Meet Cindy: Passionate About Staying Involved with BCC and the Berkshire Community

Cindy lived her entire life calling Pittsfield, MA home. She attended Pittsfield High School and then started her career in a secretarial program of study. Cindy was raised traditionally which meant she had to support herself while attending college. She was working at Pittsfield's Greylock Federal Credit Union; the company helped pay for Cindy's education. While maintain a full-time job and attending BCC Cindy found herself changing gears and began studying finance at BCC. She received her degree after seven years of hard work. Cindy recalls a time her manager told her "not to worry about the years, the years are going to go by; are you going to be five years older or five years older with a degree". After her realization that time will pass regardless Cindy decided to continue her education at MCLA (former North Adams State), and she finished her Bachelors degree in five years. Cindy went on to UMass Amherst, where she completed her MBA. Over the years of working for Greylock Federal Credit Union Cindy's position has evolved into one she loves. She is the Vice President, Director of Community Development and has a team of 20 people working under her. Their department is responsible for building the Community Empowerment Center in Pittsfield, MA in 2019. Cindy says "I feel fulfilled, I am happier now than ever before. I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I think I've figured it out now". Cindy's employer, Greylock Federal Credit Union helped pay her college tuition.

There were many people at Berkshire Community College that Cindy developed relationships with her that have continued to this day. Cindy worked with Beth Wallace (former Dean of Students at BCC) at Berkshire United Way and Beth started the Alumni Association. As a member of the Alumni Association, a mom, a full-time employee, and an active member of the community both Beth and Cindy wore many hats. After some thought, the women brought an idea to President Kennedy to get an employee of the college to help run the alumni board. Toni Buckley became the employee to help run the Alumni Board; Toni helped get a vision together, she helped with the behind the scenes administrative work and together they developed, ran and grew the Alumni Association. Cindy is very passionate about staying involved with BCC. She says, "BCC has always been near and dear to my heart, I always keep coming back to BCC". As a member of the BCC Scholarship Committee, Cindy helps students who apply for scholarships and enjoys listening to their stories. She voices, "Every time there is a different approach with each student, and I encourage people to read the scholarships." Cindy does mock interviews with the Business Careers Program at BCC, where she helps students get ready to take on any questions that may come their way. When Cindy graduated in 1991, she did not attend her Commencement and says it is "my one BCC regret." As a part of the Alumni Association at BCC, Cindy volunteers to work Commencement every year and that is something she is extremely thankful for. Cindy encourages people to volunteer in any way possible, whether it be to help BCC's students, stay involved with BCC, or volunteering in the community, Cindy believes it is important to stay connected in many different ways. Cindy says "If you want something done, ask a busy person."

Although, her passion has been postponed due to Covid-10, she's ready for the upcoming years. Cindy created the Lenten Labor of Love in 2013; where they made health care packages and gave them to Barton's Crossing. In 2021, Lenten Labor of Love would have completed its 8th year of giving, with the goal being to meet or exceed 2020s production, which was to create 300 packages for men, woman and children to supply North and Central Berkshire County. Needless to say, Cindy has an abundance of supplies ready for next year. Cindy shares a piece of advice she wished someone had given her: "Don't get fixated on one path in life. Be committed to lifelong learning and take on as many opportunities as you can. I am a firm believer in Plan B. Education is such a gift, it is so powerful. Things change and you may not know something is of interest until you try it. Never stop learning and keep your opportunities open.

BCC has always been near and dear to my heart, I always keep coming back to BCC.