Meet Our Team

Maria Cano

Maria Cano has worked at Hostos Community College since 1997. She began her tenure as the Director of CUNY EDGE; a program that supports students on public assistance complete their Associate’s degree. Currently, Maria Cano is the Director of College Discovery; a landmark program that provides supportive services to students who have high potential for success but have not had the necessary academic preparation. Prior to her start at Hostos, Maria Cano worked as an elementary school teacher for the Department of Education of the city of New York. She is currently pursuing her EdD in Education Administrative and Instructional Leadership at St. John’s University. She earned her Master’s degree in American Studies and her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science, both from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Louis Chan

Louis Chan has a B.F.A. and M.F.A. degree from Hunter College. He is currently at St. John’s University pursing his doctoral degree in Administrative & Instructional Leadership. Chan is a visual artist and is currently the Digital Marketing Coordinator at BMCC. His advertorial work can be seen on subway cars and platforms on a bi-annual basis and in various BMCC promotional materials such as publications, official website, and social media platforms. You can check out his Linkedin page here and online photography series.

Pamela Eatman-Skinner

Pamela has dedicated her life’s work to education and the performing arts. Currently serving as the Associate Director of CUNY Start and Math Start at Bronx Community College, she brings her special brand of education to students who have been historically underserved. As an artist, her musical and dramatic works, have been presented on stages throughout the New York metro area and beyond. She lives to share, to teach, to inspire and to reach all those who dare to embrace the possibilities of their dreams!

Malcolm Ebanks

Liauty Elie

Queens, N.Y. will always be my home, and it is where my educational journey begins. I graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes for elementary and middle school, and attended St. Francis Preparatory school for high school. From there, I went to St. John’s University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with the goal of becoming a surgeon. I worked in the medical field as an EMT to test out the waters, and realized that I actually didn’t enjoy the medical field very much. I had volunteered a lot at college, and had many fond memories there, so I decided to visit while I was trying to figure out what my next path should be. I went back and visited one of the departments that I had worked for when I was a student, and found out they were hiring, and was offered the opportunity to work full-time. I fell in love with the work, and formed my new dream of becoming a dean in higher education!I ended up getting my Master’s degree in education at St. John’s University, and am now in their doctoral program. I can say from firsthand experience that your dreams may change over time –and that’s alright! Following your dreams sometimes brings you to new and unfamiliar areas, and you may even end up in a whole new destination like me. No matter what happens, you need to take that first step!I hope that our resources help you in finding your way in life!

Nelson Izquierdo

Marsha Milan-Bethel

Born and raised in Queens, NY, Marsha Milan-Bethel has dedicated her career to helping underserved students achieve educational equity.With more than 15 years of experience in youth development,prior to working at the City University of New York (CUNY) at Hostos Community College, she supported nontraditional high schools in the Bronx.She has played a significant role in increasing graduation rates through alternative education programs by using the youth development and appreciative advisement frameworks. Through her hard work and dedication, she has witnessed hundreds of young adults graduate from high school and college.Now a doctoral student at St. John’s University she is working on breaking barriers to higher education for formerly incarcerated individuals. Her passion and commitment has consistently motivated young adults to grow and develop their skills and abilities earning her the Front Line Hero Award from NY Non-Profit Media in 2017. You can check out her Linkedin page here.

Monique Pinero Pujols

My college and career story began in Queens, N.Y. where I grew up. I attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine on Parsons Blvd from elementary through middle school. I then went to Benjamin Cardozo High School in Bayside, Queens. I graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo with a dual degree in Sociology and Health and Human Services. I later earned Masters degrees in Social Work and Public Affairs at the City University of New York (CUNY). Now, I am studying towards a doctoral degree in education at St. John's University with an amazing group of classmates and professors that inspire me personally and professionally. I have worked in community centers, courts, and schools to provide human services for a diverse array of New York City residents and neighborhoods. I currently work at CUNY providing academic advisement and professional development to graduate social work students. It is an honor and privilege to do a job where I can support the development of rising social work professionals dedicated to public service. I am excited to share college resources on our St. John's class website and wish you all the best as you explore your pathway to success. I hope you all reach for the stars and become your dream!

Silvia Reyes

Silvia Reyes serves as the Director of Special Projects & Student Engagement at Hostos Community College. She holds a Master Degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University and, her Bachelors Degree in Psychology is from Hunter College. Her professional background includes personal counseling and teaching. She has implemented various academic programs, facilitated numerous workshops and has taught New Student Seminars and Developmental Reading courses to college students. The combination of her counseling background and her experiences in teaching allows Ms. Reyes to design and program activities that serve to enrich students’ college experiences and create opportunities for academic success.

Linda Ridley

Linda L. Ridley is the CEO of EDGAR J. RIDLEY & ASSOCIATES, INC., focusing on strategic direction and business development to enhance productivity through behavior change. Linda’s MBA was earned at the College of William and Mary, and she is currently pursuing a doctorate in education at St. John’s University in Queens, New York. In addition to consulting, Linda is also a full-time faculty member of the Business Department of CUNY’s Hostos Community College, where she teaches introductory business and management. A published scholar, Linda also teaches Organizational Behavior and Leadership and Managing Diversity in a Global Economy at CUNY's graduate School of Professional Studies in the program for a Master’s in Business Management & Leadership.

Kelba Sosa

I have over 20 years in Higher Education.Currently,I am the Director of Grants Administration at Hostos Community College at CUNY. I assist faculty and students identify potential grant resources and processes that promote STEM education and curriculum. Prior to Hostos, I worked at Columbia University and at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.I am a graduate of SUNY Purchase with a degree in Liberal Arts/Communication. I then earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Long Island University. I am currently pursuing an EdD in Education Administrative and Instructional Leadership at St. John’s University.

Oriel Straker

Oriel is the Director of the Upward Bound Project at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. As a first-generation college student, l understand the benefits that college readiness, accessibility, and exposure provides to at risk students. As the Director of a nationally recognized college readiness program, I am passionate about first generation student’s ability to be confident and demonstrate perseverance while attending higher education institution spaces and thrive because of their lived experiences and authenticity. My professional career has positioned me to engage youth and families within education, non-profits and homeless shelters environments in various administrative capacities throughout the United States and the Caribbean. I am excited about the unlimited possibilities students from various backgrounds and ethnicities can bring to their communities and the impact they will have on the world.

Thierry Thesatus

Bryce Tolbert

Mariana Torres

Mariana Torres serves as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Colleges at Stony Brook University. Her professional higher education experience covers the areas of Advisement, Alumni Affairs, First Year Experience, Leadership Development, New Student Orientation, Residence Life, Student Activities, and Student Conduct at diverse large public community college and small for-profit senior institutions.

Sheryce Woolery

Sheryce is a Student Success Coach at Hostos Community College, City University of New York,and enjoys the opportunity to support and guide students in their academic journey.She received her B.A. in Geography from the University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica and her M.P.A. from Baruch College, NY. She is an Ed.D student in Administrative and Instructional Leadership at St. John's University, with research interests in student success initiatives, developmental education reform,and student outcomes in post-secondary education with a focus on first-year and non-traditional students.With a passion for youth development and reminded of the common expression “education is the key to success”, she seeks to continue to inspire youths to achieve their best.

Katherine C. Aquino

Katherine is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership for the School of Education at St. John's University. She holds a B.S. degree in Psychology, a M.A. degree in School Psychology, a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy, and Advanced Certification in Instructional Design and Delivery. Katherine's research interests include the socio-academic transitioning into and within the higher education environment for students with disabilities, first-generation students, and post-traditional learners.

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