MCC Foundation Welcomes New Directors
MCC Foundation is pleased to have elected four new outstanding individuals to its Board of Directors: Brian Nwafor '15, Julisa Velasquez, Nitza Rivera, and Tammy Nuccio ’96.
Brian Nwafor, a 2015 alumnus of Manchester Community College, currently serves as the Assistant Director of Alumni Outreach & Career Engagement at the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success at Boston College. He supports pre-college, post-secondary, and career readiness for first-generation, underrepresented, and underserved students. Nwafor has a rich history of fostering academic growth, social development, and personal enrichment through his roles at the University of Hartford and Charter Oak State College. His journey from a community college alum to a leader in higher education showcases the potential for success that a solid educational foundation provides.
Julisa Velasquez is the Director of GTF Industrialization at Pratt & Whitney, a results-driven leader with extensive experience in leading teams in global corporations. Her strategic mindset has been honed through roles at Pratt & Whitney, where she has spearheaded operations excellence and industrialization efforts. Velasquez has demonstrated her commitment to community involvement through her leadership of events for United Way and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. As an MCC Foundation Director, her efforts will enhance educational opportunities critical to meeting Connecticut’s workforce needs.
Nitza Rivera joins the MCC Foundation Board with a distinguished career as a Human Resources executive known for her transformative work across Fortune 100 companies. Specializing in talent management and diversity, equity, and inclusion, Rivera aligns strategies to drive organizational success. Her coaching expertise, supported by certifications in leadership development and diversity initiatives, empowers leaders and fosters innovation. As the owner of Nitza Rivera Coaching and Consulting LLC, she helps firms craft capital strategies and grow talent, partnering with clients across sectors to achieve significant personal and professional growth.
Tammy Nuccio, a 1996 alumna of Manchester Community College, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the community to her new role as an MCC Foundation Board Director. After graduating from MCC, Tammy earned her BBA and MBA degrees from Bay Path University. She currently serves as a state representative for Vernon, Tolland, and Willington, showcasing her dedication to public service. In addition to her legislative role, Nuccio works as a financial analyst at Cigna, applying her expertise in financial management and strategic planning. Her commitment to community service is evident through her volunteer work with the Tolland Senior Center, Tolland Women's Soccer, and the Tolland Soccer Club.
MCC Foundation is excited to add the diverse skills and experiences of Brian Nwafor ’15, Julisa Velasquez, Nitza Rivera, and Tammy Nuccio ’96 to its Board of Directors. Their shared commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a supportive environment for all students will help shape the future of affordable, accessible higher education for the Greater Manchester community.