About Us
Smith Development & Alumni Relations
We provide resources and services for ~25,000 Smith alumni (Commerce and Masters-suite alumni), including SmithConnect, our exclusive online student and alumni directory and engagement platform, business clubs, networking events, reunion planning, and continuous learning opportunities through Smith Insight. As well, the department offers ways for alumni to give back to their alma mater through sharing their time, knowledge or financial support, to help ‘pay it forward’ to the next generation of business leaders at Smith.
Our Mission
To develop outstanding leaders with a global perspective, and to create new knowledge that advances business and society. Our Vision is to be one of the world's most innovative and influential business schools.
Our Values
- Excellence and innovation
- Respect for self and others
- Ethics and integrity
- Collaborative relationships with alumni, partners, and stakeholders
Development and Alumni Relations Staff
![Ylber Kusari](/_templates/images/content/people/staff/ylber-kusari.jpg)
Executive Director, Development & Alumni Engagement
ylber.kusari@queensu.ca
Ylber Kusari
![](/_templates/images/content/people/staff/ylber-kusari.jpg)
Krista is responsible for providing support to Jeanette Hepburn, and supports Jessica Duggan in her Major Gift portfolio.
Krista ensures invoices are paid and tracks the D&AE budget. She works closely with the Dean’s office when it comes to requesting the Dean’s time for meetings and events.
Krista manages the onboarding process to the team and works closely with Laura Brooks to keep the D&AE office operating effectively.
![Lana Unsworth](/_templates/images/content/people/staff/lana-unsworth.webp)
Associate Director, Alumni and Donor Relations
lana.unsworth@queensu.ca
Lana Unsworth
![](/_templates/images/content/people/staff/lana-unsworth.webp)
Krista is responsible for providing support to Jeanette Hepburn, and supports Jessica Duggan in her Major Gift portfolio.
Krista ensures invoices are paid and tracks the D&AE budget. She works closely with the Dean’s office when it comes to requesting the Dean’s time for meetings and events.
Krista manages the onboarding process to the team and works closely with Laura Brooks to keep the D&AE office operating effectively.
![Krista Downie](/_templates/images/content/people/staff/krista-downie.jpg)
Alumni & Development Coordinator
krista.downie@queensu.ca
Krista Downie
![](/_templates/images/content/people/staff/krista-downie.jpg)
Krista is responsible for providing support to Jeanette Hepburn, and supports Jessica Duggan in her Major Gift portfolio.
Krista ensures invoices are paid and tracks the D&AE budget. She works closely with the Dean’s office when it comes to requesting the Dean’s time for meetings and events.
Krista manages the onboarding process to the team and works closely with Laura Brooks to keep the D&AE office operating effectively.
![Elaina Raponi](/invest/staff/ElainaRaponi.jpg)
Alumni & Development Coordinator
elaina.raponi@queensu.ca
![Shelley Hamill](/invest/staff/Shelley-Hamill.jpg)
Senior Development Officer
613.533.3369 x 33369
shelley.hamill@queensu.ca
Shelley Hamill
![](/invest/staff/Shelley-Hamill.jpg)
Shelley is responsible for managing the Annual & Reunion Giving portfolio including: class giving, leadership and annual giving, QUIC and QUAAF, EDII, parents giving program, and pledge renewals. She also sits on the Indigenous Initiatives working group.
Shelley manages a pool of major gift prospects primarily located in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. She works closely with Laura Brooks on her major gift portfolio.
Shelley works closely with Jessica Duggan and the Annual & Reunion Giving team: Steph Lunitz, Talia Gordon and RM - TBA.
Senior Development Officer
emma.clarke@queensu.ca
Emma Clarke
Emma is responsible for managing a pool of major gift donors in Stewardship, and providing strategic support and overall coordination for the fundraising, stewardship and development activities carried out by D&AE.
Emma works closely with all Smith MG RMs, University-Wide Research and Stewardship colleagues and Cicely Dickson/Jeanette Hepburn.![Julie Bertoia](/invest/staff/Julie-Bertoia.jpg)
Development Officer, Leadership Giving
julie.bertoia@queensu.ca
![Jack Seymour](/_templates/images/content/people/staff/jack-seymour.jpg)
Stewardship Officer
jack.seymour@queensu.ca
![Kayla Ablitt](/_templates/images/content/people/staff/kayla-kalijarvi.jpg)
Director of Development
kayla.ablitt@queensu.ca