Valiant Talks

In this episode, Frank Furbacher sits down with fashion stylist and Manhattanville College alum Marisa Engler (Class of 2009) to explore her unconventional journey into the fashion and celebrity styling world.  Marisa shares how growing up in Colorado, attending the University of Arizona, and ultimately transferring to Manhattanville helped shape her path toward New York City and the fashion...

In this episode of Valiant Talks , host Frank Furbacher reconnects with Manhattanville College Class of 2007 alum Amanda Kis, now Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Services at NBCUniversal. Amanda shares how Manhattanville became the place where she found her voice—through student government, leadership experiences outside the classroom, and a willingness to explore different paths....

In this episode of Valiant Talks, host Frank Furbacher '09 sits down with Melissa Goncalves Davis '13, a two-sport athlete whose college career was launched by a single missed shot. Melissa shares her story, from her roots as the proud daughter of Portuguese immigrants to the high school penalty stroke that made her realize her athletic journey "can't be it". She opens up about her brother's tough...

In this episode of Valiant Talks , Frank reconnects with former teammate Joe Gallace for a raw and powerful conversation that spans sports, finance, fatherhood, and a life-altering health journey. Joe opens up about his diagnosis with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2017 and a later battle with aplastic anemia in 2023—two serious conditions that tested his resilience and perspective. From chasing baseba...

In this episode of Valiant Talks , Frank Furbacher reconnects with longtime friend and teammate Brendan Murnane—brewery owner, town board member, and master of college antics. Brendan shares his path from ski racing and launching cinnamon buns across dorm rooms to navigating politics and building a craft beer destination in Bolton Landing, NY. It’s a story of unexpected turns, entrepreneurial grit...

In Episode 6 of Valiant Talks , host Frank Furbacher reconnects with Declan Galvin, Manhattanville College Class of 2010, for a captivating conversation that spans continents and careers. Declan shares how a study abroad semester in Kenya transformed his life—ultimately leading him to build a career in strategic risk advisory and investigative journalism across Africa. From his self-designed major...

In this inspiring episode of Valiant Talks , host Frank Furbacher sits down with Jennifer (Paonessa) Cunningham, a dynamic force in the sports and entertainment industry. From her early days as a field hockey standout at Manhattanville to leading VIP fan experiences at REVELxp, Jenn shares her remarkable journey through sports, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Hear how a blizzard recruiting trip c...

In this episode of Valiant Talks , host Frank Furbacher sits down with longtime friend and fellow Manhattanville alum Damon Obijiski for a nostalgic and insightful ride through college memories, career pivots, and life lessons. From concussions on the quad to coffee-fueled internships, Damon shares how a love for math led him into the niche world of financial services—and eventually into the cutti...

In this episode of Valiant Talks , host Frank Furbacher reconnects with Aldo Chavez, a 2009 Manhattanville alum whose journey spans the Dominican Republic, New York, Spain, and Denmark. Aldo shares how his early dreams of becoming a lawyer evolved into a passion for marketing, innovation, and customer experience in the tech startup world. From filming hockey games on campus to leading CX teams in...

Mia blends data storytelling with wedding planning, sharing her journey from a small town in Connecticut to Manhattanville College, and how her experiences shaped her career and personal life. Discover Mia's unique perspective on finding your passion, balancing multiple roles, and the art of storytelling through data. Tune in for insights and inspiration on personal growth and resilience.

Nick Close reflects on his journey from uncertain college freshman to director of strategy and analytics, sharing how a failed exam, a love for learning, and a knack for Excel shaped his path. He opens up about the power of mentorship, the value of trying (and failing at) new things, and how storytelling plays a vital role in his data-driven career. This episode is a thoughtful, funny, and inspiri...