Maggie Giel-Bovaird ’09

Maggie Giel-Bovaird ’09 was the featured speaker at the April 10 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar. Giel-Bovaird is the Director of Outreach and Recruitment for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh.

“Maggie Giel-Bovaird presented at tonight’s dinner. Giel-Bovaird graduated from Thiel College in 2009 with a major in Communications and a minor in Media Communications. She later pursued and obtained a Master of Education from IUP.” Alex Martin ’24

“Once Maggie graduated from high school, she knew she wanted to go to a small liberal arts school like her father had and she found her home at Thiel College. She originally began as an education major and quickly realized that it wasn’t for her and switched to communications with a minor in media communications.” Zach Bergstresser ’25

“One reason she enjoyed coming to Thiel is because it was more diverse than her high school and it was a small, connected community.” Damion Grinnell ’25

“Maggie had a rough start at Thiel before she found a place to call home. Starting with a major she did not like, at a place where she did not make any serious connections, she decided to make some changes. Maggie changed her major to media communications and decided to join Sigma Kappa sorority.” Isaac Sasala ’24

“As a sophomore, she became a peer mentor to assist the freshmen, along with joining Sigma Kappa, which caused her to be more involved in campus life and then stopped traveling back and forth to her residence due to homesickness.” Jacara Green ’25

“Some of the things she was involved in were Order of Omega, Les Lauriers, Chi Alpha Epsilon, Lambda Sigma, Lambda Pi Eta, Sigma Kappa Sorority, she worked in the student life office, and had an internship at Eastwood Mall.” Nick DiLullio ’24

“She credits Thiel and its liberal arts philosophy to allow the students to stretch themselves. I resonate with this sentiment because Thiel gave me the opportunity to have leadership positions, internship opportunities, and varied classes.” Connor Lovic ’24

“Giel-Bovaird attributes much of her success to the lessons she learned at Thiel College. The sense of community and belonging, leadership development opportunities, and emphasis on community involvement have had a large impact on her personal and professional growth.” Jackson Pletcher ’24

“Maggie shared that her time at Thiel was marked by cherished moments, highlighting the sense of community and belonging fostered by the small campus. She acquired valuable skills such as leadership, community involvement, time management, and the courage to step out of her comfort zone. Additionally, Thiel provided her with lifelong friendships.” Emma Hatfield ’25

“After graduating, she was able to get a job in the corporate world at Dollar Bank, while also pursuing her master’s degree in school counseling. It was at this job that she realized that the corporate world was not for her, so she left this job to work for a nonprofit called Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, where she still works today.” Madi Yurich ’24

“She now works for “Big Brothers Big Sisters,” a non-profit organization where they match willing children (littles) with adults (bigs) who serve as a consistent presence in the lives of their ‘Littles.’ Their mission is to empower and defend their potential by standing with them as their ‘cheerleader’ and champion.” Jacara Green ’25

“Some of her roles at BBBS included site-based manager, director mentor, director of education programs, and director of outreach and community relations.” Abraham Hochstetler ’24

“During her time at her current job, Maggie has created curriculum and programs, built outreach, and developed community relations. Maggie is very passionate about her job and the company she works for, and it is nothing less than admirable.” Taya Sykes ’24

“Maggie is also a volunteer with the organization, recounting the profound impact she has on a child's life and the reciprocal impact on her own.” Emma Hatfield ’25

“It was amazing to see how an organization could impact not only its customer base but also the employees and change their lives. She enjoys Big Brothers Big Sisters as much as I enjoy the trucking industry.” Jacob Traupman ’24

“Maggie believes firmly in helping others and loves the meaning she finds in her work. She told us many times about how it is not work for her because of the passion she has for what she does.” George Tice ’24

“During her career she has received many awards, including the 2023 “40 under 40” award from Pittsburgh Magazine and the 2019 Thiel College Young Alumni Award.” Jacob Traupman ’24

“It takes a village when you have children and a family. Her parents help her a lot and it is important to have a good support system.” Abigail Sefton ’25

“Maggie has a very outgoing personality, and it is clear how passionate she is about her work. I was very interested in her non-profit work since it is also a passion of mine.” Connor Lovic ’24

“It was more than an honor to hear from someone who puts everything into their work and has the determination to always get the job done, no matter what obstacles may stand in the way.” Taya Sykes ’24

“It was enjoyable to see how passionate she was about her current role, working at Big Brothers Big Sisters, and to see what an impact she has made not only on herself, but on members of the Pittsburgh community. She was a wonderful speaker, and you could tell that her work ethic stems from her passion to inspire the future generation.” Hailey McClain ’24

“Maggie Giel-Bovaird's journey from a high school student in Pennsylvania to a respected community leader embodies the spirit of resilience, ambition, and service. Her formative years at Thiel College laid the foundation for her professional success and her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.” Jackson Pletcher ’24

“Maggie was an excellent and enthusiastic speaker.” Connor Lovic ’24

Lessons Learned

“The difference between a job and a career is passion.” Zach Bergstresser ’25
“You have to be passionate about your work, otherwise you won’t enjoy it.” Connor Lovic ’24
“Find a good mentor, someone who will be there for advice.” Damion Grinnell ’25
“Put yourself out there/get involved.” Nick DiLullio ’24
“Stretch yourself, challenge yourself, that is how you grow.” Isaac Sasala ’24
“Embracing new challenges and gaining experiences are essential for advancing one's career and skills.” Yeryoung Kim ’24
“You cannot have a functioning work relationship without trust.” Taya Sykes ’24
“Don’t make the people who work for you feel like children.” Alex Martin ’24
“You can’t help unless you know the problem.” George Tice ’24
“When you surround yourself with diversity, you will eventually find diversity inside of yourself. “ Abraham Hochstetler ’24
“She recommended getting on some boards, such as non-profit boards, to meet and work with people.” Abigail Sefton ’25
“Actively seizing various leadership opportunities, such as participating in different organizations and volunteering in the local community, is crucial.” Yeryoung Kim ’24
“Do everything at least once. She and her husband jumped out of a plane on their first anniversary, and she would not do it again, but you never know until you try.” Abigail Sefton ’25
“Set boundaries…AND KEEP THEM!” George Tice ’24
“You are no good if you are burnt out.” Jacara Green ’25
“Everyone has a background, with some carrying a heavy load.” Hailey McClain ’24
“Speak for those who cannot speak.” Madi Yurich ’24
“Being a smiling face for someone can make all the difference in their life.” Hailey McClain ’24
“Networking is key. Always be networking!” Damion Grinnell ’25
“Keys to a good handshake are being firm and maintaining eye contact.” Zach Bergstresser ’25
“Use LinkedIn.” Madi Yurich ’24
“Make friendships that last. It will bless you and your friends.” Abraham Hochstetler ’24
“Treasure your time at Thiel.” Emma Hatfield ’25

Dinner “Dishing”

“During dinner, our table discussed the changes that have occurred on campus and around town throughout the years. This provided me with knowledge regarding former buildings and local spots that no longer exist.” Jackson Pletcher ’24
“I feel every week I say that ‘this is the best meal yet.’ Every week we have had great food, and this week was no exception. Having a charcuterie board for our appetizer was a pleasant surprise. The main dish of chicken fried chicken with loaded mashed potatoes and green beans felt like being home and having some of mom’s cooking.” Damion Grinnell ’25
“For dessert, we had a key lime pie cup, and it was very interesting because I usually don't like key lime, however it was surprisingly good.” Nick DiLullio ’24
“I might be biased, since I determined the menu, but this was one of the best meals I’ve had so far in this class. My favorite menu items were the chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and the key lime pie parfait. Everything that we were served exceeded my expectations.” Madi Yurich ’24