Career Development Team

As Associate Director for Career Development and Exploration, Yisell oversees development and implementation of career readiness programming and resources to support the career development of all students and recent alumni across the university. Yisell joined our team 16 and a half years ago and is a proud two-time FIU Alum with a bachelor’s in psychology and Women’s Studies, as well as a master’s in psychology with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling. Yisell is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Psychology at both FIU and Miami Dade College. Complementary experiences in Counseling and Education are integrated in her philosophy and approach to service delivery. She is a Certified Strengths Coach and holds a certification for the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and STRONG Interest Inventory.

Yisell is a first-generation college student who is passionate about education and its power to support advancement and career fulfillment.  She collaborates across units to develop programming and engage students looking to explore, clarify or launch their careers. Her work over the years has focused on creating and integrating tools and resources to support students in their journey to a successful career.

Top 5 Strengths
Context, Futuristic, Intellection, Ideation, Strategic

Darren Gregory is a Career Specialist in the office of Career and Talent Development (CTD) on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus. He is a Panther through and through and has been at FIU for almost three decades, having come to FIU first in 1995 as an undergraduate student. He would go on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FIU in social work, before joining the CTD staff in 2009.

Darren sees freshman through alumni across all majors. A wheelchair user since birth, Darren understands the complexities of helping people across the disability spectrum to find positions which are a good match for their skill sets, educational qualifications, and lived experiences. He is MBTI and Strong Certified. Both assessment tools help students to zero in on the nexus between their personality and their career goals.

He has lived in South Florida for most of his life after immigrating to Miami from his native Jamaica at age 9. In Darren’s own words, “The best part of my job is interacting with the students and helping them to chart a career path that they are excited about.”

Top 5 Strengths

Harmony, Responsibility, Belief, Relator, Intellection

Audrey Johnson serves as Career Specialist in the Career and Talent Development Department at Florida International University (FIU). Her educational background includes master’s in Higher Education and Human Resources. Audrey provides career development advise to computer science/IT students as well as support employers looking to recruit from this student population.

Top 5 Strengths

Learner, Developer, Positivity, Analytical, Restorative

Cristina Ebbage is a Career Advisor for Florida International University’s (FIU) Career and Talent Development department. She is committed to empowering students with the information they need to succeed in career exploration as well as prepare for them for the application process and interviewing with employers. Cristina holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University, and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from FIU. Her past experience working in student services at Miami Dade College, includes extensive professional experience helping students achieve their goals.

Top 5 Strengths

Empathy, Adaptability, Developer, Arranger, Context

Originally from Lima, Peru, Dante attended Florida International University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a certificate in meeting and event planning. His undergraduate years were a pivotal moment in his life as he navigated college as a first-generation student. While completing his bachelor’s degree Dante had a full-time position at a restaurant where he learned about customer service and the food and beverage industry. He continued to further his education and earned a Master of Education in Foreign Language from Florida International University

Prior to joining the Career and Talent Development team, Dante completed an internship at the English Language Institute (ELI) as an English teacher for international students. Before beginning his career in higher education, he spent over 10 years working in private sector organizations fulfilling customer interfacing roles.

Dante’s involvement during his time in Florida International University as a student include participating in the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival, as a team lead within the event. His participation in Relay for Life, demonstrated solidarity with those affected by cancer while supporting the cause, to find a cure for cancer. Dante was also a member of Delta Lambda Phi fraternity, whose purpose is to provide dignified social service and recreational activities for gay, bisexual, progressive men and nonbinary individuals. Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community is important to Dante in the present time and is currently working in the completion of the FIU Develop Safe Zone Training to become a Safe Zone certified advocate in making and creating inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ people.

He is passionate about equipping students for success within their future careers and empowering them during their educational journey. When Dante isn’t working, he loves spending time outdoors, playing sports, traveling, reading and painting.

Top 5 Strengths

Achiever, Connectedness, Input, Relator, Intellection

Claudia Romero is an experienced psychologist with a master’s of science in Psychology specializing in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, excited to serve as a Career Advisor with Florida International University’s Career and Talent Development department. She brings a deep understanding of career development, the ability to motivate and build a rapport with people, and an emphatic, non-judgmental and ethical approach. She is committed to help students make informed decisions to help reach their career goals. An adept Organizational Psychologist, seamlessly blending academic expertise with practical experience in Human Resources. With a keen understanding of workplace dynamics.

Top 5 Strengths

Collaborative, Detail-Oriented, Empathetic, Problem-Solver, Honest