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 Director of 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 Director, Career Development and Integrated Partnerships, 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 almost 18 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

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

David Telleria is an Associate Director 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

Luis Soto is a Program Manager 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

Martha has been part of the Panther Family since 2009. A proud first-generation college student and double alumna of Florida International University, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Human Resources Management. She is also MBTI certified, allowing her to have insight into how assessments support students and alumni. Her FIU career officially began in 2011, where she has made impactful contributions in various roles, from Career and Talent Development to FIU Chartwells Dining and the Department of Teaching and Learning.  Martha is passionate about education, making career connections for employers and FIU students, and training and development programming.

As the Program Manager of Employer Engagement, Martha develops and implements employer engagement strategies, manages on-campus recruiting programs, and fosters relationships with employers and alumni to create valuable opportunities for FIU Panthers.

Top 5 Strengths:

Relator, Intellection, Learner, Achiever, Responsibility

Amy Miller is a Program Manager for the Career Development Division of CTD and brings several years of public service and higher education experience. Previously, Amy worked at the Center for Leadership at FIU, where she learned extensively about leadership development and assessments, such as the Gallups Strengths Finder and other personality tests, all of which help build self-awareness in students. Her most recent role as a Success Coach with Student Access and Success allowed her to mentor First-Generation students in the Golden Scholars Program, which led to increased student retention, success, and graduation rates. She earned a bachelor’s in political science from Florida State University, and a Master of Public Administration from Florida International University.

Amy is passionate about educating students on how to make career decisions that are in alignment with their strengths, interests, and goals. Her work over the last several years allow her to coach students in a more holistic way and leaves students feeling empowered. She believes in the power of education and how informed career choices support overall success and fulfillment.

Top 5 Strengths: Relator, Individualization, Developer, Learner, Communication

As Program Manager 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

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

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

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

Cristina Ebbage is the Career Specialist, Internships for Florida International University’s (FIU) Career and Talent Development department. She serves as a key connector between students and employers. Her role is to help students discover meaningful internship opportunities while building strong relationships with industry partners. She works closely with employers to understand their talent needs, promote internship programs, and ensure students are prepared to succeed in professional environments.

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 and here at FIU includes extensive professional experience helping students achieve their career goals.

Top 5 Strengths

Empathy, Adaptability, Developer, Arranger, Context

Tiffany is a Career Specialist at The College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree at FIU in Higher Education Administration. Tiffany is passionate about helping students navigate the resources on campus so that they can get the support they need. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at her church, getting together with friends and family, drinking matcha latte’s, and singing karaoke!

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

Larry Gomez is a Career Advisor who graduated from FIU with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in education. With previous experience working at the OneStop department, Larry understands what it means for students who are going through the journey of both, an undergraduate student embarking through their courses and as an alumnus who is going through the job hunt. His passion is geared toward making sure that each and every single student is prepared for success with professionalism and the tools they need to thrive beyond graduation.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends. Video games, musical instruments, and occasionally playing basketball!

Top 5 Strengths – Empathy, Motivator, Listener, Guide, Developer of People

Bianca Muniz, LCSW, was born and raised in Miami and earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from Florida International University (FIU) before becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Throughout her clinical career, she worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospice care, community-based programs serving older adults, and private practice, where she developed a uniquely holistic and empathetic approach to helping individuals navigate life transitions and achieve their goals.

As an FIU alumna, Bianca is passionate about supporting students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. In 2026, she joined FIU Career and Talent Development as a Career Advisor, combining her passion for mentoring with her expertise in helping others identify their strengths, build confidence, and create meaningful paths forward. Her approach is rooted in connection, strategy, and empowerment, guiding students through self-reflection, career exploration, and informed decision-making.

Bianca is committed to ensuring that every student leaves an appointment with greater confidence, practical knowledge, and the motivation to continue building their professional future. She enjoys helping students discover opportunities that align with their values, strengths, and aspirations while equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in an ever-evolving workforce.

Outside of work, Bianca enjoys cooking and baking, exploring new restaurants, traveling, watching true crime documentaries, and visiting theme parks.

Although Lauren lived most of her life in upstate New York, she spent the first years of her childhood in her hometown of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Lauren completed just six months of her first year of high school before opting to go straight to Hudson Valley Community College, where she attained her Associate of Art in Individual Studies. While at Hudson Valley, she explored journalism as News Editor at The Hudsonian, an independently run student newspaper.

Enamored with the communications field and newly dedicated to serving the public, Lauren moved to Washington, DC, where she attained a Bachelor of Art in Public Relations from Howard University. At Howard University, she advocated for violence prevention and adolescent women’s liberation by co-founding her own community organization, BWFT. After completing her undergraduate education, Lauren relocated to South Florida, where she started working in public education.

Prior to joining the Career and Talent Development team, Lauren worked as a job coach at Sheridan Technical College. Before starting her career in public education, Lauren built experience in both consumer-facing and business-facing public relations.

Lauren delights in leveraging individual stories to foster greater organizational success. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys writing stories, exploring new foods, and creating memories with her family.