Alumni News

Heidi Hurt, PMP, ’10

Heidi Hurt, PMP, ’10 has long had an entrepreneurial spirit – from drafting business models for fun when she was 13 years old, to nearly two decades later as the founder and CEO of Acuity Cloud Solutions, an HR technology consulting firm; and founder and President of Bonnie’s Basement, a non-profit organization established in honor and memory of Heidi’s mother, which raises funds for local cancer patient support. When Oracle acquired Taleo Corporation, Heidi saw her opportunity to apply her business, HR and technology skills to form Acuity Cloud Solutions with the intention of becoming an Oracle partner. Acuity was recognized as an Oracle Gold Partner in their second year of business and has quickly grown into a multi-million dollar venture and trusted advisor in the Human Capital Management industry. Heidi also enjoys photography and offers portraiture and event photography services through Heidi Beth Photography.

2014 Female Executive of the Year, IT Services Industry category, by Women World Awards

Debora McLaughlin'83

Curious about human behavior, Debora McLaughlin graduated from FPC in 1983 with a B.A. in psychology and received a M.A. from Hunter College in 1983. At the age of 21, barely 5’ 3" she navigated onto the upper floors of executive suites, excelling in what was a male dominated industry - information technology. Competition was vast. Debora relied on what she learned at FPC to build relationships, foster collaboration and inspire creativity, which helped her to excel for 14 years as a sales representative, and later as National Account Manager for Fortune 500 companies. Debora off ramped from her corporate career when her family was young. In 2002, she graduated from Rivier University with a second Master’s degree, and gained licensure in clinical mental health. She attracted professionals who were overwhelmed due to work related stress, and who reported working in cultures that didn’t leave room for positivity or possibilities. Debora continued her education, learning coaching skills, later becoming certified as a Business Executive Coach. In 2003, she opened her coaching business, The Renegade Leader Coaching & Consulting Group. Her thought leadership is found in Inc. magazine, the Wall Street Journal, The Boston Herald, American Management Association, Business NH Magazine, and in her weekly NY Daily column.

Best-selling author of The Renegade Leader 9 Success Strategies Driven Leaders Use to Ignite People, Performance & Profits, and Running in High Heels, How to Lead with Influence, Impact & Ingenuity

Marabeth Farmer Community Service Stories

"I came to America to follow my dreams and further my education. I was born in Senegal, West Africa, and grew up in a humble family with five siblings and my mom and dad. I went to SEED Project, a nonprofit that helped Senegalese kids get a better education. I then came to America as a junior at St. Andrew's School and then went on to college in Nebraska. I then earned a basketball scholarship at Franklin Pierce University where I graduated with a business management degree. Basketball has always been my vehicle and has opened many doors for me as I pursue my dreams. I was part of the Ravens Men’s Basketball Team for two years under Coach David Chadbourne.

I really enjoyed my time at Franklin Pierce. I made good friends—from students to faculty to alumni. I am thankful for the opportunity the University gave me to be able to follow my dreams. I am now working at Honda in Santa Maria; it's been a great opportunity for me to work and support my family.

This holiday season, I was able to go visit my family that I have not seen in three years. I had the opportunity to go back to my roots, see my family, my community, and the kids. I learned a lot from it and was inspired to organize a basketball tournament for my community.

I named the tournament "Jambaru ËLËK" which means Leaders of Tomorrow in Wolof—my Senegalese dialect. I have always wanted to give back and "pay it forward" and being able to do so after my first year out of college was truly a blessing. I was able to talk to the kids, tell them about my journey to America, and share with them what I learned. It was only right to host my first tournament on the court where I learned how to shoot basketball for the first time.

Africa is all I have. Paying it forward will make my community better and inspire the next generation of leaders in Africa. I plan to do this event every year. I want to involve as many people as I can to create a group of positive people who commit to promote change around the world, specifically starting in Senegal. Any school supplies, basketballs, equipment, or funds are welcome. I am working on creating a website and organization that will lead for sustainable development in Africa.

As a kid, I always had big dreams.My dream is to make my continent better by giving the kids in Africa opportunities they didn't have before and show the world a new face of Africa they have never seen—an Africa that's full of hope and dreams, an Africa that has a strong leadership, an Africa that is sustainable and full of healthy kids that will make the continent better.

As an aspiring entrepreneur, I want to fight for those things, and I think using the education I got from Franklin Pierce, the experience I get from working in America, and being around great mentors can make those dreams come true with my dedication to hard work and learning. I want to start businesses and create jobs in Africa that will strengthen the economy and create a sustainable development."