Maria Cuellar (B.S. ‘98; M.D.A. ‘22) is no stranger to career pivots.
A two-time VCU graduate, Cuellar’s initial career plan was to become a teacher. Having earned her undergraduate degree in mathematics, she went on to be a classroom math teacher for more than 25 years.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she felt ready for a change.
Cuellar returned to VCU in 2021, this time enrolling in the Master of Decision Analytics program at the VCU School of Business. When she completed her degree in 2022, she landed a job as director of advanced data analytics at a local technology company — a new type of work that fed her sense of curiosity and appetite for solving complex, real-world puzzles.
Now, four years later, Cuellar is ready for another career shift. She wants to pivot the focus of her projects and find new, impactful ways to apply her growing interest in AI.
“I work with AI a lot in my current job,” said Cuellar. “I want to continue working with AI, but in different capacities. I’m trying to figure out what that might look like in other roles.”
Cuellar once again returned to VCU for support, this time attending the Pivot With Purpose Expo on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The free, one-day event brought mid- to senior-level professionals to Snead Hall for career transition guidance, networking and practical support.
The expo was hosted in collaboration with the School of Business, VCU Alumni and Virginia Works, the official workforce development agency for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The event supports Virginia Works’ ongoing effort to expand career pathways across the commonwealth by connecting professionals with tools, advice and networks. Open to all Virginians, this was the third Pivot with Purpose expo Virginia Works has hosted in recent months.
“We were exceptionally happy to come to VCU to provide these services and speak with all of the great VCU faculty and staff members and community partners,” said Malissa Short, Virginia state rapid response coordinator with Virginia Works and Pivot with Purpose event facilitator. “Career paths are not linear. There will be turns and bumps. We’re here to say, it’s OK to make a different decision, and we can help.”
The expo took place during the inaugural VCU Alumni Career Week, held May 18–23, which featured virtual and in-person events supporting alumni professional growth at every stage.
“Pivot with Purpose is a meaningful way to help attendees address how they can best navigate switching or changing their careers,” said Latisha Taylor Smart, senior director of alumni career and personal development with VCU Alumni. “VCU alums are lifelong learners, and we want them to know that they can get the ongoing resources they need from VCU.”
Attendees were welcomed by Asif Bhavnagri, assistant secretary of labor for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and VCU School of Business Dean Brian Brown, Ph.D., who spoke about the importance of flexibility and staying open to change is essential for career success today.
“We are navigating a rapidly changing workforce shaped by technology, innovation and evolving career pathways,” said Bhavnagri. “The ability to pivot is no longer optional. It is an essential professional skill. Pivoting is not starting over; it is building on experience and moving forward with purpose.”
Following the opening remarks, guests attended specialty seminars focused on giving job-pivoters a positive boost forward. Sessions included “Creating a Job Transition Marketing Plan” and “Human Skills + AI: Strengthening Your Value in the Workplace,” led by business and workforce leaders.
During lunch, guests circulated among tables representing a range of industries, including accounting, finance, real estate and marketing. Christina Mastroianni, chief strategy officer at ChamberRVA, consistently welcomed a large crowd at the social branding table, where she discussed the power of connection.
“My conversation with guests today was really about how to leverage your social network and the idea of social capital,” said Mastroianni. “In today’s technology-driven environment, it’s sometimes good to just slow down and have a cup of coffee with someone. That may seem really rudimentary, but there is real value in human interaction and having those genuine touch points.”
Brown said the expo reflected VCU’s broader role in the Richmond community.
“From alumni to neighbors navigating career transition, this partnership reflects the important role higher education plays in creating connection and opportunity,” said Brown. “In a rapidly changing workforce, universities are uniquely positioned to convene people, share expertise and help individuals reimagine what’s next in their professional journey.”
For Cuellar, the event was both validating and highly practical.
“The advice that I got today in terms of how to approach my career path has been wonderful,” said Cuellar. “Their suggestions were clearly laid out and approachable. I so appreciate that they are offering this event. It’s been a great way to start getting myself straight as I approach my second career pivot.”
For more information about events and programs at VCU Business, visit business.vcu.edu. For opportunities with VCU Alumni, visit vcualumni.org.
For more information about Virginia Works and resources available, visit virginiaworks.gov.