified executive coach and a graduate of the Black Executive Leadership Program by McKinsey & Company. She is also the Principal Consultant of C.L.A.S.S. Act Solutions, where she provides coaching, consulting, and leadership development services. A published author and speaker, she is committed to developing future community college leaders and creating inclusive, equitable, and transformative educational pathways.

Cindy Gomes, SUCCESS Scholars Academic Coordinator, Massasoit Community College

Christian DeJesús, Academic Coordinator, Springfield Technical Community College

Elizabeth Kinsman, SUCCESS Initiative Manager, MassBay Community College

Rhian Waterberg, MA (he/him) Director of SUCCESS Initiatives North Shore Community 

Courtney Fisk, Director of SUCCESS Scholars, Massasoit Community College

Sara Ackerson, Assistant Director of Academic Advising, Coaching, and Transfer for SUCCESS