Graduate Programs

Robin Clare

Executive Director
Seniors Job Bank

Robin Clare champions the mission to link mature workers with employers seeking capable, dependable talent. Her diverse background includes corporate human resources, non-profit administration, and entrepreneurial pursuits. She previously established three self-improvement centers for adults and authored five books on individual healing and growth. Robin is a Certified National Speaker, and she is the co-host of the Seniors Rule: Age Like a Warrior podcast. She passionately advocates for the growing senior population, empowering them to remain vibrant, mentally sharp, physically fit, and financially secure.

Candace Freedenberg

Founder
Untapped Potential Inc

Candace Freedenberg is a technologist and business leader with experience at Laboratory for Laser Energetics, IBM, Eastman Kodak, and Orafol. Her work, historically at the forefront of new technology and industries within corporate America, yielded many US patents.

Often a catalyst for organizational change, now, as the Founder of Untapped Potential Inc., she is engineering social change for women impacting gender equality, diversity, and work-life success. In 2023, Candace was honored with the Inclusive Leadership Impact Award (Workplace category) and by the Girl Scouts of Connecticut for their 27th Annual Breakfast Badge Award:, Honoring Women Who Inspire and Lead. She also received the Woman-owned Small Business of the Year Award, Woman-CT, Woman Of Innovation Award, and CT Entrepreneur Award (Social Good).

Candace holds an MS in Business from Boston University, an MS Certificate in Manufacturing Systems, from NTU, and a BS in Optical Engineering from the University of Rochester. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children.

Kristle Westry

HR Business Partner
ESPN & US Army Officer

Kristle Westry brings over 18 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army Reserve to her current role as a 420A Human Resources Technician Warrant Officer. Leveraging military leadership and personnel management expertise, Kristle has developed a keen understanding of the unique skills and strengths that veterans offer in the civilian workforce.

In addition to her military service, Kristle serves as a Human Resources Business Partner at ESPN, where she supports diverse teams with strategic HR solutions, change management, and talent development initiatives. She specializes in helping individuals and organizations recognize and maximize transferable skills—particularly those developed through military experience.

Passionate about veteran advocacy, Kristle has championed veteran recruitment programs, transition coaching, and tailored training sessions to ease service members’ adaptation to civilian roles. She is honored to contribute to UCONN’s initiative to bring awareness to veterans through meaningful conversations regarding employment and leadership opportunities.

Nicholas Prue

TA Strategic Sourcing (Military & Disability)
Travelers

Nicholas Prue is responsible for managing and overseeing Military & Disability recruiting efforts and initiatives. He has been working for Travelers since August 2022 and previously worked for Voya Financial for 4+ years within the Talent Acquisition department. Collectively, he has been working in Talent Acquisition and Human Resources for 10 years after graduating from Western New England University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Sports Management.