Saxbys Student CEO Leads by Example

Leonor Alves, a senior business administration major, takes on the role of Saxbys Student CEO with dedication and community-focused values.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Leonor Alves, a senior business administration major at Rider University, has taken on the role of Saxbys Student CEO for the spring 2026 semester. Alves, who has been a part of the Rider community for four years as a member of the women's soccer team and an employee at Muller's Pub, was already familiar with Saxbys as a popular cafe on campus. However, she was not aware of the structure and scope of the Saxbys Experiential Learning Program until she was informed about the SCEO position. After a thorough application process and training, Alves has embraced her new role, leading by example and embodying Saxbys' core values of community, communication, and service.

Why it matters

Alves' appointment as Saxbys Student CEO highlights the company's commitment to providing hands-on, real-world business experience to students. As a community-focused brand, Saxbys' investment in developing the next generation of leaders aligns with its mission to 'make life better.' Alves' leadership and dedication to her team and the Rider community demonstrate the positive impact of this program.

The details

In her role as Saxbys SCEO, Alves is responsible for a variety of tasks, including inventory management, order placement, sales and cost reporting, and weekly meetings with her manager and staff. She also spends a significant amount of time working behind the counter, preparing food and ensuring efficient service, especially during busy morning rushes. Alves' previous experience in customer service at Muller's Pub has helped her navigate the fast-paced environment at Saxbys, though she notes the differences in the level of interaction with customers. Alves is committed to leading by example, taking on tasks that are less enjoyable, such as deep cleaning, and encouraging teamwork to ensure everyone is held to the same high standards.

  • Alves started her training over the winter break, attending a week-long session at the Saxbys headquarters in Philadelphia.
  • Alves began her role as Saxbys SCEO at the start of the spring 2026 semester.

The players

Leonor Alves

A senior business administration major at Rider University, Alves is the spring 2026 Saxbys Student CEO. She has been a member of the Rider women's soccer team since her freshman year and previously worked at Muller's Pub.

Joey Mangam

A junior elementary education major at Rider University, Mangam has been working at Saxbys for a year and is currently one of the team leads.

Eloise Jones

A senior criminal justice major at Rider University, Jones has been friends and teammates with Alves since their freshman year.

Karl Craft

The director of career development and success at Rider University, Craft informed Alves about the Saxbys SCEO position.

Saxbys

An American cafe and coffee shop chain that operates an Experiential Learning Program, providing students with hands-on business experience.

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What they’re saying

“She is super personable. She's always helping us behind bar. She's always going out of her way, even when she's not technically on the clock, to do anything that we might need.”

— Joey Mangam, team lead (theridernews.com)

“Something I always really respect about [Alves] is that English isn't her first language, but that hasn't stopped her in any way.”

— Eloise Jones, senior criminal justice major and teammate (theridernews.com)

“She's done it all, but I've never seen her be so excited … She is the friend that will come and pick you up at 3 a.m. if you're stranded. She would go above and beyond for anyone, you don't even have to ask, and she's there.”

— Eloise Jones, senior criminal justice major and teammate (theridernews.com)

What’s next

Alves will continue to lead the Saxbys cafe at Rider University throughout the spring 2026 semester, overseeing operations, managing her team, and providing hands-on business experience to her fellow students.

The takeaway

Leonor Alves' appointment as Saxbys Student CEO demonstrates the value of community-focused, mission-driven companies like Saxbys that invest in developing the next generation of leaders. Alves' dedication, leadership, and embodiment of Saxbys' core values serve as an inspiring example of how students can gain real-world experience and make a positive impact on their local communities.