How she shines: I demonstrate leadership by bringing together employees, supervisors, departments, contractors, and senior leadership to accomplish common goals. I focus on developing staff through training, coaching, delegation, and constructive feedback while holding employees accountable for performance and safety.
Years in the industry: 20 years
Job responsibilities: I oversee campus-wide Buildings & Grounds operations, including maintenance, custodial services, skilled trades, grounds, and daily facility operations. In my role, I also lead construction, renovation, and capital projects from planning and procurement through completion, ensuring projects are completed safely, correctly, and on schedule; advise senior college leadership on facilities, construction, safety, infrastructure, and operational needs; manage personnel, labor relations, training, performance, disciplinary matters, and departmental budgets; and oversee procurement of materials, equipment, supplies, and services required for campus operations.
My responsibilities also include coordinating with DASNY, FDNY, contractors, vendors, and government agencies on major projects, inspections, and compliance requirements; ensuring compliance with city, state, and federal regulations, including FDNY, OSHA, EPA, DEC, DEP, health and safety, and hazardous-material requirements; directing emergency preparedness and response, including short-term planning and continuity of safe building operations; overseeing heating, cooling, boiler plant operations, preventive maintenance, and building systems across campus; reviewing and providing recommendations on major construction and in-house projects, including space planning and facility redesign; coordinating campus-wide events, ensuring appropriate staffing, building coverage, logistics, and safe operating conditions; and developing and implementing policies, procedures, operational standards, and strategic initiatives to improve campus facilities and services.
Career path: My career in the cleaning and facilities industry began at age 21 as a cleaner in a Queens high school, and through hard work, dedication, and continuous learning, I advanced to cleaning supervisor, managed cleaning operations at Citi Field, and now serve as Chief Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds at a CUNY college. In my current role, I oversee 16 buildings, more than 70 employees, multiple trades, contractors, budgets, maintenance operations, construction and renovation projects, and safety compliance. As a woman who has advanced in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I take pride in breaking barriers, leading by example, mentoring others, and creating opportunities for those around me. My career has taught me that cleaning and facilities management are about much more than maintaining buildings—they are about creating safe, healthy, welcoming environments and supporting the people who rely on them every day. I am proud of the path I have built and committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of women in cleaning and facilities management.
Best advice received: The best career advice I have ever received is to never let anyone tell you what you cannot accomplish. I learned early in my career that hard work, continuous learning, and believing in yourself can open doors you never imagined possible. I started as a cleaner at age 21 and continued to challenge myself, take on new responsibilities, and grow into leadership roles. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, this advice has reminded me to have confidence in my abilities, speak up, and never be afraid to take a seat at the table. I believe that when you see an opportunity to grow, you should take it—and when you reach the next level, you should bring others with you.
Fun fact: Something people might be surprised to learn about me is how passionate I am about education and lifelong learning. I currently hold a Master’s degree in Social Work, along with degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Hospitality Management, and I continue to attend school and pursue additional educational opportunities. I truly believe that learning is one of the best ways to live because there is always something new to discover, understand, and improve.