Interim Director of First Year Programs & Learning Communities and Director of Academic Support, UConn

With over 30 years of experience in higher education and mental health, Leo has dedicated his career to helping college students thrive—academically, personally, and professionally. Leo currently serves as the Interim Director of First-Year Programs at UConn, where he leads a dynamic team focused on student transition, engagement, and belonging. He also supports first-generation student initiatives, academic coaching, and innovative programming through the Academic Achievement Center.

Whether mentoring undergraduate interns, launching experiential learning programs like walking the Camino de Santiago, or collaborating across departments to remove barriers to success, Leo bring energy, empathy, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion.

Leo is a strong believer in the power of authentic connection, the importance of grit and growth mindset, and the magic that happens when students realize their full potential.

Managing Partner, Siller & Cohen Family Wealth Advisors

As co-founder of Siller & Cohen, I take pride in my team’s ability to provide a sense of security for our high-net-worth families and business owners. We accomplish this by:
• Serving as mathematically based stewards of wealth
• Paying careful attention to risk management
• Designing detailed, comprehensive, and holistic family financial plans
• Being unwavering catalysts and advocates on behalf of our clients

I began my career as a CPA* in Big 8 accounting and went on to obtain my masters’ degree in taxation to develop deeper knowledge in tax planning. I co-founded Siller & Cohen because I saw a need to provide clients with straight forward, professional guidance across their entire financial situations.

I went on to obtain my Certified Investment Management Analyst designation from the Wharton School of business (CIMA®). Some of my current and past accomplishments
include:
▪ Inducted into the UConn School of Business Hall of Fame
▪ Chairman of the NYSSCPA’s Estate Planning Committee
▪ Board Member-Community Healthcare Network (Member of Finance and Audit
committees)
▪ Appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Cabinet for the University of Connecticut’s
School of Business
▪ Certified Continuing Education Instructor for Accountants and other
professionals
▪ Member of the Security Committee for Johns Hopkins University
▪ Successfully completed Harvard University’s Financial Leadership Program

I was fortunate to have met Sir John Templeton early in my career, and he helped me to understand how critical it is to control volatility in a client’s portfolio. This is an
important piece of what we do at Siller & Cohen. Our approach helped clients to weather the storm when the 2000 tech bubble burst, the 2008 financial crisis and the
coronavirus pandemic of 2020.

Our firm has a strong client service culture. We focus on hiring professionals with credentials across multiple disciplines, including, CFP® practitioners, Certified Investment Management Analysts®. We work collaboratively with our clients’ other advisors to implement comprehensive plans that best serve their interests. Our measure of success is how well we are helping our clients achieve their most important objectives.

My wife Sheri and I live in New York City. I have three amazing daughters. Meredith, who is married and lives in LA, is an attorney pursuing a career as a psychotherapist. Stefanie, who is married and lives in Connecticut, received her PHD from Columbia University’s Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology. She and I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro together. My youngest, Isabella, an accomplished pianist, is attending Columbia Grammar and currently pursuing an acting and singing career

Associate Professor In-Residence of Business Communication and Leadership

Professor Lucia is an experienced English Instructor and teaches courses in business communication and leadership in the School of Business. His research examines the intersections of rhetoric, technology, and ethics, with recent work on AI literacy, authorship, and Big Tech imaginaries in media. He has published in journals such as New Media & Society and Rhetoric Review, and previously chaired the International Rhetoric Workshop. LinkedIn: Brent Lucia | LinkedIn

Director, School of Business Undergraduate Career Development Office

With more than 17 years of experience in career development, Kathy is a trusted guide and advocate for UConn School of Business students as they navigate their professional journeys. Known for her energy, passion, and genuine care, she provides students with personalized guidance to help them explore opportunities, build confidence, and successfully secure internships and full-time roles.

Kathy finds great inspiration in working with business students, describing the experience as both dynamic and invigorating. She takes pride in supporting the next generation of leaders as they bring their talent, energy, and promise to organizations across the globe.

Her unwavering support and wealth of knowledge make her a cornerstone of the UConn Business Career Development Office—where, as Kathy says, “Our business is your career.”