While living in Connecticut and completing the program, she saw a picture of the Barry University chapel in a magazine. With her deep Catholic roots, Barry seemed like the perfect fit, and she chose to make it the only university where she applied. Orianna worked as a resident assistant (RA) for two of her undergraduate studies in international business and management, and two additional years as an RA while she earned her MBA. Today, she continues to contribute to the Barry University community, currently serving as the Business Operations Coordinator for Housing and Residence Life.
Orianna Camargo ’18, MBA ’20 A Venezuela native, Orianna Camargo came to the United States at the age of 16, escaping and leaving behind dictatorship and civil war. She had no family in the United States and did not speak English, but Carmargo became part of an American family through ELS, an English as a second language program.
It was so positive that giving back is organic. As an international student, it seemed impossible to afford Barry, but my dad worked hard to make the numbers happen. Knowing that if the funding ended, I would have to go back to Venezuela, I took every opportunity Barry presented.
I got involved with student organizations like the orientation team, CAB, and eventually athletics, even though I had never played sports. I joined the rowing team and made it to the National Championship team in 2016.
Unfortunately, my dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and passed away a year later. The rowing team gave me a full ride to finish my last semester. Staff members from the Division of Mission & Student Engagement became my support system. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in 2018, Dr. McDonough hired me as a graduate assistant, which allowed me to pursue my MBA.
The power of connections and people from various departments at Barry genuinely caring, truly got me through the challenging years after my father’s passing. This motivates me to give back.
What is your role on the Board?
I serve on the membership committee and am in my second year on the Alumni Board. As a student, it was hard for me to relate to Board members who were so advanced in their professional careers. At 26, my age puts me closer to the students, and I hope they feel represented. My hope is that they can see themselves in my story and connect.
Top Spots
“A large part of my role is care transformation and cross-continuum care redesign, which will enable us to remove inefficiencies and improve on our high-quality outcomes,” said Puga, a graduate of both Nova Southeastern and Barry universities. “Our people, culture, clinical excellence, and passion for innovation will improve the Memorial experience for patients, families, staff, and providers.”
—Monica Puga, RN, MSN ’08, a nurse leader for nearly 20 years at Memorial Healthcare System, upon her appointment as chief nursing executive last fall
“Banesco USA has made great inroads throughout local communities in south Florida and Puerto Rico by offering exceptional financial products and services. It is one of the most respected brands in the banking industry, and this is a special opportunity that I welcome because we share the same values and goals of providing attainable financial solutions to families and businesses in the communities we serve.”
—Erbi Blanco ’98 -True upon being named community relations director at Banesco
“I couldn't be more excited to join this incredible team at a time of accelerated growth. Intermedia has everything it needs—the brilliant minds, the innovative spirit, the world-class products, service, and support—to further elevate its path of success. As the company expands its presence around North America and the world, I look forward to working with the team here to make sure our partners and customers have the very best experience possible utilizing our solutions.”
—Gagan Pabla MS ’97 upon being named executive vice president of operations at Intermedia Cloud Communications, a leading provider of enterprise intelligent cloud communications, collaboration, and productivity solutions