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Merrill Bonarrigo

I am Merrill Bonarrigo, class of 1975, and co-founder of Messina Hof Winery, Designer Events and The Vineyard District here in the Brazos Valley. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and my greatest joy has been to work with my husband of 46 years and to see our children and grandchildren continue the Messina Hof legacy.

In 1977, I married my soulmate and partner, Paul. We began Messina Hof which was named after our respective ancestral homelands. Paul's family is from Messina, Sicily, and my family is from Hof, Germany. Today Messina Hof has wineries in Bryan-College Station, Fredericksburg, Grapevine, and Richmond, Texas.

I am an author, blogger, and have travelled to thirty-eight countries to share the story of Messina Hof and Texas wines. Paul and I lead tour groups to wine regions of the world, host a MerBon Lifestyle and Social Media page.

We helped found the Cattle Baron’s Ball for Bryan-College Station, helped to launch the Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival in Bryan, and created an affinity partnership wine program for the Association of Former Students as well as the Bush Library. In 1991 I developed an internship program with the TAMU Parks and Recreation department that continues today to mentor students in the hospitality industry.

Honors include TAMU Legacy Award, Women’s Chamber of Commerce Rising Star, Woman to Watch, Outstanding Business Person, Luis Qualia Award and Supreme Master Lady of the Knights of the Vine. I have served on Boards of Women’s Former Student Network, BCS Chamber of Commerce, Texas A&M Agriculture Council, East Texas Tourism Association, BCS Tourism Advisory Council, Keep Brazos Beautiful, Texas Wine Tourism Committee, and Professional Event Manager Certificate Program committee, and we honored as Legends of Bryan.

Family, Traditions and Romance – The Messina Hof Journey Messina Hof Winery and Resort - Wines (orderport.net)

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Aggie Women Connection

In 2010 I had the opportunity to join the board of Women’s Former Student Network (today Aggie Women Network). Realizing how important the organization is to woman Aggies – students, former students, faculty and staff, it provided it provided me an opportunity to give back. Aggie Women Network gave Aggie Women an important seat at the table.

To help develop the student mentoring program for Aggie Women, Messina Hof developed the Aggie Woman 1^st Thursday Program. With the help and dedication of Lynn Hagan and Amelia McCracken, we were able to develop a gathering for Aggie Women to connect and provide support, encouragement, mentoring and networking for Aggie Women of all ages. Aggie Women Network and the Women’s Resource Center joined forces to help and 1^st Thursdays has grown from a small group of 6 Aggie Women in 2014 to hundreds of Aggie Women today. It is held the 1^st Thursday of every month during the school year.

Out of our 1^st Thursday program, Messina Hof w/ Aggie Women Network developed this Aggie Women Leadership Reception to honor and celebrate the new Aggie Women student leaders each year as well as our Aggie Women faculty and staff. This reception is held the 1^st Thursday of September each year.

Messina Hof is honored to be a founder and host of the annual Aggie Women Leadership Celebration and Aggie Women 1^st Thursdays.

New! Messina Hof Aggie Woman label project –

As we look for new opportunities to celebrate Aggie Women, the artists among us seemed to be less served. So, we developed a wine label artist competition that highlights and honors the artists among us.

Each year a theme is announced. Artists compete for the opportunity to be featured on that year’s wine label. The winning artist’s wines are available for purchase for one year.

All of these programs serve our Aggie Women and also raise funds to support the Aggie Women Network programs.

Why did you choose to be an Aggie?

Born and raised in Bryan only a few blocks from Texas A&M, I always believed that I would go to school there – even though at that time it was male only. Every morning we could hear the band practicing while we ate breakfast, and it was a tradition for local families to rent out rooms to Aggie families for football games. I remember the families that stayed with us had such enthusiasm and a special spirit. They shared stories of campus and the games. I wanted that. My parents and I had faith that the rules for girls attending would change by the time I was ready to start college. It was so exciting to have that dream fulfilled when I got my letter of acceptance into the class of 1975. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would be an Aggie. I graduated from Texas A&M University in December 1974 with a degree in business management and marketing.

What is your favorite memory as a student?

One of the blessings of being in one of the first classes of women is that we got to help create programs for women students. It was so exciting to be part of the firsts: Diamond Darlings, OPAS guild, OPA & CWENS (service organizations), and being one of the first elected women to a position in the Student Senate. I was the recording secretary.

The other favorite memory is meeting so many amazing people from all over the world and sharing that spirit which is uniquely Aggie with them.

What advice do you have for current students/students about to graduate?

Know what is essential and what is nonessential in your life. Essentials are non-negotiable. They represent the truths on which you stand and from which you should never waiver.

Remember that you are also a spiritual being and need to care for that part of your being as much as you care for your body and mental beings.

Hope is the momentum of life. Every goal or dream expressed aloud or in your hearts is a hope. Each hope realized leads to new hopes and dreams. Claim hope daily.

Joy comes from an attitude of gratitude. Each morning say thank you for the day to come, look for things that are good each day, and give thanks each evening for those you found. An attitude of gratitude lays the foundation for success.

Rebecca Wooters

Rebecca Wooters was named Dallas Business Journal's 2014 Women in Business Award honoree for both her professional and community development contributions, Rebecca is an executive with more than twenty-five years of proven leadership experience in Digital, Marketing and Customer Experience. Most recently, Rebecca was appointed as the Chief Digital Officer of Signet Jewelers, the world’s largest specialty retail jeweler, where she is focused on delivering a world-class digital-first, omni-channel experience to customers of Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry, H.Samuel, Ernest Jones, Peoples and Piercing Pagoda.
Rebecca was previously the Chief Customer Experience Officer and Head of Digital Experience for Citi’s Global Consumer Bank, a digital banking leader in credit cards, wealth management, and retail banking. Wooters led digital experience and engagement for North America Cards and Retail Bank through a cross-channel strategy with a focus on the shift to digital. She was responsible for Customer Experience and the evolution of Digital Servicing, Digital Channels, and the emerging space of Voice, BOT and Digital Messaging. During her leadership, the team rapidly accelerated its digital transformation resulting in double-digit growth, engagement through the launch of industry-leading digital capabilities, and was named Business Insider’s #1 Banking Mobile App with the most desirable features.

Why did you choose to be an Aggie?

I often say I didn't choose to be an Aggie. It chose me. My father was in the military as was my grandfather and great grandfather. When it came time to choose a college, I looked at several places and went on several visits. It was only when I was visited the great campus of Texas A&M that I knew I was home. After traveling a good part of my childhood, it was the most welcome I had ever felt. I have told many that Texas A&M makes you feel like you belong. It was as if I had never been anywhere else.

Jeanette Shakalli

Born in Panama City, Panama, Dr. Shakalli obtained her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame in 2007 and received the Senior GE Prize for Mathematics Majors. From 2007 until 2008, she was recognized with the W.E. Coppage Fellowship in Mathematics and obtained her PhD in Mathematics from Texas A&M University in 2012. During her graduate studies, she worked as Teaching Assistant and Instructor of several undergraduate math courses.

From 2012 until 2019, Dr. Shakalli worked at the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) of Panama. Dr. Shakalli is currently the Executive Director of the Panamanian Foundation for the Promotion of Mathematics (FUNDAPROMAT), a private non-profit Foundation whose mission is to promote the study of mathematics in the Republic of Panama.

Since 2017, she is the International Mathematical Union (IMU)’s Committee for Women in Mathematics (CWM) Ambassador for Panama. Dr. Shakalli currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Panamanian Association for the Advancement of Science (APANAC), Secretary on the Board of Directors of IEEE Panama Section, and Program Committee Chair of the Special Interest Group of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) on Recreational Mathematics (SIGMAA REC). Moreover, she is the Executive Coordinator of the Panama Pod of 500 Women Scientists and a member on the Advisory Council of the Gathering 4 Gardner (G4G) Foundation.

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Why did you choose to be an Aggie?

I chose to pursue my graduate studies at Texas A&M University due to the excellence in teaching, the quality of research and the amazing faculty members in their Department of Mathematics. As soon as I was admitted, I was assigned a first-year graduate advisor, Dr. Paulo Lima-Filho, who was always looking after me to make sure that I was adapting well to the courses, the program and the new environment. As an international graduate student, Texas A&M University recognized the importance of having a support system so that every student can reach their maximum potential. Later on, I chose Dr. Sarah Witherspoon, who is currently the Head of the Department of Mathematics, to be my PhD thesis advisor. She was the best advisor any student could hope for!

What is your favorite memory as a student?

My favorite memory as a graduate student at Texas A&M University was spending quality time with my fellow classmates. I met amazing people from diverse countries like Mexico, Nepal, Uruguay, Canada, Czech Republic, United States, India and many others, who I still consider to be my friends. My most precious moments were by far learning about their different cultures, sharing anecdotes about our lives and experiences, and realizing that even though we come from distinct backgrounds, we are so similar in so many ways.

What advice do you have for current students/students about to graduate?

Seize the moment! Time flies so fast that in a blink of an eye, everything changes. Also, be flexible to adapt to the new situation, whatever that might be, and make the best of it! Be creative and don't be afraid of sharing your true passion with others. For instance, I love mathematics! People used to make me feel uncomfortable whenever I shared my passion for mathematics with others but now I use it as an opportunity. If they say something like "I never liked math," I try to change their perception towards mathematics and help them see the beauty and richness of mathematics with concrete examples, such as the connections between magic and math, or music and math, or origami and math. Since math is all around us, there are endless examples that we can come up with, depending on their personal likes and dislikes.

What is your greatest accomplishment/project you’re most proud of?

During the pandemic, I have organized more than 140 virtual events on mathematics with more than 16,000 participants, including kids and adults of all ages from diverse countries like Panama, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, United States and many more Spanish-speaking countries. As the Executive Director of the Panamanian Foundation for the Promotion of Mathematics (FUNDAPROMAT), I want to inspire our youth to study math or follow a career in STEM. I also want to convince the general population that math is not only fun but it also has many interesting applications. It is overwhelming how FUNDAPROMAT's mathematical outreach efforts have impacted the international community and in only 6 months!

What were you going to be when you grew up?

I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. My mom wanted me to study medicine since she is a pediatrician. My dad wanted me to study something business related since he has a PhD in Chemistry but he is the CEO of a chemical company in Panama so he figured that something business related might help me succeed in life. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at things), I was not interested in either of them. During my first year as an undergraduate student at the University of Notre Dame, I had to take the regular core courses as part of the undergraduate program. I enjoyed learning about mathematics and chemistry so much that I decided I wanted to study both so I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame in 2007.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I would love to have a switch in my brain that I could turn on and off that would allow me to read people's minds. I have always wondered what on Earth is going on inside people's heads. With this superpower, I could work on a research project to analyze how people truly think and reach conclusions following their own personal logic. In fact, this superpower could even be temporary because what I genuinely want is to help avoid so many conflicts among human beings by examining the results of this study.

Sarah Jackson

Sarah Jackson has a long-rooted passion for public service and public affairs. She currently serves as the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for Dallas Citizens Council – an organization of Dallas-area executive business leaders who engage in public policy and infrastructure initiatives impacting the area. Before her move back to Texas in 2009, Sarah was a communications professional in Washington, D.C. She served as the Deputy Press Secretary for U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32) and Press Secretary for U.S. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1). Her previous experience also includes a Presidential Appointment to the U.S. Department of State as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Media Affairs. At the U.S. State Department, Sarah collaborated on strategic media initiatives for senior officials – including the U.S. Secretary of State. In 2014, Sarah participated as a Storyteller in 41ON41 - a film on former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. Two years later, Sarah was selected as a 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholar. There she had the opportunity to further study former Presidents George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, and Lyndon B. Johnson. In 2022, Sarah will serve as President of The Texas Lyceum, an organization that facilitates a greater understanding of major public policy issues for the state’s next generation of leaders.

#PurposefulWoman #BushSchoolAlum

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What is your greatest accomplishment/project you’re most proud of?

In 2016, I participated in the Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) Program. At the end of the leadership program, I was honored to be selected by my classmates to serve as the commencement speaker and give the address at Little Rock Central High School – the site of one of the most significant events in the Civil Rights Movement. Luminaries in the audience included Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Former U.S. President George W. Bush, Former U.S. President William J. Clinton, and several of the Little Rock Nine. If not for the Little Rock Nine's courage to integrate our schools and our society, our racially diverse PLS class would not exist. The experience of sharing these sentiments and our PLS class memories was one of the most important moments in my life, especially since this happened one week after the police officers' shootings in Dallas.

Melanie Shankle

Melanie Shankle is the New York Times bestselling author of Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room, Nobody's Cuter Than You, and Church of the Small Things. She is a class of 1993 graduate of Texas A&M and lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, Perry, and daughter, Caroline. Melanie speaks at events nationwide and writes on her blog, Big Mama. In addition to her other books, she has written 100 day devotional books for women and teen girls. Her newest book, On The Bright Side, was released on February 25, 2020, along with her first children's picture book entitled Piper and Mabel: Two Very Wild But Very Good Dogs.

What advice do you have for current students/students about to graduate?

Enjoy every moment of your time on campus. You'll look back on these days as some of the most fun times in your life. But also know that you have so many great things waiting for you in the real world. Fill your life with action. Walk through this open door with your arms wide open. Follow your dreams, take a risk, do the thing that seems too scary. Don't wait for something to happen, but rather make your future, chart your course and find ways to make a difference.

Merrill Bonarrigo

Aggie women are doing extraordinary things across the globe and the Aggie Women Network want to shine a spotlight on each of them.

Why did you choose to be an Aggie?

What is your favorite memory as a student?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

What advice do you have for current students/students about to graduate?

Favorite movie quote?

What is your favorite quote or mantra that you live by?

What were you going to be when you grew up?

Bonanza was one of my favorite television shows growing up. I wanted to own the Ponderosa – “as far as the eye could see”, to work the land, and to create something magical. Messina Hof became my Ponderosa.

Rebecca Wooters

Aggie women are doing extraordinary things across the globe and the Aggie Women Network want to shine a spotlight on each of them.

Why did you choose to be an Aggie?

How long would you last in a Zombie Apocalypse? Why?

I think I could make it awhile if I could get to a bus. Thanks to my job as a bus driver at Texas A&M, I could get to the bus and move out fast and be able to see them coming from all sides. I knew that license might come in handy again someday.

What is your favorite memory as a student?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I would love to have unlimited amounts of energy during the day, but the ability to turn it all off and fall asleep immediately. That would be fantastic!

What advice do you have for current students/students about to graduate?

Be you. Don't try to conform to your manager's or peers way of thinking. You are unique and have a voice. Take your seat at the table and remind others why you are there. People can see through you if you are pretending to be someone else.

Favorite movie quote?

Anyone that knows me, knows I get both music lyrics and movie quotes messed up. Having said that…."No one puts Baby in the Corner!" I love that line and I can remember this one!

What is your favorite quote or mantra that you live by?

Embrace the power of Legacy Leadership. Its not about how you lead in the moment, but rather what you leave behind in others that becomes your legacy. The power of positive legacy leadership is that is passes on through many leaders and therefore has an impact on many vs a few.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

When I was young, I thought I wanted to be a nurse. As I got older, I looked into public relations and even considered being a lobbyist. In the end, I started in marketing which then evolved into other parts of the business and eventually digital technology.

Jeanette Shakalli

Aggie women are doing extraordinary things across the globe and the Aggie Women Network want to shine a spotlight on each of them.

Why did you choose to be an Aggie?

What is your favorite memory as a student?

What advice do you have for current students/students about to graduate?

What is your favorite quote or mantra that you live by?

What is your greatest accomplishment/project you’re most proud of?

What were you going to be when you grew up?

Favorite movie quote:

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Sarah Jackson

Aggie women are doing extraordinary things across the globe and the Aggie Women Network want to shine a spotlight on each of them.

Why did you choose to be an Aggie?

I chose to be an Aggie because I was living and working in Washington, D.C. in my late 20’s and was eager to move back home to Texas. I connected with the Bush School Recruiter at a graduate school fair and became devoted to the Aggie Family!

How long would you last in a Zombie Apocalypse? Why?

Some of my friends would say I’m high-maintenance and may not last long, but I consider myself medium-maintenance and coupled with my knowledge from “The Walking Dead (TWD),” I could possibly make it for the long haul.

What is your favorite memory as a student?

In 2011, for the Gulf War's 20th anniversary, many of President George H.W. Bush's cabinet members came to College Station for anniversary events. Students were assigned to the VIPs – I spent the day with former Vice President Dick Cheney.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I’d like to have the superpower that allows me to absorb other superpowers because every superpower has its strength and is the best tool in different life situations we all face day-to-day.

What advice do you have for current students/students about to graduate?

Favorite movie quote?

“Everyone fails at who they're supposed to be, Thor. The measure of a person, of a hero, is how well they succeed at being who they are.” ~Thor’s Mom in “Avengers: Endgame”

What is your favorite quote or mantra that you live by?

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where this no path and leave a trail." We’re all standing on the shoulders of leaders who came before us and blazed a trail, so I try to live a purposeful life that allows me to pay it forward.

What were you going to be when you grew up?

A professional dancer, then a lawyer, and finally settled on being a TV news anchor/journalist in high school after watching the media coverage of Princess Diana’s tragic death. This led me down a path that took me to the first school of journalism.

What is your greatest accomplishment/project you’re most proud of?

Melanie Shankle

Aggie women are doing extraordinary things across the globe and the Aggie Women Network want to shine a spotlight on each of them.

Why did you choose to be an Aggie?

I knew from the first time I stepped on the A&M campus that I wanted to spend my college years there. Being an Aggie embodies all the things that are most important in life; loyalty, honesty, integrity, helping others and believing in something bigger than yourself.

How long would you last in a Zombie Apocalypse? Why?

About five seconds or until the first Zombie showed up. I have many gifts, but my survival skills regarding a Zombie apocalypse aren't among them.

What is your favorite memory as a student?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To be able to teleport...travel across space and distance instantly. Mainly because I hate flying on planes. Not because I'm scared, but because I hate sitting in a small metal tube feeling trapped.

What advice do you have for current students/students about to graduate?

Favorite movie quote?

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." — Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

What is your favorite quote or mantra that you live by?

I have a mantra whenever I'm about to do something I'm unsure about - "It's either going to be a great time or a good story or both."

What were you going to be when you grew up?