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.
Christopher Thunberg, Director
Christopher Thunberg joined the Center for Career Development in Spring 2019. He brings over 15 years of career services experience and leadership, having previously worked as the director of Counseling and Programming for the Career Center at Yeshiva University, and as an associate director of Career Development at New York University’s Wasserman Center for Career Development. Prior to his work in higher education, he worked as a recruiter for Accenture, the global consulting firm, and as a human resources manager for Sectorbase.com, a technology start-up in the Bay Area. He holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New York University. Outside of work, Christopher enjoys biking around New York City and exploring the rail trails of the Hudson Valley.
- Meets with: All students
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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. Driada was the job placement coordinator at the Career Planning and Placement Office at her alma mater from 1996-1999. Driada has 22 years of experience in the career development field.
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. Driada was the job placement coordinator at the Career Planning and Placement Office at her alma mater from 1996-1999. Driada has 22 years of experience in the career development field.
- Meets with: All students
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Jay Robert Francisco, Senior Career Advisor
Jay Robert Francisco joined the Center for Career Development in January 2018 as a Senior Career Advisor. Jay brings 15 years of career services experience from his previous position at TCI College. He earned his Masters of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Business Management from Drew University. Jay draws from his experience in career coaching, internships, employer relations, and teaching workshops. He has also worked in human resources, sales and marketing, and retail. Jay enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, and watching and playing sports.
Jay Robert Francisco joined the Center for Career Development in January 2018 as a Senior Career Advisor. Jay brings 15 years of career services experience from his previous position at TCI College. He earned his Masters of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Business Management from Drew University. Jay draws from his experience in career coaching, internships, employer relations, and teaching workshops. He has also worked in human resources, sales and marketing, and retail. Jay enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, and watching and playing sports.
- Meets with: All students
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
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
Maria Tejada, CTE Career Advisor
Maria Tejada joined the Center for Career Development in June 2021. She provides advising and programming to students in the Computer Science and Technology field. She worked at Hudson County Community College as a career advisor and also interned in the Educational Opportunity Fund. Maria earned her Master of Arts in Counseling with concentration in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Montclair State University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Maria’s background also includes working in banking and retail sales. She enjoys spending time with her family, building Legos, and watching movies and TV shows.
Maria Tejada joined the Center for Career Development in June 2021. She provides advising and programming to students in the Computer Science and Technology field. She worked at Hudson County Community College as a career advisor and also interned in the Educational Opportunity Fund. Maria earned her Master of Arts in Counseling with concentration in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Montclair State University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Maria’s background also includes working in banking and retail sales. She enjoys spending time with her family, building Legos, and watching movies and TV shows.
- Meets with: Animation and Motion Graphics, Multimedia Programming and Design, Video Arts and Technology, Computer Information Systems, and Computer Network Technology
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Towanda Wall-Palmer, CTE Career Advisor
Towanda Wall-Palmer joined the Center for Career Development in February 2022. She is a certified career and life coach, who has a diverse background working in the banking, computer financial software, and transportation industries prior to her 5 years in the career coaching industry. She is a proud CUNY alum possessing an advanced certificate in Community Leadership from the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from CUNY Herbert H. Lehman college, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration specialization Finance/Economics from Mercy College.
Towanda Wall-Palmer joined the Center for Career Development in February 2022. She is a certified career and life coach, who has a diverse background working in the banking, computer financial software, and transportation industries prior to her 5 years in the career coaching industry. She is a proud CUNY alum possessing an advanced certificate in Community Leadership from the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from CUNY Herbert H. Lehman college, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration specialization Finance/Economics from Mercy College.
- Meets with: All Business majors
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Thierry Thesatus, Associate Director of Career Services and Employer Relations
Thierry Thesatus joined the Center for Career Development in January 2015 as a senior career advisor. Prior to BMCC, Thierry worked as a career counselor and enrollment coach at LIU Brooklyn. He also worked as a career facilitator and teacher at the Young Adult Borough Center at Monroe High School for Good Shepherd Services. At Stony Brook University he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History, New York State Initial Teaching Certification, and Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in History. Thierry is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Administration and Supervision at St. John’s University. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys listening to music, as well as hiking, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
Thierry Thesatus joined the Center for Career Development in January 2015 as a senior career advisor. Prior to BMCC, Thierry worked as a career counselor and enrollment coach at LIU Brooklyn. He also worked as a career facilitator and teacher at the Young Adult Borough Center at Monroe High School for Good Shepherd Services. At Stony Brook University he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History, New York State Initial Teaching Certification, and Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in History. Thierry is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Administration and Supervision at St. John’s University. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys listening to music, as well as hiking, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Anna Victoria Rondon, Employer Relations Assistant
Anna Victoria Rondon joined the Center for Career Development as an Employer Relations Assistant in March 2020. Prior to joining the Center for Career Development, she worked as a student advocate at Harlem Children’s Zone and at Georgetown University as a resident counselor. She holds a Master of Science degree in Student Affairs Administration from Georgetown University; a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Equity and Urban Development from the CUNY Baccalaureate Program and an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Borough of Manhattan Community College. Anna is a proud alumna of the College Discovery Program at BMCC and the SEEK Program at Lehman College.
Anna Victoria Rondon joined the Center for Career Development as an Employer Relations Assistant in March 2020. Prior to joining the Center for Career Development, she worked as a student advocate at Harlem Children’s Zone and at Georgetown University as a resident counselor. She holds a Master of Science degree in Student Affairs Administration from Georgetown University; a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Equity and Urban Development from the CUNY Baccalaureate Program and an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Borough of Manhattan Community College. Anna is a proud alumna of the College Discovery Program at BMCC and the SEEK Program at Lehman College.
- Meets with: All Students
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Monday , Tuesday, and Wednesday
Elizabeth Yan, Information Technology Coordinator
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
- In-Person Appointments: Friday
Marcus King, Career Development Assistant
Marcus King joined the Center for Career Development in November 2018 as a Career Development Assistant. Marcus graduated from The Borough of Manhattan Community College in Fall 2018, where he obtained an Associate in Science Degree as a Financial Management Major and is now currently pursuing a Bachelors of Business Administration in Economics, minoring in Law at Baruch College. He has previously worked in the Athletics department and ASAP office at BMCC. Marcus enjoys live music, and competitive sports.
Marcus King joined the Center for Career Development in November 2018 as a Career Development Assistant. Marcus graduated from The Borough of Manhattan Community College in Fall 2018, where he obtained an Associate in Science Degree as a Financial Management Major and is now currently pursuing a Bachelors of Business Administration in Economics, minoring in Law at Baruch College. He has previously worked in the Athletics department and ASAP office at BMCC. Marcus enjoys live music, and competitive sports.
- Meets with: All Students
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments: Monday and Wednesday
Michelle Kismatali, Career Development Assistant
Michelle Kismatali is a career development assistant at BMCC Center for Career Development. Prior to BMCC, she worked in Rockefeller Center as a receptionist and as an administrative assistant. She is pursuing a Business Administration degree at BMCC. Michelle enjoys working with youths at her local church, is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and loves adventure and outdoor activities. She enjoys watching movies, reading new books, and spending time with her friends and family.
Michelle Kismatali is a career development assistant at BMCC Center for Career Development. Prior to BMCC, she worked in Rockefeller Center as a receptionist and as an administrative assistant. She is pursuing a Business Administration degree at BMCC. Michelle enjoys working with youths at her local church, is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and loves adventure and outdoor activities. She enjoys watching movies, reading new books, and spending time with her friends and family.
- Meets with: All Students
- Remote Appointments: Monday – Friday
- In-Person Appointments:
