Dara Garrison
Dara Garrison (Edge) is an accomplished professional in alumni engagement and higher education, currently serving as the Associate Director of Regional Alumni Engagement at Boston College. In this role, she manages the university’s West Coast and Midwest alumni chapters, overseeing volunteer management, event planning, and initiatives that strengthen connections between alumni and the institution. Dara is particularly proud of her work with the Ahana City Captains program, which focuses on supporting alumni of color and fostering inclusive engagement.
Her career in education spans over a decade, beginning with roles in student experience marketing and military academic advising at Southern New Hampshire University. Dara gradually specialized in alumni relations, developing expertise in volunteer coordination, event management, and community-building strategies. She leverages her strong organizational and interpersonal skills to help alumni maintain meaningful ties to their alma mater, no matter the distance.
Dara holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Central Connecticut State University and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. She is also pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Hartford. Beyond her professional duties, Dara is actively involved with the Black Educators Alliance of Massachusetts, serving as co-committee chair for both the Membership and Higher Education Committees, and maintains ongoing volunteer work through programs such as Summer Search. Her work reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning, mentorship, and fostering inclusive educational communities.
• Social Media Marketing Certification
• Branding Foundations
• Create a Brand Strategy
• Introduction to Social Media Strategy
• Central Connecticut State University- B.S.
• Southern New Hampshire University- M.B.A.
• Black Educators Alliance of Massachusetts (BEAM)
• NASPA
• CASE
• Black Educators Alliance of Massachusetts (BEAM)
• Summer Search
• Special Olympics
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my love for education and my passion for making a positive impact on others. I truly enjoy being a lifelong learner and supporting those around me. I’m excited to further my own education this fall at the University of Hartford, where I’ll be pursuing my PhD, and I hope to show others the importance of always staying eager to learn, because learning is truly one of the fundamentals of life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can have a career you love and be able to make a difference in the lives of others and in your community.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can do it just keep going and never look back.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is balancing the pursuit of continuing education with advancing my career, as both are deeply connected and mutually reinforcing.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are lifelong learning and a deep passion for supporting the Black Educators Alliance of Massachusetts (BEAM), where I actively plan events and help foster community engagement.