Spotlights

Award Recipients - Diversity & Inclusion

Sheena Jacobs, 2018 Champion of Diversity Award Recipient

June 21, 2019 by 0 Comments

The Champion of Diversity Award is presented annually to a member who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to the pursuit of diversity and inclusion in the community or workplace. Contributions in advancing diversity could be in the form of activism, education or outreach, publication, service, or other initiatives. Criteria for the award includes: demonstrated commitment to the spirit of diversity and inclusion through active participation in promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives within the last twelve months; positive communication and education that promotes mutual respect, acceptance, cooperation or tolerance among people of different backgrounds; and demonstration of a positive influence on constituencies. These contributions could be within the member’s employing organization, SoACE, or the larger community.

The Champion of Diversity Award was presented at the 2018 Annual Conference to Sheena Jacobs from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an individual who has developed successful strategies and programs that serve as models of excellence both inside and outside the UNC community.  When tasked by her Vice Provost and Vice Chancellor to support the university’s Retention through Recruitment program to increase the number and success of African-American males enrolling as undergraduates, she used her voice to assure that issues of diversity are factored into the institution’s strategies and part of everyone’s professional growth plan.  She initiated collaboration between the Career Center and Carolina’s Office for Men of Color Engagement to help minority men navigate the academic climate and become more aware of opportunities and support at UNC.

In addition, as Carolina and Career Development Co-Chair for UNC’s Women of Worth Initiative, she piloted a four-part lunch and learn series promoting academic preparedness, holistic student wellness and success, identify development and career readiness for women faculty, staff and students of color.

One of her colleagues said the following of Sheena:

“She sets the standard for student affairs professionals striving to enact diversity and inclusion programs.  She’s the one who prods her colleagues to be vigilant about providing respect, appreciation, and inclusion to everyone.”

Sheena Jacobs serves as an Assistant Director for University Career Services and Liaison for the University Office of Diversity and Inclusion. She has a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a M.A. in Career Counseling and Placement from North Carolina Central University, where she served as a graduate intern in their career center. Sheena is a Higher Education professional with training and experience in Undergraduate Admissions, Scholarships and Student Aid, Career Counseling, and University Program Planning. She has spent her professional career in higher education and has a professional interest in the areas of career counseling, coaching, and professional development. Sheena is an active member of many professional associations, NASPA and SoACE. Her favorite quote is:” Change your IF, to WHEN.”

 

Member Spotlights

Member Spotlight: Ja’Net Glover

June 7, 2019 by 0 Comments

Ja’Net Glover currently serves as the Senior Director for the University of Florida’s Career Connections Center. In this role, she leads a team of 33 full-time professionals and provides oversight for a centralized career development operation serving more than 54,000 students. She has recently lead the department through a $9.6 million expansion of the center, with a focus on expanding the physical space and implementing an embedded career-liaison model to extend staffing into each of UF’s colleges. Ja’Net has over fifteen years of progressive leadership experience in supporting the career development and recruitment of students in the state university system. She is a two time proud University of Florida alumni with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism and a master’s degree in Management. Beyond her education and the career services profession, Ja’Net also has professional experience in recreation, fundraising, event planning, and nonprofit management.

How did you get into the Career Services profession?

I started my connection with the career services profession as an employer recruiting students for internships and full-time jobs working for the American Heart Association. My office worked with the UF career center as they partnered with local employers to encourage students to pursue internships during their time  at UF. Each semester I would post our experiences with the career center and their team would send us faxes of student resumes (I believe I am kinda dating myself). Each semester we hosted between 5-10 interns and the career center was instrumental to make sure that happened. As my professional interest changed, I decided to apply for a role in the UF office as their career fairs manager. This position had many similar to my previous work in event planning, fundraising and community (industry) relations. Fast forward about 16 years and here we are today.

Describe your SoACE experience. How did you get involved and how has that experience influenced you?

My SoACE experience has been multifaceted and truly significant to my professional identity. I have benefited from the educational programming, service and professional connections acquired. Through my involvement in SoACE I have gained mentors, learned best practices and improved the student experience provided my office. SoACE has been a great avenue for professional development and personal growth – beyond the annual conference. I am grateful to SoACE for allowing me and others to contribute to our profession while gaining lifelong colleagues and friends.

What advice do you have for new professionals who aspire to get more involved in the profession?

I would encourage new professionals to take advantage of all the offerings available within SoACE. I can truly say that SoACE is my favorite professional association because of the regional connections, learning and networking. I am hopeful new professionals will see SoACE as an opportunity to  expand their interests and jump right into professional involvement. Remember, it’s never too late not too early to get involved. The association continues to provide meaningful programs and experiences for membership year round.

What is your favorite quote?

Sometimes you have to leave everything you know to become who you really are. – Anonymous Author

I share this quote often with students transitioning throughout their career development. I am a firm believer that experience changes everything! As a first generation college student myself, leaving my family (all I knew) to attend college introduced me to a whole world of opportunities that I am still benefiting from today. That’s why I love the quote sometimes you have to leave everything you know to become who you really are.

What have you done so far in your career that you are most proud of?

Working for my alma mater to impact students is truly what I am most proud of as a professional. There is something about giving back to the place that invested in you that bring an intrinsic fulfillment. I never imaged being in the role I am today and the rewards gained contributing to student success for that and more I will always be proud to be a Florida Gator!

What keeps you motivated?

The ability to make a positive difference keeps me motivated. Each day brings its own challenges but my desire to make a purposeful impact keeps me going.

What are some of your hobbies when you aren’t working?

This year I have shared with friends, colleagues and family that I am on a quest to be a ‘Maker’. So my goal is simple – I am going to learn how to make things. I am intrigued by our ability to create things on our own (instead of buying things from stores) and I will share these items year round with others. Although I’m not crafty, I have ventured into baking, sowing, canning, gardening and jewelry making just to name a few of my current and upcoming adventures.

Assessment & Data Analytics KG - KG Spotlights

Introducing Your New Assessment and Data Analytics (ADA) KG Chairs!

May 7, 2019 by 1 Comment
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Howdy from Aggieland!

Abdullah and I wanted to introduce ourselves to the greater SoACE community and give you a little taste of what we hope to do this year.

As your new chairs for the ADA KG we are hoping to provide you insight about how to effectively capture data in order to improve career readiness for students.

We wanted to hear from you on any ideas around Assessment and Data Analytics that you would be interested in by filling out this one question form. We also invite you to come join the conversation on Slack about any helpful tips and tricks you’ve learned about data!

We’re also planning a three-part webinar series this summer about the essentials of assessment and data and how to effectively use it to improve programming. Stay tuned for more information!

Now, a little bit about us!

Abdullah Abdul Kader received his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from India. After a brief career in the engineering industry he joined the Career Center in January 2017 in a newly created position and serves Master’s students in the College of Engineering.

Cami Hernandez Merhar is the Assistant Director of Mentoring here at Texas A&M where she is amassing a holistic view of mentoring culture at the university. The majority of her role involves strategically advising mentoring programs across campus on best practices, technology, and logistics. Prior to coming to Texas A&M, Cami lived in Seattle where she worked for various technology companies.

We’re excited to work with all of you to learn and implement assessment best practices!

Cheers,

Abdullah & Cami