Magda Cooney
Director
Magda Cooney, an alumna and seasoned higher education professional, now leads the Center for Transformative Action (CTA) as its Director. With a rich background in HR, marketing, and communications, she is dedicated to advancing CTA’s mission and fostering impactful partnerships within Oakland and the greater East Bay community. Her previous role at Northeastern University’s HR Department saw her playing a crucial part in supporting faculty during the Mills College merger, providing essential guidance on system integration and change management.
Magda’s commitment to social justice is evident through her work on the Black Reparations Project (BRP), where her marketing and communication efforts significantly increased the visibility and impact of the project’s inaugural conference. She also brings valuable industry experience from the sports sector, having served as a Project Manager and Team Lead at Galanis Sports Data, and led marketing and PR for one of Greece’s biggest football clubs, elevating the club’s brand visibility and fan engagement. Additionally, she showcased her leadership in the non-profit sector at the Montclair Community Play Center, where she served as Vice President and Fundraising Chair, fostering growth while leading the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee, and implementing new belonging initiatives.
Magda is also actively involved with the City of Emeryville’s Economic Development Department, specializing in policy and events related to public art, grants, and community development.
Recognized with the Graduate Student Outstanding Leadership Award for her exceptional change management efforts during the Mills-Northeastern merger, Magda holds a Master of Science in Management with a focus on Marketing from Northeastern University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Utah State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Studies – Shipping Management from the University of Piraeus, Greece. Her diverse background and robust skill set position her to lead CTA forward.
Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Administrative Assistant, Center for Transformative Action
Ife Tayo Walker
Director of Graduate Student Services & Alumnae Engagement
Ife Tayo is one of our most valuable collaborators at the Center for Transformative Action. Her contributions towards social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion help guide many of our efforts. Ife comes from an education and community service background having taught in the Oakland Public School System, administered community-based programs with the Oakland YMCA, and served as the San Francisco Director of the Robert F. Kennedy Fellows Program which was an AmeriCorps funded program focusing on youth serving organizations in San Francisco. It was in this work that she came to understand how important it is to be an inclusive leader and to reflect the strengths and values of those she works with.
In her work at Mills College and now at Mills College at Northeastern, Ife Tayo has coordinated student and alumnae-based events and supported student leadership efforts in local government, business and DEIAB efforts. She has also developed diversity and leadership training, as well as sustainability initiatives with students, faculty, staff and alumnae. Her work on campus took on new life during the pandemic when she helped found the Black Action Forum to advocate for Anti-Racism for Mills. Ife Tayo currently serves as Director of Graduate Services and Alumnae Engagement at the Lokey School of Business and Social Sciences, Black Faculty and Staff Association Co-Chair, Event Coordinator for the Black Reparations Project, and the Black Student Collective Advisor.
Ife also holds an appointment in the Dean’s Office, serving as the Director of Community and Belonging. In this role, Ife works with committed faculty and staff to foster a unified sense of community on campus, ensuring that everyone belongs, feels valued and seen. Ife provides guidance and leadership with the Mills College ADEIB Action Plan as her guide, and additionally celebrates student, faculty and alumnae excellence with events including, Kwanzaa, Black Convocation and Black Graduation. She works as the Director of Events for the Black Reparation Project and strives to uplift her ancestors and elders.
Student Employees
Austin He
Administrative Assistant, Center for Transformative Action
Austin He is a first-year student and the Website Assistant at the Center for Transformative Action, where he maintains and updates the CTA website to ensure it reflects the center’s activities and mission. With prior experience enhancing user experience and content for his friends’ clothing website, Powerwing, Austin brings a strong foundation in digital design. Alongside his web responsibilities, he’s also ready to assist with in-person events whenever CTA needs extra support.
Connect with him on LinkedIn.
Alice Wang
Administrative Assistant, Center for Transformative Action
Alice Wang joined the Center for Transformative Action in October 2024 as an Administrative Assistant. In her role, she supports administrative tasks, assists with event planning, and will be taking on social media management in the future. Currently pursuing dual degrees in International Business and International Affairs at Northeastern University, Alice brings her experience in guest relations and community outreach to the CTA team, with a strong commitment to enhancing engagement and efficiency. Previously, she worked with The Bloodworks Project, where she coordinated community outreach and raised awareness about blood donations. Alice’s experience in hospitality and volunteerism reflects her dedication to fostering meaningful connections and creating positive community impact.
Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Weijie Guan
Administrative Assistant, Center for Transformative Action
Weijie Guan is a first-year student who joined the Center for Transformative Action (CTA) in November 2024. As an Administrative Assistant with a focus on website and flyer design, he ensures the CTA’s brand image is consistently reflected across all visual materials. With a passion for graphic design that stemmed from middle school, Wei brings a creative touch to his work, helping the CTA maintain a professional and cohesive visual identity. Outside of design, he’s always ready to lend a hand at in-person events, supporting the CTA’s mission however he can.
Abigail Franks
Administrative Assistant, Center for Transformative Action
Abigail Franks, a freshman majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics combined with Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing, has been an integral student volunteer with the Center for Transformative Action (CTA) throughout the fall semester. In her dual role, Abigail manages event logistics for the CTA and serves as the front desk manager for the Graduate School of Business (GSB), facilitating vital connections between GSB staff and the CTA. This collaboration has been instrumental in advancing the CTA’s initiatives and presence on campus. She played a pivotal role in the NU Votes campaign, a key CTA-backed initiative. Most recently, she represented Northeastern University as a student delegate at the Plug and Play Summit in Silicon Valley, where she showcased her exceptional communication and leadership abilities. Her contributions continue to enhance the CTA’s efforts to build community engagement and strengthen ties between Northeastern University’s Oakland campus and the broader community. Abigail looks forward to furthering her work with the CTA, driven by her passion for connecting people and fostering transformative action.
Connect with her on LinkedIn.