Connect with Staff

Venida, Director (She, Her, Hers)

Venida brings a sense of centeredness to the Center, and the ability to bring different identities together.
She brings education, advocacy, support and fun. Venida ensures there is a seat at the table for everyone.
For those who have been traumatized, she brings calm and peace.
She helps them find healing so academically they can succeed.
Venida brings people together on campus and the community.
Her desire is to persist until all people are seen, heard and free.

Yolanda, Center Coordinator (She, Her, Hers)

Yolanda brings a calming presence with her gifts of patience and compassion. Yolanda brings structure and organization as she developed these tools in her previous roles. Yolanda brings her passion to help others in any way possible as she is a Mental Health Counselor in training who will graduate with her master’s degree in Spring 2024. Yolanda brings her bilingual talents as she speaks both English and Spanish. Her goal is to strengthen the bonds between NJCU and the Jersey City community.

Brionna, Student Staff (She, Her, Hers)

Brionna brings empathy and understanding to the Center. As a Jamaican American, she values celebrating culture and diversity while creating safe spaces for all students. As a sociology major, Brionna is passionate about working with people and helping them find the tools to move forward and build stronger lives. Guided by her faith and belief in the power of encouragement, she strives to inspire growth and provide meaningful support to the NJCU community. Brionna believes that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and she hopes to empower others to persevere, thrive, and reach their fullest potential, reminding them that it is not only about how you start, but how you continue to rise and finish strong.

Christina, Student Staff (She, Her, Hers)

Christina brings compassion, resilience, and dedication to the Speicher-Rubin Women’s Center for Equity and Diversity. As a Psychology and Social Work major, she is passionate about empowering women and advocating for survivors of domestic abuse. As a Hispanic woman who has navigated the immigrant experience, Christina began working at 14 years old, shaping her into the responsible and driven person she is today. She also proudly brings her voice as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, contributing to conversations on identity, inclusivity, and empowerment. Christina finds balance through exercise, walks, and meditation, and she shares her love for plants and nature with those around her. With her lived experiences and commitment to helping others, she hopes to create safe spaces where women and all people feel supported, understood, and inspired to heal.