Graduate Student Spotlight

Meet Dina Marie Leotsakas

MBA graduate, AEL President, and nonprofit co-founder.

When it comes to perseverance, few embody it quite like Dina Marie Leotsakas. As a proud 麻豆传媒在线 alumna, Dina has earned her MBA with dual concentrations in Digital Marketing and Business Analytics, completed a Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing, and is now finishing her final course for the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. But that鈥檚 just the beginning. She鈥檚 also leading the charge as President of 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 Alpha Epsilon Lambda chapter, and is co-founder of the nonprofit animal welfare organization A Great Set of Paws. Despite the obstacles along the way, including serious health challenges, Dina refused to let anything stop her.

1. Talk to me about your graduate program(s). What inspired you to pursue them?

It has always been a personal goal of mine to pursue and achieve my MBA. I never imagined I would be completing a double concentration, and it still feels surreal to have earned my MBA with concentrations in Digital Marketing and Business Analytics.

I initially planned to begin my MBA right after my undergraduate studies, but before starting the program in 2018, I became very ill and faced serious health challenges. After my last open-heart surgery, I felt ready to take the next step and began my MBA journey during my recovery. Two and a half years later, I proudly completed my MBA, along with the Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing, and I鈥檓 set to finish the final course for my Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics in April 2026.

Following graduation, I was truly honored to be elected President of Alpha Epsilon Lambda鈥檚 Alpha Kappa Chapter here at 麻豆传媒在线. It鈥檚 been such a privilege to stay connected and involved in the university community beyond being a graduate student and lifetime member of AEL.

2. What drew you to 麻豆传媒在线 for your graduate studies?

麻豆传媒在线 has always felt like home to me. I completed my undergraduate degree here, and the faculty, community, and overall environment have had such a positive impact on my academic and personal growth. When it came time to pursue my MBA, there was no question that I wanted to continue at the university that has given me so much support and opportunity.

3. What has been the most rewarding part of your graduate school experience so far?

The most rewarding part of my graduate experience has been the relationships I鈥檝e built 鈥� the friendships, the sense of community, and the support among peers. The MBA program is fast-paced and challenging, especially in the online format, but the collaboration, knowledge sharing, and hands-on learning have made it incredibly fulfilling.

The professors I鈥檝e met and who have instructed my courses throughout the MBA program have also truly elevated my graduate experience. Their mentorship, encouragement, and expertise have made a lasting impact, and I still stay in touch and exchange messages with some of them on a weekly basis.

4. What does a typical day in your life look like 鈥� or what鈥檚 something people might be surprised to learn about you outside of school?

Outside of academics, I鈥檓 honored to serve as AEL President, which allows me to continue giving back to the 麻豆传媒在线 graduate community.

I鈥檓 also the co-founder of a nonprofit animal welfare organization called A Great Set of Paws, which my best friend and I started during my MBA program. We hosted our first large-scale fundraiser and vendor event in June 2024, partnering with the Animal Cancer Foundation, and later collaborated with Stop & Shop in Wayne, NJ. All proceeds from reusable bag purchases in July 2024 were donated to help animals in need. We鈥檙e now planning our second event 鈥� a fundraiser, adoption day, and vendor fair 鈥� at the grand opening of Paw Couture Pet Grooming and Bakery in Totowa on November 2, 2025.

5. Do you have a fun fact, hobby, or interest you鈥檇 like to share?

I鈥檓 an avid kayaker, and during my MBA program, I founded an affiliate website called , which provides trusted product reviews and transport solutions for fellow kayakers. My slogan is 鈥淢ade for Kayakers, by a Fellow Kayaker.鈥�

I also enjoy building websites and helping businesses grow their online presence 鈥� I recently began creating an official business website for Paw Couture Pet Grooming and Bakery, as their second location will be opening this November.

Outside of my professional interests, I鈥檓 very active in my community. I volunteer and help run events for the Garfield Fire Department, where my partner, Andre, serves as a volunteer firefighter, and I also coach cheerleading at Garfield High School. Working with the students and watching them grow in confidence and teamwork has been such a rewarding experience.

6. What does being a member 鈥� and now president 鈥� of AEL mean to you?

Being inducted into AEL was an incredible honor, but being elected President has been even more meaningful. It represents academic excellence, leadership, and service 鈥� values that align with everything I strive for.

I鈥檓 passionate about expanding AEL鈥檚 presence by building its social media visibility, making events more inclusive and accessible to all graduate students, and encouraging members to stay engaged and involved beyond induction. I鈥檓 especially excited for our upcoming Induction Ceremony this November, where we鈥檒l celebrate new members who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.

7. What motivated you to take on a leadership role within AEL?

I wanted to give back to a community that has been such a meaningful part of my graduate experience. Serving as President allows me to help elevate AEL鈥檚 visibility on campus, support member engagement, and contribute to the broader graduate community at 麻豆传媒在线. I鈥檓 motivated by the opportunity to continue AEL鈥檚 legacy of recognizing and empowering graduate excellence.

8. How do you hope to make an impact through your work with AEL this year?

My goal is to grow awareness of AEL among graduate students who embody academic excellence and leadership potential, and to make involvement more accessible through initiatives like enhanced social media outreach and virtual guest speaker events. I also hope to implement an AEL Member Spotlight to showcase our outstanding members and create lasting opportunities for engagement beyond their time in the program.

9. How do you balance your coursework, leadership responsibilities, and personal life?

For me, it all comes down to time management, passion, and purpose. I give 100% to every commitment I take on, whether it鈥檚 coursework, leadership responsibilities, or personal life. There are definitely busy moments, but when you love what you do, it doesn鈥檛 feel like work 鈥� it feels like growth. Everything I鈥檓 involved in represents a part of who I am and what I value, and that keeps me motivated and fulfilled.

10. What advice would you give to other graduate students looking to get more involved on campus?

Take advantage of the opportunities 麻豆传媒在线 offers 鈥� there are so many ways to connect, collaborate, and make an impact. Whether through honor societies, student organizations, or leadership roles, getting involved allows you to build relationships, strengthen your professional network, and make your graduate experience even more meaningful.

11. What are your goals after graduation?

My immediate goal is to complete my final course for the Graduate Business Analytics Certificate by April 2026. I鈥檓 also looking forward to celebrating our AEL Induction Ceremony in November and continuing to grow A Great Set of Paws through our next major event. Beyond that, I鈥檓 excited to embrace new experiences and opportunities 鈥� both professionally and personally. I feel so grateful for how far I鈥檝e come, and I can鈥檛 wait to see what鈥檚 next.

Dina will officially walk at 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 January 2026 commencement ceremony. It marks not just the completion of her studies, but the continuation of a story defined by conviction and perseverance.

Graduate Alumni Spotlight

Meet Amanda Moctezuma Barbosa, MS

From 麻豆传媒在线 to the global stage: Cybersecurity alumna and emerging researcher.

When Amanda Moctezuma Barbosa began her journey at 麻豆传媒在线 as a Computer Science undergraduate, she never imagined it would lead her all the way to an international stage in Paris. Today, just a few years later, Amanda is not only an alumna and staff member in 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 Graduate Admissions Office 鈥� she鈥檚 also an emerging researcher whose work will soon be shared with experts from around the world.

Building Her Future at 麻豆传媒在线

Amanda鈥檚 achievement is the latest milestone in a journey defined by curiosity, perseverance, and growth 鈥� all rooted here at 麻豆传媒在线. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, she continued on to pursue a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, diving deeper into the world of digital defense and threat intelligence.

While completing her degree, Amanda worked as a Graduate Assistant at The Graduate School, supporting doctoral candidates through research, writing, and milestone submissions. She also served as a Graduate Services Representative, helping prospective students navigate the admissions process with care and precision.

Today, Amanda is part of the 麻豆传媒在线 team full-time as a Graduate Enrollment Generalist, managing application data integrity, improving backend systems, and guiding students through their academic journeys. Her deep understanding of the graduate student experience 鈥� first as a student herself, then as a GA, and now as a professional 鈥� gives her a unique perspective on how to support others on their path to success.

From Red Hawk Roots to the Global Stage

Amanda鈥檚 paper, 鈥淒efenses in Cybersecurity Through Threat Intelligence Approaches,鈥� has been accepted at the 12th International Symposium on Networks, Computers and Communications (ISNCC鈥�25). Hosted at ESIEE Paris 鈥� University Gustave Eiffel and sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the IEEE Communications Society, the conference brings together leading voices on cybersecurity, computing technologies, and the future of the internet.

Her research will be published in the conference proceedings and submitted to the IEEE Xplore Digital Library, placing her work among some of the most respected publications in the field.

Taking 麻豆传媒在线 Global

Amanda鈥檚 upcoming presentation in Paris is not only a personal achievement 鈥� it鈥檚 also a proud moment for the 麻豆传媒在线 community. Her work explores how organizations can integrate cyber threat intelligence into the post-incident response process, strengthening defenses and improving resilience against increasingly complex cyberattacks.

It鈥檚 research with real-world implications, and Amanda is eager to share it with an international audience of researchers, engineers, and students. Her story is a powerful reminder that graduate education is more than just coursework 鈥� it鈥檚 a launchpad.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 even expect to make it this far. I never thought I鈥檇 actually get selected. At first, it was just a submission for fun 鈥� a 鈥榶ou never know鈥� kind of thing. Then I got the email saying 鈥榗ongratulations,鈥� and I was like, guess I鈥檓 going to Paris now! Honestly, I didn鈥檛 even want to go at first because it felt scary to travel alone, but my family is coming with me, so it doesn鈥檛 seem as scary anymore.鈥�

鈥� Amanda Moctezuma Barbosa

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Graduate Student Spotlight

Meet Tahina Gonzalez

First-gen trailblazer, MSW candidate, and graduate assistant.

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If there鈥檚 one thing you should know about Tahina Gonzalez, it鈥檚 that she never sits still for long. A proud first-generation student from Paterson and now a Master of Social Work candidate at 麻豆传媒在线, Tahina thrives on connection, community, and creating spaces where others feel supported 鈥� values that have shaped every step of her journey.

From Involvement to Impact

Tahina鈥檚 麻豆传媒在线 story began as an undergraduate in Justice Studies with a minor in Psychology. She made the most of her time here; interning at Deirdre鈥檚 House Child Advocacy Center in Morristown, NJ, serving as a tour guide and orientation leader, finding community through Sigma Sigma Sigma National Sorority and connecting with her culture through clubs like the Latin American Student Organization (LASO). All this while commuting from Paterson 鈥� a testament to her drive and time management.

Now, as a graduate student, Tahina is building on that foundation with a focus on school social work. She鈥檚 completing her practicum at iLearn Schools, where she supports students鈥� academic, social, and emotional well-being through check-ins, interventions, and connecting families with resources. And on campus, she鈥檚 a Graduate Assistant for First-Generation Initiatives in the Office of Student Belonging, mentoring fellow first-gen students and helping them get involved and thrive. This fall, her team hosted the First-Gen Block Party, a huge success that brought students together to celebrate identity, community, and pride.

Giving Back While Moving Forward

As the oldest sibling and self-described 鈥渕om鈥� of her friend group, Tahina is the go-to confidant, therapist, and cheerleader for those around her. That same instinct shows up in her professional life too鈥攚hether she鈥檚 guiding first-gen students toward success or working one-on-one with young people in schools, she leads with empathy and purpose.

What excites her most about graduate school so far is the chance to form deeper connections, especially with faculty. 鈥淭he smaller cohort size makes it easier to build real relationships,鈥� she shared. 鈥淪everal of my professors have taken time to get to know us personally and mentor us, which makes a huge difference.鈥�

It鈥檚 no surprise that Tahina鈥檚 generosity of spirit extends beyond campus, too. Her little sister is now planning to follow in her footsteps and attend college, proof that Tahina鈥檚 path is inspiring others in her own family and community.

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Tahina was one of the winners of our Graduate Assistant Orientation survey this fall, earning $100 in Red Hawk Dollars for sharing her feedback. Your voice matters too鈥攚atch for more surveys throughout the year and you could be next on our winners list!

Nominate a grad for a future spotlight

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