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Alumni and Corporate Engagement

Shaping ideas into fundable opportunities

Alumni and Corporate Engagement

Engaging the many to inspire the possible

Mobilizing around big ideas

The Alumni and Corporate Engagement team creates pathways for alumni and companies to engage meaningfully with Virginia Tech and with one another. From large-scale industry summits to intimate networking get-togethers, our curated events inspire professionals across industries to exchange ideas, cultivate networks, and collaborate on challenges that matter.

To bring the best of Virginia Tech to our alumni’s professional lives, our team coordinates a range of engagement work, including

  •  Convening industry, government, and academia around large-scale challenges
  •  Showcasing collaboration opportunities through executive visits and campus tours
  •  Fostering communities of Hokies who drive change in top organizations
  •  Highlighting innovation and impact generated by the university and its partners

By engaging alumni around professional experiences, we foster communities of Hokies who drive change in top organizations and inspire the next generation of Virginia Tech graduates to think even bigger. Our work at the intersection of alumni + industry interest has already helped launch initiatives that are innovating practical solutions at scale like Carbon CoLab and Virginia Tech Made.

The Hokie home that follows you forward

To support one of the most engaging alumni communities in the country, we design experiences that draw value from our alumni’s professional lives, as well as their affinity for Virginia Tech.

Our team

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    Gwen Harrington
    Gwen Harrington

    Director of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships//Gwen Harrington is driven by a steadfast personal belief: the right partnerships have the power to change the world. It is her exceptional talent for forging these transformative relationships that makes her a natural in her role as director of strategic engagement and partnerships. A strategic thinker who regularly starts sentences with “what if we tried…,” Gwen architects all facets of alumni and corporate engagement — enhancing value to Hokies while strengthening corporate relationships with Virginia Tech.<br/>A two-time Hokie, Gwen has an M.S. in information technology (a program in which Virginia Tech ranks No. 4 in the U.S.) and a B.S. in psychology.//gwharrin@vt.edu

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    Kathleen Green
    Kathleen Green

    Associate Director of Alumni Corporate Networks//Kathleen Green connects alumni, corporate partners, and the university through authentic experiences that drive growth and engagement. With a background in hospitality and a natural “achiever” mindset, she blends logistical expertise with a service-driven approach to create innovative, impactful programs.<br/>A proud Virginia Tech alumna, Kathleen holds a B.S. in hospitality management and is motivated by a clear vision for building community and fostering collaboration.//kagreen3@vt.edu//(540) 231-4853

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    Natalie Hale
    Natalie Hale

    Project Coordinator, Corporate Events and Experiences//For the Alumni and Corporate Engagement team, Natalie Hale provides vital support to alumni and industry events, corporate visits, and programs designed to grow industry partnerships and engage alumni in the workplace. <br/>With a passion for creativity and a keen eye for detail, Natalie strives to ensure that each event she contributes to is enriching and impactful. She is dedicated to advancing her professional development and staying at the forefront of emerging trends in corporate and alumni engagement.<br/> Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science in media and communications from East Tennessee State University. //nataliehale@vt.edu

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    Astha Dhakal
    Astha Dhakal

    Project Coordinator; Business Analyst//​​​​As a project coordinator and business analyst for the Alumni and Corporate Engagement team, Astha Dhakal leverages a strong background in process improvement, data-driven decision-making, and project management. She is passionate about using technology and data to create meaningful connections between people and organizations, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement through innovative solutions that enhance engagement and impact.<br/>Astha holds a master’s degree in computer science from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She lives in Blacksburg with her fiancé and their dog, Zuzu. Outside work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her dog, and staying connected with her family in Nepal.//asthad@vt.edu

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    Tyler Lewis
    Tyler Lewis

    Assistant Director of Corporate Engagement, D.C. Area//Tyler Lewis leads strategic outreach and engagement efforts to build relationships with industry partners, alumni, and executive champions across the greater D.C. area. He curates events and regional programs that elevate the university’s presence and showcase its cutting-edge academic and research strengths.<br/>Tyler believes in the power and energy of being in the room — where ideas, people, and purpose intersect. He has over seven years of experience in event management, external affairs, and stakeholder engagement. Originally from the Tampa Bay area, Tyler now lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife, daughter, and dog Murphy. He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of South Florida and is a proud Eagle Scout.//tylerlewis@vt.edu

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    Tanya Ablaeva
    Tanya Ablaeva

    Project Coordinator, Corporate Events and Experiences // Tanya Ablaeva supports the Alumni and Corporate Engagement team by helping plan industry events, corporate visits, and partner programs across campus. She enjoys creating experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways and approaches each project with an impact-focused mindset. <br/>Before joining Virginia Tech, Tanya worked at Deloitte Consulting, gaining experience in agile project management, customer success, and operations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in marketing and supply chain management from Syracuse University, along with a minor in information technology. //tablaeva@vt.edu

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    Lilyana Miller

    Project Coordinator, Corporate Events and Experiences//Lily Miller leverages a strong background in event planning, client engagement, and audio visual support to support the Alumni and Corporate Engagement team. As a highly organized individual, she strives to ensure that each event she plays a part in is successful and poignant. <br/> Lily holds a bachelor's degree in stage management from Hollins University. She lives in Blacksburg with her husband and their cats. Outside work, she enjoys renovating her house, spending time outside, and being creative. //lilyana@vt.edu

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    Nomeka Sours
    Nomeka Sours

    Associate Director of Alumni and Corporate Engagement//Nomeka Sours manages a full range of events and experiences, including alumni professional networking events, corporate visits, and large-scale industry and government forums.<br/>She has over 12 years of travel and event experience, both domestic and international, and considers herself a highly organized, detail-oriented "people person" who enjoys planning both small and large events. In her free time, Nomeka enjoys cake decorating, watching college football, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat Oliver. Born and raised in the New River Valley, Nomeka holds a B.S. in marketing from Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business.//nsours@vt.edu//(540) 231-3004