Cindy Mello’s story is one of full-circle inspiration, as a Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) graduate who now works just blocks away from her former high school, supporting innovation in the biotech sector at Biogen.
Cindy’s interest in science was sparked early. “Career Day at CRLS had a lasting impact on me,” she recalls. “Biogen was there, and I still remember speaking to their representative. I already had a love for the sciences, but that moment made something click.”
After CRLS, Cindy’s path led her to the healthcare and biotech space, where she has now spent over three decades. She currently serves in the Global Regulatory Affairs department at Biogen as an Executive Assistant, where her day-to-day responsibilities are dynamic, supporting senior leadership, managing complex calendars, coordinating social and professional development events, and previously assisting with the selection of candidates for the company’s PharmD Fellowship program. “No two days are ever the same,” she says.
One of her most rewarding experiences was managing logistics for the multiple steps leading up to an FDA Advisory Committee meeting for a drug approval process. “Seeing the behind-the-scenes of that process from detailed planning to the preparation of the bullpen’s slide deck shaped the way I approach work with precision and purpose.”
Being back in Kendall Square feels like a meaningful homecoming. “It’s the heart of Cambridge, so much innovation, and so many new companies moving in and out. It’s exciting to be a part of that ecosystem.”
Reflecting on her CRLS experience, Cindy highlights how the school’s diversity and engaging teachers shaped her worldview. “They didn’t just teach; they connected with us. That still influences how I build community and approach leadership.”
Her advice to current students? “Dream big and don’t sell yourself short. Take advantage of the opportunities right in front of you—there’s so much happening in Kendall.”
Looking ahead, Cindy sees potential for even deeper connections between CRLS and institutions like Biogen. “We need more open lab spaces, more dialogue, and more visibility for students, especially first-gen or underrepresented youth. The more we bridge that gap, the stronger our community becomes.”
But there is no one path to Kendall Square. Many stories like Cindy’s, while rooted in different disciplines, reflect a shared thread: the influence of CRLS, the strength of Cambridge’s community, and the unique opportunities that emerge when talent meets purpose in Kendall Square.
For Emily Arkin, growing up in Cambridge meant being immersed in community, creativity, and a sense of possibility. A CRLS alum and now a Digital Communications Strategist at the Broad Institute, her path reflects a deep connection to place—and a drive to make science more accessible.
At CRLS, Emily found more than just academics. “It was a vibrant and diverse community,” she recalls. Orchestra played a formative role in building connection and confidence, while her growing interest in computers and digital communication shaped how she viewed storytelling and accessibility. “Even then, I was curious about designing interactive content with specific audiences in mind.”
Her early work in multimedia medical and science publishing honed that curiosity, eventually leading her to the Broad Institute. “I was drawn to Broad because it’s a place that asks: how can we make the biggest impact on human health—and fast?” Emily describes Broad as deeply collaborative and interdisciplinary, with a culture that encourages learning across fields and perspectives. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here, and that’s invigorating.”
As a strategist focused on digital communications, her role involves distilling complex information into meaningful, accessible online content. It’s work that draws directly on her Cambridge upbringing, especially the values of inclusion and clarity. “Broad’s diverse community mirrors the one I grew up in,” she says. “It’s about meeting people where they are.”
Being based in Kendall Square adds another layer of meaning. “The innovation in this neighborhood goes way back. People often overlook it, but the roots run deep—from software to biotech.” For Emily, it’s not just about proximity to progress, but being part of it. “There’s power in growing up here and now working in this space. It’s a full-circle moment.”
Her advice to current CRLS students: “Take advantage of everything around you—not just in the school, but in the Cambridge ecosystem. There’s so much happening here, and so many people willing to help.”
Looking ahead, she believes institutions in Kendall Square have a continued responsibility. “There’s always more we can do to bridge connections with Cambridge youth. Partnering with schools, creating space for discovery and collaboration, and ensuring those doors stay open is how we build lasting impact.”
