A native New Yorker from Queens, she earned undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology, as well as a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University at Buffalo (UB). While at UB, she served as a Resident Advisor for three years, an experience that inspired her to pursue a career in student affairs. She continued her work in the field by serving as an Assistant Hall Director with UB’s Residential Life throughout her graduate studies. After graduating in 2023, she returned to New York City and began working at F.I.T. Her passion for serving city-based universities comes from a strong commitment to restoring resources and agency to NYC neighborhoods like the one she grew up in—Woodhaven, Jamaica. Shout out to the J train!

Fun fact: My favorite wing spot in Buffalo is Bar Bill. My photo is from my last visit to Buffalo, with my favorite UB Bull, Theresa Gerard, who works in the Career Design Center!

Can you share a bit about your current role and what your day-to-day looks like?

The role of a Residential Education Coordinator is to oversee the daily operations of a residential building, as well as be a guiding hand to student staff and first-time students. The first year at university is a time of self-discovery and building foundational skills that prepare someone for the rest of their higher education career and life beyond. 

In this role, I supervise Resident Assistants (RAs) and assist in their professional development, while also working alongside them to build a community in our hall. Student support continues into my work with conduct and accountability. It is my responsibility to ensure restorative practices are implemented for holistic student development. University is a time to make mistakes and learn from them; therefore, using these moments as opportunities for reflection and learning about our impact on ourselves and the community we live in is crucial. 

How did your experience at UB help shape your path?

I am incredibly grateful to have met the professionals at UB who influenced my decision to pursue a career in Higher Education and Student Affairs! I started my career as an RA in the Ellicott Complex and served as an orientation leader. While in my Master’s Degree program at UB, I was an Assistant Hall Director for Fargo Hall and Governors Complex. I loved student supervision and working with the RAs at UB.

During my graduate program, I quickly discovered my passion for campus-wide event planning, which led me to the Student Engagement Office. I organized a Winter Drag Show that allowed students to experience a key aspect of Queer Culture—Drag Queens. I also organized the Senior Toast of 2023 and helped prepare for Oozefest. Your dedication to student affairs is clear when you’re slogging through mud to put up volleyball nets the night before Oozefest. One of my favorite events to organize was the Social Justice Film Festival! It showcased student films focused on social justice causes- the talent displayed in these films was incredible! 

What advice would you give to current first-generation UB students as they navigate college and career decisions?

As a first-generation college student, everything I experienced in university was new and foreign, which was equally exciting and nerve-racking. I was happy to be away from home, to have independence, but with stubborn independence came learning many lessons the hard way. 

If I could give any advice, it would be to get involved! The statement is cliché because it’s true. 

Through my student leadership positions on campus, I met so many people with similar interests. Being an RA and orientation leader opened me up to so many peers, some of whom I see over dinner, at birthday parties, and when I travel back to Buffalo to spend time with them. 

If student leadership positions aren’t for you, then join a club or organization! I joined the co-educational environmental professional fraternity, Alpha Kappa Chi, in my sophomore year, and it was the best decision I made. While doing beach clean-ups, tree planting, and going camping every semester, I built a community. 

Another important piece of advice for first-generation college students is: Visit the financial aid office and talk to an advisor. Higher education is a privilege, but it comes with a significant financial responsibility once you leave university. It’s in your best interest to understand financial aid, student loans, scholarships, grants, and other financial options. When I started college, I had very little financial literacy, which led to more debt than necessary. This is a common mistake students make and a part of navigating higher education, especially when you are the first in your family to attend college. 

Were there specific classes, professors, mentors, or campus experiences that had a big impact on you?

The two professionals who immediately come to mind are Phyllis Floro and Rachel DiDomizio. It is well known that Graduate School is challenging and demanding, but these two women made my experience one filled with endless support and encouragement. I have learned to model my student supervision by observing Phyllis Floro navigate challenges with empathy, offering words of encouragement and a clear plan to get back on track.

Kindness radiates from Rachel DiDomizio. Beyond being a wonderful person, she is constantly working toward equity, progress, and change. As a Lesbian woman, navigating the political climate can be difficult, so I remind myself of the main lesson I learned from Rachel: Change can come from kindness. The impact of injustice doesn’t need to be met with harshness but can be addressed through understanding and activism.

If you have the privilege of working with these two women or even passing by them at the homecoming weekend football game, know that they are exemplary models of supporting students from a place of genuine human care. 

It would be a disservice not to mention the impact the folks in my Master’s Degree had on me. Although grad school was the most challenging two years of my life, it brought me my favorite people in the world. Besides learning so much about my field, I learned about myself through my peers. Theresa Gerard, who works in the Career Design Center, taught me a lot about patience and practically built my LinkedIn profile for me. When reflecting on role models, we often look to elders in our careers, but there is much to learn from those who are going through the field with us. 

Regarding classes, the one that stands out to me is Intro to Environmental Issues with Ralph Critelli. Professor Critelli’s passion for environmentalism was contagious. The course was a night class once a week for three hours, and I looked forward to it because it highlighted the environmental crises we are experiencing today. The course material was impactful, but what truly made the class memorable was how Professor Critelli handled the shift when we all had to go home for the COVID-19 lockdown. He always checked on how we were doing while making sure we covered the material in a way that related to our current lives. I remember the last virtual class we had, and how Professor Critelli offered words of encouragement. He has a wealth of environmental knowledge. Taking his course is a must if you’re looking for an elective! 

What’s something you’re proud of today that your college-aged self wouldn’t have believed was possible?

My college-aged self wouldn’t believe I would be living in Manhattan, working with students, and holding a student-facing role while being an out Butch Lesbian. When I attended UB, I was hesitant to share my identity due to the political leadership I encountered when I first started college. However, through the people I met in graduate school and my connection with the Queer community in Buffalo, I felt empowered to be more open about my identity. 

My Master’s degree and current occupation mainly involve working with college students as their supervisor and mentor. I chose this path because I understand how important the years transitioning into adulthood are. Being 17, Queer, and unsure of how to navigate the world can be very overwhelming without a strong support system. Interestingly, I never saw myself as that support until a year ago when two students started seeking my advice on their Queer identities.

If I sit at my desk or walk to the copying machine, there is a 20-year-old sharing their identity with me. These moments make me laugh inside because I remember how I constantly waited for the right moment to tell someone I was a Lesbian. I rehearsed it in the mirror for over a year. At the copying machine, scanning paperwork, I am on the other end of someone’s shaky words.

Queer folks must be visible in leadership positions, especially now. If you are a queer student at UB, you can find a community- you can join clubs, organizations, and go to LGBTQIA+ events on campus.