Creating a Culture of Care

News Staff| October 29, 2024

Even though Jeunelle Sanabria doesn’t enjoy talking about herself, there’s no denying that she loves her job and working with students; you can hear it in her voice.

Jeunelle Sanabria

“I love seeing their potential and then watching them realize what it is and step into that,” says Sanabria, who was recently promoted to associate dean of students. “We’ve all been there—we’re not sure who we are or where we want to go. Students are in a developmental stage in their lives, and I can have a little impact on that, helping them reach that potential.”

In her role, Sanabria oversees Student Life, Residence Life, and Military and Veteran Affairs. She is also responsible for the Student Code of Conduct and chairs the committee supporting students of concern. For example, if someone violates a university policy, Sanabria makes sure that being held accountable is a learning experience for the student. Additionally, she leads Student Support—outreach to students who are experiencing food insecurity or housing insecurity, struggling with classes or family life, or other challenges that can affect their academic performance.

“We have a care team of staff from many areas of the university to provide resources for students,” Sanabria says, noting the Grizzly Cupboard food pantries and Tech Threads, which provides free clothing options for students in need of professional attire. “We work together to provide the best resources and care to make sure our students are successful while at New York Tech.”

Thinking back to her undergraduate years at Pace University, Sanabria remembers the challenges she faced as a first-generation student not knowing where to find the resources she needed to be successful. She ultimately was successful, earning a Master of Science for Teachers (MST) in childhood education. So, she wanted to help make the academic journey easier for others.

“I didn’t know how to do it on my own,” Sanabria says. “As a woman of color who didn’t have guidance, I wanted to give back to students who were just like me. I wanted to be that resource for someone else.”

In addition to serving the students at New York Tech, Sanabria emphasizes how much she loves working with her staff and building a strong team in the Office of Student Life. She enjoys advocating for her staff to ensure their voices are heard and providing spaces for them to grow and develop. “They do the work; I create the opportunities,” Sanabria says. “I like putting others in front and letting them shine.”

She says it’s the “culture of care” that her staff have for one another and for the students that makes Sanabria love working at New York Tech. “We do this job with love and care because it’s the human experience,” she says. “My favorite part about it doesn’t happen in the moment; it’s after the dust settles. When you get an email or phone call from a student later on, the impact you had on them really shows. Those are the moments that make this job special. This is why I do what I do.”

By Ashley Festa

More News

Portrait of Tyler King

Living His Dream

Tyler King (D.O. ’20) says he’s living the dream working as a family physician and serving as a city council member in Laredo, Texas.

Portrait of Amerigo Rossi

Get to Know the New Exercise and Sport Science Graduate Program

Building on the success of the undergraduate exercise and sport science program, New York Tech has established a master’s degree. Amerigo Rossi, Ed.D., director of the new degree program, talks about who the ideal student is and how exercise science connects with architecture and business.

Portrait of Nicole Maniscalco

Helping Others Live Their Best Life

As a senior physical therapist and coordinator for program development at Northwell Health Rehab At Home, Nicole Maniscalco (B.S. ’14, D.P.T. ’17) is helping patients heal in the comfort of their homes.

Profile of Harminderjeet Kaur

From Coast to Coast

Alumna Harminderjeet Kaur graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2022 and rejoined the New York Tech community in 2023 as a student support specialist.

Portrait of Marie-Therese Wellington

Finding Beauty in Numbers

Marie-Thérèse Wellington struggled with math in her early schooling, but after learning how to solve those complex problems she can’t imagine her life without the subject.

Elizabeth Duplechain performing a sonogram

Going All In

Over the summer, NYITCOM-Arkansas student Elizabeth Duplechain found an opportunity Partnership in Cancer Research intern, where she didn’t have to balance her time between the lab and the books.