An exclusive opportunity to network with distinguished alumni from the College of Arts, Sciences & Education will occur on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 during the inaugural Mix & Mingle Alumni ShowCASE.
Co-sponsored by the Student Government Association, the Student Programming Council and the FIU Young Alumni Council, Dr. Heather Russell will lead a question and answer with five alumni who are in different phases of their career.
Following the question and answer, enjoy music, complimentary refreshments, giveaways and much more. The event will start promptly at 6 p.m. in the Panther Suite, Graham Center third floor. Casual attire, business cards and resumes recommended. Those interested in attending should fill out this form.
Dr. Heather Russell received her PhD in Literature from Rutgers University with a focus in African Diaspora Literatures. She is currently a Professor and the Senior Associate Dean for the School of Environment, Arts and Society. She is the author of Rihanna: Barbados World-Gurl in Global Popular Culture, co-edited with Hilary M. Beckles (2015). In addition, she has published on a wide array of subjects related to black diaspora scholarly concerns. She was named one of South Florida’s Top Black Educational Leaders for 2014 and 2016 by Legacy Magazine and is currently working on a third book.
Morales 
Brito 
Roque & Lee 
Hooker 
Arbiol
John Morales is the owner and founder of InVivo Strength and Conditioning in Hialeah Gardens. His goals are to create experiences that people can embody and feel proud to be part of. John is a proud two-time FIU alumnus. He graduated with a BS in Physical Education then followed up with a Master’s degree in Kinesiology.
Nikki Brito earned a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and Interdisciplinary Studies. She interned with Dean Heithaus and worked on the Global FinPrint Initiative. Upon graduating she worked at Island Dolphin Care in the Florida Keys. She went on to become a 7th grade science teacher at Doral Academy Prep and will be pursuing her master’s degree this fall.
Jacqueline Lee and Yesenia Roque both earned BAs in English. They are the founders of Write & Day, a boutique writing agency dedicated to the power of storytelling. Their mission is to help others share their stories. They believe all writing should come with a structured strategy and straight from the heart. Devoted to changing the paradigm of writing, they turn ideas into novels.
Hazel Hooker is the director of the Center for Student Engagement at FIU. In her 14-year career in higher education, she has helped students find their passion as an academic advising professional and helped them engage and transition to college. She earned a BS in Biology, BA in Chemistry, Master of Public Health and is pursuing a PhD in Higher Ed.
Maria Arbiol studied Early Childhood Education. After graduation, she went on to inspire children as a teacher within Miami-Dade County Public Schools. In 2009 Maria earned her Master’s in Reading and in 2010 she joined the Tarheel family at UNC Chapel Hill. Here she received her Leadership degree and worked as a School Site Administrator. Now, she’s back in the classroom.
