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.
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.
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
Ja’Net Glover
Interim Associate Vice President for Career and Integrated Partnerships, Executive Director of the Career Connections Center
EMAIL: janet.glover@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-392-1601
Learn More >Ja’Net Glover
Interim Associate Vice President for Career and Integrated Partnerships, Executive Director of the Career Connections Center
EMAIL: janet.glover@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-392-1601
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
Interim Director of the Career Connections Center
EMAIL: angel.i@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273-2309
Learn More >Angel Iverson
Interim Director of the Career Connections Center
EMAIL: angel.i@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273-2309
Certified Master of Career Services, National Career Development Association
Business Administrative Services
Charity Wiggins
Associate Director for Administrative Services
EMAIL: cawiggins@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2318
Learn More >Charity Wiggins
Associate Director for Administrative Services
EMAIL: cawiggins@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.
Martha Lindsey
Manager for Career Events & Business Operations
EMAIL: mlindsey@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273-2308
Learn More >Martha Lindsey
Manager for Career Events & Business Operations
EMAIL: mlindsey@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273-2308
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.
Sarah Fix
Administrative Support Assistant II
EMAIL: sarahfix@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 392-1601
Learn More >Sarah Fix
Administrative Support Assistant II
EMAIL: sarahfix@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 392-1601
I'm the Career Coach for Industry Engagement! I work with employers to help them learn why Gators are the best candidates for their open positions, and to show them how to find the best mutual fit for each position they are trying to fill.
I graduated from North Carolina State University. I majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management.
Stick with it, but stay flexible. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up, and that's perfectly fine. Keep working on bettering yourself, and the rest will come.
I'm the Career Coach for Industry Engagement! I work with employers to help them learn why Gators are the best candidates for their open positions, and to show them how to find the best mutual fit for each position they are trying to fill.
I graduated from North Carolina State University. I majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management.
Stick with it, but stay flexible. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up, and that's perfectly fine. Keep working on bettering yourself, and the rest will come.
Experiential Learning & Campus Inclusion
Keira Simmonds
Associate Director for Experiential Learning & Campus Inclusion
EMAIL: ksimmonds@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2333
Learn More >Keira Simmonds
Associate Director for Experiential Learning & Campus Inclusion
EMAIL: ksimmonds@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2333
Certified Master of Career Services, National Career Development Association Certified Green Dot Facilitator, 2019
I will lead this area to engage students and our communities in expanding experiential learning awareness and opportunities for all UF students as they prepare to be competitive in the workforce.
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
Marquise McGriff
Assistant Director for Career Pathways - Artificial Intelligence
EMAIL: mcgriff.marquise@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 273-2306
Learn More >Marquise McGriff
Assistant Director for Career Pathways - Artificial Intelligence
EMAIL: mcgriff.marquise@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 273-2306
Edwina Hurst
Manager for Experiential Learning and Campus Inclusion
EMAIL: edwinarj24@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 273-2330
Learn More >Edwina Hurst
Manager for Experiential Learning and Campus Inclusion
EMAIL: edwinarj24@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 273-2330
Marissa Altenburg
Career Coach for Experiential Learning
EMAIL: altenburg.m@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-294-1000
Learn More >Marissa Altenburg
Career Coach for Experiential Learning
EMAIL: altenburg.m@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-294-1000
I am a Career Coach that is responsible for supporting and developing STEAM students with discovering and identifying their career goals, and then creating action steps to reach their goals.
I am a two-time Slippery Rock University Alumna with an undergraduate degree in Communication: Public Relations and a minor in Philosophy. I also earned my Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education.
The advice I would give students is to just breath and know there are where they are supposed to be. I think it is easy for people in general to get caught up with the timing and want to compare themselves to others or “the imaginary timeline” that we are all suppose to be on. But in reality, we all have our own journeys and there is beauty in that.
I help develop workshops and resources that promote the success of UF student populations that are marginalized, underserved, and underrepresented. I can also often be found in the Gator Career Closet. I am so grateful to be part of such a unique and incredibly beneficial resource to our UF students. Come by the closet and say "hi"!
University of Florida, Animal Sciences with a focus in Equine Sciences
Reframe how you look at rejection - try and see being rejected as an opportunity. A rejection is a redirection. It is perfectly valid to be disappointed by rejection, but also try and find optimism in having millions of other opportunities available to you. Everyone deals with rejection at some point in their life. How you redirect your path afterwards makes all the difference.
Campus Initiatives and Career Pathways
Julia Vollrath
Associate Director of Campus Initiatives & Career Pathways
EMAIL: juliavollrath@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2302
Learn More >Julia Vollrath
Associate Director of Campus Initiatives & Career Pathways
EMAIL: juliavollrath@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
David Adams
Assistant Director for Career Pathways - Business, Public Service, and Tourism
EMAIL: david.adams1@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-392-1601
Learn More >David Adams
Assistant Director for Career Pathways - Business, Public Service, and Tourism
EMAIL: david.adams1@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-392-1601
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!
Sarah Blackmon
Career Pathways Coach, Human Services, Consulting, and Education
EMAIL: sarahblackmon@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352- 392-1601
Learn More >Sarah Blackmon
Career Pathways Coach, Human Services, Consulting, and Education
EMAIL: sarahblackmon@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352- 392-1601
Gabriele Diaz-Portalatin
Career Pathways Coach for Architecture, Manufacturing, Natural Resources, and Agriculture
EMAIL: g.diazportalatin@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-392-1601
Learn More >Gabriele Diaz-Portalatin
Career Pathways Coach for Architecture, Manufacturing, Natural Resources, and Agriculture
EMAIL: g.diazportalatin@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-392-1601
I graduated from North Carolina State University. I majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management.
Stick with it, but stay flexible. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up, and that's perfectly fine. Keep working on bettering yourself, and the rest will come.
Career Engagement
Allie Simon
Associate Director for Career Engagement
EMAIL: aricker1@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273-2311
Learn More >Allie Simon
Associate Director for Career Engagement
EMAIL: aricker1@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 Jay
Senior Assistant Director for Career Engagement
EMAIL: sara.jay@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-294-3927
Learn More >Sara Jay
Senior Assistant Director for Career Engagement
EMAIL: sara.jay@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
Alison Noonan
Senior Assistant Director for Career Engagement
EMAIL: alison.noonan@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2335
Learn More >Alison Noonan
Senior Assistant Director for Career Engagement
EMAIL: alison.noonan@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
Jessica Hendrick
Manager for Career Engagement
EMAIL: jhendrick@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273-2329
Learn More >Jessica Hendrick
Manager for Career Engagement
EMAIL: jhendrick@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273-2329
I work with employers interested in recruiting University of Florida talent. I aid UF in furthering its industry engagement priorities and programming.
Oklahoma State University- Secondary Education/English
Take advantage of the fun work experiences that are available during college. While I was getting my bachelors degree, I worked for the Academic Advising Center, at Yosemite National Park, at Disneyworld, the Everglades, and taught rock climbing at an outdoor kids’ camp in California.
I will be working mostly with career planning, outreach, EDI, and I’ll be supervising the Campus Engagement Career Ambassadors
Undergraduate: Taylor University/Graduate: Indiana Wesleyan University.
Always find out where you can get help at UF and get involved outside your academics! Involvement is key!
Brendan Daigle
Manager for Career Pathways, Healthcare, and Health Sciences
EMAIL: brendan.daigle@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-392-1601
Learn More >Brendan Daigle
Manager for Career Pathways, Healthcare, and Health Sciences
EMAIL: brendan.daigle@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-392-1601
Rob Kairuz
Career Pathways Coach - Arts, Communications, Media, and Marketing
EMAIL: robkairuz@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 392-1601
Learn More >Rob Kairuz
Career Pathways Coach - Arts, Communications, Media, and Marketing
EMAIL: robkairuz@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 392-1601
I am a Career Pathways Coach for the C3, I will help students explore their passions for roles in the arts, communications, media and marketing.
I am a Double Gator. My B.A is in English with a concentration in creative writing. My M.S. is in Management along with a graduate certificate in Audience Analysis. I was also a transfer student from Santa Fe College and got my A.A. in English.
My advice to students is to do what they're "heck yeah! about. Before making any life decision when it comes to a major, internship, or career I suggest asking yourself "Am I heck yeah about this?" If you are, then do it!
Claire Stephens
Career Engagement Coach
EMAIL: m.stephens@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-392-1601
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!
Industry Engagement
Erin Lin
Associate Director for Recruitment and Industry Engagement
EMAIL: leilin@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2319
Learn More >Erin Lin
Associate Director for Recruitment and Industry Engagement
EMAIL: leilin@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-273–2319
Certified Career Services Provider, National Career Development Association
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
Beline Lafayette
Manager for Industry Engagement
EMAIL: bcherichel@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-294-1001
Learn More >Beline Lafayette
Manager for Industry Engagement
EMAIL: bcherichel@ufl.edu
PHONE: 352-294-1001
I'm the Manager for Industry Engagement! I work with employers to help them learn why Gators are the best candidates for their open positions and to show them how to find the best mutual fit for each position they are trying to fill.
Kathleen Bleke
Career Coach for Industry Engagement
EMAIL: prescott@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 273-2328
Learn More >Kathleen Bleke
Career Coach for Industry Engagement
EMAIL: prescott@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 273-2328
Peter McClary
Career Coach for Industry Engagement
EMAIL: pmcclary@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 273-2306
Learn More >Peter McClary
Career Coach for Industry Engagement
EMAIL: pmcclary@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 273-2306