Staff Bios

Gracy Sarkissian is the Interim Executive Director of the Wasserman Center for Career Development and is responsible for the management and strategic direction of the organization. She brings over 15 years of experience in career development, admissions, and higher education administration. Gracy is committed to increasing access to career support and preparing students to launch meaningful careers. Through innovative career education programs, employer partnerships, and individualized coaching, she and the Wasserman team equip students and graduates with the skills, experiences, and connections required to succeed now and in the future. See full bio.

Joanne directs an array of programs and services related to global and multicultural career exploration, planning, and development. She maintains relationships with global partners to expand the professional scope of the NYU global network. Joanne previously lived abroad and worked in learning and development. Her higher education experience in the areas of admissions, recruitment, enrollment management, and operations includes Columbia University, INSEAD Business School, Murdoch University and St. Thomas Aquinas College. Joanne has a MA in Higher Education Administration from Teachers College a BA in Architecture from Barnard College. She holds a Professional in Human Resources Certificate and is fluent in Spanish. Participated in Diversity, Dream, Faith and Safe Zones.

Victoria oversees career education and student engagement, plans undergraduate events, coaches students, and manages some of Wasserman's resources and vendor relationships. Prior to coming to NYU, she has experience in academic advising, career coaching, and alumni affairs. Victoria earned a MS in Counseling from Shippensburg University and a BA in Psychology from Loyola University. In her free time, she enjoys travel and discussing the latest TV dramas. Participated in Safe Zone and Disability Zone.

Carlos' role allows him to collaborate closely with the Office of Global Programs in order to serve students, faculty, and staff across our NYU global sites. He has an M.Ed. in Higher Education from Grand Valley State University and a BA in Sociology from Michigan State University. Prior to Wasserman, Carlos' experiences included Career Development, Program Management, and International Admissions. Outside of NYU, he loves spending time with family, training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and exploring new places. Participated in Belonging Zone, Mindfulness Zone, Muslim Ally Zone, and Faith Zone.

Cheryl primarily coaches undergraduate students currently, although she has experience coaching graduate students and alumni as well. She is the liaison to Nursing, Pre-Health, Public Health and pre-law programs. Cheryl also supervises the Graduate Career Assistants. Her previous work experience includes working in the fashion and legal industries. Cheryl has a BA in Psychology and Business from SUNY Albany and an MS Ed. in Counseling from CUNY Hunter College. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys yoga, biking, long walks, travel, the beach and spending time with her family. Participated in Mindfulness Zone, Safe Zone, and Microaggressions Training.

Nia provides career coaching to students, coordinates career development events and series, and manages Wasserman's peer education program. Her previous experience is in volunteer management, community engagement, mentorship, and college access & readiness in roles at non-profits, the NYC Mayor's Office, NYU and the NYC Department of Education. Nia has a BA in Communication Arts from St. Francis College and a MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from NYU. When she's not working Nia loves to cook, volunteer, play trivia games, and travel.

Liz spends most of her time at Wasserman coaching undergraduate students from across the University. Her previous career coaching experience, including at NYC Parks and Parsons School of Design, instilled an enthusiasm for helping students discover and translate their unique skills and interests into meaningful careers. Liz has a BS in Psychology from Union College and an MS in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Albany. In her free time, Liz enjoys reading (outside in a park in nice weather!), fire escape gardening, baking, and spending time with friends and family. Participated in Safe Zone, Justice Zone, Dream Zone, Conversation Zone and Belonging Zone.

Kate manages the graduate student team at Wasserman Union Square, which is focused on ensuring graduate students are empowered with the tools, coaching, and opportunities necessary for successful careers. Kate began her career as an IT recruiter for investment banks before moving into higher education, where she has worked in student affairs, academic advisement, career development, and employer relations. Kate holds an EdD and EdM in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia's Teachers College. Additionally, she earned a BS in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University, a MS in Human Resource Management and Development from NYU, and a MA in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Columbia University. Kate enjoys chasing after her three sons in New Jersey and spending quality time with her friends and family. Participated in Faith Zone and Safe Zone.

Kelly joined the Wasserman Center in February of 2018. Prior to joining the Wasserman team, Kelly oversaw career and academic advising programs at colleges in Boston, Virginia and New Hampshire. She earned a MS in Career Development from the College of New Rochelle and a BA in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire. Kelly serves on NYU's Internationalizing Washington Square Graduate Student Sub-Committee and the Division of Student Affairs Professional Development Committee. She also co-facilitates the Division of Student Affairs Transition Learning Community. Kelly enjoys musical theater, hiking, kayaking and exploring new places. She is also a baseball fan whose goal is to see a game in every major league ball park. Participated in Safe Zone, Belonging Zone and Faith Zone.

Leslie enjoys connecting graduate students with organizations and alumni across industries. She brings human resources and recruiting experience along with career coaching and employer engagement to the Grad team at Wasserman. She earned an MA of Higher and Postsecondary Education from Columbia University and a BA in Art History and Sociology from Tulane University. Outside of work, Leslie enjoys listening to true crime podcasts, reality television, and spending time with family and friends. Participated in Mindfulness Zone training.

Miriam develops programming, leads career sessions, and coaches graduate students/recent alumni. She received her BA in American Studies from Barnard College of Columbia University and her EdM in Higher Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She leads several committees dedicated to innovating new virtual resources, including the Wasserman podcast and online career modules. Additionally, she manages the Coverdell Fellowship for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers pursuing graduate study at NYU.  Prior to joining NYU and working in career development, Miriam spent five years in admissions. When she's not at work, she can usually be found watching Netflix, cooking up comfort food, listening to podcasts, and taking long walks around Manhattan. Participated in Belonging Zone, Safe Zone, Disabilities Zone, Justice Zone, and Microaggressions Training.  

Danielle spends her time at Wasserman coaching graduate students, facilitating workshops across NYU's campus, and managing communications efforts for the graduate team. Previously, she held communication roles in both the non-profit and private sectors before pursuing her passion for higher education. Danielle has an MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from NYU and a BA in English and a BAJMC in Public Relations from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She enjoys traveling and discussing all things TV & pop culture.Participated in Justice Zone, Disability Zone, Safe Zone, UndocuZone, Indigenous Solidarity and Decolonization Training, Action Zone, Facilitation Training, and Muslim Ally Zone.

Mo enjoys helping emerging and established leaders explore their professional passions, chart career paths, and search for meaningful opportunities. In addition to supporting graduate student coaching at Wasserman, she runs a consulting firm that serves mission-driven organizations and individuals, and her practice includes managing executive searches and providing individual career coaching. For 12 years Mo has directed the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS), a program of NYU’s Leadership Initiative and NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. She also oversees the professional development of the undergraduate participants in NYU’s Presidential Internship Program. She currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Service at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service where she teaches the year-long capstone class on Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment.  

Jennifer provides support for graduate students through career coaching and workshop delivery on a variety of career development-related topics. Her previous work experience within a student organization's career development department, through volunteering projects, and on the EY People Advisory Service shaped her passion to support students in finding their professional interests and navigating their pathways to the future. Jennifer has a BA in both Education and Psychology from the University of Washington, and is currently enrolled in the Higher Education and Student Affairs MA program at NYU. In her free time, Jennifer loves musicals and photography, and enjoys spending time with friends and families.

Bob (he/him) leads and oversees the Wasserman office operations in Brooklyn, including staff, coaching & programming, and stakeholder engagement. A multiple career changer with over 25 years at NYU, Bob has a BS in Finance and a MS in Counseling. Lifelong Vikings, Mets, and Knicks fan.

Karen oversees employer recruitment and programming for tech positions, and also enjoys coaching NYU students and alumni. Prior to joining the Wasserman Center in 2017, Karen was head of Investment Banking Programs at Citi, where she focused on developing the careers of recent graduates, and before that she ran Employer Relations and Campus Recruitment at Barnard College. Karen began her career as an investment banker, first at Goldman Sachs and then Lehman Brothers. She has a MBA in Finance from Wharton and a BA in Economics and Mathematics from Yale. Karen enjoys skiing, Thai food, and commuting by Citi Bike. Participated in Microaggressions, Safe Zone, Belonging Zone, Undocuzone and Justice Zone.

Diana oversees Student Employment training and development, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) programming and employer engagement for students in STEM. She has expertise in working with diverse student populations (undergrad and grad), including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Immigrant, LGBTQ+, International, and First Gen populations in all areas of career development. Diana has an MA in Mental Health and Wellness from Steinhardt, a BSW from Rutgers University, and is completing an MS in HR from SPS. A proud immigrant, Latina, and First-Generation student, Diana is fluent in Spanish, and is Zone, Dream, Disability, Faith, Justice Zone, and Belonging Zone Certified.

Beth supports undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni as a career coach and is involved with career programming. She has previous experience at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Career Center, where she supported all technology students, and within academic advising and teaching. Beth received a MS in Higher Education and a BA in History from The Pennsylvania State University, along with a Diploma in Coaching from NYU. She is a strong advocate for international students and a member of the National Career Development Association where she contributes to the International Student Services Committee.

Prior to joining Wasserman in 2019, Sam worked for the Office of Career Services at the NYU School of Law. Sam received an MA in Higher Education Administration and a BA in English and Politics from NYU. An NYU alum, she is excited to help NYU students make the most out of their college experience. She also serves as a mentor for both The Opportunity Network and America Needs You, where she supports first generation college students. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, rewatching Harry Potter and cheering on the NY Rangers. Participated in Safe Zone, Justice Zone, Muslim Ally Zone, and Diversity Zone trainings.

Pat manages the front desk and the student workers at the Brooklyn office as well as assists all who visit. Pat joined the Wasserman Center in March 2014. Prior to working at Wasserman, she worked with the office of Undergraduate Admissions at NYU Tandon where she also worked with student workers. Pat attended the New York City College of Technology (former New York City Technical College). Pat likes to spend time with her family and friends, shop and just hang out. Participated in Safe Zone.

Rachel Frint is currently the Assistant Dean of Career Development at the NYU School of Professional Studies, responsible for the strategy and management of the NYUSPS Wasserman Center for Career Development. Together with her team, she works to ensure that over 4,500 NYUSPS students are empowered and equipped with the skills and relationships needed to manage lifelong professional success in an ever-changing global workforce. See full bio.

Edwin co-built and executed recent strategy focused on faculty career education, industry and employer engagement, marketing/communications, and experiential learning/academic partnerships. He was a key leader in activating the Center’s career wellness strategy by realigning student services and scaling coaching reach. In the wake of Covid-19, Edwin created response programs that retained industry engagement and fostered applied learning among SPS students: the Adapt & Achieve Networking Series and the NYUSPS Innovation Challenge. See full bio.

Sue McNeilly (she/her), Senior Assistant Director at the Wasserman Center for Career Development at the School of Professional Studies, joined NYUSPS in 2018. After more than 12 years of experience in housing administration at three different institutions on the east coast, Sue found herself making a pivot to fulfill her passion of assisting students in their career management. Sue is deeply invested in ally and advocacy work for communities that have been historically underrepresented and infuses that commitment into her work at the Wasserman Center. She currently co-leads the Inclusion, Diversity, Belonging and Equity Working Group for the Wasserman Center and enjoys helping students examine how their salient identities intersect with their careers through coaching and programs. Specifically, Sue specializes in working with students navigating racial identity and gender identity (including transgender and gender non-conforming) in the workplace. See full bio.

Nourine Bhimani is an Assistant Director and Career Coach at the NYU SPS Wasserman Center for Career Development where she helps undergraduate and graduate students and alumni in building meaningful careers. Equipped with a strong experience in a variety of work settings and roles Nourine’s career journey has been anything but conventional. Before coming to NYU she has worked with Pace University, NYC Department of Education and Columbia University in communications, professional development, career coaching, marketing, and event management roles. Nourine also brings with her a multi-function experience of working with Nonprofits and Banking and Financial Institutions from India. See full bio.

Stephanie joined NYUSPS in 2019. She has extensive higher education and coaching experience in the US and UK. She has held student and alumni advising roles at Columbia University, Fordham University and London Business School. Stephanie is a member of the Veterans Working Group and the Non-Profit/Education/Healthcare/Government Working Group, as well as the Staff Professional Development Working Group. She is passionate about helping students make successful career transitions from the military to the corporate or non-profit worlds, as well as advising students with an interest in non-profit and socially-conscious organizations. See full bio.

Tiffany oversees the center’s operations, event, and assessment strategy as well as assists with employer engagement. Before joining Wasserman in December 2018, Tiffany worked in Admissions and Enrollment Management at Florida International University and CUNY New York City College of Technology. She earned her B.S. in Legal Studies from St. John’s University and her M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University. See full bio.

Prior to joining SPS Wasserman in March 2021, Angelina worked at the English Language Institute at NYU SPS. She earned her B.A. in Film Studies from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and her M.A. in Higher Education Administration at NYU. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching documentaries, learning to play cello and playing with her two dogs.

Joe leads Wasserman’s communications and marketing work and plays a vital role on the Employer Engagement team building external relationships and supporting coffee chats, career fairs, and events. He has a BS in Marketing and Management from Fairfield University and MS in College Student Personnel from the University of Rhode Island. He has participated in Safe Zone and Disability Zone trainings.

Sasha returned to Wasserman in 2018 focusing on helping employers develop meaningful connections with NYU students via on-campus recruitment, career fairs, and other customized strategic programming. Prior to this role, Sasha previously worked as a member of the Graduate Student Career Development team from 2014-2017, followed by spending a year as a Campus Program Manager at Citi. Sasha has a B.A. in Psychology and Communications from University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and a M.A. in Counseling and Guidance in Schools from NYU. Participated in Safe Zone and Microaggressions Training.

Annette spearheads the management of Employer Relations and Special Events. She holds an MA in Elementary Education, a BA in Sociology, and an AA in Business Administration from New York University. Annette is most passionate about cultivating relationships with employers and increasing the pool of students that are hired by top Fortune 500 companies. For leisure, Annette loves spending time with her spiritual members, listening to music, and reading.

Haley spends her time at Wasserman coaching undergraduate students, engaging with employers in the non-profit, healthcare, and education fields, and supporting team wide communication efforts. Her previous work experience with Teach For America, HBO, and NYU Service have shaped her passion to help students navigate their pathways to success. Haley has a BS in Human Development from SUNY Binghamton and a MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from NYU. In her free time, Haley enjoys visiting national and local parks. Participated in Safe Zone, Belonging Zone and Mindfulness Zone.

Val is a member of the Employer Engagement team as a Recruitment Program Assistant. In her current role she enjoys connecting employers to NYU students. She previously worked as a graduate assistant in Student Life and Residence Life at Fordham University and CUNY John Jay College. She earned her MSEd in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College. In her free time, Val enjoys running, hiking and reading. Participated in Safe Zone, Belonging Zone.

At the Wasserman Center, Paula ovesees Student Employment, Wasserman Center Internship Grant, Changemaker Fellowship, and Alumni Services. She has a passion for coaching students with disabilities, first-generation students, and alumni. Paula obtained a BA in Psychology from Barnard College and MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from Hunter College. In her leisure time, Paula enjoys her rescue dogs, bowling, and visiting Puerto Rico. Participated in Safe Zone, Disability Zone, and Muslim Ally Zone trainings.

Carrie holds a MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University and a BA in Sociology from the University of Michigan. Prior to joining NYU, she worked in career services at Columbia University and John Jay College. Carrie also spent ten years working in public relations and marketing, including time as a freelance business and communications consultant. When she’s not at work, she can usually be found catching a movie or Broadway show in the city, spending time with friends and family, or cheering on her favorite sports teams.

Doreen manages the student employment function at NYU, where supporting the experiential learning of student employees and NYU staff are her top priority. Earning her Masters in Human Resources Management from NYU, Doreen is well versed in the fundamentals of organizations and their employees. Outside of work, Doreen is passionate about intersectionality, especially regarding social issues of the LGBTQQIA, Black, and people of color communities. Participated in Safe Zone.

Sarah works on experiential learning programs at Wasserman including the Wasserman Center Internship Grant, Changemaker Fellowship, and Violet Network. She is also a career coach for undergraduate students and recent alumni. She holds a MA in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and a BA in Media and Communications from Muhlenberg College. Prior to joining NYU, she worked at Ramapo College, Barnard College, Kaplan Test Prep, and Muhlenberg College. Sarah enjoys experimenting with new knit patterns, planning road trips with accompanying playlists, and exploring Astoria with her husband and son. Participated in Belonging Zone, Diversity Zone, Dream Zone, Faith Zone, and Safe Zone.

Jazmine supports all aspects of student employment on campus.
She recieved a Bachelor's degree in iCriminology from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources from New York University. Jazmine works to ensure students have opportunities to learn through experiences at NYU through providing students with the tools to learn from the reflection of doing. Additionally, she has a passion for helping young inner city student-athletes navigate the college process and prepare for the next steps of their collegiate career. In her free time, Jazmine enjoys traveling, shopping, playing soccer and spending time with her daughters.  

Niara is part of the On Campus Employment team. She has a background in customer service and information technology. In her spare time, she likes to play video games, listen to different genres of music, and read comic books.

When you come through the Wasserman Center's doors, you're considered a VIP...And, Tanya welcomes you! She has culminated many years of knowledge and extensive experience working daily with NYU's diverse clientele and non-NYU communities. Tanya received her AA degree, with a concentration in Creative Writing from NYU, so stay tuned. She is also the proud recipient of the 2015 NYU Hallmark Award. An artist at heart, Tanya is a free-spirit, whose love of travel has whisked her away - to her delight - over both "ponds." Participated in Safe Zone, Microaggressions Training, & Mindfulness Zone.

Brielle Picone (she/her/hers) serves as a main point of contact for Wasserman working with students, alumni, and employers as well as coordinating office wide programs. She is currently earning her M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development from NYU and has previously earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Fordham University. Prior to NYU, Brielle worked in fashion as a Design Services and Marketing Coordinator and volunteered at the Fordham University Office of Career Services. Brielle enjoys reading any and all motivational books, learning about mindfulness, and spending time with her family. Participated in Muslim Ally Zone and UndocuZone.

Jessica (Jess) leads the Operations team, who are responsible for our systems and technology, data & assessment, and budgeting and finance. Her previous work experience in K-12 non-profit education organizations led to her passion to support the growth and development of students into college, careers and beyond. Jess has a BA in Political Science from Waynesburg University and a MPA in Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation from CUNY Baruch. In her free time, Jess enjoys brunching with friends. Participated in Safe Zone.

Dexter oversees the administration, maintenance and technical support of all computer hardware and software including the administration of all databases for the Wasserman staff, students, and employers. He holds a BS in Business Information Systems from Bellevue University and a Diploma in Systems and Database Administration from the US Army School of Information Technology. He enjoys playing soccer, visits to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival and watching his son play football.

After working at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre with Tony Award winners and Disney’s first President of Animation, Sam made the leap to New York City leaving the south (TN, AL, & AR) behind. Sam's first home in New York City was the Fhitting Room, a boutique-fitness studio, where he helped the start-up grow to three Manhattan locations. Sam has an MBA from NYU Stern and a BA in Theater from Samford University. Participated in Safe Zone, Disabilities Zone, Microaggressions Zone.