The Center for Career Development strives to inspire and prepare all BMCC students and alumni to make informed decisions about their careers through counseling, teaching, and connection to networking opportunities.
Robert B. Earl Jr., Director of Career Services
Robert B. Earl Jr. is a higher education leader with over 20 years of experience in career development. He’s overseen career programs at St. Joseph’s, Barnard College, and Ithaca College, focusing on student success through strategic initiatives, workshops, and industry connections. He holds a Master’s in Divinity and Student Personnel Administration Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, a Master of Science in Student Personnel Administration from Buffalo State College, and a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from the University at Buffalo and is passionate about guiding students on their career journeys.
Robert B. Earl Jr. is a higher education leader with over 20 years of experience in career development. He’s overseen career programs at St. Joseph’s, Barnard College, and Ithaca College, focusing on student success through strategic initiatives, workshops, and industry connections. He holds a Master’s in Divinity and Student Personnel Administration Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, a Master of Science in Student Personnel Administration from Buffalo State College, and a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from the University at Buffalo and is passionate about guiding students on their career journeys.
Driada Rivas, Associate Director of Career Services
Driada has worked at City University of New York since 1999. She joined the BMCC Center for Career Development in 2007. She previously worked at Bronx Community College (BCC) as the Cooperative Work Experience/Internship Coordinator and was promoted to coordinator of Career Planning and Placement. She holds a Master’s degree in Science with a dual concentration in Counseling and Personnel Services and a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a concentration in Sociology from Fordham University. She is certified in the Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs, and Mental Health Counseling. Driada was the Job Placement Coordinator at the Career Planning and Placement Office at her alma mater from 1996-1999. She has also served as Interim Director at the BMCC Center for Career Development. Driada has 28 years of experience in the career development field. Meets with: All students in-person appointments: Mondays and Tuesdays. Remote Appointments: Wednesdays and Thursdays. College closed on Fridays until August 9th, 2024.
Driada has worked at City University of New York since 1999. She joined the BMCC Center for Career Development in 2007. She previously worked at Bronx Community College (BCC) as the Cooperative Work Experience/Internship Coordinator and was promoted to coordinator of Career Planning and Placement. She holds a Master’s degree in Science with a dual concentration in Counseling and Personnel Services and a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a concentration in Sociology from Fordham University. She is certified in the Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs, and Mental Health Counseling. Driada was the Job Placement Coordinator at the Career Planning and Placement Office at her alma mater from 1996-1999. She has also served as Interim Director at the BMCC Center for Career Development. Driada has 28 years of experience in the career development field. Meets with: All students in-person appointments: Mondays and Tuesdays. Remote Appointments: Wednesdays and Thursdays. College closed on Fridays until August 9th, 2024.
- Meets with: All students
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Jay Robert Francisco, Associate Director of Career Services
Meet Jay Francisco, our Associate Director at the Center for Career Development. He joined us in 2018 as a Senior Career Advisor. With nearly 20 years of experience in career services, Jay previously served at TCI College before joining us. He holds a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (major) and Business Management (minor) from Drew University. Jay’s passion lies in empowering students through career coaching, internships, and dynamic workshop sessions. His background spans diverse fields including human resources, sales, marketing, and retail, offering a wealth of practical insights. Beyond career advising, Jay finds joy in family time, music, and sports—both watching and playing. He’s eager to help you navigate your career journey and discover your unique path to success.
Meet Jay Francisco, our Associate Director at the Center for Career Development. He joined us in 2018 as a Senior Career Advisor. With nearly 20 years of experience in career services, Jay previously served at TCI College before joining us. He holds a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (major) and Business Management (minor) from Drew University. Jay’s passion lies in empowering students through career coaching, internships, and dynamic workshop sessions. His background spans diverse fields including human resources, sales, marketing, and retail, offering a wealth of practical insights. Beyond career advising, Jay finds joy in family time, music, and sports—both watching and playing. He’s eager to help you navigate your career journey and discover your unique path to success.
- Meets with: All students
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Katherine Bedoya, Senior Career Advisor
Katherine Bedoya joined the Center for Career Development in August 2015. As the employer relations assistant and then in October 2016, as the employer relations coordinator, she brings several years experience in employer relations, advising, and event coordinating. Katherine has recently accepted a new role within the Center for Career Development as a senior career advisor. She received her Masters of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate and Communications from Baruch College. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, art, and binge-watching TV shows.
Katherine Bedoya joined the Center for Career Development in August 2015. As the employer relations assistant and then in October 2016, as the employer relations coordinator, she brings several years experience in employer relations, advising, and event coordinating. Katherine has recently accepted a new role within the Center for Career Development as a senior career advisor. She received her Masters of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate and Communications from Baruch College. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, art, and binge-watching TV shows.
- Meets with: All students
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Alessia Accardo, CTE Career Advisor
Alessia has worked at the City University of New York since 2019. She joined the Center for Career Development as a brand new CTE Career Advisor in October of 2023. She previously worked for CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College in their Internet Technology Helpdesk as an Internet Technology Ambassador College Assistant from 2019 to 2022. Then, in 2022 she was promoted to working in Guttman’s HUB Student Information Center from 2022 to 2023, where she was a HUB College Assistant helping students in areas of Admissions, Bursar, Financial Aid, and Registrar. She also received her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences from CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Relations from CUNY School of Professional Studies. In her spare time she loves giving back to the community, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and taking time to make the world a better place.
Alessia has worked at the City University of New York since 2019. She joined the Center for Career Development as a brand new CTE Career Advisor in October of 2023. She previously worked for CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College in their Internet Technology Helpdesk as an Internet Technology Ambassador College Assistant from 2019 to 2022. Then, in 2022 she was promoted to working in Guttman’s HUB Student Information Center from 2022 to 2023, where she was a HUB College Assistant helping students in areas of Admissions, Bursar, Financial Aid, and Registrar. She also received her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences from CUNY Stella and Charles Guttman Community College and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Relations from CUNY School of Professional Studies. In her spare time she loves giving back to the community, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and taking time to make the world a better place.
- Meets with: Media Arts and Technology and the public sector (Nursing, Paramedic, Health Information Technology, Undeclared Health, and Health Informatics)
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Amy Rothenberg, CTE Career Advisor
Amy Rothenberg joined the Center for Career Development in November 2022 as a CTE Career Advisor. She brings extensive experience in career counseling and will be advising students interested in pursuing careers in the Public Service sector. Prior to BMCC, she worked as an Employment Counselor for the Job Corps Scholars program at CUNY Kingsborough Community College and at LIU Brooklyn in both Career Services and Employer and Alumni Engagement. Her background also includes work experience in Human Resources. Amy holds a MSEd in Guidance and Counseling from CUNY Hunter College and a BS in Education from the University of Maryland.
Amy Rothenberg joined the Center for Career Development in November 2022 as a CTE Career Advisor. She brings extensive experience in career counseling and will be advising students interested in pursuing careers in the Public Service sector. Prior to BMCC, she worked as an Employment Counselor for the Job Corps Scholars program at CUNY Kingsborough Community College and at LIU Brooklyn in both Career Services and Employer and Alumni Engagement. Her background also includes work experience in Human Resources. Amy holds a MSEd in Guidance and Counseling from CUNY Hunter College and a BS in Education from the University of Maryland.
- Meets with: Criminal Justice, Child Care-Early Childhood Education, Math and Science for Secondary Education, Gerontology, Human Services, Public Health, Small Business/Entrepreneurship, Community Health Education, and public sector (Respiratory Health, Undeclared Health, and Health Informatics)
- Remote Appointments: Mondays – Fridays
- In-Person Appointments: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Michelle Kismatali-Marrero, CTE Employer Relations Coordinator
Michelle Kismatali-Marrero joined the Center for Career Development in October 2023 as the Employer Relations Coordinator. Previously, Michelle worked at Seyfarth Shaw LLP as a Human Resources Coordinator and at the Center for Career Development as a College Assistant. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Baruch College, a SHRM-CP HR certification from the Society of Human Resource Management, and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from BMCC. In her spare time she enjoys watching movies, playing board games, trying new cuisines, and playing with her cat, Chewy.
Michelle Kismatali-Marrero joined the Center for Career Development in October 2023 as the Employer Relations Coordinator. Previously, Michelle worked at Seyfarth Shaw LLP as a Human Resources Coordinator and at the Center for Career Development as a College Assistant. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Baruch College, a SHRM-CP HR certification from the Society of Human Resource Management, and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from BMCC. In her spare time she enjoys watching movies, playing board games, trying new cuisines, and playing with her cat, Chewy.
- Meets with: All CTE student majors
- Remote Appointments: Mondays – Fridays
- In-Person Appointments: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Elizabeth Yan, Career Technology Specialist
Elizabeth Yan joined the Center for Career Development in October of 2016. She previously worked at the City University of New York at the College of Staten Island as a Social Media Assistant for the Center for Career and Professional Development. She earned her Masters of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor of Science in International Trade and Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, traveling, and trying new cuisines with her family.
Elizabeth Yan joined the Center for Career Development in October of 2016. She previously worked at the City University of New York at the College of Staten Island as a Social Media Assistant for the Center for Career and Professional Development. She earned her Masters of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor of Science in International Trade and Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, traveling, and trying new cuisines with her family.
- Meets with: All Students
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
Briana King Rhein, Career Development Assistant
Briana King Rhein joined the Center for Career Development team in October of 2022. Briana joined the Center for Career Development during her last semester at BMCC. Briana is currently studying Psychology. Briana enjoys spending her time reading and watching movies. She also enjoys drawing cartoon characters on her free time.
Alexis McFarlane, Career Development Assistant
Alexis McFarlane joined the BMCC Center for Career Development team as a Career Development Assistant in 2022. Prior to working at BMCC, she worked at the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development as a receptionist and administrative assistant. She is currently pursuing a Hospitality Management degree at City Tech. Alexis enjoys spending time with her family and friends, finding new restaurants to try all over NYC, and playing with her dog, Rocco.
Jour Morton, Career Development Assistant
Jour Morton is a dedicated Career Development Assistant at the Center for Career Development at BMCC from August 2024. She initially joined the team as a Federal Work Study Social Media Influencer in 2023 while pursuing her associates degree in Multimedia Programming and Design. Her commitment and hard work led to her graduation with honors from BMCC in May 2024. Jour is also passionate about dance advocacy, working to challenge restrictive laws in NYC.
Jour Morton is a dedicated Career Development Assistant at the Center for Career Development at BMCC from August 2024. She initially joined the team as a Federal Work Study Social Media Influencer in 2023 while pursuing her associates degree in Multimedia Programming and Design. Her commitment and hard work led to her graduation with honors from BMCC in May 2024. Jour is also passionate about dance advocacy, working to challenge restrictive laws in NYC.
