Alumni Spotlight

Alex Ortiz

Bot Lead Specialist, Audible and CEO, AO collectibles LLC
M.B.A., Management, 2021 & B.F.A., Graphic Design, 2019

“I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.” Berkeley College alumnus Alex Ortiz cites the line often recited by activist Nelson Mandela as his motivation to follow his own path.

Ortiz holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (2019) and a Master of Business Administration in Management (M.B.A.) (2021) from Berkeley College, as well as an Associate’s degree in Computer Science.

Though some may struggle to see the academic path between a fine arts degree and an M.B.A., Ortiz said the trajectory aligned with his aspirations as a business owner.

“As a first-generation Latino to receive a Master’s degree in my family, I saw the potential of what an M.B.A. could bring to the table,” Ortiz said. “I wanted to think outside of the traditional box and achieve new heights in my career and personal growth.”

Click here to read more about Alex Ortiz.

Janna S. Williams

Police Ambassador, Clayton County Police Department, GA
B.S., Justice Studies – Criminal Justice, 2020

Berkeley College alumna Janna S. Williams believes in living a life of service.

“It’s important to give back,” said Williams, a 2020 graduate. “Having a giving heart will always make someone’s day special.”

It was in this spirit that Williams contributed a carload of Thanksgiving groceries, to be donated to the Berkeley College Foundation food pantries that serve students experiencing food insecurity.

Williams’ act of goodwill comes as she prepares to embark on a new adventure – the 2020 Justice Studies graduate will begin a role as a Police Ambassador for the Clayton County Police Department in Jonesboro, GA, in December 2022.

Click here to read more about Janna Williams.

Heather Bell

President and CEO, Orange County Chamber of Commerce
A.A.S., Business Management – Customer Relations, 1989

While Heather Bell has earned her share of accolades as President and CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce in New York, she sees her greatest achievements in those she has mentored.

“Knowing that I have been able to help another individual navigate their future or a difficult situation brings me great joy as a leader,” said Bell, a resident of Fishkill, NY.

Bell joined the Chamber as Director of Membership in 2020, and was promoted to the leading role a year later. But her passion for business started as a student at Berkeley College, where she graduated in 1989 with an Associate in Applied Science in Business Management – Customer Relations.

Click here to read more about Heather Bell.

Cavesha Rampersad

Owner of Mii Sassy LLC, a NYC e-commerce company, specializing in fine handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry
B.S., Fashion Merchandising and Management, 2009

Coming to a vibrant and bustling city like New York from the small island nation of Trinidad and Tobago can be both exciting and intimidating. I came here to study for my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management at Berkeley College. The staff and professors were warm, welcoming, and supportive. College was very challenging for many reasons, but because of these challenges, I found my voice. I learned to navigate the course of my time at Berkeley College through networking. Participating in clubs, such as the International and Fashion Clubs, greatly assisted in forming relationships that have continued into my career in the fashion industry.

I have worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years. My first job was at LYDELL NYC, which at the time was one of the largest suppliers in jewelry and accessories. I was the Packaging Manager there and then moved on to another jewelry company where I was the Assistant Production Manager for the first two years and then was promoted to Jewelry Designer. After several years in jewelry, I was afforded the opportunity to work in shoes, which greatly added to my experience in the fashion industry.

I now own Mii Sassy LLC (www.miisassy.com), an e-commerce company located in NYC, which specializes in fine handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry. Mii Sassy has been featured in Vanity Fair UK online and hard copy issues (July to October 2021) and Glamour UK online issues (September to November 2021). Mii Sassy is slowly becoming a brand of influence in the jewelry industry. One of my goals is to establish Mii Sassy on a bigger stage to a wider range of customers.

My advice to anyone considering attending Berkeley College is to take advantage of the student resources offered. Join as many clubs as you can so you can build your network and stay focused on the end goal.

Diane Durocher

Owner and lead designer of Diane Durocher Interiors
ASID, IIDA, CAPS, CID A.A.S., Interior Design, 1995

Owner and lead designer of Diane Durocher Interiors, Diane Durocher, ASID, IIDA, CAPS, CID, has been recognized with numerous awards (including multiple “Design of Excellence” awards from the New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)). She credits her education in the Berkeley College Interior Design program with laying the foundation for where she is today, noting that her professors instilled a great work ethic and focused on attention to detail and the essential skills for success.

In the three decades that have followed her graduation, Ms. Durocher has also hired numerous Berkeley interns and graduates, and has consistently been impressed with their talent. Despite being one of the area’s most respected interior designers, she continues to be a firm believer in the importance of continued learning.

Click here to read more about Diane Durocher.

Stella Cicarone

Senior Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations, Marquee Brands
B.S., Business Administration - Marketing, 2004 & A.A.S., E-Business, 2002

As Senior Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations, Stella Cicarone tells the stories of leading brands like Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse, and Sur La Table. But Cicarone got her start in business as a student in the classrooms of Berkeley College.

Now the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations for Marquee Brands, Cicarone directs all consumer-facing aspects of top companies like Martha Stewart, from social media to branding.

She credits her professors at Berkeley College with her introduction to the world of business.

“One of the things that really stood out was that all of my professors were true businesspeople,” said Cicarone. “They weren’t just teachers – they were professionals. They had firsthand experience in the industry.”

Click here to read more about Stella Cicarone.

Mishell Tavarez

Pupil Accounting / Procurement Secretary and Budget Manager, New York City Department of Education
M.B.A., Management, 2021 & B.B.A., International Business, 2017

When Mishell Tavarez decided to return to school to pursue her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree, she knew there was only one college that was the right fit – her alma mater, Berkeley College.

“I had taken courses at other colleges and did not finish or complete a degree because I never felt that I could do it,” Tavarez said. “Berkeley College was always supportive and the faculty provided me with guidance throughout my time there. There is always a support system at Berkeley and without it I could not have achieved what I have today.”

Tavarez, 37, was raised in the Dominican Republic and Brooklyn, NY. Like many Berkeley College students, she was the first in her family to pursue a college degree. She flourished at Berkeley and was regularly named to the President’s and Dean’s lists for academic achievement. She graduated, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in 2017. She completed her M.B.A. in Management in 2021 and is currently a doctoral candidate at Capella University.

Click here to read more about Mishell Tavarez.

Entela Ilirjani

Substitute Teacher, New York City Department of Education
M.B.A. in Management, Class of 2023 & B.B.A. in Health Services Management, 2020

Entela Ilirjani came to the United States as a student from Albania 24 years ago, but took time off from pursuing her education to raise her two children. “I never gave up on my dream to get back to school and complete my education,” she said. “As time passed, my kids’ education became my priority. I needed to wait for my time to come.”

Ilirjani completed a Bachelor of Business Administration in Health Services Management in fall 2020 and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Management, expected in 2023.

“I studied hard to be at the same level with a generation that was 20 years younger. Yet, I never for a moment regretted the fact that I went back to school,” said the resident of Astoria, Queens.

Click here to read more about Entela Ilirjani.

Sean Smith

Payroll Clerk, Hoboken Public School District Board of Education
M.B.A. in Management, 2020 & B.S. in Accounting, 2016

Sean Smith is climbing the career ladder of success. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Berkeley College in 2016, he joined the Hoboken Public School District Board of Education as an Accounts Payable Specialist and later transitioned to the Payroll Department.

Smith returned to Berkeley College to earn an M.B.A. in Management in 2020, and has his sights set on becoming a business administrator of schools.

“Obtaining an M.B.A. has opened new opportunities for me,” said Smith, 27, a resident of Woodland Park, NJ. “I saw that in order to move forward in my career I would require certain certifications. I hope to achieve even more as I move forward.”

Click here to read more about Sean Smith.

Erick L. Gill

Partner, The Property People Group, Coldwell Banker
M.B.A. in Management, 2022; B.B.A. in General Business, 2020 & A.A.S. in Business Administration – Accounting, 2000

When he graduates with his M.B.A. this spring, Erick L. Gill will hold three degrees from Berkeley College.

“My positive experience attending Berkeley kept me coming back,” said Gill, who also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business (2020), and an Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration – Accounting (2000). He will begin a doctoral program at Liberty University in fall 2022.

“My Berkeley education has given me the confidence to strive for greatness and the skills and knowledge to achieve it,” he added.

Click here to read more about Erick L. Gill.

Monica Hayes

Logs and Records Manager, Adams Communication & Engineering Technology, Inc., and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
M.B.A. in Management, 2021 & B.B.A., Accounting, 2020

Monica Hayes, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, graduated from Berkeley College in 2020 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and immediately decided to enroll in the College’s M.B.A. program.

“I loved the flexibility that Berkeley College gave me when working on my undergraduate degree,” said Hayes, 26. “Every professor I met made some type of impact on me. This made me want to work hard and continue my education.”

Click here to read more about Monica Hayes.

Edwina Kulego

Entrepreneur and VP, International and Business Development, Informa Markets
Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business, 2011

Edwina Kulego is on a mission. She wants young girls in underserved communities to believe that they can achieve any level of professional success that they desire.

Born and raised in Sweden by Ghanaian parents, Kulego graduated from Berkeley College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business. She serves as Vice President of International and Business Development at Informa Markets, which creates platforms for more than 450 international brands. She is also an entrepreneur, launching Essentials by Edwina, a vegan, cruelty-free makeup collection, in 2017.

She credits Berkeley College with educating her in two ways – through traditional knowledge in the classroom, and by connecting her with professionals in the real world of business.

“One of the greatest benefits I received from my time and education at Berkeley College was the networking and valuable interactions that I had with my professors and peers,” Kulego said. “Attending the Midtown Manhattan campus provided me with the opportunity to get an authentic perspective on what it is like to be a business professional in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.”

Click here to read more about Edwina Kulego.

Jonathan Santiago

Executive Director of Transition and College Access Centers, New York City Department of Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management, 2005

Berkeley College alumnus Jonathan Santiago joined the New York City Department of Education in 2011 and rose through the ranks to the position of Executive Director of Transition and College Access Centers (TCAC), where he manages community resources that can broaden college and postsecondary opportunities for students across the five boroughs.

He credits Berkeley College with giving him a successful start to his career.

“Berkeley College prepared me with a five-star education, which laid the foundation in helping me become an organized and efficient leader,” said Santiago, who graduated in 2005 and resides in Gillette, NJ.

As the first in his family to attend college, Santiago knows the importance of higher education and how a degree can change someone’s life.

“I see myself being successful in the future by guiding and coaching high school students that come from a similar social and economic background as I did and helping them to be aware of excellent postsecondary institutions,” he said.

Click here to read more about Jonathan Santiago.

Sam Ibrahim

Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, Affari Group
Associate in Applied Science in Fashion Merchandising and Management, 2008

Sam Ibrahim of Brooklyn, NY, was born and raised in Egypt. He heads Affari Group, a consulting marketing firm for international luxury fashion, beauty and home brands, but Ibrahim began his career in a totally different field. Prior to moving to the United States, he earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Alexandria University in Egypt. Ibrahim returned to school at Berkeley College’s Midtown Manhattan, their, campus in 2005 to pursue his true passion in the fashion industry. With the belief that he could be whatever he set his mind to, Ibrahim launched Affari in 2017. He says the firm helps brands increase its visibility and impact through creative campaigns and partnerships. “I was inspired by my professors at Berkeley College,” said Ibrahim. “They helped me believe that I could do it – that when I was ready, I could strike out on my own and find success.” In the future, Ibrahim plans to continue expanding his company’s reach in global markets. He said he would advise the students of today to “help each other. It’s not a competition; the team wins.”

Maurice K. Barrett

Head Of Partnerships & Community, Stealth Startup and Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant
Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business, 2012

Maurice K. Barrett of Oak Ridge, NJ, is a human resources professional with more than 16 years of experience in the field. He currently serves as Senior Human Resources Director at the Newark Museum in Newark, NJ. Barrett is also a Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion consultant who works with various educational institutions, and the founder of the Garden State Glory softball program whose mission is to empower young women to mature, mentally and emotionally, and create an environment of “no ceilings.” After earning his Bachelor’s degree from Berkeley College in 2012, Barrett went on to complete a Master’s degree in Human Resources at New York University. He feels success has come to him due to a combination of his upbringing with a single mother who pushed him to be his best, and because of the experiences he had at Berkeley College that galvanized his drive. Named Berkeley College Alumnus of the Year in 2021, Barrett said, “Berkeley taught me to study my focus in order to tap into the best functioning version of myself. I learned to sharpen every tool in my toolbox, no matter what the project.” For the students of today, he would tell them, “Aim high and then ask yourself why you didn’t aim higher.”

Click here to read more about Maurice K. Barrett.

Kallie McGrath

Master of Public Administration Candidate and Graduate Advising Coordinator, American University
Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration – Management, 2018

Kallie McGrath of Washington, D.C., is just at the start of her career, but the budding professional has already made an impact as a student advocate and education champion. After earning her degree from Berkeley College in 2018, McGrath served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and Student Success Associate with New York Cares, where she collaborated with New York City public schools to develop engaging community programming. McGrath is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree at American University. She plans to continue working in education, nonprofit, project management and public service, in addition to gaining legislative and policy experience. “I want to drive transformational solutions for education's most wicked problems,” she said. McGrath was the student speaker during Berkeley College’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Week in 2017. She was also recognized that same year on the President’s List, an academic distinction awarded to students who maintain a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters. “Berkeley College was instrumental in teaching me life skills that I could never have gained at a traditional university or in my rural American hometown,” she said. McGrath advises fellow students to take care of themselves as they work toward their goals amid the ongoing pandemic. “I know firsthand how isolating and difficult it has been during this time,” McGrath said. “Give yourself grace, find joy and connect with people as often as possible to build your network.”

Click here to read more about Kallie McGrath.

Robert L. Artis

Councilman, Prospect Park, NJ, and Management Executive, Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Human Services, State of New Jersey
Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration – Management, 2015

Councilman Robert L. Artis of Prospect Park, NJ, has served on the Borough’s City Council for nearly a decade. He said, “Berkeley College gave me discipline, structure, confidence, and knowledge to succeed.” Artis’ service as an elected official is one of his proudest professional accomplishments. He loves the political arena and is happy to have served four terms as Councilman. One of the highlights of his work was being able to escort First Lady Jill Biden in her motorcade. In addition to his work on the Council, Artis is a Management Executive with the State of New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities, which enables adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work and participate meaningfully in their communities. Artis said, “We try to strike a balance between ensuring health and safety while supporting the rights of individuals to make their own choices.” Eventually, he would like to seek a higher office and climb the corporate ladder. Artis has this advice for students: “Winners never quit and quitters never win. It took me 40 years to get my degree, but it was worth the struggle.”

Stephanie Nieves

Legislative Aide to Larry Crump, Newark City Council Member-At-Large
Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration – Management, 2015

Stephanie Nieves of Newark, NJ, is Legislative Aide to Larry Crump, Newark City Council Member-At-Large, where she assists with day-to-day operations and ensures resources are made available to constituents. Her role encompasses research, administration, and communications tasks, in addition to attending hearings, and frequently arranging meetings and events. “I have learned to be comfortable multitasking,” she said, highlighting the fast-paced nature of working in an official’s office. In addition to her role with the City Council, Nieves is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Real Estate Agent in the State of New Jersey. She previously managed a hair salon in Bloomfield, NJ, for 12 years before shifting her career to the public sector. “I have quite a few memorable moments at Berkeley,” said Nieves, who served as Student Government Vice President during her time studying at the Newark campus. “Berkeley College professors and other members of the staff were super helpful and were great examples of leaders in their fields.” Nieves said she would advise today’s college students to “make connections and try their best every day.”

Kevin Valdez

Senior Manager, Brand Communications & Special Projects, Roc Nation
Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business, 2006

Kevin Valdez of Union City, NJ, credits Berkeley College for helping him morph a fear of being challenged into a love of pushing his own boundaries. As a Senior Manager, Partnership Marketing, Univision Communications, the largest Spanish language media company in the United States, Valdez’s responsibilities include defining strategy for entertainment and sports-focused campaigns, and spearheading marketing partnerships with key distribution clients such as AT&T, DIRECTV, Verizon, DishLATINO and others. Valdez has been with Univision for eight years and said Berkeley College helped him find the right path. “I was an average student in high school,” Valdez said. “With guidance from my professors at Berkeley, I learned to apply myself to my studies and made the Dean’s List every semester. I also learned to develop my social skills, network and position my point of view.” Prior to his current role, Valdez founded a marketing consulting firm, Latinos at Work, LLC, which he successfully ran for seven years. He also worked at People en Español and was part of the team that helped launch the company’s inaugural tentpole festival in 2012 and 2013. Valdez offers this advice to students: “Don’t be afraid if you don’t have things figured out by graduation. Allow yourself time to try new things, new experiences, and ultimately you will find what motivates you and fuels your passion.”

Lachanee Scott

Juris Doctorate Candidate, New York Law School and Paralegal, The Daglieri Law Firm, PLLC
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, 2018

Lachanee Scott of West New York, NJ, is working toward becoming a lawyer, a lifelong dream. After emigrating to the United States from Jamaica, Scott chose Berkeley College to begin her post-secondary education, which she says helped position her for a career in the legal field. “I went into law school with no doubt that I would be able to balance school with work and my personal life,” said Scott, who had already gained professional experience and skills in time management through work study, extracurricular leadership positions and internships during her time as a student. She believes Berkeley College gave her a good foundation and, thanks to her pre-law professors, she had a leg up on this next phase of her life. In addition to pursing her Juris Doctorate at New York Law School, Scott is a Paralegal at Romer Debbas, a boutique real estate firm that specializes in the acquisition and disposition of commercial and residential real estate, among other areas. Scott has worked with the firm for more than two years, obtaining due diligence items for closings, preparing loan documents for transactions, and facilitating closings for commercial loans under the supervision of the lead attorney. Scott offers this advice to students: “The work you do needs to be enough to offset any challenges you may face due to the pandemic or other factors of your life. Challenges are not excuses to do poorly or be average. You must overcome your hurdles so they become part of your success story.”

Click here to read more about Lachanee Scott.

Cathy Santiago

Administrative Assistant, Payroll and Procurement, New York City Department of Education
Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business, 2008

Cathy Santiago of Manhattan, NY, is passionate about helping New York City’s youth make their college dreams a reality. Santiago, who has worked for the New York City Department of Education for 16 years, has spearheaded numerous initiatives to expand post-secondary access, including creating a college office at the NEST+m (New Explorations in Science, Technology and Math) school in 2007, and coordinating college fairs and workshops for students and families to learn about the college application and financial aid processes. “I have always wanted to help young people achieve their educational goals,” she said. Santiago earned her Bachelor’s degree from Berkeley College in 2008 as a non-traditional student. She took classes in the evenings while working full-time and taking care of two children, a feat she accomplished while maintaining academic excellence – Santiago was named to the President’s List, a recognition for students who maintain a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters, and the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society. In her current role as Administrative Assistant, Payroll and Procurement, Santiago is responsible for six payroll systems, timekeeping and procurement and says she “learns something new every day.” She added, “The courses I took at Berkeley College were always on par with current technology and software systems, and my amazing professors were always there to assist along the way.” Santiago recently earned a Master’s degree in Business Management and Leadership from the CUNY School of Professional Studies and aspires to lead a department or program that will enable her to have even more impact on New York City youth.

Troy Scott

Crisis Counselor, Partnership with Children; Mentor, Friends of the Children; and Co-founder, Tableofkingz Inc.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration – Management, 2011

Troy Scott of Bayonne, NJ, is a service leader in his community as well as in New York City. He currently works as a Crisis Counselor and Mentor in nonprofit organizations that equip and support young people in need. Scott provides intervention and suicide prevention services, often dealing with clients who are in distress. “It’s challenging work, but I love to help young people,” he said. Scott, who was a student leader during his time at Berkeley College, said he built meaningful relationships with his professors and administration that left a life-long impression on him. “The College became and continues to be a cornerstone for my growth. Faculty and staff held me accountable to be someone who sets goals and completes them. Berkeley as a whole pushed me mentally,” he said. After earning his Bachelor’s degree, Scott went on to obtain a Master’s in Organizational Leadership in 2019 from Nyack College. He was also named the Berkeley College Alumnus of the Year in 2020. Scott offers this advice for students: “Your path is your own. Focus on mental and emotional support, and remember that asking for help is a strength.”

Click here to read more about Troy Scott.

Chassity Jackson

Entrepreneur; Founder, Battles Beauties Fashion, Emerald Coast Fashion, Wingmen Official, and Boots on the Ground International Ministries
Bachelor of Business Administration in Fashion Merchandising and Management, 2020

Chassity Jackson of Destin, FL, began her professional career serving in the U.S. Air Force as a Technical Sergeant from 1997-2010. After 13 years of dedication in the military, Jackson decided it was time for a change and eventually found her way to Berkeley College Online®. She persisted and earned a Bachelor’s degree despite many bumps along the way. “I was pursuing my degree while homeless and living out of my car,” she shared. But Jackson never let go of her dreams to start a career in fashion and give back to her community. “Attending Berkeley College influenced me to pursue my dreams in design and marketing,” said Jackson. “I learned the right business skills to catapult me along in my entrepreneurial journey.” Today, she runs several ventures – Battles Beauties Fashion, designs for military women; Emerald Coast Fashion, which helps feed homeless veterans and teaches industry skills; Wingmen Official, a line for military men; and Boots on the Ground International Ministries, a nonprofit that aids veterans and children. Jackson is also working towards a Master of Business Administration at Florida State University. She advises current students to never give up. “Sometimes we can be our own worst critics,” she said. “Take your dreams off the shelf called ‘disappointment.’ Pursue them with all your heart and watch things begin to manifest.”

Click here to read more about Chassity Jackson.

Brittany Ramsaran

Export Logistics Coordinator, D. F. Young
Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration – Management, 2020

Brittany Ramsaran of Ozone Park in Queens, NY, earned a degree from Berkeley College at the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite the uncertainty of the time, she was well-positioned to begin her career. Ramsaran is an Export Logistics Coordinator at D. F. Young, a company that offers integrated logistics services, including air transportation, ground transportation, warehousing, and distribution, for aerospace and defense manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and government and military-specific cargo, among others. Ramsaran’s role requires her to track and monitor critical shipments through their entire journey. She credits her Berkeley College professors for the fact that she is successful at her job. “My professors left a lasting impression on me – as well as on other students,” she said. “They were always ready to share valuable advice about the workforce and their experiences. They shared their successes, but they also shared their mistakes – and how they learned from both.” Ramsaran enjoys her job and wants to learn more about logistics, but long term might look into work as a Human Resources manager, another area of interest for her. Meanwhile, she plans to work hard and advises college students to do the same. Ramsaran said one of her favorite quotes is, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” She says, “if you are successful, that is great, and if you fail, that is OK, too. What matters is that you were courageous to continue regardless of the outcome.”

Click here to read more about Brittany Ramsaran.

Edison Jaquez

Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Passion Care Center; Founder, B-Men; Motivational Speaker; and Author
Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration – Management, 2009

Edison Jaquez of Perth Amboy, NJ, is a beacon of the possibilities of second chances. Jaquez turned his life around to earn a degree in 2009 after previously having run-ins with the law. Today, Jaquez works full-time as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor with the Passion Care Center in Perth Amboy, where he helps those with alcoholism, opioid addiction, and other substance abuse overcome their dependency. Jaquez is also the founder of a mentorship program for young men, B-Men, a motivational speaker, and a published author. Jaquez’s memoir, A Second Chance: Life Sessions Turned into Living Dreams, recounts his journey of being born in the Dominican Republic and growing up in Stockton Street projects in Perth Amboy. He has also written Turning a Mess into a Message, a self-help book. Jaquez’s path to success earned him recognition in 2016 when he was named Berkeley College’s Alumnus of the Year. The first person in his family to graduate college, Jaquez said he made the right choice to attend Berkeley. “The College gave me all the tools I needed to be successful in my career and life in general,” he said. “And I have more goals – to continue growing in my career as well as obtaining a Master’s degree in Social Work.”

Click here to listen to a 2017 interview with Edison Jaquez on WBGO.

Jessica M. Mahoney, Esq.

Attorney, JM Mahoney Law, PLLC
Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies – Criminal Justice, 2011

Jessica M. Mahoney, Esq., of Middletown, NY, said that Berkeley College put her on the fast track to begin her career in the legal field. “When I started my education, I knew Berkeley College was the right choice for me. I was able to live at home, work part-time and obtain an internship at a local law office while earning my degree,” said the 2011 Berkeley graduate. Mahoney went on to complete her Juris Doctorate in 2014 at Albany Law School. After passing the bar exam she began her career as an Associate Attorney before launching JM Mahoney Law, PLLC in 2017, one of her top achievements as a professional. Mahoney’s legal areas of practice are residential real estate, residential lending, commercial real estate, landlord-tenant cases, and estate planning. Her boutique firm serves her home region in the Hudson Valley, NY. In the future, Mahoney plans to grow her law offices to include additional attorneys and support staff. Her advice to college students today is “consider your long-term goals and set short-term goals to get you there.”

Click here to read more about Jessica M. Mahoney, Esq.

Alejandro Guillen

Footwear and Accessories Designer; Former Brand Manager, Saks Fifth Avenue
Bachelor of Business Administration in Fashion Merchandising and Management, 2015

Alejandro Guillen of Brooklyn, NY, has worked in fashion retail, merchandising and marketing for more than a decade. Most recently, he served as Brand Manager, Men’s Ralph Lauren Purple Label and Polo Collections at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan where he was responsible for developing merchandising and marketing strategies in order to meet sales goals. “My work with Saks Fifth Avenue was diversified and enjoyable,” said Guillen, who noted that he had been successful in meeting and exceeding sales objectives, growing client spending, and facilitating repeat business for the collections he managed prior to leaving the role recently. Despite having only a three-year tenure with Ralph Lauren, Guillen helped the company innovate and make impact. In 2019, he led efforts to design a special in-store Ralph Lauren “Pride” animation to commemorate the 50th anniversary of World Pride, a first for the label. He also helped Ralph Lauren respond to changing trends during the pandemic, curating promotion for hybrid workwear and casual luxury to accommodate an increase in consumers who were working from home. “Berkeley College prepared me to become a fashion professional for myriad reasons. The curricula, which focused on business, marketing and sociology, enabled me to have a unique approach,” he said. “I developed a much stronger sense of business savvy in comparison to my colleagues and competitors in the industry.” Currently Guillen is pursuing a degree in Footwear and Accessory Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He plans to launch his own firm in the future, a move he feels prepared for thanks to the strong fashion business foundation he obtained as a student at Berkeley College.

Yanique A. Francis

Director of Partnerships, Teach Upbeat
Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration – Management, 2013

Yanique A. Francis of Newark, NJ, works daily to help young adults achieve their goals. She believes that greatness is not defined by wealth, but by integrity and having a positive impact on others. As Director of Partnerships at Teach Upbeat, an organization that works with K-12 districts across the country to elevate teacher engagement and retention by fostering strong school environments, Francis is responsible for forging alliances in the public school, corporate and nonprofit sectors. “Berkeley College gave me a good framework. Many professors came directly from the field in which they were teaching and that provided us with lots of examples beyond the textbooks,” she said. Francis is happy to have found a career that aligns with causes she feels strongly about and her values. “Young adults have always been my passion, and long-term I would like to continue providing resources to those from underserved communities. My goal is to start a career coaching consultancy to support young professionals of color,” she said. Francis advises today’s college students to prioritize their studies and establishing strong, meaningful relationships with mentors.

David Brown

Entrepreneur; Founder, DBTS Trucking Services, Inc. and WTB Transport
Master of Business Administration in Management, 2021 and Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business, 2014

David Brown of West Haven, CT, earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Berkeley College. “The information I learned in both of my degree programs increased my effectiveness as an executive leader,” he said. “I was pushed to analyze data more thoroughly and with greater detail to define the ‘why’ with more complexity. I utilize these skills in the way I lead and manage my business operations today.” Brown’s companies, DBTS Trucking Services and WTB Transport, provide freight delivery transportation of high-value pharmaceutical products across the 48 contiguous United States and Canada. DBTS is an independent service provider registered with the federal government as a minority-owned enterprise, while WTB partners with FedEx Custom Critical. The operations of both entities were impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. After several attempts at obtaining funding, Brown was able to secure more than $100,000 in COVID-19 EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loans) in 2020 and 2021 through the U.S. Small Business Administration, enabling him to finally restart his operations this year. Brown faced many obstacles on his journey, but he said, “I refuse to quit and be a victim. Instead, when adversity hits me, I learn, reassess and get back up.” Brown also feels strongly about empowering those around him. “I want to be a pillar within my community who focuses on solutions to build a better tomorrow for others,” he said. Brown is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration at Sacred Heart University and plans to launch future ventures in the trucking industry, as well as teach financial literacy.

Click here to read more about David Brown.

Mark Atlan

CEO and Founder, ZappCare; Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch
Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business, 2015

Mark Atlan of Manhattan, NY, was raised on a Navajo Nation reservation in Gallup, NM, and moved to New York City in 2013 to attend Berkeley College. “I wanted to go to Wall Street and compete with the best. Berkeley College put me in proximity to exactly where I wanted to be,” he said. While his career in finance brought him a lot of joy over the years, Atlan was motivated to pioneer a solution to improve the way his community accesses healthcare after witnessing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the United States’ indigenous population. He is in the process of launching ZappCare, his passion project that aims to bridge the medical divide for Native American communities. The enterprise is set to officially launch in September 2021 and is designed to incorporate technology to fill medical and infrastructure gaps on reservations with telehealth, drone prescription delivery, and mobile units that can provide routine services and minor surgical procedures. Altan plans to transition his focus to ZappCare full-time in the future. “My passion and my heart are with my Native American people,” he said. “I really want to encourage people to understand themselves, be confident in themselves, and be confident enough to pursue their passion. If you follow your passion, the money will come.”

Click here to read more about Mark Atlan.

Terri Fiori

Principal, Fiori Interior Design and President, American Society of Interior Designers, New Jersey Chapter
Associate of Applied Science in Interior Design, 2001

Terri Fiori of Wyckoff, NJ, lives by the mantra, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” After 10 years in the workforce and while raising two young children, Fiori decided to return to the classroom to pursue a degree in interior design at Berkeley College. Her boutique, award-winning design firm, which she launched in 2001, has been featured by The New York Times, DesignNJ, the Star-Ledger, and others. “The classes I took at Berkeley challenged me to think outside of my comfort zone. The professors were very nurturing and instilled confidence in myself and my work,” said Fiori. Fiori’s advice to students is to say “yes” to every opportunity. While still a student, a neighbor asked if she wanted to auction off her design services for a fundraiser, which led to her first project in Ridgewood, NJ. “That was how it started 20 years ago,” Fiori said. “Learn how to develop your systems and procedures, and refine your unique style. Then run with it and be fearless.”

Click here to read more about Terri Fiori.