The Monarch Impact
The Monarch Impact
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School
The Monarch Impact is a monthly podcast highlighting the accomplishments of the outstanding Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Alumnae. Each episode delves into the achievements of our distinguished Monarchs (and Mustangs!) after they’ve taken flight and left our red and gold corridors. Tune in to listen to how our graduates are forging their futures and making a positive impact. The Monarch Impact’s mission is to inspire and empower our alumnae, students, and the Gwynedd community by sharing stories from our graduates. This student produced podcast fosters a connection between past, present, and future Mercy girls. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, the Sisters of Mercy, or any related affiliate.
Cindy Antoni Conaway '71 - Science Faculty
Cindy Antoni Conaway graduated from Gwynedd in 1971 and graduated with Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Chestnut Hill College. Cindy returned to Gwynedd as a science teacher and taught at her alma mater for 45 years. Over her career, Cindy has been the recipient of multiple awards for excellence in education. Cindy was also awarded Margaret Beirn Barger ’35 Distinguished Alumna Award for Service to the School.
May 22, 2024
21 min
Kim Dunphy Scott '84 - Director of Enrollment Management
Kim Dunphy Scott graduated from Gwynedd in 1984 and went on to attend Moravian University where she graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration and Management. She returned to Gwynedd in 2003 and now works as the Director of Enrollment Management.
Apr 10, 2024
28 min
Alex McMackin '10 - Campaign Manager at Paramount
Alex McMackin is a member of the class of 2010 at Gwynedd Mercy Academy. While at Gwynedd, she served as a Gwynedd Ambassador and was involved with the field hockey team. She earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing and Communications from the School of Communications at American University. She worked for Philly’s B101.1 Radio as the Promotions Coordinator and Director of Promotions. Alex was also a marketing communications specialist for Comcast. She volunteers for Project by Project, a leadership development organization that empowers the Asian American community and plays the role of the event manager. Now, she is a campaign manager for Paramount.
Mar 19, 2024
30 min
Alicia Jones, D.O. '87 - Chief Medical Innovation Officer
Alicia Jones, D.O. ’87 has been an inspiration since her days at Gwynedd, where she served as student council president and was involved with the track team. She received her undergraduate degree in biology at American University and continued her studies at Columbia University and University of Pittsburgh. She attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and earned a fellowship in geriatric medicine, focusing on disparities in heath care in minority populations. She attended the Executive Leadership Program for global healthcare leaders at Harvard University. Dr. Jones currently works as the Chief Medical Innovation Officer at Vitus Consulting Group in Washington DC. She also serves on the Alumnae Association Board and the Board of Trustees at Gwynedd.
Feb 21, 2024
30 min
Lisa Madonna '02 - Stylist and Costume Designer
Lisa Madonna '02 has been passionate about the arts since she was a student at Gwynedd. She was president of the Art Club and a dedicated member of stage crew. Lisa earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. She now works as a stylist and costume designer in Los Angeles where she has styled popular artists such as The Weeknd, One Republic, Olivia Rodrigo, Imagine Dragons, and more.
Jan 23, 2024
1 hr 5 min
Dr. Meghan Bishop '03 - Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Meghan Bishop, Class of '03 at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, excelled in cross country and track. She graduated summa cum laude in biology from the College of William and Mary. Meghan pursued Medicine at The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, becoming a board-certified sports medicine surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in South Jersey. Passionate about athletics, she actively supports Back on My Feet, addressing homelessness through running. Meghan also serves on the Students Run Philly Style Board of Directors, concentrating on empowering women in orthopedics.
Nov 29, 2023
31 min
Marlena Ventresca Parker '86 - Colonel Retired in U.S. Air Force
Marlena Ventresca Parker ’86 was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy following her graduation from GMA. Colonel Retired Parker served in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years. She served active duty and participated in air-refueling missions over the Persian Gulf. Marlena began her next chapter as a commercial airline pilot for United Airlines in 1999, but returned to active duty in the U.S. Air Force shortly after the September 11th attacks. Marlena retired from the U.S. Air Force in April 2020. Marlena was awarded the Trocaire Leadership award for Government & Legal service this fall.
Nov 7, 2023
42 min
Dr. Kathleen Roeder '60, Amy Roeder Wolfe '92, Charlotte Wolfe '25 - A Legacy of Mercy Education
Kathleen Roeder, M.D. ‘60 was a driving force to the Gwynedd’s Alumnae Association and her contributions of time and wisdom have aided in the school's growth. Her daughter, Amy Roeder Wolfe ‘92, and her granddaughter, Charlotte Wolfe ‘25, have followed in her footsteps as Gwynedd girls. All are a part of their family legacy at GMA and each represents a different generation of graduates. Together, they share their unique perspectives on the school’s traditions, values, mercy spirit, activities, and changes.
Oct 4, 2023
34 min
Anna Skoien Lall '02 - President of the Alumnae Association
Anna Skoien Lall '02 graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree in classics and later earned her master's degree in education from Boston College. Anna worked in public relations agencies in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. While at Gwynedd, Anna was the Student Council President, and both the Founder and President of the Latin club. She was a member of the Board of Trustees and was President of the Alumnae Association. Anna is a member of the Leadership Advisory Council and still sits on the Alumnae Board.
Sep 4, 2023
58 min
Jessica Azar Thornton '03 - Lieutenant Commander in U.S. Coast Guard
Lieutenant Commander Thornton graduated from Gwynedd in 2003 and attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where she received her undergraduate degree and commission in 2007. She earned her first Master's degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2017. She is currently enrolled in an Advanced Education program sponsored by the Coast Guard to earn a Master's of Science in Environmental Science and Policy. She has served in Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Incident Management roles, and worked with federal space program partners to help modernize Coast Guard support of U.S. space operations. She is a qualified Type 2 Incident Commander and Type 1 Operations Section Chief under the National Incident Management System.
Aug 7, 2023
1 hr
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