Silicon Valley Team Feature: Maisy Lawlor

At Northeastern University’s Silicon Valley and Oakland campuses, Maisy Lawlor significantly influences the academic journeys of graduate students in the M.S. Project Management and M.P.S. Analytics programs. As the Academic Advisor for the College of Professional Studies (CPS), she brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment. 

While her title is academic advisor, Lawlor explains that her role involves much more than advising; it includes a broad range of responsibilities that go beyond what students might expect. As a full-time CPS representative on the Silicon Valley campus, she orchestrates college-specific programming, manages orientation and commencement ceremonies, coordinates class scheduling, and serves as the primary communications liaison between students and CPS leadership. Her commitment to student success is evident in everything she does, as she works to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for growth and learning. 

One of Lawlor’s proudest accomplishments has been her involvement in new-student orientation. “Starting a new academic program can be overwhelming, and I’m happy to be there for students from the very beginning, helping them settle in and feel confident,” she explains. She understands the stress of transitioning into a new educational environment and works hard to ensure new students feel prepared and supported during this critical time. 

A Sacramento native, Lawlor’s deep connection to California education runs through her career. Before joining Northeastern, she gained valuable experience working in various positions with the State of California and the California State University system. Her academic foundation in Psychological Science, earning her master’s degree from California State University, Chico, brings a unique perspective to her advisory role. 

At CSU Chico, she worked with a program supporting low-income and Latino/a students in pursuing graduate degrees through research grants, mentorship, and advising – experience that now enriches her approach to student support at Northeastern. 

“I greatly enjoy working with students, and I have found that the inclusive, innovative environment of higher education suits my values and professional aspirations,” Lawlor reflects. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that encourages growth, and learning is evident in her comprehensive approach to student support. 

When not mapping out academic journeys or facilitating college programming, Lawlor embraces life’s simple pleasures. Outside of work, she loves to do crafts, try new foods, watch movies, and drink lots of boba! In her personal life, she’d really like to learn how to crochet, and in her professional life, she’d like to become better at public speaking. 

Perhaps most striking is Lawlor’s perspective on personal worth in today’s challenging professional landscape. “Always remember that you are enough, regardless of your professional achievements,” she advises. “Your job does not determine whether you are a good friend, a loving partner or parent or sibling, a helpful colleague, or a source of laughter and joy to others.” 

This balanced view of personal and professional development makes Lawlor an invaluable asset to the Northeastern community. Through her multifaceted role, she continues to shape the educational experience of graduate students while embodying the university’s commitment to innovative, inclusive learning.