Professional Development

An integral part of a Marymount Manhattan College education is hands-on career and professional development. The Higher Education Opportunity Program is no exception, with several new paid internship positions and leadership opportunities available within the Department.


The HEOP Leadership Council (LC) is a paid-internship and leadership program, that was founded by former HEOP Director - Harmony Cross to aid in the development of HEOP students’ professional and leadership skills. LC members are appointed annually by the HEOP staff to execute their assigned projects, while simultaneously giving back to the HEOP community. The members of the council meet frequently with the HEOP staff both individually and collectively to discuss goals, ideas, updates, future programming/events, and assessment. With the guidance of the HEOP staff, students are allowed the autonomy and independence to plan and execute their projects. Whether LC members are interviewing alumni on tips for success; encouraging the community to prioritize mental health through various methods; planning the next YMI event; or designing/writing the bi-annual newsletter- LC members end their internship appointment with an increase of professional and leadership skills that are transferable a) cross-industry; b) academically, c) co-curricularly; d) socially, and e) personally.

HEOP Leadership Council

LC Members 2021-22

2021-2022 LC Members

  • Nereida Alvarez ’24 – HEOP 101  Peer Mentor
  • Stephanie Galvez ’23 – Office Manager and FWS
  • Daniella Franco ’23 – Public Relations and Newsletter Manager
  • Jose Sanchez ’25 –  Alumni and Parent Engagement & Homecoming Manager
  • Melanie Bermudez ’23 –Recruitment Manager
  • Ibrahim Bah ’24 – Young Men’s Initiative Manager

HEOP Young Men’s Initiative (YMI)

YMI 2020

The Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) was formed by former HEOP Counselor Keith Windsor to assist with recruitment for the Program. HEOP has since expanded the mission to include retention and graduation of the self-identified men of HEOP. The YMI cohort meets on a regular basis to discuss various topics, which are led byTaswya Cambrige, HEOP Counselor and Coordinator.  

Current Young Men’s Initiative Members

  • Cesar Pinos ’23
  • Ibrahim Bah ’24
  • Javinn Taveras ’25
  • Christian Flores ’25
  • Dario Lojano ’25
  • Bryan Paredes ’25
  • Jose Sanchez ’25
  • Papa Diouf ’25
  • Cesar Alvarez ’25

No Peer Left Behind: Mentor Program

The No Peer Left Behind Peer Mentoring Program was launched to provide an extra layer of support to the incoming class as they begin their virtual collegiate journey. All students were paired with an upper-class student based on common majors and interests. Mentors meet with their mentees bi-weekly to provide guidance and support as needed.

2021-2022 Peer Mentors

  • Jerandy Beato ’22
  • Melanie Bermudez ’23
  • Ashley Alberto ’23
  • Darlene Castillo ’23
  • Amy Fernandez ’23
  • Luznery Martinez ’23
  • Janet Castillo ’24
  • Ibrahim Bah ’24
  • Heilyn Perez ’24

 

 

Contact

Office of the Higher Education Opportunity Program
heop@mmm.edu
212-517-0590