Lexie Avery, MS '15
Senior Associate Director, Student Engagement and Career Readiness
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 leads strategy and goal setting for the following areas; career consulting and exploratory initiatives, career education and outreach, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, career preparation, career experiences and experiential education, and faculty/academic integration. 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)
Ellen Ketchum
Senior Assistant Director, Career Education and Preparation
About Ellen
As Senior Assistant Director, Career Education and Preparation, Ellen leads efforts to connect all students with career knowledge, education, and tailored resources in order to further their success and promote career mobility post-graduation. With a background in human resource management and a Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration, Ellen loves creating opportunities for students to set intentional goals, build their networks, and learn new skills. When she’s not talking about career education, Ellen is probably sharing stories about her dog 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.
Colleen McAvoy
Career Information and Office Support
About Colleen
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!
Erin Hansen
Career Education and Outreach Specialist
About Erin
Erin serves as the Career Education and Outreach Specialist for the Fleishman Center, fostering collaboration between the residential communities, faculty and student staff to increase all students’ engagement in professional development and career readiness. Additionally, she provides one-on-one consultations as well as presentations and outreach to various groups. She is an alumna of Binghamton University, having completed her MAT in Spanish Adolescence Education in 2014. Her experiences in facilitating students’ language acquisition across grades 9 through 12 have inspired her to support students in their career journeys in higher education. She is passionate about helping students identify their strengths, take pride in their work, and realize all of the opportunities that their skills can unlock.
What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
The staff members are so welcoming and will eagerly go out of their way to support students and each other. I also love that there are abundant resources available to students, faculty and staff that enable continuous growth.
What was your first internship or job?
During the summer before I started college, I worked at a local art center in Liverpool, NY, where I planned and conducted a children’s art program.
What are you passionate about?
Outside of working with students and helping them realize their full potential, I love drawing with ink and colored pencils, and I am an avid language learner, primarily focusing on Spanish and Korean. I also love thriller/horror movies and spending time with my greyhound Juno!
What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
The path to your career does not have to be linear! Focus on the skills you are building as you gain experience, and use those as your selling points. You may be surprised where you end up!
Ozzy Girit Heck (Ph.D.)
Career Success Program Specialist
About Ozzy
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 educational programming for international and graduate students. She also coordinates financial wellness programs for students, faculty, and staff together with the Visions’ financial wellness educator.
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.
Specialties and Interests
Coordinating JFEW programs and financial wellness programsAly Novi
Assistant Director, Academic and Campus Partnerships
About Aly
As the Assistant Director of Academic and Campus Partnerships, Aly builds relationships with faculty, staff and campus departments to infuse career education and opportunities into all aspects of a student’s experience at Binghamton University. These efforts lay crucial groundwork for the Fleishman Career Center and partner offices to maintain a student-centered approach and improve their ability to connect with and serve students. Prior to this role, Aly was an Academic Advisor at Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences. She brings a strong background in health sciences through her prior role and a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology that she uses to support students on a pre-health academic track and those who are interested in breaking into the healthcare industry.
What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
What I love most about working at Binghamton University is the opportunity to interact with students and support their growth, both personally and professionally. I also really appreciate the campus community and the number of resources available to support student success.
What was your first internship or job?
My first job was as a cashier at Price Chopper when I was in high school. Then, throughout my undergraduate and graduate programs, I was a server at various restaurants. The transferable skills from these customer-facing positions have consistently informed my work in higher education. Some examples include communication, prioritization, problem-solving, and time management – the list goes on!
What are you passionate about?
Professionally, I’m passionate about students! I love getting to know students and having the opportunity to provide support throughout their time here at Binghamton and beyond. As someone who considered many different paths before landing in higher education, I know how challenging it can be to explore career options and decide which is right for you. Helping students navigate the exploration process, prepare for the job search, and feel confident beginning their careers is exciting and rewarding!
Personally, I’m passionate about mental health/wellness, animals (I have 2 dogs and 2 cats), reading, and being active (especially outdoors!). I love to volunteer to walk dogs at the Broome County Humane Society, listen to podcasts, and hike locally.
What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
My best piece of advice is to remember to take care of yourself throughout your career journey! You can work hard while still maintaining a healthy and sustainable work-life balance. Self-care and boundaries are so important, whether you are in an entry-level position or a leadership role. It’s very difficult to show up as your best self each day at work if you are not investing time in caring for yourself.
Christopher Wandell
Associate Director of Experiential Education
About Chris
As the Associate Director of Experiential Education, Chris manages Fleishman’s internship team and develops cross-departmental collaborations based on High Impact Learning Practices. Chris is an active proponent of experiential education, and has spent most of his career encouraging students to take charge of their learning.
With over a decade of experience in nonprofits across the country, Chris has done just about everything you can do in an organization, from teaching, training, and mentoring to human administration, human resources, and event planning.
What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
I love the energy that our team has, and how excited we get when we learn what our students are accomplishing in both their studies and their careers.
What was your first internship or job?
My first job was delivering pizzas right here in Broome County.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about helping students get to the place they want to be… and helping them realize that it’s okay to not know exactly where that place is.
What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Be open and take a chance. I would have never imagined doing half of the things I’ve done in my career, but I took the risk, took the chance, and ended up with some amazing memories and experiences. (Ask me about living in a National Park, or training Birds of Prey, or 3D printing heart valves!)
Jen Carrieri
Senior Student Engagement Specialist
About Jen
As Senior Student Engagement Specialist, Jen’s role is highly student-facing through one-on-one career consulting, programming, and the supervision of both Fleishman’s undergraduate and graduate student staff members. Additionally, Jen will work closely with the Senior Assistant Director for Career Education and Preparation to develop creative career readiness initiatives and support students in interviewing, job search strategy, negotiations, and more.
With a background in education, Jen thrives on creating a positive community where students feel comfortable learning. After spending six years as an elementary teacher, she is excited to be back in higher education. In her free time, Jen loves going to outdoor concerts and sitting on her porch with a good book.
What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
My favorite thing about working at Binghamton University is how diverse it is. Not one day, conversation, or person is the same! I’m thankful to grow my understanding of the world from the students and staff I interact with.
What was your first internship or job?
My first job was babysitting when I was in high school. Then, throughout undergrad, I worked at Bath & Body Works and was a Residential Advisor (RA). Being an RA was why I became so interested in higher education. There is so much community building in this field, and I learned that I love the feeling of being part of a strong team!
What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
My best piece of advice is to ‘keep it simple’. It’s so easy to overthink everything that we do or say. Be your authentic self and let your passion show!
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about connecting with students and building long-lasting relationships. I love being a safe space where students can speak about their successes, anxieties, and aspirations. Using that foundation of trust to connect students with resources for their next phase in life is a true joy.
Jessica Lane-Rwabukwisi
Senior Academic Partnerships Specialist
About Jessica
Jessica has been serving Binghamton University students since June 2018 as a career consultant and has completed over 2,000 appointments. She is very intentional about helping students reflect on who they are and how their interests connect to their career path. In addition to her role as a career consultant, she also co-leads the Diversity and Social Justice Working Group at the Fleishman Career Center and has been instrumental in building a strategy to integrate career education into the curriculum in order to reach all students with career knowledge and opportunities. She is very passionate about her work and enjoys overcoming challenges and building new initiatives through collaboration and creativity.
Jessica earned a double major in French and International Studies from the University at Buffalo in 2006, and a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development and Conflict Transformation from the School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute. Prior to joining the Fleishman Career Center, Jessica worked in national and international NGOs and lived and worked abroad in Belgium, France, India and Rwanda. Outside of work, she is a busy mom of 2 boys and enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending time with family.
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!
Jordan Smith
Senior Career Consultant
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
- MBTI Certified
Cassie Spencer
Assistant Director, Internship and Career Education
Cassie oversees the Fleishman Center’s Academic Internship program including coordinating CDCI courses, developing curriculum, and cultivating internship opportunities. Additionally, she coordinates the B-Money Smart Financial Wellness Programs and is the host of the ALL-In instagram live alumni interviews (@bingfleishmancareer). Cassie meets with students one-on-one to discuss career exploration, gaining experience and post-graduation plans among other topics.
What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
My favorite thing about working at Binghamton is the students.
What was your first internship or job?
My first job was an Activities Coordinator at a campground.
What are you passionate about?
I love listening to podcasts, traveling as much as possible and going to concerts
What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Find what you love and go do that.
Laura O'Neill
Career Consultant
About Laura
Laura has been a part of the Binghamton University Community for 15 years.
Currently, Laura provides one-on-one career consulting appointments and career and professional development programs focusing on the collaborative effort with Transfer Student Success.
What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
I love being a champion for our students by empowering and connecting them with new resources including other students, campus and community 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 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.
Michael Lorusso
Assistant Director of Internship Education
About Mike
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.
Patricia Brown
Experiential Education Assistant
About Trish
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.
Tiffany Soto
Diversity Engagement Specialist
About Tiffany
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.
Aaron Irvine
Assistant Director, Social Impact Careers
About Aaron
As the Assistant Director of Social Impact Careers, Aaron is the primary support for consulting, programming, and faculty engagement for all CCPA students. Aaron provides direction and manages operations for the Fleishman Career Center’s satellite office at the UDC, including brainstorming outreach initiatives to increase the usage of services and resources.
What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
Binghamton University has provided me with an opportunity to grow and learn new skills on a daily basis. I love that Binghamton University takes great pride in its ability to support students in achieving their personal and professional goals.
What was your first internship or job?
Bus Boy at Little Venice Restaurant
What are you passionate about?
Professionally coming from a teaching and advising background I love when I have positive interactions with students and can provide them with information that will help them be more successful in their professional and personal lives. In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family, fitness, and beach days.
What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
Become a lifelong learner, work hard, and ask important questions that will build your knowledge and contribute to your career development.
Achievements
- Professional Staff Senator
- NACADA Theory and Practice of Advising Certificate
- Bearcat Recognition Award
Michael Wan
Financial Literacy Program Specialist
About Michael
As the Financial Literacy Program Specialist, Michael ensures our students are gaining the awareness and skill-building they need related to their finances. Teaching students about their finances, and negotiating salaries, etc. not only helps them as individuals but can also positively impact their families now and in the future.
What is your favorite thing about working at Binghamton University?
My favorite thing about working at Binghamton University is being part of a team that is committed to creating impact within the communities they serve.
What was your first internship or job?
My first job was working for Wegmans Food Markets, where I worked for more than 15 years.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about serving others with excellence – I am fulfilled when I am able to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources to be successful.
What is your best piece of career or professional advice?
My best piece of professional advice is to find creative ways to say yes. You never know what opportunities exist on the other side of that “yes”.