When Lisa Jones (Wilson) ’16S (MS), ’17S (MBA) earned her degrees from Rochester, she was working full-time as a social worker and supporting her family. She went to classes on weekends, and while the process was hard, she said, “It’s one of the best things I’ve done.” It was a doorway to the Rochester network that showed up when she needed it most.
She was first introduced to the alumni community by happenstance. “I was looking to expand my network and somehow saw an advertisement for an event at the Memorial Art Gallery,” Jones said. She took the opportunity to visit the gallery—a place she loves to go—and meet new people.
That single decision would have an impact greater than she could have known. At the event, Jones mingled with alumnae and quickly realized she had found a welcoming community. “Everyone was so supportive. I stayed connected with them afterward and can’t say enough positive things,” she said.
When she found herself between jobs in late 2024, she wasn’t sure where to begin. After years of knowing what her next day, week, or month looked like, she suddenly faced a period of change that ultimately opened her eyes to the Rochester community in ways she never expected.
The support and connection she found in the Women’s Network are what enabled her to navigate an unexpected change. “I immediately reached out to my URochester folks and the next thing I know, they’re recommending Zoom events and inviting me to networking meetups, and suggested I attend the Women’s Summit in New York City,” she said.
Through her conversations, she discovered even more University resources. She began career coaching sessions twice a month and built a profile on The Meliora Collective. Soon, she found herself messaging fellow alumni, sharing advice, and receiving guidance in return. “I just didn’t realize all that there was to being a URochester alum. The school really does try to make sure that we’re all connected,” she said.
Through her efforts, Jones found a new role, and she explained that going through this experience really opened her eyes to what can happen if you put yourself out there. “You have to step out of your comfort zone and take a chance,” Jones said. “I found that once I opened my mind, new opportunities in the universe just started coming to me. I had to get out of my routine and really change it up.”
Her search for a new job may be over, but Jones does not see herself taking a step back from her Rochester community. She has joined the Women’s Network committee, volunteers at the Memorial Art Gallery gift shop, and recently signed up to be on the gallery’s council.
Jones’ journey as both a Rochester student and alumnus embodies the school’s spirit. Her determination and open-mindedness were evident in her path to her degrees and in the way she approached her community when she needed it the most. She’s now excited to be a resource and give back the support she received.
“Now that I’m settled, I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Women’s Network. I envision myself always being involved because they came along at a really important time in my life.”
As Lisa explained, “Take a chance and ask yourself, ‘Why not?’” Adding, “Sometimes you just have to get into the mindset of saying yes.”
Take that first step: explore an alumni group, attend an upcoming event, or connect with a fellow graduate on The Meliora Collective. It just takes one ‘yes’ to start building your own Rochester story.
—Benjamin Vandenberg, 2025