About Brandy

Brandy leads the Student Employment initiative and the day-to-day Fleishman Center operations.  Overseeing the Student Employment initiative, Brandy is working to enhance and increase opportunities for students on campus.  This includes the launch of a Student Employment Grant, professional development opportunities, and overall assessment of student employment.  On the operations side, Brandy oversees the Fleishman Center assessment efforts, marketing and communications team, budget, and technology/online systems.  Working in the field of higher education and career services for over 20 years, Brandy is excited to be a part of a students journey throughout their time at Binghamton.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
My favorite thing is the students that attend Binghamton. I have met so many amazing students over my time working here and have learned so much from all of them.

What was your first internship or job?
My first paid position was picking up pine cones for 50 cents a bucket for my dad. I worked as a babysitter and camp counselor before finding the field of career services.

What are you passionate about?
I love reading and watching movies (especially thriller/horror). And spending time with my family (John, Mya, & Morgan).

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don’t.

Achievements

Presentations
Brandy has had the opportunity to present at several notable higher education and career services conferences, including:

• National Society for Experiential Education – To Infinity and Beyond: Embedding Career Readiness in Campus Employment
• EACE – Employer Outreach When You Don’t Have the Gift of Gab: An Introvert’s Guide to Employer Relations
• SUNY CDO – Employer Outreach When You Don’t Have the Gift of Gab: An Introvert’s Guide to Employer Relations
• Taking Advantage of Technology: Non-Technical Applications for Career Services (Panelist)

Leadership positions
Brandy is a leader at Binghamton University and beyond. She has held several leadership positions throughout her career:

• Treasurer – Binghamton Professional Staff Senate
• Treasurer – CNYDA
• Member Relations Coordinator – SUNY CDO

Colleen represents the Fleishman Center at the information desk, answering questions for students, employers and parents, helping connect students to the resources they need. She assists in supervising the student staff at the front desk manages the Fleishman Center events in the Binghamton calendar, B-engaged and hireBING.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
I love the students!

What was your first internship or job?
My first job was at an ice cream stand in Florida, NY.

What are you passionate about?
I love spending time outside in nature, and around water.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Meet with a Fleishman Center career consultant!

As Senior Career Education Specialist, Ellen leads efforts to connect all students with career knowledge, education and tailored resources in order to further their success. With a background in human resource management and a Masters degree in Student Affairs Administration, Ellen loves finding ways to help students explore their interests, set intentional goals and learn new skills. Additionally, Ellen provides leadership to the office by supervising the training and development of our wonderful student staff team. When she’s not talking about career education, Ellen is probably sharing stories about her dogs or the new DIY project she’s planning.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
I love working in an environment where I can learn new things every day. The energy that the students, faculty and staff on this campus create is inspiring!

What was your first job?
I grew up in Cooperstown, NY and my first job was selling tickets and memberships at The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum!

What are you passionate about?
I love teaching students career and professional development skills that they can use during their time at Binghamton and beyond! Being able to communicate your skills and interests is such a skill in and of itself, so I love finding creative ways to help students grow in those areas and ultimately feel more confident in their career identity.

What is your best piece of career advice?
Question confidently! Curiosity is such an essential component to growth- both personally and professionally- so don’t ever be afraid to ask questions.

With a background in International Development and having lived abroad for several years, Jessica is devoted to connecting students with life-changing internship and career opportunities globally. She is passionate about supporting students to build a strong professional and academic track record in internationally focused careers. Her work at the Fleishman Center focuses on bringing career into the classroom and helping students understand how their academic coursework is preparing them for a future career. Jessica manages the Career Champions program to recognize outstanding faculty and staff who are helping students achieve their career goals. As a career consultant, Jessica also meets one-on-one with students and assists them with any career-related topic.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
My favorite part is that it is a place where students, staff and faculty can continue to grow, learn and stretch as a community and with intention.

What was your first internship or job?
AmeriCorps VISTA with the US Committee for Refugee and Immigrants

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about building authentic relationships and understanding across cultures and differences.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
There is always an element of exploration throughout the career development process. Even if you secure your “dream job” you may find that it’s not all you expected it to be. New information helps you make informed decisions for the next step. Don’t be afraid to pivot to something new!

About Jordan

As a career consultant, Jordan meets with students one-on-one and assists them with any area of their career development. He is a talented presenter and frequently brings career education directly to different groups and organizations through tailored, educational presentations. Additionally, Jordan provides leadership for the office by facilitating various training initiatives for pro-staff and student staff. He also specializes in networking, making sure to keep up-to-date with best practices and facilitating an annual Friendworking event for the campus. When he is not working at the Fleishman Center, you can find him playing volleyball and volunteering at the zoo.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
The University is full of people who aim to do their very best at what they do! It inspires you to continue to grow in your own area of focus and strive to always do your best!

What was your first internship or job?
Dishwasher at Ponderosa

What are you passionate about?
I am very passionate about my student appointments where I get the chance to help support students with achieving their career dreams! Outside of work, my passions are: volleyball, walleyball, video games, manga, coffee, spending time with friends, anime, and fitness.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the amazing support from various people in my network!

Achievements

Awards
Jordan has been recognized for his talent, dedication, and spirit on numerous occasions:

• Hype Award Finalist: Education & Training
• Residence Life Professional Staff of the Month: January 2018
• STAR Award  Recipient: August 2022
• Nominated for Bearcat Award for Outstanding Service and Support
• Honorable mention for the Harter Family Mentoring Prize through Harpur College of Arts and Sciences

Certifications
Jordan has spent countless training hours obtaining the following certifications to better support our students:

• Strong Interest Inventory Certified
• Course Certified: Gallup’s Global Strengths Coach

As the Employer Engagement and Outreach Assistant, Judy is a key member of the team that manages employer relationships, which is central to the Fleishman Center’s goal to find and create employment opportunities for Binghamton students. Judy oversees the Employer Suite and manages on-campus recruiting initiatives. Additionally, Judy plays an important role in the CDCI program by building courses, registering students, and ensuring that the program is impactful for participants. Prior to her role at the Fleishman Center, Judy worked in private banking and devoted her career to preventing money laundering and other forms of fraud. Her transition to higher education was motivated by a desire to work with students and contribute to their early successes.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
Coming from a background of business and government, I enjoy being around the students that are just beginning on their journeys.

What was your first internship or job?
My first internship was with the NYC District Attorney’s Office

What are you passionate about?
Outside of work, the law, and the Supreme Court, in particular, have always interested me. Over the years I have collected rather old as well as contemporary law books and follow the Court’s rulings.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Making connections and networking are key, even if it doesn’t seem to at that moment. Those connections can open opportunities, months, even years later.

Julia leads our marketing efforts and develops the promotional strategy for the Fleishman Center’s many events, programs, and resources. She works closely with event organizers and partner offices to create targeted content that engages students and keeps them aware of everything happening at the Fleishman Center. This includes creating emails and newsletters, developing website content, overseeing blog content, and managing social media strategy. In addition, Julia serves as the office graphic designer for all promotional materials. Julia completed her undergraduate degree at Binghamton in 2020 with a major in economics and is currently pursuing an MBA through the School of Management. She started at the Fleishman Center in 2020 as a Graduate Assistant and transitioned to a full-time marketing role.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
There is always so much going on! At Binghamton, we are constantly thinking of new and creative programs, events, and projects, so every day brings a new and exciting challenge. I like working at the Fleishman Center specifically because it offers me the opportunity to connect students with all the the resources we have that are designed to help them succeed, which will help they set a positive trajectory for the rest of their lives.

What was your first internship or job?
My first job was at a pizzeria when I was 15.

What are you passionate about?
I love being outside! When I am not at work, you can probably find me hiking, riding my bike, or simply going for a walk. I love being in nature and staying active.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
I advise students to take the time to explore their career and major through experiences, whether it be research, clubs, or internships. College is the time to try out different majors and industries to find your best fit!

About Kathie

My role includes the development and evaluation of the grant process for Student Employment, providing professional development and training opportunities for students and supervisors, conducting appointment hours for students with part-time job/student employment questions, and creating and implementing resources around student employment. I coordinate two Student Employment Job Fairs each year and provide support to supervisors regarding handshake, federal work-study, and the student employment handbook and evaluation process.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
Watching students discover their passion, find their confidence and get excited about the adventures that await them after Binghamton. I also love seeing the passion that our alumni have for seeing our current students succeed.

What was your first internship or job?
Scooping ice cream and customer service at a propane company as a teen.

What are you passionate about?
The idea is that everyone should “find joy”. Happiness and negativity are both contageous. Choose to find joy in even the smallest things and you will encourage positivity in your surroundings.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Every experience, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, gives you skills and preparation for the next one. Never stop wanting to grow, personally or professionally.

Achievements

Presentations:

• EACE 2019 Annual Conference – Employer Outreach When You Don’t Have the Gift of Gab: An Introvert’s Guide to Employer Relations
• SUNY CDO 2019 Annual Conference – Employer Outreach When You Don’t Have the Gift of Gab: An Introvert’s Guide to Employer Relations
• SUNY CDO 2019 Annual Conference – Co-Facilitated Employer Roundtable Discussion

Committees:

• Entertainment Committee, SUNY CDO Annual Conference 2019

Awards:

• Award for Individual Excellence; Category: COVID-19 Response Champion, SUNY CDO 2022 Annual Conference

Laura provides one-on-one career consulting appointments, walk-ins and career and professional development programs focusing on the collaborative effort with Residential Communities of the Apartments, Mountainview, Hinman and all Residential Assistants.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
I love working directly with the students and collaborating with campus partners

What was your first internship or job?
My first job in college was a Merry-Go-Round Operator and after college, a Pre-School Teacher

What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about helping students find and cultivate their personal and professional passions. I love spending time with my family and friends, the outdoors, and my new obsession of PickleBall and jewelry making.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Work-life balance is essential for becoming the version of yourself as a person and as a professional.

About Lexie

Lexie is an alumna of Binghamton University having completed her Masters degree in Literacy Education in 2015. Her background in education and passion for career services inspire her to teach students how to use their experiences and skills in order to explore and create action plans for their futures. As the Senior Associate Director of Student Engagement and Career Readiness, Lexie focuses on efforts to engage and educate students in career services and has developed and led several strategic initiatives in this area. She is the main author of the Career Exploration Guide and has managed several early engagement programs including Kickstart and Exploration Day. Additionally, Lexie meets with students one-on-one to support their individual needs and help them get to the next step in their career development journey.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
My favorite thing is how creative the students are and how passionate they are about reaching their goals. I love connecting with a student and helping them understand how their involvement and passions can translate to meaningful career choices. I also love working with our student staff that work so hard to educate and support their peers through their career development.

What was your first internship or job?
I babysat a lot but my first job was working at Aeropostale in the mall (I didn’t last long there).

What are you passionate about?
With a background in teaching, I love helping students think and engage differently with their experiences. I love the ‘lightbulb’ moment for students when something clicks and action can come from that.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Never put yourself in a box. You’ll always be asked to pick a path or commit to a major, but there are so many possibilities and opportunities to use your unique experiences and skillsets in…so think beyond the box!

Achievements

Awards
Lexie has been recognized for her work supporting students at Binghamton University and for her contributions to career services at the university, state, and national levels:

• Bearcat Award for Outstanding Service and Support- 2021-2022
• SUNY Career Development Organization President’s Award for Exceptional Service- 2019-2020
• Bearcattitude Award-Binghamton University Athletics- 2018-2019
• Connections for Success-Silver Award for Excellence 3/2018
• ASPIRE- Career Leadership Collective Participant 2022

Presentations
Lexie is a leader and innovator in the career services sphere and has had the opportunity to show others her work at the following conferences:

• Career Services and Leadership Collide: Transforming Sophomore Student Engagement-12/2018 , NASPA Leadership Educators Institute
• Creating Transformative, High-Impact Career Development and Leadership Retreats-3/2018, NASPA Annual Conference
• Early Career Engagement: The Journey to Reach 100% of First Year Students- 6/2022, Career Leadership Collective
• Kickstart Your Career: A First Year Student Pre-Arrival Career Program- 3/2020, NASPA (conference cancelled due to COVID)
• Leveraging Students for Career Services Initiatives: High Impact Student Engagement, 3/2020, NASPA (conference cancelled doe to COVID)

Lindsey leads the employer and alumni outreach and development efforts to support the recruitment of Binghamton University students for internships and full-time employment. She works closely with organizations to grow their campus recruiting programs and works to enhance employer partners’. engagement and brand recognition on campus. In addition, Lindsey works closely with the Alumni Association to provide events and opportunities that connect students with successful Binghamton alumni. She also oversees strategic plan priorities for building and facilitating stakeholder connections with the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development. Lindsey came to Binghamton University in 2017 as the Director of the Watson Career and Alumni Connections office after a 13 year career in the the PA State System of Higher Education. She joined the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development in March 2020.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
The research, invention, entrepreneurship, drive, and success that happens across campus by students, faculty, and staff is truly inspiring and motivational. 

What was your first internship or job?
In my first job after college, I worked as a counselor in a residential treatment center for court-ordered youth.

What are you passionate about?
 I’m a huge sports and pop culture fan and love trivia and competitions. I’ve run 14 half marathons, but have put training on hold while raising a young family.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Everything is a learning experience. Take many opportunities to grow, change and adapt.

Manar oversees Fleishman Center assessment efforts and designs initiatives that create data-informed policy recommendations on student career outcomes. She manages the development of a variety of tools and techniques using current and historical data to analyze student outcomes, and track success measures such as post-graduation destinations, internship placements, and career readiness. Her responsibilities and expertise includes analytics training, strategic planning, and survey development.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
Binghamton University has multiple ways and channels to support its staff and offer amazing professional training opportunities which allow me to innovate especially with the variety of assessment and evaluation projects.

What was your first internship or job?
I was a bank teller

What are you passionate about?
Issues related to diversity and equity, bridging culture gaps, and gender equality. I also enjoy setting on the beach and playing with my beautiful parakeets.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Have a goal, believe in your ability to reach it, then put a plan for how to get there! Planning will help you avoid many of the potholes.

Matt Kisloski is the Financial Wellness Manager at Visions Federal Credit Union. His focus is on developing and providing financial education programs to the community. He is an alumnus of Binghamton University, and sits on the board of directors of the Waterman Conservation Education Center, and Stray Haven Humane Society & SPCA.

Mike serves as the Assistant Director of Internship Education and manages all aspects of the CDCI credit-bearing internship program. He comes from a background in residential life and made the transition to career services to further support students in their professional development. In his role, he works closely with students to support them throughout the entire internship process, including meeting one-on-one with students to find and secure internships, managing concerns with internship sites, and teaching the Professional Internship Program Course (CDCI395) to enhance student learning. Mike also strives to continuously expand and improve the credit-bearing internship program by performing outreach to find new internship sites for students and conducting site evaluations to ensure that meaningful learning is happening at the internships.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?

My favorite thing about working at Binghamton University is getting the chance to help so many different students during their time in college. Working at the Fleishman Center gives me a chance to help others prepare for their future careers as they explore internship opportunities and gain experience in different fields and industries.

What was your first internship or job?

My first job was working as a ride operator at a family owned amusement park in Connecticut called Quassy Amusement Park. My first internship was working at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Working at Enterprise as a college student really opened my eyes to what it is like to work full-time at a company and is an experience that I recommend for all students.

What are you passionate about?

Besides my interests in career management and professional development, investing, entrepreneurship, and financial management are all areas I am very passionate about. I am a very active person and you can find me playing pick-up tennis, frisbee, and volleyball games. I love nature and will often go hiking at different state parks and in the nature preserve.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?

Never be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself.

Ozzy is an alumna of Binghamton University, with an MS degree in Student Affairs Administration. She also holds a Ph.D. degree in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa. She is excited to bring her experience as an instructor, advisor, and interpersonal/intercultural communicator to her new role at the Fleishman Center. Ozzy manages a number of programs at the Fleishman Center, including the 2-year Jewish Foundation for the Education of Women (JFEW) SUNY International Relations and Global Affairs Program, the 4-year JFEW/Binghamton Leadership and Career Development Program, and the internship funds. She also coordinates financial wellness programs for students, faculty, and staff together with the Visions’ financial wellness educator. Last but not least, Ozzy will be holding one-on-one appointments with graduate students to support their career development.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?

Binghamton University has many passionate and hard-working faculty, staff, and students that work together to create a world-class institution that cares about their students and employees. I am very happy to be working here!

What was your first internship or job?

My first job was while attending college when I worked for my dad’s construction company during the summers. I was like a realtor showing apartments to customers. I loved this job, because I got to chat with people and promote my dad’s apartments. My first internship was at a cinema magazine translating English content to Turkish.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about making a difference in my students’ lives; if I can give them direction to academic and professional success, that makes my day. Outside of work, my passion lies in spending quality time with my son and partner where we play games together and go on walks in the park.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?

Be confident in your abilities, be true to yourself, and choose a work environment that matches your values.

As the Experiential Education Assistant for the Fleishman credit-bearing internship program, Trish addresses inquiries about the CDCI program, registers students in CDCI 200 and 395 courses, works through registration conflicts with students, and facilitates the completion of all forms, agreements, and evaluations throughout the internship process.

Trish graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in English and has a background in academic and trade publishing. She has served as the editor of online course content for an organization whose mission is to ensure student success and equity through quality higher education instruction. Her interest in supporting students during their college journeys brought her to her current position with the Fleishman Center.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
I enjoy facilitating the internship process for students because I believe that gaining real-world experience in a field that interests them is a valuable part of their education at BU. I am also happy to be working with caring, dedicated colleagues who are passionate about their mission of helping students be successful.

What was your first internship or job?
My first job was as a dishwasher in a hotel restaurant. I held several different positions in my time there, ending as a front desk clerk.

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Every job involves service in one way or another, either directly or indirectly; there are so many different ways to make a positive contribution to society. Your career path will most likely not be a straight one, but try to always take steps in the direction of work that resonates with your values and strengths so that you can gain a sense of purpose and meaning out of what you do.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about learning and about supporting others in their education. I love to read, watch historical documentaries, listen to podcasts while taking long walks, travel, and spend time with my husband, daughter, and pet Bichon Jumper.

Tammy provides administrative assistance to both the Fleishman Center and the Center for Civic Engagement staff, including budget support, travel, HR transactions, grant administration, and logistical support for all events. Tammy joined the Fleishman Center after five years of working in administrative support at the Watson College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. She earned her B.S. in Human Development from Binghamton in 2006.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
The students!

What was your first internship or job?
My first internship was at the SOS Shelter in Endicott (now called RISE)

What are you passionate about?
Helping others and giving back to my community

What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Network, network, network!!! Connections are invaluable whether you are looking for your first job or if you have been in the same position for years. The second piece of advice, great support staff should be valued and appreciated; for they make you look good!

As the Diversity Engagement Specialist, Tiffany Soto LMSW develops strategic initiatives and programming to ensure that career education and resources reach the entire student body, particularly historically underrepresented students. Tiffany also advances the Fleishman Center’s partnerships with student groups and other offices to further increase Fleishman’s ability to connect with and serve students. Her work is central to the Fleishman Center’s goals of elevating career outcomes for all students and ensuring that all programs and resources are accessible and inclusive.

What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
My favorite thing about working at Binghamton University is working with the students!

What was your first job?
My first job was as an Art Instructor at Harriman Boys Club Camp.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about helping students thrive as well as emphasizing the importance of overall wellness. As the diversity engagement specialist, I am especially passionate about inclusivity, equity and empowering students with the tools they need to succeed in career development. I also really love to bake and read!

What is your best piece of career advice?
My best piece of career advice is to ensure you are doing something you are passionate about! If you are passionate about it, it will always showcase in your work ethic, dedication and you will always enjoy it.