Staff Council Members

Jessica Li
President

Career Counselor, Student Life

My name is Jessica (she/her/hers), and I have been an integral part of the USF community since August 2022. Serving as a Career Counselor, my primary focus is assisting undergraduate students in securing internships and navigating their transition into the professional world post-graduation. My diverse background encompasses experience across various sectors, including non-profit, tech recruiting, ed tech, and private sector work, all viewed through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

I hold a Master of Science in Career Counseling from SF State and possess a keen interest in job motivation and retention. Furthermore, I am passionate about empowering individuals to identify and pursue strategic career advancements while fostering a sense of community engagement. My approach involves understanding the unique motivations and strengths of each individual, thereby enabling them to thrive in their professional endeavors.

My aspiration to join the Staff Council stems from a desire to advocate for diverse opportunities for our esteemed staff members. I aim to serve as a bridge between staff and administration, facilitating communication and fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and retention, both within USF and beyond.

Sam Bethel
Vice President

Digital Communications Manager
Office of Marketing Communications

My name is Sam Bethel, and I serve as the digital communications manager in the Office of Marketing Communications. I've worked at USF for over eight years and have 15 years of experience in higher education. As a staff member and USF alum (MA in Professional Communication, '20), I'm deeply committed to the university's mission and community. I'm excited to contribute to shared governance through the Staff Council and to help ensure that staff voices play a meaningful role in shaping the direction of USF.

Andrew Palos
Clerk

Assistant Registrar
School of Law

I'm looking forward to bridging divides between offices when it comes to culture, priorities and communication. I think an organization can achieve it's goals when there is greater communication and understanding between departments and its people.

Corey Kowalczyke
Communications Officer & Interim Clerk

Internship and Data Coordinator
Student Life

As a proud Double Don and now a staff member, I deeply believe in the mission of the University of San Francisco. But that mission is only made possible through the dedication and contributions of our staff. One Jesuit value that continues to guide my work is cura personalis—care for the whole person.

I see Staff Council as a powerful expression of this value: a space where all staff, especially those whose voices often go unheard, can feel empowered, seen, and supported. In today’s climate, shared governance and collective care are more essential than ever, and I’m honored to help foster both through this work.

Vincent Hom

Special Billing Coordinator
Student Financial Services / Student Accounts

I was surprised and honored when informed that I was nominated for a position to serve on USF's Staff Council. In accepting to serve, I hope I will hold and serve with distinction and validate the nomination.

I hope that during my time in the council, to serve as voice for student advocacy and equity. As well as offer perspective which comes from interaction with students, their families and the larger community when they reach out to the Student Accounts / Student Financial Services.

Emily Gove

Title IX Coordinator
Division of Student Life

My name is Emily Gove [she/her]. I'm excited to join USF's Staff Council. I have been with USF for 3 years, starting in the Office of Student Conduct Rights & Responsibilities and recently transitioned over to work as the Title IX Coordinator. Through these roles, I have been able to work with staff across campus which has allowed me to learn about the dynamics of being an employee here. My goal is to find spaces to advocate for the needs and rights of staff members and assist in building a strong community here.

Sara Rinaldi

Associate Director
Development Communications

Hi there, my name is Sara, and I have been with USF for 8 years! I was able to get my MBA through USF and now I work on the Development Communications team. I've appreciated the opportunity to serve on the President's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (2023-2025), and I'm excited to continue fostering stronger connections within the USF community. As a member of the Staff Council, I look forward to contributing my skills in marketing communications, execution, and relationship-building.

Chris Witte

Technology Manager
XARTS

Hello! I am Chris Witte, the Technology Manager for the XARTS. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to the university in various roles, including with ITS and the School of Education. My experiences have allowed me to work closely with staff, faculty, and students, giving me a broad perspective on our community's diverse needs and strengths.

I’m excited to serve on the Staff Council and help foster meaningful growth opportunities for all staff. One of the core values of a Jesuit education is cura personalis—care for the whole person. I believe this should extend not only to our students but also to all staff. Every staff member deserves to grow personally and professionally at the University of San Francisco.

Steph Heim

Associate Director of Public Safety | One Card
Department of Public Safety

I am interested in serving on the Staff Council to advocate for my colleagues and help foster a more inclusive, supportive, engaged, and thriving workplace. I believe in the power of collaboration and open communication to address staff concerns, improve policies, and enhance professional development opportunities. My priorities for the coming year include promoting staff well-being, increasing transparency in decision-making, and creating initiatives that strengthen morale and workplace culture here at USF. I am eager to listen, represent, and work alongside fellow staff members to make meaningful, positive changes. Go Dons!

Ifeoma Nzerem

Coordinator for Faculty Excellence, Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Office of the Provost

Hello! My name is Ifeoma (ee-faw-ma) Nzerem, and I'm excited to serve on the Staff Council to support all the incredible staff who make USF what it is. In my current role, I work closely with teams across the university, and I look forward to using those insights to advocate for and celebrate our USF community. I've been with the university since June 2023, and I'm currently pursuing my Master of Public Administration at USF (May 2026). I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent our staff and work closely with new people.

Tyler Marie Weber

Program Assistant
The Learning Center/Student Life

I am interested in serving on the Staff Council because I want to be an active member of my community and contribute meaningfully to the support and growth of our institution. I believe in creating a positive and inclusive environment where all staff feel heard, valued, and empowered. My priorities for the coming year include fostering clear communication between staff and leadership, promoting professional development opportunities, and supporting initiatives that enhance staff well-being and workplace culture. Through this role, I hope to help build a stronger and more connected campus community.

Selin Ozguzer

Front-End Designer
Web and Digital Communications

My name is Selin Ozguzer and I have been working at USF since February 2012. I am a Front-End Designer for the Web and Digital Communications division in the Office of Marketing Communications. On top of being part of the team that works on the USFCA and myUSF websites, I am also part of Digital Signage and Mobile App teams.

I was born in Turkey and moved to US for graduate school. Before working at USF, I was an Assistant Professor in Jacksonville University making me knowledgeable in both the faculty and staff side of things. I hope that my experiences as faculty, staff, global citizen, designer and communicator will help the Staff Council and USF staff. I believe good communication can bring the staff together more and have us achieve more.

Tina Ricafrente

Assistant Director
International Student and Scholar Services

Hello, my name is Tina Ricafrente and I am assistant director in the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office. I started at USF as a temporary contract employee during COVID in October 2020 and then was hired on as a full-time staff within a year. In my role at USF, I work with international students helping them navigate their immigration status while also supporting their adjustment to the US. Additionally, I oversee data management in our office ensuring its accuracy across multiple campus platforms and a government system. I am also a doctoral student in Organization and Leadership in the Dept. of Leadership Studies in the School of Education.

In my first term as a Staff Council member from 2023-2025, I served as co-chair of the Professional Development subcommittee during which we initiated the implementation of the Staff Council Welcome Letter for new staff members and researched staff sabbatical opportunities. While being a representative and advocate for all staff, I hope to continue building a community of support for staff across campus. I look forward to working for and alongside my USF colleagues.

Kellie Samson

Media Relations Specialist
Office of Marketing Communications

My name is Kellie Samson, and I'm the university's Media Relations Specialist working in the Office of Marketing Communications. For the past eight years, I've worked to amplify USF's expert voices and stories from across the university with outside media and audiences.

I'm interested in serving on the Staff Council to work more closely with staff across the university in advancing USF's mission, highlighting staff voices, and by bringing my knowledge of communications, collaboration and publicity to the Council's initiatives.

Daniel Tayakin

Director of Administration & Assistant to the Vice President
Strategic Enrollment Management

Hello, my name is Daniel Tayakin. It is an honor to be nominated and I look forward to working with the USF Staff Council on addressing the interests and concerns of all staff members. My current role necessitates a high degree of cross-departmental collaboration and I am happy for the opportunity to expand that collaboration even further by joining the Staff Council.

I have worked in Strategic Enrollment Management at USF since the fall of 2021. I am also a graduate student (class of 2025) at USF’s School of Management. Being both a staff member and a student provides me a broader perspective and I’m happy to share my insights. We have a wonderful community at USF and it is a privilege to represent it.

Hannah Ogden

Program Assistant
Office of Community Living

Hello! My name is Hannah Ogden and I have been the Program Assistant for the Office of Community Living as well as the Basic Needs and Food Pantry Coordinator at USF since September 2023. My role at USF has allowed me to connect with a variety of departments on campus as well as build community and a safe space for students. I have now been at the university for over a year and my goal in joining Staff Council is to continue to build community and grow in my understanding of the culture of USF as a whole.

Gustavo Cabezas III

Associate Director of Client Support Services
ITS

D. Perez-Sornia

Assistant Director
Cultural Centers

Hello! I lead our campus Gender & Sexuality Center through my role as Assistant Director of the Cultural Centers, overseeing most campus initiatives for LGBTQ+ student services and resources. I received my M.A. in Higher Ed & Student Affairs from USF, and am now nearly finished pursuing my Ed.D. through our School of Education.

I am very involved with supporting students and staff activism on campus and hope to bring these experiences to Staff Council to increase our support beyond just advancing feelings of belonging. These are scary times to be a higher education professional and I hope to advocate for a university that is more protective of our rights as non-represented, at-will employees.

Lisa Mayorga

Program Director, Computer Science Graduate Programs
College of Arts and Sciences, Computer Science

Lisa Mayorga serves as the Program Director for Computer Science Graduate programs at USF. Prior to joining USF in 2022, Lisa lived in the United Arab Emirates for seven years where she worked at New York University Abu Dhabi in the Career Development Center. She has also worked at the Institute of International Education in Washington D.C. where she managed a national scholarship program, the Boren Scholarships.

Lisa was born and raised in the United States and is a native of California. She is a graduate of the University of California Davis where she earned a B.A. in International Relations, and of American University where she earned her M.A. in International Communications. Lisa is currently pursuing a second Masters degree at Harvard University in Higher Education Leadership. She enjoys staying active through hiking, dancing, and running after her niece.

Ainsley Mosha

BSPH Program Administrator
SONHP

My name is Ainsley Mosha (she/her). As the Program Administrator for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program, I provide administrative and operational support for faculty and students and assist with CEPH accreditation reporting. I hold a B.S. in Recreation Therapy from CSU, East Bay, a Master's in Public Health from USF, and a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

Joining the Staff Council presents an opportunity for me to contribute to the betterment of USF. I am passionate about advocating for the needs of our staff, and I want to be part of the Staff Council to support and empower colleagues while fostering enthusiasm for working at USF. As a newer member of the USF staff, I am eager to build community and deepen my understanding of the university's culture.

Jordan Demos

Assistant University Registrar
Strategic Enrollment Management

My name is Jordan Demos and I am excited to serve on the Staff Council. I am the Assistant University Registrar, and have been working for the University for 5 years. I also am proud to hold a Master's degree from the University of San Francisco. Representing my colleagues and sharing their voice is what attracted me most to the Council. It is so important for us all to look after one another, and I am happy to be a part of a group that advocates for their piers. During my time on Staff Council, I will work diligently with my colleagues to make sure that every voice is heard, and every concern is met with empathy and compassion. In my working career I have never been a part of a community that cared as much for its staff, faculty and students as this one does. I feel honored to be able to give back to the USF community because it has given me the opportunity to thrive and grow on both a personal level and professionally.

Kimberly Bruno

Graduate Program Administrator
School of Nursing and Health Professions

Hello, my name is Kimberly Bruno and I am the Graduate Program Administrator for the PsyD program in the School of Nursing and Health Professions. I have been with the University for a little over three years. I enjoyed my first two years serving on the Staff Council and I’m looking forward to two more years. This position has allowed me to interact and get to know colleagues in other areas of the university that I normally wouldn’t interact with. It also allows me to share information from the Staff Council meetings with my colleagues in the School of Nursing and Health Professions. I served on the Professional Development subcommittee. During that time we have been able to accomplish a lot but there is still more work to do.

Madeline Meininger

Program Manager
College of Arts and Sciences, Public Leadership Program

My name is Madeline Meininger and currently serve as the Program Manager for the hybrid MA in Public Leadership program in the College of Arts and Sciences. The MA in Public Leadership program is dedicated to preparing veterans, military family members, or anyone with a history of service for a career in politics, policy, or advocacy and includes students from across the country.

I have been a part of the USF community since 2011 as a student, alumna, part-time, and now full-time employee. I am eager to represent staff members who are not located on the Hilltop and find new ways to offer them support, visibility, and connection with Staff Council and the University as a whole.

Roxanne Lucas

Program Assistant V
Student Life - CAPS

Hello! My name is Roxanne (she/her/hers). I take a lot of pride in assisting our students with their mental health since June 2023 as the Program Assistant V at CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services). My key objective in working at CAPS is to streamline and create accessible pathways for students to connect with our talented staff of therapists and valuable resources. I came to CAPS from the Interior Design world and am passionate about my new career in mental health administration. Hopefully in the near future I’ll be joining the MFT program at USF and train to become a therapist myself. I’ve lived in San Francisco since 1997 and grew up in the east bay. I absolutely love our city.

At CAPS I interface with a lot of students and I’m largely the first point of contact for referrals and questions from staff/faculty. Through the staff council I’m hoping to meet more staff, explore opportunities to enrich our time at the university and contribute to USF’s larger vision.