Christian Garcia • (305) 284-5451 • christian@miami.edu 
Christian is a higher education professional with 15 years of experience in a variety of areas within student and academic affairs. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Toppel Career Center, where he is responsible for the management and strategic direction of one of the country's most innovative and dynamic career centers. Previously, Christian served as Associate Director of Employer Relations, responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with employers representing a wide range of industries. He is currently working toward his doctoral degree with a dual concentration in Higher Education and Organizational Leadership. Christian earned his Master of Science degree in Higher Education from Florida State University and Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Florida International University. Prior to the UM, he worked at the University of Michigan and Millersville University of Pennsylvania.

Karen Duque Office Manager (305) 284-2469 kduque@miami.edu Karen joined Toppel in June of 2008 as Office Manager. Karen's professional experience includes work in the fields of logistics, sales, purchasing management, and general organizational operations. She has been with the University of Miami since 2002 and has worked for the Office of Admission, Alumni Relations and the Cuban Institute. Karen is currently pursuing her degree at the University of Miami.

Lidia Jimenez Administrative Assistant (305) 284-5451 Ljimenez@miami.edu Lili Jimenez has been the Administrative Office Coordinator at the Toppel Career Center since October 2008, and has been employed at the University of Miami since 2003. She performs administrative duties, and supervises the reception area, Toppel Library, and student assistants. Lili worked at UM's Office of Admission for five and a half years, where she served as an Assistant and supervised and scheduled the "President's 100" students. She earned a Master of Liberal Arts and Bachelor's degree from the University of Miami.

Alicia Rodriguez Director (305) 284-1819 alrodriguez@miami.edu Ali oversees the Toppel Career Center's efforts to build a strong recruiting program and provide students, alumni, and employers with opportunities to connect.  She works to develop partnerships with employers and coordinates the Employer Advisory Board. Ali earned a Master of Education in College Student Personnel and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Florida. She joined the staff in July 2000 and led Toppel's career development team for 13 years, overseeing career and walk-in advising, programs and workshops, and assessment testing. She is also responsible for career resources, including the Resume, Letters, and Interviewing Skills Guides. In addition to career services, she has worked in Academic Advising and Residence Life.	Megan Morini Assistant Director Business Consultant (305) 284-1813  m.morini@miami.edu Megan is a primary liaison to the School of Business and is responsible for advising students in defining career options, developing employment skills, and job-search procedures. She also assists the Director of Employer Relations in building partnerships between the university and external communities to expand internship and full-time employment opportunities. Prior to UM, Megan worked in career advising at Nova Southeastern University and also in corporate sales and account management in the information technology and services industry. Megan earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management from Siena College and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education.
Jordan D. Adams  Assistant Director On-Campus Recruiting 305-284-1989  j.adams16@miami.edu Jordan joined Toppel in November 2012, and he works with the dynamic Employer Relations team to conceptualize, lead, and manage career-related programs and events. Previously, Jordan served as the Manager of Civic Engagement at UM's Center for Latin American Studies, partnering with various civic organizations and overseeing a million dollar federal National Resource Center grant. Jordan holds a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Miami, and a Bachelor of Science in Management Science from the University of California, San Diego. He also studied at La Universidad de Concepción, Chile and at La Universidad de Chile, Chile.	Adela Ghadimi Assistant Director Employer Development Washington, D.C. a.ghadimi@miami.edu Adela graduated from the University of Miami in May 2008 with a triple major in International Studies, Political Science, and Geography & Regional Studies. She went on to live in London for two years, where she earned a Master's degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics. She has been in the D.C. Metro area for two years, and has enjoyed serving as the first UM in D.C. Program Coordinator. Prior to working for UM, Adela worked as a consultant for D.C. Public Schools and assisted with a start-up non-profit organization that advocated for campus safety and mental health issues. She is thrilled to be joining the team, and looks forward to developing and expanding new projects to advance the Toppel Career Center.
Jessica Massoni Assistant Director Business Consultant (305) 284-1988  jmassoni@miami.edu Jessica advises students in the School of Business in the areas of defining career options, developing job search techniques, and enhancing professional skills. Prior to joining Toppel, she worked with Goldman Sachs as an Operations Analyst. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Finance and Marketing from the University of Miami.	Bret Beaufeaux Graduate Assistant Bret graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration with a Concentration in Student Life and Development at the University of Miami. As a Graduate Assistant at the Toppel Career Center, Bret works with the Employer Relations team to ensure employers and jobs are posted to HireACane, helps to plan and facilitate job-search events such as On Campus Recruiting, and reaches out to employers to join Toppel in serving the University of Miami's talented students and alumni.

Edward Cruz Interim Director (305) 284-5023 ecruz2@miami.edu Eddy joined Toppel in June of 2008. Prior to coming to UM, he worked for University Housing at University of Georgia for two years. He earned his Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and had an assistantship in the Career Development Center. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications from Kutztown University. Eddy's main focus is in the areas of advising and planning programs for alumni. He also leads the Student & Alumni Career Symposium, an annual event in April.	Megan Garber Assistant Director Career Development & Outreach (305) 284-1818 m.garber@miami.edu Megan has been at Toppel since July 2005. She earned a Master of Science in Education in College Student Personnel at Purdue University while working as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Admissions. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame and majored in Management. In addition to career advising and program planning, Megan supervises the Toppel Peer Advisors. She also coordinates all career programs and workshops for student groups and faculty on campus.
Samantha Gil, Assistant Director Experiential Initiatives (305) 284-1808 sgil@miami.edu Samantha earned a Master of Science in Higher Education from the University of Miami and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Central Florida. Previously, she worked as the Assistant Director for Co-op & Career Services at Cabrini College in Philadelphia and served as a Graduate Assistant at the Toppel Career Center. Samantha advises students regarding internships and alternative options after graduation and works closely with international students. She also coordinates UShadow and assists in managing the Toppel Internship Program.	Frits Bigham Assistant Director Internships & Assessment (305) 284-1809 fbigham@miami.edu Frits received a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration at the University of Miami and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Pennsylvania State University. In his current role, Frits is responsible for the Toppel Internship Program, as well as providing career advising for students pertaining to internships and alternative options after graduation. In addition, he is responsible for coordinating the assessment of the bi-annual graduation survey. Frits' previous roles within the Toppel Career Center include working as an Assistant Director for Career Development and as a Graduate Assistant.
Aileen Lopez Assistant Director Graduate Students & Assessment (305) 284-8593 ailopez@miami.edu Aileen joined the Toppel Career Center in the Fall of 2007. She is responsible for coordinating programs and resources for graduate students. In addition, she works with assessment of Toppel's programs and services. She earned a Master of Science in Education in Research, Measurement and Evaluation and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management and Organization from the University of Miami. Prior to joining the Toppel team, Aileen worked as a Staff Associate for the University of Miami Football team for 6 seasons.	Carly Smith Graduate Assistant Carly received a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration at UM. In her role as Graduate Assistant, Carly conducts career development workshops for students and alumni, and holds walk-in advising hours where she critiques resumes, cover letters, and personal statements. Carly also co-advises the Toppel Ambassadors student organization.
Austin Swift Graduate Assistant Austin received a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Texas A&M University, and is currently pursuing a certificate in Geographic Information Systems and Master of Arts in Geography and Regional Studies. Prior to attending the University of Miami, Austin served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso, in west Africa. In his role as Graduate Assistant, he holds walk-in advising hours where he critiques resumes, cover letters, and personal statements. Austin is excited to join the Toppel team and looks forward to meeting with students.

Oleg Ignatenko Peer Advisor Oleg is currently a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business Administration with his main focus being on Marketing. Oleg is a transfer student from NJ where he attended Cumberland County College. He is certified in Graphic and Web Design but considers this subject more as a personal hobby rather than a future occupation. He is a huge fan of the Miami Hurricanes and will be at the stadium supporting the Canes at every home game.	Robert Vanisko Peer Advisor Robert is a junior majoring in Public Relations and History. In the summer following his sophomore year of college, he interned as a Public Relations and Marketing intern at a Data Management Platform. He looks forward to practicing Public Relations after he graduates from the University of Miami. Robert is in his second year at the Toppel Career Center and is excited for the second half of his college career.
Mollie Spencer Toppel Intern Mollie is a junior pursuing a degree in Creative Advertising while double majoring in Psychology. She is originally from Columbia, Missouri, but followed her older sister down to sunny Florida. She has yet to miss the cold winters of the Midwest. Mollie's dream job would be working for an NGO's or non-profit's creative design team. She has plans to travel and experience as much of the world as possible, and she is looking forward to starting her career. Mollie enjoys all activities involving the outdoors and loves going on adventures.	Stephanie Maestri Toppel Intern Stephanie Maestri is a current junior in the School of Nursing and Health Studies majoring in Public Health with a minor in Business Administration. Stephanie was born and raised in Miami and plans on staying here. She is a sister of Sigma Delta Tau where she helps with philanthropy, PCAA and other general events. Stephanie hopes to attend graduate school and receive her Master of Public Health and Administration to eventually work either with the government or in a hospital.
Marissa Bell Peer Advisor Marissa is currently a sophomore in the School of Communication, majoring in Advertising and Psychology. She is originally from Cleveland, OH, and has absolutely loved the "winters" in Miami because of the opportunity to brag to friends back home. Last year, she completed an internship as a Visual Intern with Anthropologie helping design the interior of the store and is looking forward to having more exciting experiences in the future. After a year of figuring it out, Marissa has finally decided that after school she hopes to work at a fashion magazine.	Codi Funakoshi Graphic Design Intern  Codi is currently a sophomore in the College of Engineering, majoring in Architectural Engineering. She is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, and decided to attend UM because of its six-year dual degree program. Through the program, she is studying to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering and Master of Architecture. Codi loves design and enjoys creative projects, and aspires to run an architecture firm of her own one day.
Thien Van Tran Peer Advisor Thien is a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He is originally from Manassas Park, Virginia, and was enticed by the prospect of warmer weather and water sports. Thien has had the opportunity to assist with research in the Nano/Bio-technology Laboratory here in Miami, as well as perform as a Crashworthiness Engineering Intern for the Federal Department of Transportation in the District of Columbia. He is looking forward to an exciting career in the field of engineering research and development following graduation. In the meantime, he continues to partake in the University wrestling club and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club.	Nicole Sadok Student Assistant Nicole is a Junior in the College of Engineering, studying Biomedical Engineering. This summer she interned with Corids, a Johnson & Johnson Company and took a trip to Alaska. In the future she hopes to work with prosthetics. In addition, she is a member of Biomedical Engineering Society, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and Society of Women Engineers.
Jessica Wienand Student Assistant Jessica is currently a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. She is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and enjoys immersing herself in the warm (pun intended) Latin culture of Miami for the duration of the school year. Jessica is a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, the University of Miami Student Government, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Golden Key International Honour Society. She is not sure of what direction her professional future will take but hopes to love her career so much as to not consider it "work."	Andrew Rodriguez Student Assistant Andrew is a sophomore in the College of Engineering, double majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is a south Florida native, raised in Hialeah. In his free time he enjoys running, playing basketball, computer programming and tinkering with electronics. Andrew currently is taking part in undergraduate research on photovoltaics and optics at the University of Miami, and this past summer took part in a National Science Foundation Funded Research Internship at the University of Kentucky where he worked on a project focused on improving the structure of a transistor. He hopes to one day work in the semiconductor industry.
Michael Vander Meiden Career Development Intern Michael is currently a freshman in the School of Business Administration, majoring in Economics and Physics. Born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida, he is enjoying his first year at the University of Miami and cannot wait to get involved with the U over the next few years. In the future, Michael would like to start his own business or work in Venture Capital, helping start-up companies grow.	Marina Rutenberg Graphic Design Intern Marina is currently a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences and is majoring in Graphic Design. She is originally from Argentina but grew up in Weston, Florida. Last year, she worked at an art gallery in the design district of Miami, and has a passion for art and design. Marina hopes to become an industrial designer in the future.