Susana Briscoe-Alba, dean of Admissions at Mount Saint Mary College, will receive a Forty Under 40 Mover and Shaker Award from the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, September 23.
Each year, the chamber bestows the honor upon 40 individuals under the age of 40 who have shown a strong commitment to the Hudson Valley. Nominations are judged based on professional and community achievements.
Alba is committed to offering students and families the opportunity of achieving their dreams through higher education. Around campus, she is known for her infectious smile and welcoming personality.
Alba reaches out to students who might otherwise have dismissed college as an option due to their finances and shows them how to obtain scholarships. In addition, she aids those who are struggling with the application process and she tells historically underserved students that success is not contingent upon the color of one's skin, but upon their intelligence and their talent. Alba is happy to speak to families in either English or Spanish – whichever option they prefer – and many of the potential students she speaks with are the first in their families to consider going to college.
Helping these students to begin their college journey is especially rewarding, she said.
"It's a personal goal to speak words of life and encouragement to them," she said. "I want every interaction to be one of value, so I think about how we can enhance visits to campus, open house events, and daily visits."
Under Alba's leadership, the college has hosted some of its most successful admissions events. She joined Mount Saint Mary College in October 2015 as the associate director of Admissions.
Originally from the Bronx, N.Y. area, Alba attended Chelsea High School and went onto to pursue her bachelor's degree at Dominican College of Blauvelt, N.Y. She completed her bachelor's degree and master's degree in Business Administration.
She currently resides in New Windsor, N.Y.