Center for Success of Women Faculty

What is your current job title and responsibilities (please make sure we know your College, Department, etc.)?
Assistant Vice President, International Affairs and Global Strategies (IAGS)
My main responsibility is to serve as the Chief Operations Officer. I oversee the following units for IAGS: UCF Abroad, IAGS Compliance, Employment and Taxation, IT and Infrastructure, Recruitment and Outreach, and Enrollment Services

What is your history at UCF and before UCF? (past job titles, responsibilities)
I started at UCF in 2003, my first job was to establish and reorganize the Admissions, Compliance, and Records units for the International Services Center. I continued to be promoted throughout the years, I served the department under different leadership in various capacities (Associate Director, Director, and Executive Director) to promote and retain international students and scholars. Most importantly I have been responsible for over 10 years in keeping UCF in compliance with Federal Regulations and have the privilege to bring international students, scholars, and researchers.

What is your academic background?
I have a bachelor’s degree from UCF in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice.
A Master’s from UCF in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Public Administration.
Advanced Certificate in Public Administration.

What is your favorite UCF memory?
The very first time I welcomed a group of international Undergraduate and Graduate students in the Spring of 2004. I was so proud to be part of their journey, and to let them know how happy we were to receive them at UCF.

If you could change one thing at UCF, what would it be? ($ and time no object)
I would establish a comprehensive program for student mobility in the following areas:

Students who are the daughters/sons of immigrants-give them the opportunity to go to their parents and their place of birth to learn about their roots and heritage.

Students who have never traveled outside Florida-give them the opportunity to spend a semester in another state, so they can learn about their own country and culture.

Students who have never traveled outside the US-give them an opportunity to study abroad and have an impactful experience.

Sent faculty, student, and staff to countries that are experiencing extreme social problems (health, poverty, war, etc.), experience how it is to live in the margins of society.

Lastly, a program to bring those students from countries where opportunities are scarce and give them a full scholarship starting from Undergraduate to Grad School.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues?
Never lose sight of why you do your job, which is student success….. Meet with students as often as you can thus you can remain inspire and not lose your passion.

If UCF was going to name something in your honor, what would you like it to be and why?
I would like a scholarship given to sons/daughters of immigrants, not based necessarily on merit. Immigrants, like my parents, have big dreams for their kids, and that is why they leave everything behind to give them a better future.   However, they have just the dream and no ability to guide them in a new country while they are struggling to make ends meet. They need role models and the ability to get there. I would love to give an opportunity to someone, and have those proud parents sitting at the arena while their daughters/sons are graduating.

If you could have lunch with anyone at UCF (who you do not normally eat lunch with), who would you choose and why?
I would like to have lunch with Michael Morsberger from the Foundation, I believe what he does impacts many lives at UCF and I would love to hear how he does it.

Who at UCF would you like to thank for your success?
I have many mentors to be grateful to, however, the teams that I’ve had working with me and continue to work with me are the ones that make me succeed and allow me new opportunities. The UCF leaders that have given me opportunities and guidance to succeed and make UCF my home.

Name and describe a teacher or researcher from your past who truly inspired you and why.
Dr. Patricia Bishop, although she wasn’t my mentor, but her dedication and hard work towards advancing Graduate Education was truly an inspiration in my early years at UCF.

What undergraduate or graduate class/program/experience inspired you the most and why?
There is no better feeling then to be sitting in the stadium (under the shade) and see the band, Knightro and Cheerleaders…the exhilarating feeling of being there and see the display of UCF spirit is a great feeling.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
Any kind of spicy food with a great glass of wine.

What is your favorite movie, book or music?
Favorite Song- “I Lived” by One Republic, Favorite Book –Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Movie- Silver Lining.

What is your favorite vacation destination?
The Beach anywhere… St. Petersburg, Chile, Spain, etc.