Candidates 2024

KEITH BOGGS
Residence Life

I would like to be a member of Staff Council because I believe I have a very unique perspective compared to others here at RU-N. Having lived and worked in outside of Rutgers and New Jersey in general, I believe that I have a very diverse and necessary insight in regards to connecting and engaging with others. I also work in a very student centered area (Residence Life) so again, I think I could offer very unique perspectives!

JIMMY CAMACHO
School of Criminal Justice

I am thrilled to be considered as a candidate for the Rutgers University-Newark Staff Council. My goal is to be more involved in the RU-N community and help enhance the lives of students, faculty, and staff. I want to share my passion for life and learning with the rest of the RU-N community. I am confident that my skills and historical knowledge of the University will help in the implementation of the initiatives set forth by the RU-N Staff Council. I would appreciate the opportunity to convey these ideas and opinions with the rest of the RU-N administration. I am committed to strengthening the bond between students, staff, and faculty and would like to provide additional support and guidance. Thank you in advance for considering my candidacy as you vote.

MAYRA CARABALLO
Law School

To actively engage with the Rutgers Community and be a voice for staff who encounter personal and professional challenges in the workplace. Be proactive, promoting a culture of trust and empowerment, encouragement and positive change in the workplace.

LAURA CHACON
RBS Communications and Marketing

COREY CLAWSON 
SASN GUS

When visiting family or attending a conference, I take great joy in talking about what makes RU-N so special. First and foremost, it’s our diverse student body we serve but also the social and research missions we take on and support everyday. Seeing our students, faculty, and community thrive firsthand and spotlighting their accomplishments are enormously gratifying and among the more difficult adjustments during this era of social distancing. As an alum with experience as a grad student, teaching assistant, and as an admin at Rutgers, I have enjoyed serving the RU-N Staff Council these past four years and have had the opportunity to chair the Communications standing committee. If elected, I look forward to bringing the compassion, foresight, and dedication I’ve come to admire in my colleagues on my own Rutgers journey.

KEVIN CORDEIRO 
RU-N IT

Having witnessed firsthand the positive influence of the RU-N Staff Council on our campus community over the past years, I am deeply honored to be nominated to serve as a staff representative. The RU-N Staff Council plays a pivotal role in enhancing the work experience of our colleagues by providing a platform for engagement, advocacy, and empowerment. I am committed to contributing new perspectives, innovative ideas, and dedicated effort to further the impactful initiatives already underway. If elected, I look forward to collaborating with fellow council members to champion the interests and well-being of our diverse staff community. Together, let us continue to strengthen our bonds, amplify our voices, and cultivate a culture of excellence and inclusivity at Rutgers University – Newark.

ANDRE DAWSON
Center for Pre-College Programs, Upward Bound

I would like to be a representative for RU-N Staff Council because I feel being a relatively new employee/staff member at the university, I could offer insight on issues that might be overlooked by a more seasoned employee/staff member. Other new hires could potentially have issues or concerns as well, but feel unable to voice their concerns, I would look forward to being a voice for the unheard.

ERIC FONSECA 
SASN Dean’s Office

I would like to continue to assist in any events and initiatives planned by the Staff Council, and possible contribute to the improvement of the staff skills and awareness.

MELISSA HARTLAND
SASN English MFA Creative Writing

I have been involved in the Strategic Plan initiatives since the earliest workings, about 10 years ago. I’ve seen the focus move to staff and have been a part of the formation committee serving as co-chair of that committee. To say I’m invested is an understatement. I’ve had the pleasure of serving as 2019-2021 co-chair of the council and even continued to serve as acting co-chair during the next transition. I truly believe in our mission and hope to bring all RU-N Staff into the limelight!

JAMIE HENDRIX
IPO RUPD

As an employee of Rutgers University- Newark for nearly eighteen years, I have encountered staff members from all walks of life holding various positions and viewpoints. It is my hope my employee interactions, knowledge, skills, and experience will help to further cultivate a culture of appreciation, opportunity, and inclusivity for all staff.

It is of utmost importance for staff to feel “seen and heard” regardless of title or institutional positioning. I look forward to supporting our institution’s mission and that of the Staff Council.

ALYSSA KING
Cornwall Center

I would like to run for re-election as I enjoyed serving as co-chair for two years as well as four additional years as an elected representative. Staff Council has been establishing itself as part of the Newark Campus and I believe I can still contribute to our efforts to be a Voice for Staff.

SHONDA LEVINE-OUJI
SPAA Office of the Dean

As a staff council member, I hope to collaborate with other members to bring forth programs that would include professional development; behaviors to promote inclusivity in the workplace; activities to empower women with tools needed to be successful in achieving some of their goals in a higher education setting. I have worked in higher education for over 10-years. I would like to give my service to the staff council where useful as well as take away some new skills to apply to my goal in becoming a director of administrative services. Although I am the assistant to the dean in the School of Public Affairs and Administration, I hope that serving on the staff council can help me to become a powerful leader of influence to my colleagues/peers. As a Staff Council member, I would like to grow my leadership abilities in a powerful way by supporting the staff council.

JOY MCDONALD
Academic Technology Services

I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the RU-N Staff Council since its inaugural year as a representative and most recently as co-chair. Staff Council has allowed me to meet and collaborate with many staff members across the campus. Staff are integral to the success of RU-N and I hope to continue to be “A Voice for Staff”.

Thank you for your consideration.

ELIZABETH MOYENO
SASN Academic Advisement

I would love the opportunity to serve as a representative on the RU-N Staff Council because I’m a pro-active, passionate, and purpose-driven leader who prides herself on community engagement, student success, personal/professional development opportunities, and fostering a sense of belonging in my environment. I strongly feel as though my leadership skills, intentionality, open-mindedness, advocacy efforts, and growth mindset will benefit the administration and staff at RU-N in every capacity.

RALPH PARONE
IPO RUPD

As a member of RUPD and assigned to the community affairs unit within my department I have met and worked hand and hand with people within the RU-N community and built A great rapport with many and this will help me serve the Rutgers community even further.

TODD PICKENS
Dana Library

I am responsible for supervising the daily operations and performance of Access Services staff and directing the efficient working of the circulation, online and physical reserves, interlibrary loan/resource sharing services, and collection services of the John Cotton Dana Library.  If elected, I will be able to share the perspective of a libraries staff member with the staff council as well as share information with my colleagues at Dana and the greater library population including our RUL Staff Advisory Committee.

ALESSANDRA SPERLING
P3 Collaboratory

I am so happy to be part of a community that allows for an advisory board to the Chancellor for the staff. This kind of leadership is so important and one that I want to be a part of. Prior to my current role with the P3, I was part of the URA-AFT’s leadership and believe that the Staff Council is a perfect place for me to continue that kind of advocacy. In addition, I have worked on the Council’s Professional Development Committee since the fall. I have collaborated on one session myself and hopeful to have more opportunities to do so in the future. I hope that you will elect me to be part of this essential organization at RU-N!

SHANTIA STANLEY
IPO RUPD

I am seeking to represent the RU-N Staff Council as I feel deeply connected to both the faculty, staff, and student body. I am proud of the job I have and the chance to contribute. I am confident that I can offer valuable assistance in providing input, guidance, and feedback from the Rutgers community. With firsthand experience, I understand the significance of getting involved in addressing the needs and concerns of our community. I am committed to fair and effective solutions in supporting and helping others.

THERESA TANTAY-WILSON
Student Health – Newark

I wholeheartedly believe that staff well-being leads to community well-being, and I would be honored to represent my peers in advocating for policies, services and programs that align with valuing staff holistic wellness. As a proud RU-N employee of twenty years, I’ve bridged connections that improve well-being for students and across our Newark community and I welcome the continued opportunity to do so for staff. I care, and I’m passionate about cultivating a culture where all staff feel respected and appreciated.