Yolany Gonell (she/her) has over 17 years of progressive experience in higher education providing leadership and vision in the areas of diversity & inclusion, social justice education, leadership development, new student orientation, transition programs, career readiness, and residential life. As the Director for Student Diversity & Inclusion at William Paterson, Yolany engages senior leadership and staff in the college’s work to advance inclusion, retention, and student success. In her capacity, Yolany provides guidance and strategic direction in alignment with institutional goals, divisional strategy, national best practices, research, and student need with a focus on fostering a culture of care and investment in relationships.
With a wide range of experiences in student affairs, Yolany’s responsibilities include creating an inclusive college campus by providing teaching and learning experiences for faculty, staff, and students; examining and implementing institutional policies that are culturally responsive; while also developing programs that served as a campus-wide catalyst to celebrate all aspects of diversity and promote the principles of social justice. She works with an amazing team to expand resources for the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, the Black Cultural Center and the Center for Latinidad. In addition to her work in higher ed, Yolany has served as a gender and sexuality inclusion consultant for Bethune Cookman University, Bates College, and local non-profit organizations; is a founding member and leader of a grassroots LGBTQ organization in Asheville, NC and she is also on the advisory board for the Campaign For Southern Equality an organization that works to support and strengthen LGBTQ communities in the South through direct service and action.
Yolany is a first-generation college graduate, a US veteran, and holds a master's degree in social work from the University at Buffalo in New York. She is committed to empowering youth and advocating for equity and access for under-served communities.
Administrative Office located in UC 313.
Email: gonelly@wpunj.edu
Myranda Louis Jean (she/her) has been at William Paterson University for 5 years and brings 11+ years of experience within higher education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication from Temple University in Philadelphia and her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College in NYC. In her capacity as Assistant Director for Student Diversity & Inclusion, Myranda steers and manages projects and initiatives that support retention, student engagement, and equity-minded practices for the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, the Black Cultural Center, and the Center for Latinidad. Through cross-collaboration efforts, diversity programming, and the mentorship program she will lead efforts with CDI Peer Mentors and CDI Student Ambassadors to expand resources and safe spaces for all students. Myranda is passionate about advocating for students and building great relationships with them. When she is not in the office you can catch her on a plane, as she is a lover of any Caribbean beach!
Administrative Office Located in UC 313.
Email: Barreaum@wpunj.edu
Sherry Capers Dock (she/her) has earned an M.Ed. in Professional Counseling and brings 25 years of secretarial experience supporting EOF, Africana World Studies, and Anthropology at William Paterson University. In her capacity as administrative secretary, Sherry provides oversite to the daily functions of the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion and its auspices the Black Cultural Center, the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, and the Center for Latinidad; manages contracts and expenditures, provides event support, and supervises student employees. Sherry is passionate about student success and looks forward to providing guidance, mentorship, and encouragement to students.
Email: capersdocks@wpunj.edu
Gabriela Juarez (she/they) is a first-year graduate student in the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Masters program at William Paterson University. Gabriella is excited to be a graduate assistant at the Center for Diversity & Inclusion and work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Following one of Walt Disney's main philosophies in life “Do your best work, then try to trump it.”, Gabriella is passionate and strives to advocate and work with youth in marginalized communities where there exists a stigma for mental health. During her leisure time, Gabriella enjoys watching cartoons from several different networks, including Disney and Cartoon Network. She is also a major fan of crime documentaries and enjoys binge-watching them.
Ja’Shawn Robinson (he/him) – is a sophomore majoring in Secondary and Special Education. Ja’Shawn is a CDI Student Ambassador. In his role he helps students to be more involved and advocates on their behalf. Ja’Shawn empowers students to speak up and fight for justice in and outside of school. Fun fact: his favorite type of music is 90s pop music, and his favorite band is the Spice Girls.
Vienne Voysey (he/they) is a junior at William Paterson University. They are a Music major and an Honors student in the Performing and Literary Arts Track. As a CDI Student Ambassador, Vienne would like to make all students feel welcome and create a safe space for students to be heard. In their free time they enjoy singing, listening to music, wood carving and playing video games.
Diana Abreu (she/they) is a Junior pursuing a degree in Psychology and Gender studies. Diana is going to be a counselor for queer and LGBTQIA+ folks, as it is her goal to help younger minds have an easier time navigating through their true selves. As a CDI Student Ambassador, Diana plays an integral role in the LGBTEA+ Mentorship Program coordinating programs that build stronger LGBTQIA support. Fun Fact: Born in the Dominican Republic, Diana has great proficiency both in English and Spanish, loves all kinds of animals, and is a proud, transgender woman aiming to make the CDI an even greater space for everyone.
Kevin Cosme (he/him) is a sophomore student at William Paterson University. He is an English education major. Kevin has multiple roles on campus. He is a CDI Student Ambassador, Peer leader, and Treasurer for Pride Alliance. As a CDI Student Ambassador, Kevin plays an integral role with the LGBTEA+ Mentorship Program, assists with assessment, and leads courageous conversations. Fun fact: Kevin is a US veteran.
AJ Kamara (she/her) is a senior majoring in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies with a minor in Social Justice. AJ is the former two term serving president of the Student Government Association (SGA), a proud sister of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc., newly elected Greek Senate president, an orientation leader, and now a CDI Student Ambassador. As an ambassador, AJ plays an integral role as the liaison for University Police and Student Relations and coordinates listening sessions and Know Your Rights Campaigns. AJ’s main focus is the wellbeing of the student body and the inclusion of all students on William Paterson’s campus.
Nicholas Wilkerson (he/him): is a senior at William Paterson University studying media production. Nick is CDI Student Ambassador and holds various positions on campus as a student leader. He is currently the promotions director for Brave new radio and also has his own show on Fridays from 7-9pm. Additionally, he is very active on campus being the Treasurer for SAPB as well as on the Allocations Committee for Student Government Association.
Sara De La Cruz Jimenez (they) is a Junior at William Paterson University. Sara is double majoring in Secondary Education and English Literature. As a Mentor for the Adelante Mentorship Program, they work on creating and maintaining safe spaces for their fellow students while working with Student Ambassadors and other student employees. Sara also coordinates and plans activities for their mentees. When not working as a Student Mentor, they can be found roller skating or playing with their cat, Lily.
Dashka Delva (she/her) is a Senior at William Paterson University. She is a Mentor for the Adelante Mentorship Program.
SAMIR D. Hargrove (he/him) is a sophomore student who is studying Business and furthering their education in art. Samir has an interest in all types of art and incredibly creative. Samir is an Adelante Mentor and enjoys seeing people smile, creating and spreading the love. Samir’s motto: I am open to learning new things every day and I look for inspiration in everything.
Marques Adams (he/him) is a senior at William Paterson University. He is a Mentor for the Adelante Mentorship Program and the Black and Latino Male Initiative.
Samod Wingo (he/him) is a Junior at William Paterson University. He is a Mentor for the Adelante Mentorship Program and a star member of WPUNJ Football team.
Brenda Corcho (she/her): is a first-year student at William Paterson University. As a CDI student ambassador, she is planning to work on creating a safe environment for her fellow students, where everyone feels included and respected. Brenda is devoted to improving the experience of everyone at the university by making sure that they feel supported. She speaks multiple languages, loves painting and posting on social media.
Feras Mansour (he/him): is a Senior at William Paterson University. As a CDI Student Ambassador he will develop new resources and initiatives that aligns with his career readiness SMART Goals and that also support the mission of the centers.
Kelsey Baxter (she/her): is a Senior at William Paterson University. As a CDI Student Ambassador, she will develop new resources and initiatives that aligns with her career readiness SMART Goals and that also support the mission of the centers.
Reginald Smith Jr (he/him): is a Senior at William Paterson University. As a CDI Student Ambassador Intern, he will develop new resources and initiatives that aligns with his career readiness SMART Goals and that also support the mission of the centers.
Dorka Desroches (she/her): is a Senior at William Paterson University. As a CDI Student Ambassador Intern, she will develop new resources and initiatives that aligns with her career readiness SMART Goals and that also support the mission of the centers.
Jarique Grady (he/him): is a Senior at William Paterson University. As a CDI Student Ambassador Intern, he will develop new resources and initiatives that aligns with his career readiness SMART Goals and that also support the mission of the centers.
Keehva Steed (she/her): is a Senior at William Paterson University. As a CDI Student Ambassador Intern, she will develop new resources and initiatives that aligns with her career readiness SMART Goals and that also support the mission of the centers.
Derron Scott (he/him): is a Senior at William Paterson University. As a CDI Student Ambassador Intern, he will develop new resources and initiatives that aligns with his career readiness SMART Goals and that also support the mission of the centers.
Elle Pascal (they): is a student at Ramapo University. As a CDI Student Ambassador Intern, they will develop new resources and initiatives that aligns with their career readiness SMART Goals and that also support the mission of the centers.
William Paterson University
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
973-720-2000
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