Nicole Surace is a dedicated professional with a strong background in hospitality and higher education administration. She earned her B.A. in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2020 and is currently pursuing an MBA at Rowan University with a focus in Organizational Leadership.

Nicole began her career at Rowan in 2014 as the Catering Coordinator for Gourmet Dining, building lasting relationships across campus. In 2022, she became a Program Assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering, where she organized student events and helped foster a stronger sense of community. In 2024, she stepped into the role of Operations Coordinator for the Dean’s Office in the College of Science & Mathematics.

Her passion for professional development and event planning naturally led her to get involved with Rowan University’s Women’s Alliance Network (WAN). Since joining the WAN Advisory Board in 2023, she has served as both the Special Events Chair and Programming Chair, where she spearheaded WAN’s inaugural conference, bringing together women from across the university for a day of connection, advocacy, and professional growth. She now proudly steps into her new role as Board Chair.

Outside of work, Nicole is a member of the Wicked Warriors of East Greenwich, a dragon boat racing team dedicated to fundraising and community service. She also serves on the Swedesboro-Woolwich Soccer Board and enjoys supporting and coaching her children’s teams. Nicole and her husband, Vinnie, have a busy blended family with five active children that keep them on their toes!

Past WAN Leadership Positions: Special Events Co-Chair & Programming Committee Co-Chair

Dr. Lakeisha Carter is originally from Buffalo, NY. She has worked in education for over 20 years at various private and public higher education institutions and P-12 schools. Lakeisha is currently the Assistant Director for the M3 curriculum at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, NJ, and a part-time Rowan 101 Instructor. 

Lakeisha has a B.A. in Health and Human Services from the University at Buffalo (SUNY), an M.S. in Student Personnel Administration from Buffalo State College (SUNY), and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Rowan University, with a research focus on Institutional Advancement, development, and alumni services at historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

At Rowan University, Lakeisha has served on the Women’s Alliance Network for two years. Lakeisha enjoys promoting self-love/care for women. She curated a tool that helped her on her self-care journey and turned it into a tool for other women by publishing a self-love/care journal. Lakeisha is a resident of Gloucester Township with her husband and two beautiful children. In her free time, she likes to participate in wellness activities, eat at new restaurants, and spend time with family.

Past WAN Leadership Positions: Programming Committee Co-Chair

Brandi Blanton is the Director of Financial Aid at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University. She previously served as the Associate Director of Student Financial Aid at the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and has a wealth of experience in college financial aid counseling, administration, and financial wellness programming. Brandi earned her bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Rowan University.

A Certified Educator in Personal Finance, Brandi is deeply committed to financial wellness and increasing access to college. She has earned credentials from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), completed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate, and is trained as a QPR Gatekeeper for Suicide Prevention. She holds active memberships in NASFAA, the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (EASFAA), and the New Jersey Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NJASFAA).

As a proud first-generation college student, Brandi is passionate about demystifying the financial aid process and equipping students and their families with the knowledge and tools to thrive. She began her career at Rowan University in the Glassboro Financial Aid Office, where she supported students for over seven years as a Loan Manager and Financial Literacy Specialist. Her dynamic presence and student-centered approach earned her the nickname “The Face of Financial Aid,” a title rooted in her work delivering financial wellness workshops, creating educational video content, and engaging students via @RowanFinAid on social media.

Brandi currently served on the Rowan University Affordability Task Force and the SOM Scholarship Committee. She is also a co-founder of The SHOP campus food pantry and helped expand its presence to the Stratford and Sewell campuses. Beyond her work in higher education, Brandi loves international travel. Her greatest joy is being the proud mother of her two sons, Wyatt and Zavien; her young kings and constant inspiration.

Dr. Ya Vanca Brooks received Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership & Innovation from Wilmington University, MA in Industrial Organizational Psychology Thomas Edison State University, and BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in Education from Rowan University. Her research interests focus on teaching and learning in urban environments, gender, and African American studies. 

Dr. Brooks is a Higher Education Professional with over twenty-five years of experience working with traditional, and non-traditional students, and passionately advancing initiative that support inclusivity, and belonging initiatives for all.  

She is passionate about the work of diversifying the classroom, and creating safe spaces for all students to learn, thrive and reach their full potential.

This passion grew and was nurtured by strong educators and nurses in her family.

Erica Chirico has been a faculty member at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) since 2015. She teaches physiology and is an active learning facilitator to medical students. She also is a member of several committees including the Admission’s Committee and a subcommittee of the Curriculum Committee. 

Erica completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Physiology at Temple University and obtained her PhD at the University of Lyon (Lyon, France). She then completed 2 postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania; one of which included a teaching postdoc position. This drove her passion of teaching and mentoring students. 

Erica has 3 young daughters, 2 dogs, and 1 cat and enjoys baking, running, and all things Eagles!

Melissa is originally from Delaware County, Pennsylvania. She holds a B.A. in Education Studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and an M.A. in Museum Education from Johns Hopkins University.

Driven by a passion for education and a commitment to fostering curiosity through innovative programming, Melissa has dedicated her career to creating meaningful learning experiences. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. at Rowan University, where her work is deeply influenced by her experiences as a first-generation college student and her belief in the transformative power of education at all stages of life.

Melissa currently serves as the Outreach Specialist in the College of Science and Mathematics at Rowan University. Her career at Rowan began when she met her now-husband, a Franklinville native and moved to the area. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her three-year-old son and their two dogs. She is also an active volunteer with Project NICU and Gift of Life Donor Program—two organizations that hold a special place in her heart.

Tina Fellona joined the Rowan Community in 2019 as an Administrative Assistant in Chemistry & Biochemistry before transferring to her current role as an Administrative Assistant to the Department Head in the Mathematics Department. In early 1991, Tina began a career in travel working in Group Sales and Meeting & Incentives for Travel One/American Express Travel until 1995.

Tina began her next career journey at Methodist Hospital/Jefferson Health System in 1995 as a surgical coordinator and transcriptionist for various practices including cardiothoracic surgery, gastroenterology, obstetrics/gynecology and general surgery. After welcoming her son, Tina started her own business as a medical transcriptionist. She worked extensively with Our Lady of Lourdes, Virtua Health System and Cooper Hospital. In 2017, Tina made the jump into public schools working as a secretary at Washington Township High School.

Tina has volunteered as the secretary of Washington Township Choir Parents Association and events coordinator for the Washington Township Marching Band, Cub Scout Pack 381 and Boy Scout Troop 57 along with being a troop leader for Girl Scout Troop 61218. Tina is a proud mom of two young adults and Philadelphia sports fans, Edmond and Bridget.

Hi, I’m Erica Garcia Conway. I’m a proud Rowan University alum with a BA in Sociology and an MA in Counseling in Educational Settings. I recently earned my certification in Wellness Coaching, which has further deepened my passion for supporting students in their personal and academic journeys.

I currently serve as the Assistant Director of Success Coaching and Student Development in the Academic Support Programs department at Rowan, where I have the privilege of helping students grow, succeed, and thrive.

I’m also proud to serve on the board for the Women's Alliance Network, as it gives me the opportunity to support and be part of a community dedicated to empowering others.

Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to four amazing boys. I love watching them play sports and capturing special moments through photography. I also enjoy yoga, reading, relaxing at the beach, and spending quality time with my friends and family.

I truly love that my career allows me to empower and support students through coaching and development, right here at the university that helped shape my own path.

Diane Generao is the Special Projects and Communication Manager for the Office of the Dean at Rowan-Virtua SOM. She oversees internal communications, strategic messaging, and serves as the main liaison to the Department of Marketing. Diane coordinates visits with affiliates and officials, supports partnerships, leads special projects, and represents RowanSOM at conferences and school-wide strategic initiatives. 

A member of the Rowan community since 2015, Diane is a proud Rowan alumnus. She earned her master’s degree in strategic communication in 2021 and is an active member of the RowanSOM community, serving on numerous committees. In 2024, she completed the Rowan Leadership Development Institute. 

Diane, a proud mother of three daughters and enjoys spending time with them along with  traveling, line dancing, yoga,  volunteering, and spending time at the beach.

Kim Johnston has been a proud member of the Rowan University community since 2015 and currently serves as the Grant Coordinator for the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. As a first-generation college student Kim earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Rowan University and is now pursuing an MBA at Rowan to further enhance her leadership and strategic skills.

In her professional role, Kim supports innovative research and academic success within the College of Engineering, contributing to the university’s overall research mission. 

Beyond her job, Kim is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment at Rowan. One proud accomplishment being the initiative to increase lactation spaces on campus to support nursing mother’s at Rowan. As a member of the Women’s Alliance Network Board, she hopes to further advocate for and empower women across campus.

At home, Kim balances her professional life with a busy household of four kids and two dogs. She loves spending her “spare time” watching her daughters in their cheer and dance performances.

Michelle Mignot (she/her/hers) has been in the field of higher education since 2006. Starting at a community college in Ontario, Canada, Michelle gained experience in career development and online learning as a Career Advisor and Program Coordinator. After moving to the Philadelphia area where she initially worked in the Steinbright Career Development Center at Drexel University, Michelle is now a member of University Advising Services at Rowan University. As a member of the Student Success Technology and Data Analytics team, Michelle provides support for all departments in University College.

Michelle completed her undergraduate studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and obtained her Masters in Higher Education from Drexel University. In addition to the Women’s Alliance Network, Michelle is also active on campus as a member of the UAS Belonging Committee and is a Rowan University Career Advocate. Michelle has two children and in her spare time enjoys travel, cooking, and hiking.

Gina is a dedicated higher education professional with extensive experience in administration and communications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Humanities/Public Relations in the Workplace and a master’s degree in Strategic Communications, both from Rowan University’s Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts.

Gina began her career at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM) in 2011. She started in Academic Affairs, where she supported faculty with student academic processes, residency applications, and exam administration. She later transitioned to Faculty Affairs and managed the onboarding and promotions of paid and volunteer faculty across the state. Currently, Gina serves as a Senior Management Assistant in SOM Dean’s Office, acting as the primary liaison for campus operations and budgets, and coordinating conferences and campus-wide meetings and special events.

Beyond her core responsibilities, Gina is an active and engaged member of the RowanSOM community. In addition to serving on the Women’s Alliance Network (WAN) Board, she is also a member of the SOM Wellness Committee and the Camaraderie Crew, where she helps organize initiatives that foster employee and student engagement.

Outside of work, Gina enjoys traveling with her husband Bill and cherishes time with their blended family of four children and two grandchildren.

Brittney O’Connor is an Academic Advisor in the Rohrer College of Business for upper-class Accounting and Finance majors. She is also the coordinator for the Accounting Mentorship Program and is an instructor for the College of Business first-year seminar courses as well as Career Planning and Development. Prior to being an Advisor, Britt served as the Recruitment and Development Associate for the Center for Professional Development, which services all business students. Her knowledge of careers and internships in business is especially helpful and utilized while advising students. Britt’s advising and student services career began in 2014 when she earned her M.S. in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs from West Chester University. She has experience working with a wide variety of students in her former roles as Student Counselor for Rutgers University, School of Nursing and Admissions Counselor for Widener University Delaware Law School.

Aside from advising and teaching, Britt has another rewarding position as one of the founding members of the St. Peter’s Community Pantry. The food pantry, which opened in May 2023, services all Gloucester County residents. When it first opened, they were assisting 30 families, and it has grown to assist over 120 families monthly. It is a true labor of love for her, and her husband and daughter, who also help at the monthly food distribution and food drive.

Britt is the happiest when she is with her two favorite people, her husband and daughter, and of course their three pups! In her “free time” she makes a conscious effort to take care of her mental and physical health by going to Burn Boot Camp after work, bike rides with her daughter, or taking her dogs for a walk.

Sheena Pierce received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Rowan University in 2010 and her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Rutgers University in 2015. Sheena has been with Rowan University since 2016. Sheena is a Technical Trainer and Instructional Designer at Rowan University in IRT - Training Services. As part of the IRT - Training team, Sheena helps to create and design diverse training formats and effective online training for the Rowan community. In her spare time, you can find her at Eagles and Sixers games. In addition, she enjoys traveling the world, shopping, reading, podcasting, and spending time with family and friends.

Maggie Rehiel is an accomplished professional who had an amazing 31-year career in Commercial Appraisal and Valuation as the office manager, bookkeeper and personal assistant to the owner. Maggie started the second chapter of her career at Rowan in 2023 where she works as the Administrative Assistant to the Department Head in Biological and Biomedical Sciences in the College of Science and Mathematics. Maggie is hoping to build strong connections at Rowan and join other committees in the future.

Outside of work Maggie enjoys spending time with her husband, son, wolf-dog Nashoba and her family and friends. She can be found taking long walks, reading and spending time with her cousins and friends. Maggie is always willing to jump in and lend a hand to others.

Mary “MJ” Schultes serves as an Academic Advisor for Rowan Online undergraduate students (including the 3+1) enrolled in the Computer Systems Technology, and the Computing and Informatics programs. MJ provides comprehensive support and guidance with a strong commitment to student success as they navigate their academic journey.

MJ holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education: Administration from Rowan University. Her academic background is complemented by over 5 years of experience in higher education, including positions in human resources and student affairs. MJ also has prior experience from the corporate world as a former HR professional handling full-cycle recruitment, employee engagement and relations, and some benefits and compensation.

MJ is a current Glassboro resident, and a proud Prof, as a Rowan University Alumnus she really enjoys volunteering within the campus community! MJ also volunteers for the surrounding Gloucester County area with the United Way of Gloucester County (Events Committee and Women United), St. Vincent de Paul Society (ministry), Genesis Counseling Centers (Events Committee) and much more. She is a proud board member of Rowan University’s WAN (Women’s Alliance Network), the award-winning committee that works hard to promote impactful events to encourage leadership amongst employees and students across campus.

MJ believes in a holistic approach to advising, focusing on a personal, academic, and professional development of each student. In her free time, MJ enjoys trips down to the Jersey Shore, exercising, listening to podcasts, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Sanaz Shahi, Ph.D., MBA, M.A.
Database Specialist | Technology Commercialization | Higher Education Research

At Rowan’s Office of Technology Commercialization within the South Jersey Technology Park, Sanaz serves as a Database Specialist, where she oversees patent docketing, invention disclosures, iEdison reporting, and federal compliance. She plays a key role in managing patent file administration, marketing technologies, and data-driven decision-making for commercialization initiatives. Her professional strengths include database management, invention reporting to federal agencies, patent data analysis, and technology marketing.

Sanaz’s influence and leadership extend beyond her technical expertise. She is an Advisory Board Member for both the Women’s Alliance Network (WAN) and the Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) Program at Rowan University. She also co-chairs the Small Offices Committee at the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), advocating for innovation across institutions with limited resources.

Her work has earned widespread recognition:

• As part of WAN’s Advisory Board, she contributed to the team that won the 2024 Employee Recognition Teamwork (Team Honor) Award.
• She received Rowan University’s Senate Diversity Award for Excellence in Social Activism.
• She is also a recipient of the Rowan Excellence in Diversity Award for a group project.
• Nationally, Sanaz was awarded the Susan Keyes Technology Transfer Career Transition Award by the AUTM Foundation.

A 1990 graduate of Glassboro State College, Nancy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a concentration in Advertising. For the past 13 years, she has proudly served in various roles at Rowan University and currently works as a Program Assistant in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, where she supports faculty, students, and department operations.

Committed to personal growth, Nancy has spent over a year with Toastmasters, actively honing her public speaking skills. Outside of higher education, she is a small business owner specializing in event planning and family-focused entertainment. She is also a lifelong artist, creating expressive works in watercolor and acrylics.

Family and nature are central to Nancy’s life. She is the proud parent of five children, plus two bonus children, and a joyful grandparent to eight. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and birding—embracing the beauty and serenity of the outdoors.

Melissa Ulmer (she/her/hers) joined the Rowan family in August 2015 and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Marketing & Student Programs on the Chamberlain Student Center & Campus Activities (SCCA) team on the Glassboro campus. In this role she wears multiple hats. First, Melissa serves as the primary staff advisor for the Student University Programmer’s (SUP), Rowan’s on-campus student programming board. In collaboration with a graduate coordinator, Melissa helps co-advise the organization on event planning, marketing strategies, student leadership and advocacy, campus service, and more. SUP plans & executes over 70 events each year including live performances, charitable events, off-campus trips, movie nights, special events, and more. Some of SUP’s biggest traditions include the fall comedy show, Hollybash, St. Baldrick’s Day, Holiday Helper, Last Lecture, the Food Truck Festival, Lil’ Sibs Weekend, and more.

In addition to SUP, Melissa oversees all marketing for the SCCA. This includes supervision, with the support of a graduate coordinator, of the SCCA Marketing Team – a creative powerhouse comprised of student graphic designers and photographer/videographers. The Marketing Team is responsible for all digital (including social media and web) and printed content for the department. In addition to departmental marketing, Melissa also manages all facility marketing initiatives including signage and community posting. Finally, in her role Melissa also oversees and supports large-scale campus programming, including serving as one of the Co-Chairs for the university-wide Homecoming Committee, as well as helping steer Welcome Week activities.

Beyond her role at Rowan, Melissa is an active volunteer with several associations including the Association for College Unions International (ACUI) and the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) and has served in several regional and national volunteer roles. On-campus she serves as a Rowan 101 course instructor, as a long-standing member of the Rowan Thrive & University Well-being committee, and as a member of the Programming Council. More personally, Melissa is the proud mom to her son, Miles and daughter, Riley – as well as her two dachshunds Tater Tot & Slinky. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, Communication, and Political Science from Alvernia University in Reading, PA and her Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

Kim Wampler serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Division of Student Access and Pathway Programs. She holds a BA in Psychology from Shippensburg University and an MA in Positive Developmental Psychology and Evaluation from Claremont Graduate University. With over a decade of experience in higher education, Kim has contributed to a variety of institutional areas, including diversity and inclusion, public safety, and academic affairs.

Her leadership and advocacy work spans numerous committees and initiatives, including the Queer and Trans Advocacy Committee (QTAC), Take Back the Night Planning Committee, and the COVID Reimplementation Committee. She has also served as a departmental representative for the Bias Education and Response Team (BERT) and held multiple roles within the Title IX process as an investigator, panelist, and decision-maker. She joined the Women’s Alliance Network Advisory Board serving on the membership committee in 2025.

Kim is deeply committed to strengths-based approaches and fostering environments where all individuals feel a sense of belonging. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing Brotato, and spending as much time outdoors as she can.

Marium is a two-time Rowan alum who is truly a Prof at heart. She received her BA in Biological Sciences and her MA in Higher Education Administration. She has several years of experience in mentoring students at Rowan University especially with the Dr. Harley E. Flack Mentoring Program. Marium enjoys educating students on the power of philanthropy and establishing a culture of opportunities.