Education Background:
BA in Sociology and MA in Education from UC Berkeley
What was your professional background before your current position?
My professional life has focused on young adult post-secondary transitions to and through college, workforce development and career development.
Describe your current position:
In my role at Cornell University, I focus on advising and crafting programming for undergraduates who are the first in their families to go to college, low-income students, and/or students of color. Additionally, I facilitate programming for advising colleagues on communicating across difference.
What do you like best about your work?
I love integrating practices of reflection, goal setting, visioning, social justice, and deep interpersonal communication within the spaces I engage.
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
I don't have one singular challenge to hone in on. Instead, I think the "biggest" challenge for me is navigating whichever tensions arise that are unique to the season of life I'm in.
How are you seeing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion play a more prominent role in your work environment?
It is central to the focus, goals and vision of my work.
What other organizations are you involved with?
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
What advice would you give to someone new to the field?
Be clear about your deeper purpose and intention in your work. Understand the ways your intersecting identities influence how you engage and connect. Determine your systems and structures of meeting goals. Create spaces to continuously reflect and refine the vision you have for your work and your life.
Are there any tips you would like to share that have helped you get things done over the last year?
Provide support and ask for support from trusted friends, family and colleagues.
Favorite blog or website:
Whichever will answer my question, inspire me or guide me in that day.
What are you most proud of?
The relationships that I have nurtured with my husband, my kids, my parents, my sisters, my colleagues and my students.
What would you like to learn?
How to play the guitar!
What are you most looking forward to doing as things start to reopen more widely?
Laughing in person over a delicious meal with my sisters, my parents, my husband and my kids.
Welcome to the Board of Trustees Steph!
