Russell Diaz, AAS, BS, MS

I was born as raised in the Bronx. Attended public school after third grade. My family was told that I was not smart enough to attend the Catholic school everyone else in my family attended. This sounds like bad news for me, but it was a blessing to me. In fourth grade, I met my future wife. We helped each other through middle school, high school and college. I could not have done the things I have without her support. I have worked my way up the corporate ladder as I used my AAS degree to get as job as an electronics technician on a production floor. Then used my BS to get a job as a software engineer, used training to start my networking career, and finally used the MS to move into IT management. Go figure, I now work at and teach in a Catholic College. I wish I could back to the people that removed me from Blessed Sacrament in the Bronx to let them know where I ended up.

Education:

AAS Academy of Aeronautics Queens NY, Major in Electronics
BS Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry NY, Major Computer Information Systems
MS Marist College, Poughkeepsie NY, Major Computer Information Systems

Work Experience:

  • Bear, Diagnostics Division Tarrytown NY, 5 years as an electronics technician
  • Bear, Diagnostics Division Tarrytown NY, ten years as a software engineer in R&D
  • Bear, Diagnostics Division Tarrytown NY, 3years as a Network administrator
  • GreategMacbeth, New Windsor NY, ten years managing IT services in 5 US sites
  • Academic Technology Coordinator, Dominican University New York
  • Dominican University, New York, 20 years as Executive Director of IT
  • Dominican University, New York, 18 years as an IT Instructor

Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, EdD

Prof. Ivan is a lifelong resident of Rockland County and a graduate of Nyack HS. He and his wife have three children. Prof. Ivan is also “Coach Ivan” – as he coaches the Dominican University rowing team. He is a Director of the Rockland Rowing Association, a not-for-profit community program for youth and adults. He is also on the board of the Nyack Center.

Education:

BA, Cornell University (Economics and Soviet/East European Studies)
MBA, Columbia University (Marketing and Finance)
CFA, Chartered Financial Analysts Institute
EdD, Manhattanville University (Higher Education)

Experience:

Senior Vice President, AllianceBernstein – held various senior roles over a 27-year career at AB, including senior portfolio manager, head of business development and co-head of global marketing. Prior to AB, he worked at AIG focusing on new product development and at Kwasha-Lipton as an actuarial analyst. Author and co-author for many investment-related articles, including “Beyond Interest Rate Anticipation: Strategies for Adding Value in Fixed Income” (2000) and “Assigning a Duration to Inflation-Protected Bonds” (1999), both published in the Financial Analysts Journal. He also wrote “Managed Synthetics,” (1998) published in The Handbook of Stable Value Investing, and “LDI: Reducing Downside Risk with Global Bonds” (2012), published in The Journal of Investing.

Mary McLean-Hely

Education:

The Colorado College, BA History
Stanford University, MA Instructional Technology

Experience:

Mary McLean-Hely has been with Dominican University New York for 8 years. In January of 2026, she became the Executive Director of Distance Education and Instructional Technology. Mary also manages Blackboard LMS and assists faculty in creating online courses and creates new online learning initiatives, faculty technology training, academic IT program coordination, as well as coordinating our work with The Acadeum Consortium and NC SARA administrative responsibilities.

Over the years, Mary has taught courses in Data Literacy, Python Programming, Principles of Systems and Technology, Project Management, and Web Development. Prior to her Executive Director role, she was the coordinator of the Information Technology Academic Program, where she oversaw curriculum development for the IT major, manages program development and approvals with the New York State Department of Education, and advised over 40 students annually on academic paths, internships, and career opportunities.

Before her time at Dominican, Mary gained extensive experience as an Instructional Designer and Educational Director, contributing to higher education and leading educational initiatives for organizations such as Teachers College/Columbia University, Farm Sanctuary, Girl Scouts USA, The College Board, Sesame Workshop, National Geographic, and others. Her work reflects a commitment to empowering learners and advancing innovative educational solutions, using emerging technology.

Carrie Boericke, BA, MA

Carrie grew up in Texas, which might explain why she would drive from Philadelphia to Orangeburg to teach Economics.

Education:

BA – Cornell University (Government)
MA – Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (European Studies and International Economics)

Experience:

Senior Vice President – Wells Fargo – held various roles serving international corporates including relationship management and portfolio manager. Relocated to London and stayed for 15 years.

Denise Dawkins Weir, EdD

Denise relocated to New York in 2014 to further her career in Higher Education. A proud North Carolina native with Jamaican heritage, she is deeply committed to empowering students to grow intellectually, socially, and most importantly—intuitively.  At Dominican University New York, Denise currently serves as the advisor to the Black Student Union, Caribbean Dance Crew, and DUNY NAACP, where she actively fosters leadership, cultural pride, and community engagement.  With a dynamic spirit and a passion for impact, Denise is “charged up” and ready to activate. Her guiding philosophy, “Reach Back, Lift Up,” reflects her dedication to uplifting others while paving the way for future generations.

Education

EdD – Educational Leadership, Manhattanville University

Bio

Denise Dawkins Weir is a Higher Education professional with over 17 years of experience and a continued commitment to growth and impact. Throughout her career, she has held a range of administrative and student support roles across HBCUs, minority-owned businesses, private higher education institutions, state-funded agencies, and grant-funded organizations.

She joins Dominican University with a vision to streamline office administration, cultivate meaningful and lasting relationships with the student body, and foster a strong sense of connection across campus. Denise is especially dedicated to building authentic and empowering relationships with Black and Brown students, while continuing to elevate and bridge local community organizations with the Division of Business, Innovation, and Leadership programs.

At the core of her work ethic, there is a deep commitment to student advocacy ensuring that every student feels supported, seen, and positioned for success.

Dali Evans

I began my journey in Information Technology navigating throughout hardware and software systems upgrading my skillset as the labor industry evolved.  Employed 20 years as learning facilitator, digital technology educator, and CRM systems manager and consultant in the nonprofit industry. Experience strategically leading and planning system conversions and implementing new workplace technologies.  I have an undying passion for singing, teaching, learning and building healthier human experiences.

Seminars & Presentations

Adjunct Professor, “Digital Technology in the Workplace”, College of Westchester
Adjunct Professor, “Social Media Marketing and Advertising”, College of Westchester
Learning Facilitator, Technology Curriculum Development K-12 Education, MOUSE
Moderator, “Food for Thought” Business Workshop, Grace Institute
Presenter, “Technophobia”, Blackbaud Software Conference
Volunteer, Mentor, YWCA “Girl Talk” Technology Educational Program
Keynote, “Destroying the Myth Of The New Techno-Girl” Hampton University
Keynote, “Technology and Gender Compatibility”, Virginia Enrichment Seminar
Panelist, “The New Black Conservative” Columbia Business School MBA Conference
Vice- President/Presenter, New York Library Association, Marketing and Public Relations Committee

Partial List of Clients and Employers

Metropolitan Opera, Young Adult Institute, New School for Social Research, Signature Theatre, Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, Fedcap, Good Samaritan Hospital, Montefiore-Nyack Hospital, Cosmetic Executive Women’s Foundation…