Professional Work History:
Chief Diversity Officer, Borough of Manhattan Community College, May 2010 to present ? Responsible for creating the affirmative action plan on an annual basis and ensuring the college is in compliance with all discrimination laws and regulations. ? Investigate discrimination complaints, including allegations of sexual harassment, and complaints involving both employees and students. ? Supervise staff on a daily basis. ? Create measures that help ensure enforcement of anti discrimination laws. ? Conduct training sessions. ? Assist in legal matters as warranted. ? Conduct informal resolution (mediation) to disputes when appropriate. ? Oversee Sexual Harassment Awareness and Intake Committee. Employee and Labor Relations Manager, North American Airlines, May 2008 to May, 2010 ? Created human resource polices to ensure compliance with various employment regulations. ? Created disciplinary procedures. ? Wrote position statements which defended the company against discrimination suits. ? Investigated discrimination complaints. ? Participated in investigatory meetings involving discipline. ? Created an EEO education program, with a training manual, for employees and supervisors. ? Conducted an I-9 audit, the first in the company?s history, to ensure compliance with federal laws. Agency Attorney II, New York City Parks & Recreation, Nov. 2007 to May 2008 ? Temporary assignment which began upon completion of my studies abroad. ? Assisted in Freedom of Information Law requests, contracts, employee discipline issues and other projects as assigned by the general counsel. Agency Attorney II, New York City Dept. of Homeless Services, June 2004 to August 2006 ? Reviewed cases to determine eligibility for sanction. ? Prepared witnesses and cases. ? Represented the agency at sanction hearings and in various courts. ? Advised the Equal Opportunity Affairs Office on how to address various employment discrimination cases. Deputy EEO Officer/Agency Attorney I, New York City Parks & Recreation, June 2000 to May 2004 ? Advised management on employment issues including discipline, terminations, transfers, and employment policies. ? Investigated EEO discrimination complaints. ? Worked directly with agency head and the Human Resources Division on various employment issues. ? Participated in the hiring process. ? Counseled employees regarding their rights under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, New York State & City Human Rights laws. ? Defended claims pending before EEOC and the State and City Commissions of Human Rights. ? Represented the organization at the Office of Administrative Trials & Hearings. ? Coordinated fact discovery in a major class action lawsuit involving employment discrimination. ? Conducted EEO and sexual harassment prevention training for employees and supervisors.
Dispute Resolution Experience
For the past few years I have mediated (and still mediate) various internal complaints for organizations where I was (am) employed. The majority of these mediation sessions involve issues pertaining to employment discrimination, harassment, employment policies/ practices and employee relations. In addition, these sessions have included supervisors, line employees, students, and faculty in both the public and private sectors. Aside from the above, I am also an approved mediator with the New York Peace Institute, where I conduct community mediations. Finally, as an attorney I have represented employers in mediation sessions before governmental agencies.
Cornell University Dispute Resolution Training (Course titles and dates taken)
Employment Law Mediator Program-June 2013
Other Dispute Resolution Training
New York Peace Institute Basic Mediation Training- summer 2011
Professional Associations
New York State Bar Association-Labor & Employment Section Labor & Employment Relations Association Toastmasters International
Education
M.A. in Comparative Labor & Organization Studies, Universiteit van Amsterdam, 2007 ? Thesis: Diversity Management and the Dutch Police. J.D., Loyola Law School, 1999 ? International Law Certificate ? Outstanding Law Clinic Student, 1999 B.A. in Sociology, Emory University, 1996 Universidad de Salamanca, Spain - summer study abroad, 1995
References
David Terhune Director of Personnel New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Lesley Webster, Esq. Assistant Commissioner New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Robert Wallace,Esq. Assistant Commissioner New York City Fire Department Alessandro Olivieri, Esq. General Counsel New York City Parks & Recreation Monica Parikh Counsel New York City Department of Aging Contact information is available upon request.
Fee Policy
I currently do not have a fee policy.