Zavi Gunn

Zavi Gunn

​Director

Zavi has 25 years of experience in teaching, developing innovative programs and career coaching/counseling. She is very passionate about educating, engaging, and empowering Queens College students toward career success and social mobility. Zavi enjoys going to museums and bowling with her two children.​​

 Elizabeth O’Connell

Elizabeth O’Connell

Associate Director of Career Education

​Liz has over 25 years of experience in education, business, and human resources. She enjoys connecting with students and guiding them through their career education experience at Queens College. Seeing the success of her students and building valuable relationships with employers and alumni are also an important parts of her role. In her spare time, she enjoys running, boating, and traveling with her friends and family.

Concentrations
Aaron Copland School of Music, American Studies, Art, Classical, Middle Eastern, and Asian Languages and Culture, Comparative Literature, Drama, Theatre and Dance, English, European Languages and Literatures, Film Studies, FYC (First Year College), Hispanic Languages and Literatures, Journalism, Labor, Studies, Latin American and Latino Studies, Media Studies, Pre-Law, Psychology*, QC in 4

Caterina (Cathy) Alessio

Eleanor Mavashev

Associate Director of Business Careers

​Eleanor has 20 years of experience in education, teaching, and business. She enjoys helping students succeed in the business field by connecting them with specific internships and recruiters. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her kids and traveling to other countries.

​Concentrations
Accounting and Information Systems, Business Administration (BBA), Business and Liberal Arts (BALA), Economics, Family, Nutrition, Exercise Sciences, and Risk Management (M.S.)

Karen Johnson

Karen Johnson

Career Educator and Specialist

​​Karen has over 10 years of experience in creating and facilitating leadership development and career engagement programs. She has a passion for working in an advising, counseling, and mentoring capacity with diverse populations. She lives a life of use to others. She is happy to bring to Queens College her significant understanding of the many facets of student development and its impact on student success.

Concentrations
Computer Science, Mathematics, Sophomore Initiative Programs

Karen Johnson

Paula Lee

Career Coach

Paula has over 30 years of experience in career development, education, leadership, and supporting individuals with disabilities.  She embraces engaging with students to maximize their potential, network, and explore limitless learning opportunities.  Paula is passionate about rescue dogs, team sports, and trying new baking recipes.
Karen Johnson

Freda Thomas

Career Coach

Freda holds two distinct coaching credentials, having been certified as a Professional Coach by both the International Coaching Federation and the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. She is also a New York State Certified Business Advisor, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and a LinkedIn Top Voice under the designation, Career Path Planning. She also holds an MBA from the Zicklin School of Business of Baruch College in New York City.
Caterina (Cathy) Alessio

Caterina (Cathy) Alessio

Office Assistant & Customer Service Engagement

​​Cathy enjoys taking long walks and reading novels in her spare time. Cathy also speaks fluent Italian and lived in Italy for many years. She loves to try different cuisines from different cultures all over the world. Cathy’s favorite movie is My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

  • Email: caterina.alessio@qc.cuny.edu
 Tithung (Dan) Ma

​Tit-hung (Dan) Ma

Tech Assistant & Customer Service Engagement

​​Dan is originally from Hong Kong, China. He enjoys visiting his family and friends back in China and having some good authentic Chinese cuisine. Dan’s favorite movie is Casablanca. His hobbies are listening to music, watching movies and reading literature.

  • Email: Tithung.ma@qc.cuny.edu
Maria

Lux Marc

Career Peer for Public Engagement & Special Projects Coordinator

Lux is a multidisciplinary bachelor student. With a diverse background, resilience, and passion, Lux blends the creative with the technical, which readies and compels him to explore new frontiers and drive innovation. He is known to be calm, cool, and collected. His passion lies in inspiring others to reach their full potential, fostering their growth, and encouraging others to explore their own unique paths. He is dedicated to harnessing inspiration to make a positive impact.

Maria

Anamika Bhuyan

Career Peer for Marketing & Communications

Anamika is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in history in education at Queens College. She is currently a resident assistant at the Summit apartment dorms for Queens College. In her free time, she loves to try different cuisines from different cultures and to help build a loving and welcoming community for her residents.

  • Email: Anamika.Bhuyan@qc.cuny.edu
Maria

Syed Naffi 

Career Peer for Administrative Support

Syed is a transfer student at Queens College and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He is a thoughtful, adaptable, and inspiring student. In his free time, he loves reading about other countries, watching tv shows and k-dramas, and gaming.  
  • Email: syed.naffi@qc.cuny.edu

VISION

To educate, engage, and empower students and alumni for career opportunities within a transforming local and global workforce.

MISSION

The Center for Career Engagement and Internships provides career education to students by offering coaching, internships, jobs, and professional connections for success in a transforming global workforce. Our team is comprised of educators, connectors, and collaborators.  We implement quality and innovative services through the engagement of students, alumni, faculty, staff, employers, and the community.  

Start Your Career Journey

FOCUS 2 is a self-guided career, major, and education planning system designed to guide you through the steps of the career planning process. You can use FOCUS 2 at any stage of your education and career planning according to your personal needs. Start with any feature, repeat a feature if desired and use the system as an ongoing resource. All your results are saved and accessible in your FOCUS 2 Portfolio.