Meet Diana Mendez
What is your name?
Diana Mendez
What’s your official job title?
Senior Assistant Director
Years/Months at NYU:
6.5 years
What’s your hometown?
Bogota, Colombia
What kind of projects do you work on?
DEI work in career services and staff development, training and development for student employees and supervisors at NYU, career event planning, early student career development engagement.
What’s your role in the AMC?
Current member of the AIDE Committee (Past member of the Professional Development and Community Service committees)
Why NYU?
NYU is my home. I completed my Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness from Steinhardt, and have been working at the Wasserman Center (various teams and locations) for the past 6.5 years. This community is vibrant, supportive, and really committed to providing a sense of community to all of its members. The best thing about it is that NYC is our campus. I feel very proud to be part of this amazing NYU family!
Any advice for new administrators?
Go beyond the confines of your department, team, and location! Really explore the city, get involved with different professional development communities at NYU (there is something for everyone), and make friends at different campuses, even the global ones! NYU seems vast, but once you start making friends, it seems like everybody is connected. Oh, and prioritize your own well-being; find a balance between work and home life. This will allow you to bring the best version of yourself to work.
What does a normal day look like for you?
It is definitely never the same! My constant is my career coaching appointments with students from all majors and levels of study, which I have almost every day. When I’m not doing that, I’m working on planning career events, having meetings with employers, doing staff DEI projects, developing training sessions for student employees and supervisors, and attending meetings for different working groups in my office. I also do work with the Administrators of Color Network (ACN), belong to the student affairs professional development committee, and volunteer frequently with the NYU Alumni Association, so work in those communities round out my work. There’s never a dull moment, and I love it!
What is your fondest memory in your time here?
Being able to work at Wasserman is very special because I was a grad assistant when I was completing my MA at Steinhardt. Most of the leadership members in my office know me since I was very young, and have supported my professional growth so that means a lot to me.
Is there an NYU benefit or perk that you use or think everyone should know about?
Being a staff advisor for Alternative Break trips is a great way to give back to domestic and international communities, while also getting to travel with amazing students. I went to the Dominican Republic for one of these trips in 2015 and had the time of my life!
Name your favorite spot on campus.
Kimmel.
Do you have a hidden talent?
None. I am the least talented person you’ll ever meet!
What are you currently reading?
Lots of gossip magazines.
What is your go-to app on your phone right now?
Uber Eats.
If you were a superhero, who would you be and why?
The Hulk because he’s got both brawn and brains.
Coke or Pepsi?
Diet Coke for life!
Coffee or tea?
Tea
Favorite travel destination?
Italy. I got married there!
Describe yourself in only three words.
Undaunted, Silly, Adventurous.
LinkedIn profile link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mendezdianam/
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