Board of Directors

Francisco de Borja Martín Garrido, PhD Inducted: Loyola University Andalucia, 2016

Francisco de Borja Martín Garrido is Director of International Relations (SIO) at Universidad Loyola Andalucía. Reporting to ULA President, Borja has contributed to the founding process of the first southern Spain private non-profit university. He works directing and facilitating global strategic partnerships in this Jesuit higher education institution. He is also part of the steering committee of IAJU (International Association of Jesuit Universities) and chair of Magis Exchange. He joined this vibrant project after eight years working in international trade at Williams and Humbert. He is Director of Extenda Chair in Internationalisation at Loyola Andalucía. Borja is part of the Leadership of EAIE, European Association of International Education, and serves at the Conference Program Committee. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, a Master in International Trade and he is a registered lawyer in Spain. He also holds an International PhD in Economics from ETEA-Universidad de Córdoba, Spain with a research stay at LMU, Los Angeles, USA.

Ryan Duns, S.J. Inducted: Canisius College, 2001

Ryan G. Duns, SJ, is a Jesuit priest and has been a member of Alpha Sigma Nu since his induction at Canisius University in 2001. Currently he is Associate Professor and Chair of Theology at Marquette University. He is the author of articles and book chapters and in 2020 published a book entitled Spiritual Exercises for a Secular Age: Desmond’s Quest for God. His most recent book is Theology of Horror: The Hidden Depths of Popular Films. In addition to his scholarly pursuits and teaching, Ryan continues to perform and teaching traditional Irish music throughout the world. His YouTube tin whistle lessons have over sixteen thousand subscribers and have been viewed over seven million times. He is proud of being a member of ASN and privileged to serve and support the next generation of Jesuit alums who are committed to scholarship, loyalty, and service.   

Brandon DaGrosa Inducted: University of Scranton, 2022

Brandon DaGrosa is a senior at the University of Scranton pursuing a Bachelor's in Health Administration with minors in Business Administration and Mathematics. Brandon is from Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Along with his studies, Brandon has spent much of his time in the Center for Service and Social Justice, creating programs for students to participate in service on campus. Programs he has created include the Royal Restore Food Pantry, a food pantry run by students for students, staff, and faculty, and We Care, a program that makes meals for the homeless and low-income residents of Scranton. He serves as the student coordinator of THR1VE (a first-generation college student program), Vice President of Scranton Roundnet, Treasurer of Alpha Sigma Nu, Treasurer of Health Administration Society, and resident assistant on campus.

Jennifer Lorentz Inducted: Marquette University, 2007

Vice President, Senior Managing Counsel — Global Regulatory Affairs, Mastercard   

Jennifer advises globally on digital and crypto assets, CBDC, blockchain and other emerging digital technologies. As Mastercard’s regulatory subject-matter expert in these spaces, Jennifer advises product teams and the broader organization to help navigate the evolving regulatory landscape where technology often outpaces regulation. Jennifer engages on the geopolitical implications of new forms of digital money and works to advance regulatory approaches that preserve financial stability, consumer protection and security in payments while fostering responsible innovation and expanded financial inclusion. Previously, Jennifer advised Mastercard and other public companies globally on cybersecurity, privacy, data protection, antitrust and international trade laws in the payments, financial services and technology industries.

Cindy Schmersal, M.A. Inducted: Xavier, 2002

Vice President for Mission and Ministry. Creighton University. 
Cindy manages professional team and facilitated strategic visioning, implementation and assessment of departmental goals and programs.  She offers compassionate support to students and colleagues, nurturing an inclusive, compassionate and mission-driven community. She fosters key relationships with internal and external individuals and organizations and manages departmental budgets and facilities.  Cindy serves as departmental representative on university
committees and strategic initiatives, including institutional climate study.  Previously, she served as Rockhurst’s Director of the Office of Campus Ministry and Director, Midwest Region Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

Mashaal Shameem Inducted: Seattle University, 2022

Mashaal Shameem graduated from Seattle University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Management with minors in Philosophy and Entrepreneurship. Shameem is a proud global citizen who has lived experiences in Canada and Pakistan and is passionate about using her perspective to be a representative and advocate for social justice and equity in her community. At Seattle University, Mashaal was the President of Alpha Sigma Nu, a member of the Tri-Alpha honor society for first-generation students, and awarded the title of an Ignatian Leader. She served as a Resident Assistant for Seattle University's Housing and Residential Life and was a retreat leader for Campus Ministry. Currently, Mashaal works in Student Affairs at Seattle University as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB) coach and is the Vice President of Human Resources for Motmot Coffee, a non-profit corporation.

As a part of the board, Mashaal is excited to continue to explore connections with the Alpha Sigma Nu network and collaborate with other chapters to continue empowering student leaders to be agents of change.

Deanna Howes Spiro Inducted: Fordham University, 2017

For more than a decade, Deanna Howes Spiro has served the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, including five years as director of communications. She previously served in the roles of Manager of Information Services and Executive Assistant to the President of AJCU.  As spokesperson for the Association, she is quoted frequently on topics ranging from lay leadership to Jesuit basketball. She led the Association’s first national joint advertising campaign in 2015, during Pope Francis’ visit to the United States, as well as a joint social media campaign in support of Loyola University Chicago’s run during the Final Four in 2018.  Ms. Howes Spiro holds a BA in Communications and Media Studies from Fordham University and an MA in Communication from Johns Hopkins University.  She is currently serving as the president of the Washington, D.C., Fordham University Alumni Chapter. She also serves on the steering committee for the Loyola Club of Washington, D.C., and on the advisory board for the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) program, of which she is an alumna.

Bennie D. Williams currently serves as the Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Multicultural Student Center at Canisius University in Buffalo, New York. Bennie is also the Director of the Urban Leadership Learning Community, a scholarship program for students from populations that have historically been denied access from the New York area. Prior to working at Canisius University, he worked at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York for seven years in a variety of roles, and ended his tenure there as the Director of Inclusive Excellence & Global Education. Bennie holds a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and a master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius University.