Legacy of Learning Series - Entrepreneurship 4 - Bios

Sara Margalus

Sara Margalus ’01 & M’14 grew up approximately 40 miles outside of Boston. She received bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and English as well as a master's in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University. Upon graduating, she was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Military Intelligence officer and later became a Military Police Officer, where she served two combat tours to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After leaving active duty, she continued to work for the military as a senior analyst, advisor and consultant for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon. Sara has been a senior investigator and threat manager, based on her foundation of threat management and assessment, as well as conducting investigations while serving in the U.S. Army. 

She has worked at several companies in her career including Alion Science and Technology, SAIC, Wounded Warrior Project, Alaska Airlines, Boeing and SAP. Her final private sector position was as the Global Lead for Workplace Violence Prevention, Active Assailant Awareness, Threat Management and Senior Investigator for a Fortune 100 company, where she developed the Workplace Violence Prevention Program, as well as the Active Assailant Awareness Program, working with the FBI, DHS, USPIS and Local Law Enforcement.

Sara is now the CEO and Founder of Soterian Consulting, LLC bringing over 20 years of expertise to provide organizations with education on workplace violence prevention through analysis, investigation, and threat management.

Joey Mac Dizon

Joey Mac Dizon ’11 is a U.S. Marine Corps Iraq War Veteran turned entrepreneur, known for leveraging his leadership, discipline, and passion for community into a successful post-service career. After proudly serving in the United States military, Joey Mac transitioned into the private sector where he founded and leads a cigar company, The Mobile Cigar Lounge, that reflects his appreciation for camaraderie, tradition, and craftsmanship. He is also active in veteran and business communities, frequently speaking on the power of networking, leadership, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. With a strong commitment to excellence and service, Joey continues to empower others by bridging the gap between military experience and business success. Currently, he serves as Vice President of the NU Alumni Association.

Jonathan Tomaso

After his abrupt, COVID-pandemic–induced departure from the Hill, Jonathan was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer with the U.S. Army’s First Infantry Division. During his service, he held roles as Fire Direction Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, and Division Community Outreach Officer—where he built an unprecedented partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning recognition from Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville.

In 2023, following a debilitating injury, Jon transitioned out of the military and joined MITRE, the nation’s premier federally funded research and development center. There he led a companywide strategic analysis that saved millions of dollars and refined his operational expertise for the civilian sector.

Ultimately, persistent surgeries and long recoveries redirected his path. While recovering from his seventh surgery, Jon enrolled in Tufts University’s entrepreneurial applied sciences program, where he built a team, conducted early research, and developed the business plan that became the foundation for KYTOS Therapeutics. He completed his master’s and, in Spring 2025, formally incorporated the company.

KYTOS is an orthopedic implant materials science company dedicated to ending knee pain for younger patients with debilitating osteoarthritis. The venture is currently advancing research in collaboration with Tufts University. In addition to leading KYTOS as CEO, Jon works as a private defense/government business development consultant, industry outreach contractor, and a remote certified personal trainer for service members.

Katrina DiGiacomo

As co-founder of BASE Wellness Katrina helps people achieve their personal goals by creating sustainable habits that improve fitness for everyday life. She originally planned to become a state trooper. While in high school she completed the Student Trooper Program and interned with the State Police Drug and Gang Unit in her senior year. She was also a gymnast and began coaching at the age of 15. She continued to coach while attending Framingham State University and studying criminology. 

Soon her passion for athletics matched her interest in criminology. In her senior year of college, she started coaching and competing in CrossFit. The sport immediately resonated with her because the core values are similar to law enforcement—mental toughness, leadership, teamwork, and strength. She began competing nationally and worldwide, and in 2024 earned the title of 8th Fittest on Earth in the CrossFit Open. This fueled her desire to help others achieve their own fitness and health goals for long-term wellness. In 2024 she opened BASE Wellness with 50 founding members. Just over a year later it has grown to a thriving community of about 125 strong.