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Rhea Faniel
Senior Associate Director, Diversity Recruitment and Employer Relations, The City College of New York
Professional Background
Rhea Faniel is a distinguished professional known for her dedication to enhancing student career services and fostering employer relationships. As the Senior Associate Director of Diversity Recruitment and Employer Relations at The City College of New York (CCNY), Rhea has played a pivotal role in helping students navigate their career paths while ensuring that their diverse talents are highlighted and appreciated by potential employers. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a goal but a core value that influences her approach to student engagement and employment strategies.
In her current role, Rhea has creatively structured events and coaching sessions, helping students build confidence and skills essential for the job market. By leveraging her extensive experience in employer relationship management, she collaborates with organizations that prioritize diverse hiring practices, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to job opportunities that suit their skills and ambitions. Known affectionately among students as "The Good Job Fairy" or "The Resume Diva," Rhea’s warm approach and insightful guidance have made a lasting impact within the CCNY community.
Education and Achievements
Rhea Faniel’s academic background is as impressive as her professional experience. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Technology from Fairfield University, which equips her with the necessary tools to implement innovative career services strategies that effectively engage students in an increasingly digital world. In addition, she earned a Master of Education in Applied Management from Cambridge College, further enhancing her leadership skills and understanding of management principles in educational settings.
Moreover, Rhea’s foundation in accounting, with a Bachelor of Arts from American International College, has provided her with a detailed understanding of financial practices and business operations, which she translates into her career services efforts by helping students understand the businesses they aim to join.
Achievements
Rhea has accumulated significant achievements throughout her career. Before taking on her current role at CCNY, she worked as a consultant for University Programs at Pfizer Research and Development, where she played a strategic role in connecting academic programs with industry needs. Her efforts were geared towards enhancing the pipeline of talent entering the pharmaceutical field while welcoming diverse perspectives.
Additionally, during her tenure as a Senior Specialist in Curriculum Design and Workforce Development at Verizon Communications, Rhea contributed to creating programs that prepared students for the workforce, showcasing her passion for curriculum development and student readiness. These experiences have further solidified Rhea’s expertise in strategic planning and project management, allowing her to seamlessly create and execute impactful programs tailored to meet the needs of students and employers alike.
Rhea Faniel: Champion for Student Opportunities
Rhea Faniel stands out as a remarkable advocate for student opportunities and inclusion in the workforce. Her specializations in employer relationship management, student engagement, interview coaching, and strategic planning all culminate in a professional whose work directly benefits the CCNY community. Rhea’s unwavering commitment and results-driven mindset inspire students to embrace their potential and navigate their career transitions with enthusiasm.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Through her extensive background in career services and workforce development, Rhea has established a legacy of empowerment for students at CCNY. She actively supports students in refining their resumes, rehearsing their interviews, and connecting with potential employers. By creating diverse avenues for engagement, she fosters relationships that are essential for diverse talent to thrive in the labor market.
