Yolany Gonell (she/her) has over 17 years of progressive experience in higher education providing leadership and vision in the areas of diversity & inclusion, social justice education, leadership development, new student orientation, transition programs, career readiness, and residential life. As the Director for Student Diversity & Inclusion at William Paterson, Yolany engages senior leadership and staff in the college’s work to advance inclusion, retention, and student success. In her capacity, Yolany provides guidance and strategic direction in alignment with institutional goals, divisional strategy, national best practices, research, and student need with a focus on fostering a culture of care and investment in relationships.
With a wide range of experiences in student affairs, Yolany’s responsibilities include creating an inclusive college campus by providing teaching and learning experiences for faculty, staff, and students; examining and implementing institutional policies that are culturally responsive; while also developing programs that served as a campus-wide catalyst to celebrate all aspects of diversity and promote the principles of social justice. She works with an amazing team to expand resources for the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, the Black Cultural Center and the Center for Latinidad. In addition to her work in higher ed, Yolany has served as a gender and sexuality inclusion consultant for Bethune Cookman University, Bates College, and local non-profit organizations; is a founding member and leader of a grassroots LGBTQ organization in Asheville, NC and she is also on the advisory board for the Campaign For Southern Equality an organization that works to support and strengthen LGBTQ communities in the South through direct service and action.
Yolany is a first-generation college graduate, a US veteran, and holds a master's degree in social work from the University at Buffalo in New York. She is committed to empowering youth and advocating for equity and access for under-served communities.
Administrative Office located in UC 313.
Email: gonelly@wpunj.edu
Myranda Louis Jean (she/her) has been at William Paterson University for 5 years and brings 11+ years of experience within higher education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication from Temple University in Philadelphia and her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College in NYC. In her capacity as Assistant Director for Student Diversity & Inclusion, Myranda steers and manages projects and initiatives that support retention, student engagement, and equity-minded practices for the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, the Black Cultural Center, and the Center for Latinidad. Through cross-collaboration efforts, diversity programming, and the mentorship program she will lead efforts with CDI Peer Mentors and CDI Student Ambassadors to expand resources and safe spaces for all students. Myranda is passionate about advocating for students and building great relationships with them. When she is not in the office you can catch her on a plane, as she is a lover of any Caribbean beach!
Administrative Office Located in UC 313.
Email: Barreaum@wpunj.edu
Sherry Capers Dock (she/her) has earned an M.Ed. in Professional Counseling and brings 25 years of secretarial experience supporting EOF, Africana World Studies, and Anthropology at William Paterson University. In her capacity as administrative secretary, Sherry provides oversite to the daily functions of the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion and its auspices the Black Cultural Center, the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, and the Center for Latinidad; manages contracts and expenditures, provides event support, and supervises student employees. Sherry is passionate about student success and looks forward to providing guidance, mentorship, and encouragement to students.
Email: capersdocks@wpunj.edu
Gabriela Juarez (she/they) is a first-year graduate student in the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Masters program at William Paterson University. Gabriella is excited to be a graduate assistant at the Center for Diversity & Inclusion and work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Following one of Walt Disney's main philosophies in life “Do your best work, then try to trump it.”, Gabriella is passionate and strives to advocate and work with youth in marginalized communities where there exists a stigma for mental health. During her leisure time, Gabriella enjoys watching cartoons from several different networks, including Disney and Cartoon Network. She is also a major fan of crime documentaries and enjoys binge-watching them.
Shawn Gaffney (they) is a senior at William Paterson University. They are a geography and economics double major with a minor in urban studies. Shawn is a CDI Student Ambassador, an Honors student, the ex-president of the Political Science Club, 4-year member of Student Government, and one of the first student representatives of the Council of Equity and Justice at WPUNJ. They enjoy walking the campus with their twin sister Nikki, writing, listening to music, and playing DnD, past times learned from their parents. Unsurprisingly, after watching so many cartoons, they aspire to save the world!
Farhana Murshed (she/her) is a first-year student at William Paterson University. As a CDI Student Ambassador, her goal is to help students become comfortable in their surroundings, with a passion to support students that struggle due to language barriers. In high school, she was involved in the national honor society, as well as the student government association. Farhana speaks multiple languages and she loves to post on social media and journalism.
Nathan Reilly (he/his) is a senior at William Paterson University. He’s an English Writing and Media Production dual major. Nate a CDI Student Ambassador, is a member of the Honors College, president of the Comic Book Club, and also a consultant at the Writing Center. “I love the work the CDI does and love being a part of my campus community that impacts students’ lives in meaningful ways.”
Rosheeka Williams (she/her) is a Junior at William Paterson University. She is a Business Finance who has been on the dean’s list for the academic year of 2020 and Spring 2021. Originally from Spanish Town Jamaica, her family moved to the United States and raised her in New Jersey. In High school, Rosheeka was a NJROTC Cadet Seaman. As a CDI Student Ambassador, her goal is to help as many people as possible to find a safe space in all centers “I can’t wait to be a part of something so great”.
Becca Gilliland is a Junior at William Paterson University. She is a CDI Student Ambassador Intern (Fall Semester), is an Honors College Peer Leader & Student Assistant; the president of Her Campus WPUNJ Magazine, Vice President of Collegians of Theta Phi Alpha, Beta Xi Chapter Sorority; and the Treasurer for the National Panhellenic Conference. She is passionate about improving the experiences of students and influencing change throughout the university.
Tiona Harris is a graduate student at William Paterson University. She is a mentor for the Adelante Mentorship Program and is also the Graduate Assistant for the English Department.
Sara De La Cruz Jimenez (they) is a sophomore at William Paterson University. Sarah is double majoring in Secondary Education and English Literature. As a Mentor for the Adelante Mentorship Program, they work on creating and maintaining safe spaces for their fellow students while working with Student Ambassadors and other student employees. Sara also coordinates and plans activities for their mentees. When not working as a Student Mentor, they can be found roller skating or playing with their cat, Lily.
Dashka Delva (she/her) is a Junior at William Paterson University. She is a Mentor for the Adelante Mentorship Program.
Giannelli Gaspar (She/her) is a senior at William Paterson University. She is a Mentor for the Adelante Mentorship Program.
Heidy Montes (she/her) is a senior at William Paterson University. She is a Mentor for the Adelante Mentorship Program (Fall 2021).
Robin Garcia (They/Them) is a senior at William Paterson University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in general biology. They enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons, cooking for loved ones, learning the relationships between mycology and botany, and writing. For their first two years, Robin has taken honors classes, worked with the biology department as a lab assistant, and cheered for the WPUNJ Cheer team. Now they are the secretary of the Political Science Club and push their limits as a CDI Ambassador to use their voice as a precise tool for advocacy.
William Paterson University
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
973-720-2000
Stay Connected
