WAKENewYorkArea

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WAKENewYorkArea is a volunteer-led group dedicated to engaging alumni, parents and friends in the area. We plan a variety of programs throughout the year for all ages to participate in social, athletic, networking, and service opportunities. We hope you will join us at our next event. Go Deacs!

Support Your Community

Reach out to learn more about how you can be involved with your Community and Wake Forest.

Upcoming Events

Oct 20

New York - Book Club with Author, Emily Goodson

5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

We are celebrating and featuring fellow alumnae, wellbeing speaker, and Manhattan resident Emily Goodson (’07) and her incredible new book, Dating Disability: 15 Stories of Dealing with the BS and Building Confidence. After a childhood brain injury resulted in a physical disability, Emily spent years learning how to build confidence and self-acceptance. She beautifully chronicles this journey through the lens of dating in her new book, which has taken the literary world by storm since its release. Alumni are encouraged to attend one or both sessions as their schedules permit, which Emily will be personally facilitating. If possible, please do read or listen to Dating Disability prior to attending. The book is available in multiple formats across different retailers and libraries.

Oct 27

Deacs Discuss: Venture & Innovation in New York Dinner

6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Are you a Wake Forest alum working in Venture & Innovation in New York City? You’re invited to Deacs Discuss: Venture & Innovation in NYC, an opportunity to join your fellow Deacs for a relaxed evening of great food and even better conversation! This dinner will be hosted by WFU alumna Emlyn Thompson ('15), who currently works in Partnerships at Ramp in New York. Whether you want to discuss the shifting landscape of the field or simply want to meet other Wake Forest alumni in your industry, there is a seat waiting for you. What You Need to Know: Cost will be pay-your-own-way, hosted at an affordable restaurant (individual checks). Limited capacity - the small group setting ensures everyone can connect. Dinner will be hosted at a restaurant in Midtown. After you register, you will receive the address and more specific information about meeting via email. By signing up for this event, you are making a commitment to showing up - this is a small dinner, so your attendance is meaningful. These gatherings work best with the attendance of all registrants. If you are uncertain about your ability to attend, this may not be the right event for you to participate in. Interested in hosting a Deacs Discuss Dinner in your city for fellow Deacs in your industry? Reach out to Sabrina Broderick () to learn more. Need to cancel? You MUST email Sabrina Broderick () at least 24hrs in advance. Please sign up using an email that you check frequently.

Nov 11

New York - Book Club Part 2 with Emily Goodson

5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Dec 02

NYC - School of Business Alumni Holiday Happy Hour

6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Let's Gather and Raise a Glass to the Holiday Season! Join us for a cozy evening of networking, catching up and holiday cheer at Jackdaw in the East Village. Whether you're stopping by for a signature cocktail, some tasty shared plates, or meaningful conversation, we'd love to see you there! This is a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow business alumni over casual conversation in a friendly Irish-inspired atmosphere. Your $15 registration fee includes two drink tickets and hors d'oeuvres. Guests are welcome, but registration is required. We encourage everyone to dress in their favorite festive holiday attire!

Dec 03

NYC - School of Business Alumni Breakfast

7:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.

Start Your Day in the City with a Little Black & Gold! School of Business alumni are invited to this drop-in style gathering designed to bring NYC area Biz Deacs together! Interim Dean for the School of Business, Dr. Norma Montague is in town and would love to connect with Wake Foresters. [If you want to join her for a drink the night before, make sure to register for our happy hour in the East Village]. Kickstart your morning with a light breakfast, coffee, and meaningful conversation. Registration is required. This is a great opportunity to make connections with fellow alumni in a curated space! Hosted locally by alumnus Scott Skidmore (MBA '01).

Leadership

Mark Dunn ('97, P '30)
Chair
Francesca Bullaro (P '30)
Jackson Cannon ('21)
Cameron Cannon ('21)
Daniel Colasuonno (P '30)
Kevin Dillon ('01)
Kerry Dillon ('01)
Debbie Favuzza (P '30)
Joe Favuzza (P '30)
Elisabeth Giovine (P '29)
John Harley (P '28)
Rachel Harley (P '28)
Sean Kelley ('05)
Kevin O'Leary (P '29)
Kristina O'Leary (P '29)
Regan Patry (P '27, P '28, P '30, P '30)
Brendan Scollans (P '30)
Melissa Scollans (P '30)
Nina Shapero ('15)
William Sinclair ('07)
Lexi Sindall ('05)
Trey Sindall ('05)
Stephanie Taendler (P '29)
Van Vahle ('93)

Community Event Photos

Mark Petersen, Senior VP of University Advancement, speaks to a room of incoming Class of 2030 students and their families at the 2026 Darien New Student Reception, held at The Tokeneke Club on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Incoming Class of 2030 students met and connected at the 2026 Darien New Student Reception on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

New York alumni gathered at the Brunswick Group office for an Alumni Personal & Career Development workshop and networking session on April 23, 2026.

Distributing food at City Harvest's Mobile Market

Incoming Wake Forest Class of 2029 students from New Jersey gathered for a New Student Reception on July 22, 2025.

New York Wake Foresters put their Pro Humanitate spirit in action by packing food at the distribution warehouse of the Food Bank of New York City on November 12, 2016.

New York Wake Foresters saw a performance of "The King and I" at Lincoln Center Theater on March 19, 2016.

See All Community Event Photos »

Community Spotlight

A Spring Full of WAKECommunities EventsMarch 16, 2026
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through March and the “new year” isn’t so new anymore, but the occasionally warmer weather and the flowers starting to bloom in Winston-Salem […]
Shining a Light on Our Community VolunteersDecember 22, 2025
Recently, I took my siblings to their first Wake Forest Lovefeast. (In case you missed the service, the livestream is still available to watch). The Lovefeast may be my […]
Farewell 2025, Hello 2029!June 16, 2025
It is hard to believe it has been four weeks already since Wake Forest University’s Class of 2025 walked onto the Commencement stage as students and off as its newest […]

Meet the Team!

Dustie Lanier, Lee Norris, Brad Beauregard and Jeremy Serkin lead the WAKENewYorkArea community. They’re excited to work with you to create local experiences and engagement opportunities for Wake Foresters in the area.