4-week Accelerated Management Development Program
Goals & Objectives: Learn essential skills to become more effective at directing teams through times of change. Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and growth that will engage employees and achieve team success.
Program Overview
Career conversations can be tough to engage in, without the proper tools and planning. This program positions staff for success in engaging in conversations about their career trajectory in the context of TC, whether it’s a promotion conversation, a conversation about growing in place, or one about a transition to a new career path.
In today’s business environment, change is inevitable. Managers at all levels must learn to embrace and lead change in a way that motivates others, ensures full adoption, and minimizes disruptions to the business.
Managing Difficult Conversations is designed to provide learners with the information and tools needed to conduct tough conversations with staff, peers, clients and more. Too often, people avoid these conversations because they don’t know how to conduct them effectively, which results in bad situations growing worse. This course helps leaders deliver tough messages to others and learn and use skills to make these communications effective, thus benefitting all involved. The session is highly interactive and includes individual and group exercises, role plays and action planning.
Based on the classic HBR article, Developing Your Authentic Leadership, this session teaches leaders to examine who they are at their core and lead from that place rather than trying to fit themselves into a preconceived notion of what a leader should be. Participants learn that it is through finding and maintaining this authenticity that they will find true leadership success.
Program Details
| Dates | Fall/Spring Semester |
|---|---|
| Duration | Four weeks, 1 module per week |
| Location | The program is being offered on-site only. Participants must commute to TC's campus |
| Time Commitment | -Three hours of in-person collaboration per module -Pre and post module assignments -Commitment to mentor future program attendees |
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Meet the Fall 2023 Leadership Academy Cohort:
Harry R. Alvia
Harry R. Alvia is a dynamic Employee Benefits/Human Resources professional with over twenty years of progressive responsibility in all aspects of employee benefits and retirement programs for the US, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. Experienced in working in various industries including Luxury Goods Retail, Educational, Entertainment, and Legal. Recognized for ability to interact effectively and communicate with employees at all levels of the organization. Proven track record of developing innovative solutions to problems, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and successfully managing vendor relationships.
Denise Boneta
Denise Boneta, a proud New Yorker from Queens, brings a diverse range of experiences and a genuine passion to her role as the Executive Director of Graduate Student Life and Development at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her career has spanned across esteemed institutions including New York University, Barnard College, and Hofstra University with experiences in residential life, first-year programming, fraternity and sorority life, graduate student life, and other areas of student affairs. Denise holds an M.Ed in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a B.S. in Childhood/Special Education from New York University. Currently pursuing her second M.Ed in Adult Learning and Leadership at Teachers College, Denise remains committed to continuous growth and learning.
In her capacity as a leader in higher education, Denise is dedicated to fostering inclusive communities. She has contributed significantly to initiatives aimed at enhancing student support and community engagement, ranging from innovative new student orientation programs to specialized services tailored for commuter students and student-parents, fostering environments conducive to student success. Denise is values driven by infusing social justice principles into advising and programming, fostering meaningful reflection and dialogue within co-curricular spaces. Her mentorship has empowered diverse teams of professionals and graduate assistants, while her embrace of technology has enhanced operational efficiency and engagement. Throughout her career, Denise's dedication to student development has been evident through her guidance and support of numerous student organizations, catalyzing their growth and influence within campus communities. Her initiatives in leadership development, conferences, and recognition events have fostered a culture of achievement and personal growth, benefiting both staff and students.
Denise's focus on cultivating communities of care and driving student success has made an impact on each of the institutions she has been a part of thus far. Her leadership, coupled with a commitment to equity and growth, continues to shape vibrant academic ecosystems. Beyond her professional pursuits, Denise enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the Catskills, and going to Broadway shows. She is the proud mother of two rescues, Sadie (cat) and Oliver (rabbit), and enjoys engaging in all conversations related to anyone's pets.
Jasmin Braithwaite
Jasmin Braithwaite is a Senior Director of Advancement Services who thrives providing strategic leadership to help fundraising shops streamline their database infrastructure, create efficiencies in data processing and update Development Operational system architectures. Jasmin believes that with proper planning, team work, and the drive to succeed will produce results that fundraising offices can use to succeed in their organizational objectives. Together everyone achieves more.
Jasmin has effectively managed database infrastructure projects including system upgrades, data migrations, data cleanup, and reconfiguring database architecturing for various Blackbaud fundraising CRM platforms. Jasmin has also professionalized Development Operations teams at various nonprofit organizations throughout New York City. (Jasmin loves bringing her inherent creativity as a music artist to her work, believing in using both the left and right brain in all areas of life!)
Jasmin holds an international certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP), and holds a masters of science in Project Management which has catapulted her capabilities to manage large fundraising projects.
When Jasmin is not working on creating efficiencies in the nonprofit sector, Jasmin can be found swimming on Sundays in the city or playing with her Siberian Forest Cat, Nups.
Ashari Edwards
Ashari Edwards is an Associate Director at The Dean Hope Center for Educational & Psychological Services who assists members of the community by connecting them to affordable mental health services provided by TC students who are in training to become licensed professionals in their field of study. Ashari believes mental health treatment should be accessible to all and that effective service can be life changing and extremely beneficial to overall health and wellbeing.
Ashari has supported both students and members of the community through dynamic leadership, including surpassing goals of the clinic, leading the charge for improvement in record keeping, facilitating the return of students and clients after the pandemic for in person services and infusing compassion into interactions with students, community members and other stakeholders.
Currently she is working towards learning another language and continuing to streamline processes at the Center for more efficient service provision for those who receive services and providing the most support to the students who administer services.
Ashari is a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New York and holds two Master's Degrees in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. When she is not leading her team at the Dean Hope Center, she can be found trying restaurants throughout NYC or traveling with friends and family.
Tony Fangel
Tony Fangel is a housing professional who improves efficiency in processes by innovating and utilizing technology to automate tasks. Tony believes streamlined operations are the backbone of any successful organization, and are necessary to provide excellent student support.
Tony has implemented and enhanced integrations with new third-party software, completely replacing homegrown and analog systems that were in place for decades. Currently he is planning to present his innovations to his colleagues at a global resource conference.
Tony is trained in crisis response and has vast experience in handling after hours emergencies. Tony holds a Master's Degree from New York University in Higher Education Administration.
When he is not assigning new students to on-campus housing, Tony enjoys playing intense board games and hanging out in beautiful New York City parks.
Tiffany Garcia
Tiffany serves as the Associate Director of Coaching and Programming at TC NEXT. Through experiential learning opportunities, customized programs, and up-to-date coaching models, Tiffany guides the coaching & programming team to deliver high-quality opportunities for TC students, and alumni through all stages of their career lifecycle.
As a coach and higher education practitioner, she is extremely passionate about helping people navigate their professional and academic careers with ease. She believes in empowering people at every point of their career journey by identifying strengths, exploring their interests, and creating meaningful connections between their past and future aspirations.
Tiffany has served in a variety of roles in higher education, serving students in residential life, multicultural affairs, admissions access programs, and career services at FIU, CUNY, St. John’s, NYU, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard University.
In addition to her formal education, she is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and received her Human Capital Management Certificate in Executive Coaching from NYU.
When she is not coaching and supporting students, Tiffany can be found spending time with her family, playing with her birds (Papaya & Lelu), and reading a good book!
Jamila Gerald
Jamila Gerald is an educational leader who excels in creating transformative educational experiences that are inclusive, creative, and progressively rigorous. Jamila embraces and values human differences in our societies and believes they should be reflected and celebrated in our classrooms. She also believes in affirming the right of every young person to equal opportunities for active participation in an education that addresses her or his capacities and needs in a community wherein respect for all is cultivated with intention and care.
Jamila manages a $1.7 million per year granted program to support community schools in Harlem, NYC. Within this role, she has been able to establish relationships and contracts with community-based organizations to provide services. Additionally, she solicits and coordinates Teachers College and Columbia University faculty and students to carry out research, teaching and service in the school. Currently, she is in pursuit of her Ed.D in Instructional Leadership at Hunter College, with a research focus on students' exploration in finding black joy in nontraditional school settings.
Jamila is certified to to teach 1-6 grade in New York City Public Schools. She holds an M.A. in Elementary Inclusive Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in History from Hampton University.
When she is not running, Jamila enjoys running all lover the world! She currently has completed three marathons in Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. She will be completing her fourth marathon in London in spring 2024.
John D. Handal
John D. Handal is an experienced project and program manager with expertise in operations and finances and a proven track record in higher education administration. His approach to problem-solving and leading was shaped by his childhood spent abroad and his interdisciplinary educational training. Both taught him to view challenges through a unique lens and to use multi-pronged approaches in both his professional and personal life.
John received a joint fellowship between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Rutgers University, completed an internship with the U.S. Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City, and a Rutgers University Dissertation Fellowship. John holds a Ph.D. in Global Affairs and a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Political Science from Rutgers University.
His eleven years spent living abroad have taught him to embrace new cultures and have equipped him to be a trilingual speaker. John resides in New Jersey and enjoys spending time with his growing family.
John Harris
John Harris is an Assistant Director of Public Safety who assists faculty, staff and students by providing a safe and secure educational environment. John understands that an essential component to the education process is a feeling of safety. Such an atmosphere allows instructors and students to focus on their own demands.
John has trained and worked as a public safety professional in the areas of campus safety, crime prevention, assisting persons in crisis, facilitating social issue expression, policy making and public speaking. Currently, he is applying his experiences while leading a team of uniformed public safety officers, tasked with providing a safe environment for the Teachers College community.
John has been certified in various areas of Public Safety for more than 30 years. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Administration of Criminal Justice from Rutgers University. When he is not working, John enjoys spending time with his wife, their two children, their dog “Moby” and running in Central Park.
Michele Lopez
Dynamic Administration, Operations, and Communications Manager adept at overseeing day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and HR communications. Skilled in budget administration, staff supervision, and fostering collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholders.
Her professional journey has encompassed key roles in organizations such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where Michele honed her program coordination, reporting, and project management skills. A graduate of SUNY-Empire State College with a Bachelor's in Public Affairs, Michele's commitment to continuous learning is reflected in Prosci, Columbia University, and Google certifications.
Victor Melendez
Victor Melendez is the Associate Director of Media Services at
Teachers College, Columbia University. Victor holds a B.A. in
Communication (Radio & Television) from the University of Puerto
Rico and a M.M. in Music Technology (Audio Engineering) from
NYU.
Some of his professional accomplishments include:
• The project management of over $1.5 million dollars in
technology upgrades for classrooms at Teachers College
• The creation of a Media Support/Content Creation department
for the School of Education at Hunter College from a
multimillion dollar grant
• Nearly a decade of technology innovation and support at
NYU’s Business School, including the creation and
implementation of their very first lecture capture system
Before devoting his work full-time to the support of audio, video
and web conferencing technology in higher education, Victor
worked as an Audio Engineer and Producer. His clients include
numerous radio commercials for companies such as Oreck, paid
programs for Castrol Oil, Production Assistant at CBS for Public
Eye with Bryant Gumbel and Interim Producer for the John
Gambling show on WOR. His most notable role was as the
Network Audio Engineer and on air personality for Joan Rivers
and numerous appearances on E! Entertainment television.
When Victor isn’t working with technology, he enjoys family time,
playing musical instruments and finding new hobbies to explore.
Meriam Polilen
Meriam Polilen is a dynamic strategic planner and technology professional with extensive experience implementing enterprise-wide systems and solutions that generate transformative change. Meriam has a proven track record of successfully managing global cross functional and technical teams, is highly motivated and has excellent interpersonal and communication skills. In the span of her career, Meriam continuously foster change through technology. Meriam joined Teachers College (TC) in February 2020 as the Director of HRIS. Despite unprecedented times, Meriam transformed the HRIS organization, operations and processes to adequately support its stakeholders. In a little over a year, HRIS automated manual processes, developed data audits and implemented systems enhancements that provide benefit value to TC.
Prior to TC, Meriam worked at Moody’s Corporation as Vice President – Business Systems Manager of Enterprise Business Solutions. At Moody’s, Meriam managed a portfolio of transformation projects, enterprise-wide Software-as-a Service (SaaS) implementations, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) initiatives impacting finance, Human Resources, benefits, payroll, procurement and internal communication. Previously, Meriam held technical and leadership roles in other organizations in the entertainment, non-profit and software development industries. Meriam holds an Executive Master’s Degree in Technology Management from Columbia University. Meriam also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Rutgers University. She completed her Bachelors Degree in Computer Science at the University of the Philippines.
Sharion Scott
Sharion Scott is the Director of the Bursar Office at Teachers College, Columbia University and has been in that role for over eight years. She has over 30 years of experience working at elite, highly selective universities in New York State. Ms. Scott has demonstrated proficiency in the areas of Cash Handling, Student Accounts Billing, Collections, Fraud Prevention and Detection, Policies and Procedures, Internal Auditing, Federal and State Regulations, Compliance, Hiring and Staff Development. She also has a working knowledge of federal, state, and local financial aid procedures. Additionally. Ms. Scott has also served as Parliamentarian for a non- profit organization.
Throughout her career, Sharion has used her unique cultural and economic background to help advocate and shape college policies that are student focused. This has increased persistence and retention enabling students to pursue their educational goals. Furthermore, Ms. Scott has initiated and implemented innovative policies that support interdepartmental communication, that enhance/ streamline delivery of student services. Sharion Scott has an MBA, with honors (Sigma Beta Delta) and a Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science from Molloy University, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Management from Saint Joseph College along with an Associate degree in Accounting. Sharion is a member of The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and she holds a Certificate of Achievement from Transact an online payment system, along with a Certificate of Recognition from the Association of Black Women in Higher Education Nassau/Suffolk Chapter and holds an honor in Service to Education from Molloy University. Sharion Scott enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and enjoying culinary pursuits. She also volunteers as an associate member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Queens, NY Chapter in a multitude of service events to enrich youth within the community. Additionally, she is a member of the New York City League of Women Voters helping to educate and register U.S. citizens on the importance of voting. Sharion has also served in the role of an Election Day worker in primary and national elections.
Michael Slaven
Michael Slaven is the Director of Enterprise Applications at Teachers College, Columbia University. With a wealth of expertise spanning various domains, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of enterprise applications and technology architecture at TC.
He has been an employee at TC for over 23 years in various IT roles and has led several key transformational activities. These include the delivery of the first myTC portal, the first TC mobile app, and the first TC single sign-on solution. He also drove the effort to make TC "cloud first" by utilizing and promoting AWS for demonstrated improvements in agility, security, and high availability.
Michael will build on these efforts with a launch of TC’s new student portal in 2024, and will partner with the CIO and other constituents to create a master data management strategy for TC.
Michael is an alum of TC, with a M.A. in Instructional Technology and Media, and holds a B.S. in Structural Engineering and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of South Florida. He is a certified Java Developer from the NYU School of Professional Studies and an AWS Certified Solutions Architect. He has presented at Ellucian and Educause professional conferences.
When he's not knee-deep in technology, Michael can be found either tending to his very low-tech century-old Brooklyn brownstone, or re-discovering the city through the eyes of his two toddlers.