MEET THE TEAM
The award winning Career Connections Center staff are committed to helping our students find their future. We believe that everyone can create meaningful connections by bridging the gap between inspiration and action, and we’re here to help our students, alumni, and employers to do just that.
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ORGANIZATION CHART
Whether we work directly with students, employers, or support staff internally, we’re still one team…the Career Connections Center team. Find out more on how our office operates by viewing our organizational chart.
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PARAPROFESSIONAL STAFF
The backbone of the Career Connections Center is our paraprofessional staff made up of talented University of Florida students. Discover who this dynamic group of professionals are on the Meet Our Paraprofessional Staff page.
Meet the Directors
My advice to students would be to never forget the power of experience. In the career center we have a saying 'Experience Changes Everything'. As a first-generation college graduate I understand the power of exposure, immersion, and connectivity. I encourage students to participate in different experiences such as jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities. These activities can help you not only meet new people but to learn about yourself, acquire new skills, understand what you like and also learn what you don't like. Never take an experience for granted because it may help you to uncover an opportunity and career path that you weren't aware of.
• Southern Association for Colleges and Employers (SoACE), Finance Director, 2020 - 2022
• University of Florida Mental Health Task Force, JED Foundation, 2020
• National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), College Chair, The Future of We Committee - 2019
• Southern Association for Colleges and Employers (SoACE), External Review Chair, 2018 - 2020
Angel Iverson
EMAIL: AIverson@ufsa.ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273-2309
Certified Master of Career Services, National Career Development Association
Business Administrative Services
Charity Wiggins
EMAIL: CWiggins@ufsa.ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2318
Certified Career Services Provider, National Career Development Association
Certified Green Dot Facilitator, 2019
I lead the Business Administrative Services team with providing vision, strategy, and support in the areas of finance, human resources, facility/operations, and general administrative functions. Our strategic focus areas include: Operational Excellence, Financial Stewardship, Strategic Communication, and Business Process Improvement.
University of Florida - BS in Health Education; M.Ed. in Student Personnel in Higher Education
Learn to enjoy the process! Discover your natural talents, they lead you to your purpose. Use your time in college and the university educational platform as a tool to enhance your interests, build tangible skills, and gain experiences.
I manage the fiscal and accounting functions for the Career Connections Center.
I graduated from Rasmussen College with a Bachelors in Healthcare Administration.
Enjoy the journey, Have Fun and know the rights things will come to you!
I support the Career Connections Center full time and student staff through human resources and administrative functions. Another large part of my role is the coordination of special departmental events and meeting planning for our staff and visitors to the Career Connections Center.
Stay active - don't let things pass you by but experience them and seize opportunities!
• Division of Student Affairs Superior Accomplishment for Clerical/Office Support, 2020
I provide necessary assistance in the areas of facility management, administrative functions and ensure front-line support with first impressions with our stakeholders.
If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection.
I have my 4-40 Resident Customer Representative License which enables me to sell insurance under the supervision of a General lines Agent.
Campus Initiatives
Julia Vollrath
EMAIL: JVollrath@ufsa.ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2302
Certified Master of Career Services, National Career Development Association
Certified Green Dot Facilitator, 2019
I oversee the Operations and Engagement Team, champion the center's experience areas of on-campus employment and study abroad, serve as a liaison to Division of Student Affairs IT, Marketing and Assessment, and oversee the center's data strategy.
I graduated from the University of South Florida with my Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Student Affairs.
Take it all in, this is a special time in your life where you get to try out so many different paths. Be open to new adventures and know there is no right way to do this.
• Committee Member, University of Florida Student Conduct Committee, October 2019 - Present
I manage Gator CareerLink system, lead the C3 Data Strategy, and support C3 staff in reporting and promotions.
University of Central Florida, BS in Psychology and MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology; University of South Florida, MEd in Instructional Technology
Be open to trying new things!
• Committee Member, University of Florida Student Conduct Committee, October 2019 - Present
In my current role, I help promote the Career Connections Center by developing and implementing strategic marketing and branding strategies. I help C3 reach their goals using digital channels and traditional platforms.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a graduate certificate in web design and online communication, and a master’s in mass communications from the University of Florida.
Enjoy college and take the opportunities offered to you. Don’t be afraid to talk to your professor or advisors. They are there to help you succeed. Always have a plan, it will help you in the long run. And if things don’t go according to plan, it’s okay to pivot.
Keira Simmonds
EMAIL: KSimmonds@ufsa.ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2333
Certified Master of Career Services, National Career Development Association
Certified Green Dot Facilitator, 2019
I lead the center's globalization efforts and paraprofessional training and development as well as serve as a liaison to strategic partners aiding in the career development of underrepresented student populations and alumni.
Webster University with a Masters in Management and Leadership, York College with a BA in Psychology
Give yourself time, space and grace to grow.
• University Participation, UF Multicultural Mentor Program Mentor, 2019, 2018
• Committee Member, Association of Black Faculty and Staff Fundraising Committee, 2019
• Committee Member, Association of Black Faculty and Staff Professional Development Committee, 2019, 2018
Career Engagement
Allie Simon
EMAIL: ASimon@ufsa.ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273-2311
Certified Career Services Provider, national Career Development Association
I lead the “student experience of career services” charge for the career center and university. I provide the vision and strategy for all career development initiatives that involve students transitioning into the university. In addition, I lead the Career Engagment team that supports all student programming in the center.
Graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Education and Education Specialist in Counselor Education.
It's okay to not to know! Be a lifelong learner and constantly check-in with yourself first.
• Committee Member Presidential Committee - Persons with Disabilities, 2019 - Present
• Committee Member, Undergraduate Advising Council, 2014 - Present
• Committee Member, Division of Student Affairs- Student Retention and Success Sub Council, 2017 - 2019
Sara Gould
EMAIL: SGould@ufsa.ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-294-3927
Certified Career Services Provider, National Career Development Association
I supervise the Career Ambassadors, oversee Express Drop-In, Resume/LinkedIn Labs, Adulting 101, the outreach database, career planning, and present workshops.
I graduated from Slippery Rock University with my undergrad in Psychology and my graduate degree is in Student Affairs in Higher Education.
Try things! Get out of your comfort zone.
Division of Student Affairs Superior Accomplishment Award Nominee, 2018
Jaime Harsell
EMAIL: JHarsell@ufsa.ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-294–3928
Certified Career Services Provider, National Career Development Association
• Committee Member, UF Presidential Advisory Committee for the LGBTQ+ Affairs, 2018 - Present
Alison Noonan
EMAIL: ANoonan@ufsa.ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2335
Certified Career Services Professional, National Career Development Association
As part of my role on the Career Engagement Team, I oversee the CliftonStrengths initiative in the C3, the Majors & Minors Fair hosted every fall and the Career Speakers Bureau series. I am also responsible for coaching students in one-one-one Career Planning, providing support with outreach presentation and Express Drop-in Services and building relationships with campus partners. Additionally, I currently supervise the Career Engagement team's graduate student from the Student Personnel in Higher Education (SPHE) Graduate Program.
University of North Florida - BA in Political Science-Concentration American Politics, Minor in Professional Education, Certificate in Leadership; Masters of Education in Educational Leadership-Concentration Advanced Teaching and Learning, Graduate Certificate in Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Explore the possibilities and engage in the opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone and stretch you as a person. Discover your strengths, cultivate them, and leverage them in both your academics and out of the classroom experiences. Take time to reflect. Grow as a leader.
• Division of Student Affairs Superior Accomplishment for Community Service Award Winner, 2019
• UF Homecoming Pageant Judge, October 2019
I assist with career planning and Career Connections Labs.
My undergraduate is from the University of Montevallo Birmingham. I was a history major. I also have a Masters in Education from Samford University.
Don’t be afraid to explore your options. Your major doesn’t mean you are tied to a certain career track. I majored in History and ended up in Higher Education, and I’m getting an MBA. There are so many different options out there so don’t be afraid to try them!
Integrated Partnerships
I provide vision and strategy for all career development initiatives that involve students transitioning out of the university, and their transformation from student to professional. I leads the interdisciplinary programs team and support all student programming taking place within the colleges and departments that host our Career Coaches.
I graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a Masters of Education in Administration of Higher Education.
Be fully present in each thing you choose to experience. There is much to do and much to figure out, but you will only have these experiences once.
Certified Master of Career Services, National Career Development Association
I cultivate relationships between College of Journalism and Communications students, faculty and staff, and employer partners. My goal is for all CJC students to achieve their career aims through providing engaging outreach, education, and support.
Taylor University, where I received both a B.A. in Journalism/Media Writing and an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Development.
Getting involved on campus and in the community is one of the best ways to gain experience, try new pursuits, and meet new people! That experience can lead to opportunities and connections you would never have imagined. I can see this in my own career path: I was on my campus newspaper staff all four years of undergrad, but I never guessed my journalism experience would integrate so strongly with my higher ed experience in my current role with C3 and CJC!
Erin Lin
EMAIL: ELin@ufsa.ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2319
Certified Career Services Provider, National Career Development Association
I support the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering through engagement with faculty/staff, students, and employers. I conduct individual career planning appointments, customized outreach, and collaborate with employers on recruiting Gators.
Beijing Normal University- BA in Psychology, MA in Psychology, Ph.D in Psychology.
MBA from CEIBS
Be an expert of yourself, translate your experiences into your own assets. Don't beat yourself up too hard, enjoy the journey!
Outstanding Support of Women in Engineering Huy D. Huynh Hall of Fame Inductee, 2020
I primarily serve the College of Public Health and Health Professions by providing customized career services to students. I work closely with faculty and staff in the college, and I engage with industry professionals to ensure students have meaningful career experiences.
I graduated twice from Florida Atlantic University. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Mental Health Services and my Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership.
Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are.
Recruitment Relations
I lead the strategic planning for the Recruitment Relations team and provide direction for center-wide employer engagement.
I graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Communication (focus Public Relations) and received my Master of Science from La Salle University in Nonprofit Leadership.
Embrace the responsibility of doing your part to have a positive interaction with each individual you encounter.
UF Black Male Excellence Network (BMEN), Facilitator; UF Multicultural Mentor Program, Mentor
I oversee the implementation of Career Fairs hosted by the Career Connections Center, as well as support relationships with employers recruiting on campus.
Undergraduate degree from University of Florida, majored in Anthropology with a Minor in History and Classics. Graduate degree from University of Washington with an MA in Museology.
You don’t have to navigate academics, career development, or social activities on your own. UF has a lot of resources available to students, use them! Chances are you will find your place quicker than you think.
My role as Recruitment Relations Specialist entails maintaining relationships with recruiters and helping them access the UF talent that they are searching for.
My alma mater is here – the University of Florida. I graduated with a combined bachelor’s / master’s degree in Sport Management in 2018.
My advice to students is this – you may end up somewhere in your life, professionally or personally, that you never thought you would be, so it is important to consider every possibility when thinking about your future.