Valiant Talks
Claim This Podcastby Frank Furbacher
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Podcast Overview
<p><strong>Hosted by Frank Furbacher, this podcast reconnects with Manhattanville (College) University alumni to explore their journeys from college to career. Through candid conversations, guests share lessons learned, unexpected turns, and the passions that drive them. It’s about growth, community, and the stories that shape who we become.</strong></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
6/27/2025
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Recent Episodes
March 16, 2026
Styling Opportunity: Marisa Engler's Journey from Manhattanville to Celebrity Fashion
In this episode, Frank Furbacher sits down with fashion stylist and Manhattanville College alum Marisa Engler (Class of 2009) to explore her unconventional journey into the fashion and celebrity styling world. Marisa shares how growing up in Colorado, attending the University of Arizona, and ultimately transferring to Manhattanville helped shape her path toward New York City and the fashion industry. From unpaid internships and navigating the challenges of the 2008 recession to styling celebrities and working behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, Marisa's story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities. Along the way, she recounts remarkable career moments—including a chance encounter at Nordstrom that led to joining a concert tour with Marc Anthony, working in PR at major fashion brands, and eventually building a career styling high-profile talent and collaborating on major campaigns like a recent Super Bowl commercial. Frank and Marisa also discuss the realities of working in fashion, the importance of mentorship, how relationships and reputation shape opportunities, and the mindset needed to build a career in a competitive industry. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion world—and a reminder that career paths are rarely linear, but perseverance and authenticity can open unexpected doors.
February 5, 2026
Saying Yes to Opportunity: Amanda Kis' Journey from Manhattanville to NBCUniversal
In this episode of Valiant Talks, host Frank Furbacher reconnects with Manhattanville College Class of 2007 alum Amanda Kis, now Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Services at NBCUniversal. Amanda shares how Manhattanville became the place where she found her voice—through student government, leadership experiences outside the classroom, and a willingness to explore different paths. From starting as a dance and theater major to considering law school, Amanda walks through the pivotal internship that redirected her career toward media and ultimately led her to NBC during a challenging job market. The conversation explores Amanda's rise through the organization, her leadership philosophy, and what it's like working behind the scenes on major moments like presidential elections and the Olympics. She also reflects on the importance of work ethic, saying yes to opportunity, and not putting too much pressure on yourself early in your career. A thoughtful and grounded look at career pivots, long-term growth, and building a meaningful professional life.
November 11, 2025
Beyond the Assist: Melissa Goncalves Davis on Sports, Tech, and Paying It Forward
In this episode of Valiant Talks, host Frank Furbacher '09 sits down with Melissa Goncalves Davis '13, a two-sport athlete whose college career was launched by a single missed shot. Melissa shares her story, from her roots as the proud daughter of Portuguese immigrants to the high school penalty stroke that made her realize her athletic journey "can't be it". She opens up about her brother's tough love that pushed her to play lacrosse, a sport that ultimately built her confidence and landed her in the Manhattanville record books. Melissa also details her "full-circle" career path: how networking with an alumna at a field hockey game kick-started her post-college life , and how she's "paid it forward" by hiring multiple Valiants herself. This is a powerful conversation about sports, persistence, and the incredible value of the Valiant network.
11 total episodes available
Recent guests on Valiant Talks
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Valiant Talks?
<p><strong>Hosted by Frank Furbacher, this podcast reconnects with Manhattanville (College) University alumni to explore their journeys from college to career. Through candid conversations, guests share lessons learned, unexpected turns, and the passions that drive them. It’s about growth, community, and the stories that shape who we become.</strong></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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