INI alumna Roseanne Silva to receive CMU Alumni Service Award

She will inspire INI's Class of 2019 as the keynote graduation speaker on Sunday, May 19

The best advice Roseanne Silva (MS02, '91) has ever received is to be a leader, not a follower. Her parents taught her that, and so that is what she has done, moving up the ranks over the past two decades to the position of senior vice president and business chief technology officer at PNC Financial Services Group.

Yet Rose has always remembered her Tartan roots, never ceasing to discover new ways to give back to the university and enhance the student experience for future generations. For her vibrant passion, inspiring leadership and boundless generosity, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) will proudly honor her with a 2019 Alumni Service Award on Friday, May 17, 2019. Later that weekend, Rose will share her story with the Information Networking Institute's (INI) Class of 2019 as keynote speaker at the INI graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 19, 2019.

"It is a privilege to have been given the honor of speaking with this year’s graduating class," said Rose. "As these future leaders of technology embark on the next leg of their journey, I hope to share some pearls of wisdom I have gathered from my career and let them know that my heart will always be in the Network." 

Like many in the INI’s early cohorts, Rose’s journey to the INI began when her employer, Bell Communications Research (Bellcore), sent her to Carnegie Mellon to earn a master’s degree in information networking. She graduated among the second cohort of INI students in 1991. 

“What my family thinks I do is ‘fix computers,’” she said. In reality, it is a little more complex. She now leads a team within the technology infrastructure services (TIS) team at one of the nation’s largest banks, ensuring a recoverable, scalable and secure technology infrastructure, from firewalls and servers to messaging tools and mobile devices. 

Her time in the INI's cross-disciplinary program provided a solid underpinning of computing concepts that she says she continues to apply in her career. Most importantly, CMU created a culture of inclusion which inspired her to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and community. 

"Receiving a CMU Alumni Service Award is confirmation that my partnership with CMU to build a diverse and inclusive tech talent pipeline has made a positive impact on the communities that we serve," she said. "Throughout my career I have leveraged my years of experience to focus on increasing the meaningful participation of women in technology, specifically because the numbers are low."

Over the past 25 years living and working in Pittsburgh, Rose has immersed herself in service to her alma mater as a mentor, donor, volunteer and leader. Recognizing the financial burden of earning a graduate degree, Rose created an Andrew Carnegie Society (ACS) Legacy Scholarship in 2012 to enable talented students to realize their potential at the INI. Beyond her financial contribution, Rose invests further in each scholar through mentorship. She guides each student’s journey at the INI, serving as their resource, coach and greatest advocate. 

"As a successful female leader in the highly competitive financial services industry, Rose’s mentorship of her ALC Legacy Scholars and countless other INI students, particularly women and underrepresented minorities, has led them to realize their dreams,"said Dr. Dena Haritos Tsamitis, Barbara Lazarus Professor in Information Networking and director of the INI. "Today, her mentees are thriving in their careers and paying it forward by following her example of service."

Despite her busy schedule, Rose is a constant presence at INI events, volunteering to speak at Women@INI roundtables, inspiring prospective students at INI’s Admitted Student Day and cheering for graduates at the commencement ceremony. As chair of the INI Alumni Leadership Council (ALC), Rose led strategic engagement initiatives to strengthen the connection between students and alumni, including the launch of the online mentoring platform, FirstHand. She expanded her influence beyond the INI by participating on CMU’s Alumni Relations Committee, volunteering for “Take a Tartan to Work” and speaking at CMU Alumni Association events on diversity in tech and other topics.

"Generosity is at the heart of Rose’s actions," said Dr. Haritos Tsamitis. "She is the epitome of one who lifts as she rises, not only impacting individual students but raising the profile of the entire university through her partnership and support." 

Rose is eager to share her insights with the INI’s Class of 2019 and says her top piece of advice for graduates is: "Nurture a network of mentors, always be coachable, and include intentionally.” 

Connect with Rose on LinkedIn >

The INI Diploma Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 19 at Rodef Shalom at 4905 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. Students must arrive at 2:30 p.m. and the class photo will be taken at 3:30 p.m. The diploma ceremony begins at 4:00 p.m. and is followed by a reception at 5:00 p.m.