Meet the Team

Dr. Pacheco serves as Executive Director, Integrated Industry Partnerships and Career Readiness at Florida International University (FIU). At FIU, she leads the Career and Talent Development and the Center for Testing and Career Certification teams. In her role, Dr. Pacheco collaborates across the university to cultivate and support FIU’s Career-Readiness Ecosystem.

Dr. Pacheco’s purpose and passion are anchored in higher education. She has served for over 20 years in leadership roles overseeing workforce programs, professional education programs, student affairs and services, financial aid, business office, and informational technology. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. and Master’s in Higher Education Leadership from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems from Florida International University. Her research and teaching interests include higher education access, completion, career readiness, and leadership topics.

Prior to FIU, Dr. Pacheco was the Director of Continuing Education at Barry University (BU) and taught undergraduate and graduate courses for the Adrian Dominican School of Education and the Public Administration Program within the Andreas School of Business. Before BU, Dr. Pacheco served as Regional Director and Dean of Finance and Administration for DeVry University, Associate Dean of Learning Resources at Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, and Executive Director at FIU’s Bay Vista Campus. As a volunteer, she has served on several boards, including ASPIRA, His House Children’s Home, and IT Women, and she served as a Women of Tomorrow (WOT) Mentor. Most recently, Dr. Pacheco was recognized for her volunteer efforts with the Passionate Leadership Award (2019) by The Florida Association of Nonprofits. As part of her professional and volunteer work, Dr. Pacheco strives to make a difference in the lives and institutions she touches.

Top 5 Strengths
Input, Connectedness, Strategic, Ideation, Learner

As the Associate Director for Employer Engagement and Support with Career and Talent Development (CTD), Efigenia supports employer partners in recruiting Florida International University (FIU) students and alumni. She provides leadership for career fairs and all employer events, support companies with internship programs and recruiting full-time positions. Prior to joining CTD at FIU, Efigenia worked for the American Red Cross supporting the Hurricane Recovery Program.

Efigenia grew up in the Bronx, NY where she attended high school. She went on to attend SUNY at Stony Brook University, where she earned Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She continued her education and received her master’s degree from the New School University, Milano School of Management and Urban Policy.  Efigenia is also certified practitioner for MBTI, STRONG, and Gallup Strength Coach.

In her spare time Efigenia loves to read, go to the beach, and travel.

Top 5 Strengths
Learner, Focus, Realtor, Deliberative, Analytical

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

As the Associate Director of Career Services for Career and Talent Development in the College of Engineering and Computing, Nelly Leon leads the career office in the College of Engineering and Computing with career advising, employer engagement, career readiness programming and fostering relationships with FIU and community stakeholders. Before joining the FIU Career and Talent Development Team with the College of Engineering and Computing, she worked at the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs for 7 years as a Career Specialist. She currently serves as the Membership Engagement Director for the Florida Association of Colleges and Employers.

Nelly has a passion for providing career coaching to students and alumni, facilitating professional development workshops on all career related topics and collaborates with campus and community partners to deliver career readiness programming. Her passion also included training and development and leading her team to provide the best service for FIU students and employers.

Nelly loves to garden, travel, exercise and to hang out with my family, friends, three cats and her cockatiel bird!

Top 5 Strengths
Relator, Arranger, Discipline, Includer, Responsibility

John Sotham is a retired Air Force colonel with 30 years of active and reserve service primarily in aircraft maintenance, security forces/air base defense, and manpower and personnel. His assignments included two squadron command tours—one Stateside and one while deployed to Afghanistan. He was a student and instructor at Air Command and Staff College, where he studied national security, joint planning and military leadership. He next served at U.S. Southern Command as a political-military affairs officer, as the detachment commander in charge of Air Force Reserve personnel, and as chief of the manpower and organization division, where he was involved in coordinating joint and interagency personnel augmentation during SOUTHCOM’s whole-of-government response to the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

He is a former associate editor of Air & Space Smithsonian, where he was the researcher and aerospace technical editor for special edition posters and was the magazine’s book reviews editor. He traveled nationally and internationally for Air & Space—some of his favorite assignments included reporting from Moscow and the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on the Soyuz launch that carried the first crew to the International Space Station, an extended tour of England and Scotland writing about obscure airports and aviation museums, and flying with the U.S. Coast Guard’s International Ice Patrol to the wreck site of the RMS Titanic to conduct a burial at sea of one of the ship’s last survivors. Mr. Sotham is an adjunct instructor in the Lee Caplin School of Communication and Journalism within FIU College of Architecture and the Arts and currently services as an Associate Director within the university’s Career and Talent Development office.

Top 5 Strengths

Context, Learner, Relator, Intellection, Input

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

Clotilde M. Picart-Laguer is a Career Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in labor law. Ms. Picart-Laguer’s educational background includes a Juris Doctorate and master’s in labor relations from Interamerican University, and a bachelor’s degree in systems of justice from Universidad del Sagrado Corazon in Puerto Rico. She served as an administrative judge in labor matters and represented the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in labor and torts disputes and real estate endeavors. In addition, she was a solo-practitioner in family and labor matters representing the interests of marginalized individuals before the judicial court of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.

Top 5 Strengths
Connectedness, Learner, Intellection, Context, Strategic

Adri Pinera-Cruz is an FIU alum whose Career Adventure kicked off in 2014 when she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as a proud first-gen student. She kept the momentum going, leveling up with a Master of Arts in Social Psychology from Clark University up in chilly Worcester, MA.

At the core of her professional philosophy is helping students navigate the wild rollercoaster of confusion and questions to uncover their true passions and goals. She’s all about empathy, understanding, and genuinely wanting to see her students have joy and fulfillment in their post-FIU lives.

Adri’s dedication to her field extends beyond her daily responsibilities, as evidenced by her active involvement in key professional organizations. A proud member of NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) and Florida ACE (Florida Association of Colleges & Employers), Adri holds certifications in both the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) and the Strengths Interest Inventory, further attesting to her commitment to professional development. She also serves as a mentor for the FIU’s Pride Center and a Safe Zone facilitator.

Outside of her professional pursuits, she is all about family, friends, and the fab four (her dogs). Catch her diving into story-driven video games, rolling the dice in TTRPGs, and binging on documentaries about theme parks. Despite being a dedicated Career Specialist, she knows it’s not just about work, but about embracing the chaos and finding joy in the mix of it all.

Top 5 Strengths

Strategic, Communication, Relator, Activator, Context

Luis Soto is a Career Specialist for the Employer Engagement Team at Florida International University’s Career and Talent Development department. He excels at creating bridges for potential employers and the FIU community. Originally from the beautiful island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, Luis accepted a scholarship to attend Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Master of Arts in Administration.

Before joining the Career and Talent Development team, Luis worked at Barry University as an admissions counselor, before taking over their records department as Manager of Undergraduate Records. Then he switched roles to Manager of Employer Relations at the Career Center until June 2020 when he joined FIU’s CTD Team. Now Luis has embraced the FIU’s mission and believes that the right career is out there waiting for all FIU graduates.

In his free time, Luis enjoys the great outdoors, working-out, cars, and most importantly, enjoying the time spent with his two boys.

Top 5 Strengths
Adaptability, Consistency, Learner, Analytical, Discipline

Diamond Curtis is a Career Specialist at Career and Talent Development, known for her dedication to student advocacy, teaching, and career coaching. Born in Miami, Florida, and raised near the Historical Overtown area, Diamond’s connection to her community fuels her passion for guiding individuals through their career journeys. As a first-generation college student, she empathizes with the unique hurdles faced by those navigating their professional paths.

Her academic journey includes an Associate of Arts in Mass Communication from Miami Dade College, a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a focus on Public Relations from Florida International University, and a Master of Science in Higher Education from FIU. Alongside her academic achievements, Diamond is a certified Safe Zone Advocate and DEI supporter, actively working to create inclusive environments for all individuals.

Known for her engaging approach, she seamlessly incorporates pop culture and Marvel references into her sessions and workshops, making career development an enjoyable and relatable experience. With experience in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Exceptional Student Education and School Choice and Magnet Departments, she served as an Interventionist and Community Liaison, gaining valuable experience in mentorship and community engagement. In her free time, she enjoys quality moments with her loving son, listening to music, exploring new destinations, and savoring cinematic experiences.

Top 5 Strengths
Strategic, Achiever, Discipline, Focus, Developer

David Telleria is a Career Specialist with an extensive background in facilitating students’ academic and career success. David holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from Rollins College and a master’s degree in Mass Communication from Florida International University. Previous roles include Director of Student Services, eServices Coordinator, and Career Center Specialist.

Recently, David found his passion as an educator in the classroom, teaching Public Speaking and Speech and Writing for Business, among others. With experience and expertise in advising, academic support services, and teaching, David understands the student experience. He considers thoughtful self-analysis combined with strategic career exploration fundamental to achieving long-term and rewarding career success.

Top 5 Strengths
Strategic, Context, Relator, Learner, Competition

Isabel Capella is the Career Specialist for the Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work. In this role, she brings her diverse professional background to assist FIU students and alumni in their career development journey. Isabel is a proud Panther and a two-time alumna of Florida International University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a master’s degree in Public Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Her journey at FIU spans over 15 years. Beyond her academic achievements, Isabel holds various certifications and utilizes these tools to guide individuals in discovering their career paths. Among her certifications are: Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Integrated Wellness and Life Coach (IWLC), Strong Interest Inventory® and the MBTI® assessment. Previously to her current role, Isabel contributed to the university’s Healthy Living Program as a health educator, fostering student well-being through health education initiatives. Isabel is a multi-passionate professional committed to empowering the FIU community through career guidance, employer engagement, and training and development initiatives.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Isabel is a foodie, an avid traveler, and a passionate advocate for women’s health and the development of the Latino community in higher education.

Top 5 Strengths

Adaptability, Connectedness, Learner, Input, Belief

Rodolfo Preciado (he, him, his) is a Career Specialist at Florida International University’s Career and talent Development. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Rodolfo attended Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, where he earned a Bachelor of Art in English and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. While at Texas State University, he developed a love for education during his graduate assistantship as a Career and Financial Education Coach. He accredits his family, friends, professors, colleagues, students, and partner for helping him achieve his goal to become a first-generation college graduate.

Before joining the Career and Talent Development team, Rodolfo was a high school English teacher for three years. His classes focused on writing, rhetoric, and literature analysis. Ultimately, he decided to transition into higher education to help students overcome systemic barriers.

During his spare time, he enjoys writing his novel (a project that has been in progress for three years now). He’s also a musician, actor, and poetry enthusiast. His favorite authors include Benjamin Alire Saenz, Mary Shelley, and Stephen King. His favorite poets include Sylvia Plath, Sandra Cisneros, and Edgar Allan Poe. His favorite literary series is Harry Potter, and he prides himself on knowing almost everything about the R.M.S. Titanic.

Top 5 Strengths
Creativity, Imaginative, Passionate, Versatility, Introspective

Jacqueline (Jackie) Feliz is a highly skilled and versatile professional with a diverse background in business, law, government, and psychology. With over six years of experience as a Career Consultant and Student Advisor, Jackie brings a unique perspective to her role, drawing from her extensive knowledge in these fields.

Prior to her profession in career services, Ms. Feliz gained valuable experience as a business owner. This firsthand experience provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges and intricacies of running a successful business. Her expertise in business management, strategic planning, and problem-solving allows her to offer practical and insightful advice to students and professionals seeking guidance in their career paths.

In addition to her business acumen, Jackie’s educational background in law has equipped her with a strong foundation in legal principles and critical thinking. This knowledge enables her to provide valuable insights into the legal aspects of various industries and professions. Whether it’s advising on contract negotiations, intellectual property rights, or compliance issues, Jackie’s understanding of the law adds a valuable dimension to her career counseling services.

Furthermore, Jackie’s experience in the government sector, specifically with The Town of Bay Harbor Islands and Miami Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM), has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of public administration and policy-making processes. This expertise allows her to guide students and professionals interested in pursuing careers in government or navigating the complexities of public sector employment.

Lastly, Jackie’s minor in psychology enhances her ability to connect with individuals on a deeper level. She recognizes the importance of understanding the unique motivations, aspirations, and challenges that individuals face in their personal and professional lives. By incorporating psychological principles into her counseling approach, Jackie is able to provide holistic support and guidance to help individuals achieve their career and personal development goals.

Recognizing the value of continuous learning, Ms. Feliz has chosen to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Higher Education Administration at her alma mater, Florida International University. This further education will equip her with advanced knowledge and skills to better serve her students and stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in the field of higher education.

Overall, Jackie’s diverse background in business, law, government, and psychology, combined with her passion for helping others, make her a highly effective and well-rounded Career Specialist at The Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs.

Top 5 Strengths
Developer, Relator, Individualization, Empathy, Activator

Yoana likes to say that she bleeds blue and gold, especially since she is a two-time alumna, having graduated with her bachelor’s in social work and psychology, and later her master’s in public administration. She is currently pursuing her second masters in higher education administration.

Before becoming a Career Specialist for Internships at the Career and Talent Development department, she worked as a Student Success Coach for fully online students in the FIU Online department, supporting students through their fully online journey. Yoana has always enjoyed helping others and has worked previously in places like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, an organization dedicated to pairing caring volunteer mentors with young mentees.

In her free time, Yoana enjoys reading, collecting books, playing video games, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and writing.

Natasha Holloman is a Career Specialist for Career and Talent Development and the College of Arts, Sciences and Education (CASE) Advising. She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Education in Higher Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University. Prior to joining FIU’s Career Team, Natasha served as an Academic Advisor for about 9 years. Natasha has a passion for helping students achieve their educational and career goals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and exercising.

Top 5 Strengths

Achiever, Relator, Discipline, Focus, Harmony

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

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

Terri Lovo is the Career Advisor at the College of Engineering at Florida International University (FIU).  She is committed to empowering College of Engineering students and alumni and offering personalized career guidance and bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. She is a Proud two-time FIU alumna earning her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and also a master’s degree in human resource management. With six years of dedicated service in the field of Human Resources, her background in HR not only provides her with an acute sense of the professional landscape but also offers valuable insights into the skills and qualities sought after by employers.

Outside the university, Terri extends her passion for community service by volunteering in various capacities. Her dedication to community betterment aligns with FIU’s values of fostering not only academic excellence but also social responsibility.

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

As a Career Coordinator for the Career and Talent Development department at Florida International University, Katherine Rodriguez takes on a multifaceted role driving the success of students in their professional journeys. With a keen eye for detail and strategic planning, Katherine spearheads event coordination, ensuring the seamless execution of workshops, seminars, and networking events that connect students with industry professionals. Proficient in career fair management, Katherine orchestrates impactful fairs that bridge the gap between students and potential employers. Beyond this, she plays a pivotal role in marketing, utilizing innovative strategies to promote Career Services initiatives and engage the student body. Additionally, Katherine provides crucial departmental support, collaborating with colleagues and contributing to the overall mission of empowering students for success in the dynamic world of careers. Through this comprehensive approach, she is dedicated to cultivating a thriving environment for professional growth and development at Florida International University.

Top 5 Strengths
Empathy, Developer, Connectedness, Strategic, Realtor

Carmen Rosado is an Administrative Specialist in the Career and Talent Development office and part of the employer engagement team, she oversees the handshake portal by vetting employers, approving jobs, coordinating information sessions, tabling events and meeting with those employers that want to build a relationship with our Panthers. She coordinates the introduction of employers to our various college liaisons.

Before joining the Career Center team, she worked in the College of Education where she assisted with test preparations, class changes; kept a list of all the majors in the different program; assisted by setting up interviews to the EED program in education under the chair and provided clerical assistance to staff. Provided traveling, TAR, reimbursement to the staff.

During her spare time, she loves to travel and explore new gems right here in the sunshine state. Carmen volunteers as an animal advocate by educating the community to spread awareness by providing the resources available to them such as free spay/neuter, free food, and vaccination. She volunteers to transport an animal to a safe rescue group/shelter.

Top 5 Strengths
Adaptability, Positivity, Woo, Harmony, Empathy

DeCarlo Serrano serves as Administrative Coordinator, Career and Talent Development at Florida International University (FIU). His educational background includes a master’s in business from Full Sail University and a bachelor’s in communication from Florida International University. Prior to FIU, DeCarlo Serrano was an entrepreneur passionate about building successful teams and systems.

Top 5 Strengths

Competition, Achiever, Activator, Ideation, Focus