Our People

The Conway Center guides deep thinkers to become activated doers. We empower you to develop a money mindset while creating new opportunities for yourself and others.

Annual Report

Our Story

Thanks to the generosity of Smith alumnae, the Jill Ker Conway Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, named in honor of Smith’s first woman president, was launched in fall 2016. The Conway Center significantly expands and builds upon the successful programming and initiatives of the Center for Women and Financial Independence (2001–2016). At the Center, we recognize that Smith’s liberal arts curriculum provides students with an intellectual foundation for critical thinking, communication, and creativity. When integrated with the complementary financial wellness, innovation, and entrepreneurial experiences that we offer, students become better problem solvers able to navigate uncertainty and take informed risks.

The Conway Center team has created a collaborative and engaging atmosphere where faculty, students, alums, and staff are challenged to step outside of their comfort zone, empowered to ideate projects, and encouraged to share their unique perspectives.

Our Team

René Heavlow AC ’08

Ann Kaplan 1967 Director

René has over two decades of experience in higher education, guiding innovative, mission-driven programs that foster entrepreneurial thinking and financial confidence. In her current role, she leads vision-setting for the Center, cultivates cross-campus partnerships, and advances signature initiatives that empower students to turn ideas into impact. René serves as co-director of the Global Finance Concentration and chairs the planning committee for the Co-Innovate for Change Challenge. René earned her master’s in sociology from the University of Arizona and holds a bachelor’s degree in Afro-American studies and ethics from Smith College, where she’s been a valuable member of the staff since 2000.

Jennifer Kennedy

Senior Operations Coordinator

Jennifer (she/her) is the senior operations coordinator at the Conway Center and the Design Thinking Initiative. She is the primary contact for Smith students and external offices. Jennifer has worked at Smith College since August 2018 and has previously been a member of the Administrative Assistant Leadership Team (AALT) and Staff Council. She has a master’s in education in athletic administration from Springfield College and a bachelor’s degree in communication and English from Cedar Crest College.

Sara Kragness AC ’21

Communications Coordinator

Sara is a social impact-driven entrepreneur, community organizer, and creative. Hailing originally from the Midwest, Sara relocated to the Valley in 2018 to attend Smith College as an Ada Comstock Scholar and has called the region home ever since. After graduation, Sara launched Crip Consulting to help small businesses align their marketing and branding to their values and a podcast to address social media’s growing influencer culture. Outside of work, Sara enjoys crafting, gardening, and spending time on the porch with her partner and dog.

Affiliates

  • Chloe McKenzie, Generational Wealth Initiative
  • Daniel Schultheis, Demystifying Money
  • Ron Molina-Brantley, Entrepreneur-in-Residence
  • Kristin Leutz, Entrepreneur-in-Residence
  • Jessi Kirley, Entrepreneur-in-Residence
  • Mahnaz Mahdavi, Global Finance Concentration
  • Sabrina Antoine Correia ’11, Financial Literacy Empowerment Fellows
  • Susannah Howe, Co-Innovate for Change

Student Interns

  • Sarina Duffy ’28, Linguistics, Spanish
  • Isabella Grijalva ’27, Sociology
  • Eugenie Kawera ’28, Statistical & Data Sciences
  • Radiah Khan ’28, Statistical & Data Sciences/Quantitative Economics
  • Malika Kopbayeva ’28, Undeclared
  • Bre Moeller ’26J, Government/Study of Women, Gender & Sexuality, Global Finance Concentration
  • Pauline Newman ’27, Latin American Studies/History
  • Clare Njorge ’28, Computer Science/Quantitative Economics
  • Isa Skare ’26, Dance
  • Nadira Talayee ’26, Statistical & Data Sciences/Economics, Global Finance Concentration
  • Danyi Xu ’26, Economics