WHM Spotlight: Kelly Scafariello ’99

To continue our celebration of Women’s History Month and the remarkable women who help shape the Roger Williams University community, we’re introducing you to Kelly Scafariello ’99, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations.

A proud Hawk through and through, Scafariello returned to RWU to lead efforts that strengthen engagement and deepen connections among the university’s more than 30,000 alumni around the world. In her role, she oversees alumni programming, regional chapter development, and initiatives that connect alumni with current students through mentoring, networking, and experiential learning opportunities.

Scafariello also works closely with partners across the Bristol and Providence campuses to support institutional priorities and expand alumni involvement in the life of the university. A key part of her work includes helping graduating seniors transition into the alumni community while building a strong pipeline of connection between current students and Roger alumni.

Her relationship with RWU began as a student. As an undergraduate majoring in Communications with minors in Marketing and Anthropology + Sociology, Scafariello was deeply involved in campus life. She served as captain of the women’s volleyball team – helping lead the program to its first Commonwealth Coast Conference championship in 1998 – while also serving as chair of the Campus Entertainment Network, working as a morning DJ for WQRI, and contributing as an editor for The Hawks’ Herald.

After graduating, Scafariello remained closely connected to her alma mater as an active alumna, including serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Today, she brings that lifelong connection to her work supporting and engaging the broader Hawk community.

Fun Facts About Kelly

• She is a huge UConn Huskies women's basketball fan. During the season, you can almost always find Kelly following the team’s games and cheering on the Huskies.
• Music is part of her daily routine, and she is almost always listening to something.
• She is always on the hunt for a great cup of coffee. One of her passions is exploring local cafés and discovering new coffee spots wherever she travels – and she’s always happy to take recommendations.

In Her Own Words

Tell us about your role at RWU and what leadership looks like in your work.

As a proud Alumni Hawk, I understand and value the impact of the work we do in the Office of Alumni Relations. My goal is to create meaningful and intentional opportunities for connection. That may mean supporting a new graduate navigating their career path, reconnecting seasoned alumni with classmates, or partnering with philanthropic alumni whose generosity strengthens our ability to offer impactful programs and events.

For me, leadership means showing up consistently, listening with intention, and building connections that honor the diverse experiences of our alumni community.

What does it mean to you to be a woman leader at RWU?

I see myself simply as someone who has the privilege of leading a department that means so much to me. If being a woman in this Assistant Vice President role inspires other women who aspire to senior leadership positions, I’m grateful for that impact.

At the same time, I believe the most important part of leadership – regardless of gender – is ensuring that the person in the role aligns with its purpose, responsibilities, and mission. My focus is on creating seats at the table for others to contribute and showing up with integrity, competence, and commitment to make our Alumni Hawk family proud of their alma mater.

What does “Give to Gain” mean to you, and what do you give that helps others gain opportunity?

To me, “Give to Gain” means that when you pour yourself into something that matters – when you give your time, energy, and heart – you always gain something meaningful in return. You gain confidence in your abilities, experiences that strengthen your work, and a deeper sense of purpose aligned with your values.

In my role, what I hope to give our Alumni Hawk Family is a sense of connection, support, and belonging. I want them to feel seen, valued, and truly part of the work happening at our alma mater.

Were there specific people who helped shape your path, and how did their influence guide you?

Growing up in Connecticut, I wasn’t always the strongest student academically, but I led with passion and gravitated toward clubs, organizations, and sports that interested me.

Along the way, I had teachers who saw something in me that others didn’t – from my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Clapp, to my English teacher Mrs. Stockton, to my guidance counselor Mrs. Wolff, who encouraged colleges, including RWU, to give me a chance. Their belief in my creativity and ideas beyond classroom grades meant the world to me. That support helped me thrive at RWU as a student leader, athlete, and campus contributor.

The greatest believer in me, though, was my grandfather. He told me I could do anything and was proud of me before I ever achieved a thing. Though he’s no longer here, I carry his belief with me every day and hope I continue to make my Pop proud.

What has been one meaningful success in your work with RWU?

One of the most meaningful successes in my role has been creating a strategic plan that keeps alumni at the center of everything we do. By grounding our work in intentional, alumni-focused goals, we’ve been able to reinvigorate and re-engage our alumni community from both the RWC and RWU eras.

Seeing alumni choose to reconnect – whether by attending events, participating in Giving Day, volunteering as ambassadors, or simply sharing their Roger Williams stories – reminds me why this work matters. Their willingness to return reflects the lasting impact of this community.

When you reflect on the journey that brought you to RWU, what experiences most prepared you for the work you’re doing now?

Before stepping into this role, I spent more than 20 years as a collegiate athletics administrator. I believed I would always work in college athletics and hoped one day to become a Director of Athletics.

When COVID hit and many of my colleagues and I lost our jobs, it forced me to pause and consider what I wanted next.

My time in athletics shaped me in many ways. It taught me how to listen, work as a teammate, make difficult decisions, build strategic plans, and develop meaningful relationships. When the opportunity to return to RWU arose, I leaned on those experiences and brought that foundation with me into the Office of Alumni Relations.

What advice would you offer to students or early-career professionals stepping into leadership?

Follow what you’re passionate about and always be yourself. Lean into who you are, what you love, and trust that you are capable of achieving anything you set out to do. And never waver on your values. Make sure the work you pursue aligns with the person you are and the person you want to become.

Find a mentor who listens, offers honest feedback, and supports your growth. Always remember: Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk. Our network is strong, so don’t hesitate to lean into it.