Our Story
 

Kate is an Assistant Director of Career Services and Career Coach for STEM and Healthcare at SUNY Oswego. Since joining CNYCDA in 2017, she has contributed in various capacities, starting as a member of the Professional Development Committee, then advancing to chair the committee, and participating in the Strategic Planning Ad-Hoc Committee before assuming her current role. Outside of work, Kate enjoys staying active with walks, attending concerts, exploring new shows and movies, and indulging her creative side through cooking, drawing, ceramics, and crocheting. Why CNYCDA? Kate initially joined this organization as a newbie in Career Services. It provided her with a network of support and the professional development opportunities she needed to thrive. CNYCDA has continued to be there for her as she has progressed through her career and Kate is incredibly grateful to have such a supportive group of folks she can lean on and collaborate with!

The President-Elect shall assist the President in all duties, providing support as needed in overseeing the operations and initiatives of the organization. The President-Elect will take the lead in organizing and managing specific projects or initiatives aimed at advancing the organization’s mission and goals. These projects may include, but are not limited to, strategic planning, member engagement, and special events.

Alex grew up in Michigan and first came to Central New York to pursue a master's in history. He currently serves as Assistant Director for Pre-Law and Pre-Graduate Advising in Cornell Career Services, where he supports students and alumni who are considering law school and other graduate programs. He has previously worked as a pre-law advisor, academic advisor, instructor, and coordinator of the Individualized Major Program at Binghamton University. Alex has also served as President, Secretary, and Conference Chair of the Northeastern Association of Pre-Law Advisors (NAPLA) and as a board member of the Pre-Law Advisors National Council (PLANC).

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Mike joined the Career Services team at Cornell University in 2024 as the Summer Experience Funding Program Associate. Mike also currently serves as the Treasurer-Elect on the CNYCDA board. Mike has been dedicated to assisting college students for over 15 years. After serving as an AmeriCorps member at the University of Charleston (WV), Mike went on to earn a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia. Since U.Va., Mike has worked in higher education at schools including the Rhode Island School of Design, East Carolina University, Purdue University, and Miami University (Ohio). Mike has served students within various functional areas such as residence life, community engagement, student conduct, student organizations, honors, academic advising, and admissions. Mike encourages students to engage in reflection, continue pathways of learning, and to ask questions. He completed his Ph.D. in curriculum studies with a focus in higher education and masculinity from Purdue University in 2020. Mike and his family moved to Ithaca in 2019. He enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the finger lakes, watching movies, and trying new restaurants. Why CNYCDA? Mike joined CNYCDA to meet new people and learn more about the world of career services in higher education.

Jonathan currently works at Ithaca College’s Center for Career Exploration and Development as the Career Engagement Specialist serving students in the Park Center for Business & Sustainable Enterprise, IC's AACSB-accredited School of Business. As a member of CNYCDA, Jonathan has served on the Events & Student Engagement Committee and enjoys the camaraderie and professional development opportunities the organization provides. He’s excited to help ensure the financial sustainability of this amazing institution. Jonathan joined the IC Career Center team in March 2022 with 10+ years of experience in higher education as a career readiness specialist and educator focused on engaging diverse learners in career development, job search strategies, and skills for employment. Prior to joining IC, Jonathan worked in special education post-secondary transition programs at the University of Rochester and at The College of New Jersey. Jonathan holds a Master's degree in History from SUNY Brockport and completed a Bachelor's degree in History with Secondary Education at SUNY Geneseo. Within Ithaca College School of Business, Jonathan oversees the Professions Program, helps plan and lead Meet the Firms trips that allow students to visit employers in cities like New York and Boston, coordinates Career Connections industry guest speakers, and hosts career development events such as Professions Week and Career Opportunities Week. Jonathan is also embedded in the World of Business first-year course and delivers lectures of career development topics for all incoming students. Jonathan also coordinates Pre-Law Advising for students interested in law school, connecting students with faculty advisors and hosting special events geared toward law school and legal careers. He serves as co-advisor of Ithaca Pre-Law Society, a student-run organization for those interested in a career in law and related fields.

Mickey is the Employer Relations and Recruitment Coordinator at SUNY Cortland’s Career Services Office. She most enjoys meeting with students and helping them realize what they can accomplish. On the Board, she serve as the co-chair of the Student Engagement and Events Committee. Roles include planning and executing an on-campus teacher recruitment event and creating and sharing inclusive programming, resources, and career development opportunities for our diverse student body across all member institutions. Beyond her work-life, Mickey is a booth chair and volunteer planner with the St. Anthony’s Festival. she enjoys traveling and time with family. Why CNYCDA? CNYCDA is a great organization. Every member school has a connection with Teacher Recruitment Day and we work so well together. We are smaller than other career groups, but that is what Mickey loves the most.

This individual will serve as the primary lead for non-TRD-related student engagement and events activities and will work collaboratively to support the efforts of the committee.

Samantha (Sam) Elebiary is the Associate Director for Career Engagement and Education at Ithaca College’s Center for Career Exploration and Development. She holds a Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, both from Canisius University. Sam leads strategic career education initiatives and oversees programs such as the Peer Career Advisor program and Student Employment at Ithaca College. She currently serves as the Professional Development Chair for CNYCDA. Sam’s previous experiences include serving as the Director for the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network, working in residence life, and international teaching as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ghana. She is committed to fostering inclusive environments, and she actively engages in professional development and community service. In addition to this board, Sam also serves as the Board President for the Ithaca Montessori School, and a Board member for the Ithaca Public Education Initiative. Why CNYCDA? When Sam joined the Ithaca College Career Center team in 2023, she was keen to get involved in professional networks and CNYCDA offered the perfect opportunity! There was an in-person member meeting shortly after she started in her new role and it was great to connect with other professionals in the field and start networking. Since then, Sam has felt supported by this group and is excited to support professional development experiences for other members!

Jacob works at SUNY Cortland as a Career Coach and Educator. He has been working in higher ed in numerous positions for the past 7 years, and out of all of his roles, this is by far his favorite. Jacob loves helping students discover their interests, values, and goals for a happy life and helping them build a pathway to meaningful work and life. He is also passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion; a lot of projects he volunteers for in his current role are centered around increasing access and opportunity to career education for underrepresented student groups. He is currently co-coordinating a mentorship program for men of color at Cortland. Jacob also serves as Co-chair for the DEIB Committee for CNYCDA and as Chair for the SUNY CDO DEI Committee. He loves football, cooking, and playing basketball. Why CNYCDA? Jacob joined CNYCDA in Spring of 2022, shortly after he started his current role. He joined looking for a group of career professionals to share guidance, advice, and resources to enhance his practices as a career coach. Throughout Jacob's time with CNYCDA, he has truly loved connecting with colleagues from across the region. Joining has given him access to a group of wonderful people that have helped him build his career advising toolbox.

Mia loves providing holistic support to students, especially when they’re grappling with “What should I do with my life?!”. After a few years around higher ed, she became the Public Service Careers Coach at Cornell University in 2019, focused on careers in non-profits, government, and other social-change-driven roles. As a local activist for social and racial justice, Mia brings her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion into her job as well. She has served as co-chair of Cornell Career Services’ DEI Committee for two years, received the DEIB Champion Award from CNY CDA in 2024, and continues to serve on committees and take on projects to support marginalized students. In her free time, Mia enjoys hiking with her partner and dog, snuggling up with a book, and attempting new craft projects. Mia joined CNY CDA in spring 2021 to connect with other professionals in the region. She has loved living in western and central NY throughout her life, and loves career development, so it’s a perfect combo! Mia also appreciates the opportunity to plan collaborative student programming with CNY CDA colleagues – harnessing the alumni connections from multiple schools can create unique opportunities for a wider audience.