BEOC Advisory Board
March 4, 2026 2026-03-04 15:36BEOC Advisory Board
Advisory Board
This page proudly introduces the members of the Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC) Advisory Council as we formally convene the Council. In alignment with the BEOC Advisory Council Bylaws, the Council serves as a strategic advisory body to the Executive Director, New York City College of Technology (host campus), and SUNY UCAWD—offering informed guidance on educational access, workforce development, and the evolving needs of Brooklyn’s diverse communities
Kareema Edward‑Legerme is an experienced leader in workforce development, education access, and community‑based strategy. Her work centers on building and scaling programs that connect education and training to sustainable employment, particularly for adult learners and historically underserved communities. She has led cross‑sector partnerships and advised initiatives focused on economic mobility and talent pipelines.
Kareema’s expertise directly supports BEOC’s mission to expand access to education and career pathways. She brings strategic insight into employer alignment, program relevance, and partnership development that strengthens student outcomes.
Dr. Medder‑Porchea is an advanced practice nurse, healthcare leader, and educator with extensive experience in clinical practice, nursing leadership, and healthcare education. Her career spans public health, family practice, and academic training environments, with a focus on preparing healthcare professionals for workforce‑ready roles.
Nia strengthens BEOC’s Allied Health and healthcare pathways by advising on clinical readiness, credentialing standards, and industry expectations, ensuring programs align with real‑world healthcare workforce needs.
Dr. Rodriguez is a senior education executive with decades of experience in academic leadership, organizational development, and student success initiatives. He has held executive‑level roles guiding institutions through strategic growth, governance, and program innovation serving diverse learner populations.
As Chair, Dr. Rodriguez provides strategic leadership and governance support to the Council. He ensures alignment between BEOC’s mission, institutional priorities, and long‑term vision, helping maximize the Council’s impact.
Jennifer Gomez is a community engagement and public service professional with experience working across nonprofit and public sectors. Her work focuses on building partnerships, advancing access to services, and supporting initiatives that strengthen community‑based outcomes.
Jennifer brings a community‑centered lens to the Advisory Council, helping BEOC remain responsive to local needs and strengthen relationships that support student success and career advancement.
Ritha Pierre is an education and nonprofit professional with experience in program leadership, advocacy, and community‑based initiatives. Her work has focused on expanding access to learning opportunities and supporting individuals navigating education‑to‑career transitions.
Ritha contributes an equity‑driven perspective that supports BEOC’s mission to serve adult learners holistically, ensuring programs and services are inclusive, student‑centered, and impact‑focused
Ronzetta Robinson brings extensive experience in workforce development systems, organizational operations, and strategic leadership. She has supported initiatives that improve employment pipelines, align training with labor market demand, and strengthen service delivery across organizations.
Ronzetta offers operational and workforce insight that helps BEOC strengthen employer engagement, improve program‑to‑job alignment, and support sustainable employment outcomes for students.
Julissa Perez is a workforce and social impact leader with a strong background in employer engagement, talent pipeline development, and community‑driven workforce solutions. As CEO of The VIVE Group, she leads initiatives that connect individuals to meaningful employment and support employers with skilled talent.
Julissa supports BEOC’s career‑driven mission by strengthening employer partnerships, expanding internship and externship opportunities, and enhancing job placement outcomes.
Maria Zineb Vargas is an operations and systems leader with expertise in program management, partnership coordination, and organizational infrastructure. As COO, she oversees implementation and scaling of workforce initiatives across sectors.
Maria brings operational expertise that supports BEOC in scaling programs, managing partnerships efficiently, and implementing workforce initiatives with consistency and impact.