EACE 2024 Board of Directors Elections
President-Elect Candidate
 Ali Joyce
Co-op Coordinator
Northeastern University
1. Describe your interest in serving on the EACE Board in this capacity.
EACE as an organization has helped me grow and develop professionally while introducing me to the most amazing mentors and friends. Finding those individuals who have believed in me and gently nudged me outside my comfort zone has made all the difference in my career. To give back to an organization that has given so much to me is my ultimate goal as president.
My top priorities are lifting up the next generation of leaders, expanding access to EACE programming, and continuing to keep diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of all the organization does. As an organization that relies on volunteer participation, a critical role of being president is to create an environment where members feel valued and want to be involved.
As President-Elect and ultimately President of EACE, we must continue to listen to our members' goals and priorities and ensure that we stay true to the mission, vision, and values of EACE as we carry out the vision of working together to create equitable workforce outcomes. The foundation of EACE is to provide a safe space to connect and learn as we empower our members to develop the future workforce. Transparency in decision-making is key to making this happen. One of my goals is to ensure that members feel heard in the organization's decisions. Additionally, this presidential term falls at the very start of a new strategic plan, which provides a unique opportunity to move the organization forward in a way that sets EACE up for long-term success.
2. What skills and experiences do you possess that have prepared you to be successful in this role?
I’ve been privileged to serve on various EACE committees for the past seven years. I co-chaired the 2019 Annual Conference and was the Director of Finance through the pandemic. This gave me insight into how the organization operates and instilled confidence in the association’s ability to pivot quickly. Serving on the executive committee during that time, I was a key team member working to strategize and troubleshoot issues that arose. This experience gave me insight into the depth of the responsibilities of the presidential role. Additionally, I learned how imperative it is to maintain clear, consistent communication with EACE headquarters and the EACE Board.
Most recently, I was one of three chairs who worked to guide the association in selecting a new association management company (ACM). I wrote the request for proposals, gathering the organization’s history and clearly articulating the organization's needs and challenges. From there, my fellow chairs and I evaluated the proposals we received and met with a variety of ACMs to answer questions. We finally presented the top three contenders to the EACE board. This decision was key to helping the organization move forward in a way that aligns with our values and goals. While I am not the loudest voice in the room, I am always one to listen with an inclusive ear and pride myself on my dependability and thoughtful approach to leadership.
On a professional level, I’ve been working in the career development space for over ten years, serving at three different Institutions. I started my career at Virginia Tech, where there was an emphasis on continual professional development and giving back to the profession. This is something I’ve carried with me throughout my career, as evidenced by my long-standing involvement with EACE.
As a career development professional, my passion lies in helping students succeed and reach their goals while feeling supported along the way. In my current role as a co-op coordinator, a large part of my focus is developing and maintaining relationships with faculty members and employers in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Industry partners are a vital part of EACE, and my role at Northeastern has allowed me to understand the challenges our employer partners face and how we, on the career development side, can partner to help create meaningful solutions.
3. What ideas and/or goals do you have for this position?
- One of my main goals is to truly understand the needs of our members and collaborate with the EACE Board and the team of dedicated EACE volunteers to provide a solid strategy to meet those needs while remaining fiscally responsible. As our world continues to change and grow, we as an organization must continue adapting. In addition to the Annual Conference, I’d like to continue to find ways for members to connect meaningfully to build relationships and find their communities of support. I’d like to explore regional in-person meetups or drive-in trainings further.
- Mentoring is a vital aspect of the presidential role. Identifying the next generation of leaders and empowering our new and seasoned members to utilize their unique strengths to grow while giving back to EACE as an organization. In my role at Northeastern, I serve in a formal mentoring capacity, checking in with my mentees regularly and ensuring they feel supported.
- Dr. Monroe started the vital work of leading us as an organization to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into the heart of EACE and everything we do. A large part of my goal is to continue this focus while empowering and listening to the recommendations of the Director of Diversity and Inclusion and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
- Continue to grow and strengthen the relationship with EACE Headquarters staff. This relationship is vital to our organization's day-to-day operations and is essential in helping EACE optimize our processes and innovate in the future.
4. EACE History
Years as member: 9 years
EACE Service History: 2022-2023- RFP Committee Chair (one of three);
2019-2021- Director of Finance;
2019-Annual Conference Co-Chair;
2018-Annual Conference Programming Co-Chair;
2017- Annual Conference Programming Co-Chair;
2016-Annual Conference Exhibitor Co-Chair
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