Vynessa Ortiz is Associate Dean and Chief Student Experience Officer at the CUNY School of Professional Studies, where she has led the Office of Student Services since January 2026. Previously, she spent five years as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, where she developed innovative programming and managed large-scale student-facing services.
Her commitment to educational equity spans her entire career, from her early work as an EOP advisor to leadership roles with the Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) and the East Harlem Tutorial Program, organizations where mentorship is central to helping students thrive. Vynessa holds a Master of Science in Higher Education from The Pennsylvania State University and is completing her PhD in Educational Psychology at the CUNY Graduate Center, where her research focuses on academic emotions in online learning environments. She also teaches psychology and education courses at Fordham University and Queens College.

Carleigh knows what it’s like to navigate unfamiliar environments. She made a bold move to solo travel Southeast Asia for two years, mostly living in Thailand. This experience broadened her perspective, deepened her empathy, and reignited her passion for completing her degree. Recently, she completed a mentorship with StreetWise Partners, inspiring her to pay it forward by supporting others through encouragement and guidance. Building strong connections with faculty and joining student clubs have been the most meaningful parts of her journey at CUNY SPS. She aims to provide academic support and a safe space for mentees to grow.

Cindy is passionate about supporting student success and was inspired to become a Peer Mentor through her desire to guide others in navigating college life with confidence. This semester, she hopes to offer her mentees encouragement, practical study tips, and connections to valuable campus resources. For Cindy, the most meaningful part of her journey at CUNY SPS has been building relationships with peers and faculty who have motivated her to grow both academically and personally. A fun fact about Cindy is that she loves traveling to Asia, especially Japan, where she enjoys exploring local cuisine and visiting theme parks.

Harmony Olayiwola is passionate about Peer Mentoring because her own transition to college in the U.S. was not smooth, and she understands how valuable support can be during that journey. Not having a mentor herself inspired her to become the kind of guide she once needed. Currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Disability Studies at CUNY SPS, Harmony hopes to provide her mentees with encouragement, guidance, belonging, and to feel supported. The most meaningful part of her CUNY SPS experience has been serving, connecting with diverse learners, and a supportive community. Fun fact is that harmony likes music, is playful, and has years of experience in graphic design!

Janaah is passionate about building community and supporting her peers. Inspired to become a Peer Mentor through her love for helping others, she hopes to offer encouragement, a listening ear, and practical tips to help mentees thrive this semester. As president of the Psychology Club, one of her favorite parts of her CUNY SPS journey has been connecting with students from all walks of life and sparking meaningful conversations. When she’s not studying, Janaah can be found reading a great book or working as a freelance journalist—always looking for the next story to tell. She dreams of becoming a psychologist.

Kevin Reyes chose to become a Peer Mentor because he wanted to help students achieve success while understanding their college challenges. Kevin plans to provide his mentees with guidance and support and encouragement during this semester. The most important part of Kevin's experience at CUNY SPS has been the relationships he formed with his classmates and professors which created a sense of belonging including the opportunity of becoming a mentor. Kevin enjoys hiking and nature exploration as a hobby which demonstrates his adventurous personality and willingness to try new things thus making him a relatable mentor to his peers.

Nakeshia was inspired to become a peer mentor after she returned to CUNY last semester and had a great experience being a mentee in the same program, and is looking forward to paying if forward and hopefully being a helpful hand and listening ear to someone else. Coming back to CUNY to complete her BA has been meaningful because it is full circle. After starting her college career with CUNY years ago she is excited to graduate from CUNY SPS with a Bachelors in Health Services Administration. An interesting fact about this individual is that they love exploring art museums and appreciates many artistic expressions (Music, written, painting, drawings, etc.) This passion for art reflects their appreciation for creativity, history, and the emotional stories that different expressions can convey.

Saint is inspired by a desire to support others and foster community, they became a Peer-Mentor to offer guidance, encouragement, and practical advice to their mentees this semester. The most meaningful part of their journey at CUNY SPS has been the opportunity to grow academically while balancing life’s challenges, gaining resilience and self-confidence. A fun fact about them is their passion for exploring new music genres, which reflects their open-mindedness and curiosity. This love for discovery helps them connect with others and approach mentoring with creativity and enthusiasm.

Inspired by a passion for helping others succeed, Shaindy Weichman became a Peer-Mentor to guide students through challenges and celebrate their growth. This semester, they aim to provide encouragement, practical strategies, and a listening ear to support mentees in thriving academically and personally. At CUNY SPS, the most meaningful part of their journey has been connecting with a diverse and driven community that fosters both personal and professional development. A fun fact about them is that they acted in the acclaimed film Menashe, showcasing their love for storytelling and creativity beyond the classroom.

Symmone was inspired to become a Peer Mentor after having an amazing experience as a mentee last semester. Her mentor helped me feel supported and guided me in mapping out my academic and personal goals. This semester, Symmone hopes to offer my mentees the same encouragement, guidance, and sense of connection. One of the most meaningful parts of Symmone's journey at CUNY SPS has been building relationships with people who truly care about growth and community. A fun fact about Symmone: she is currently learning to play the Kalimba, a hand piano; it's a calming and creative outlet I enjoy.

Tiffany was inspired to be a Peer-Mentor after having such an impactful relationship with her assigned mentor in the UMS program during her first semester back in the academic college setting. Her Peer-Mentor relationship allowed for her to get back into the academic journey with minimal hardship and she hopes to repay that same favor and fruitful impact to mentees this semester. The most meaningful part of Tiffany's journey as a student at CUNY SPS so far is completing a full four course semester in her first semester back as a student in over 13 years and achieving a 4.0 GPA all while working a very demanding full time corporate job. Tiffany enjoys discovering new cuisines and exploring her culinary depths through experimenting with different cooking and baking dishes from across the world.

Tiya Williams was inspired to become a Peer-Mentor by a passion for helping others succeed and the belief that guidance and encouragement can transform a student’s college experience. This semester, she hopes to offer mentees consistent support, practical resources, and a safe space to share challenges and goals. The most meaningful part of their journey at CUNY SPS has been building connections with peers and faculty who have shaped their academic and personal growth. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Tiya values inclusivity and creating welcoming environments. A fun fact is that she loves long walks, knitting, and baking.

Wanda’s desire to become a Peer-Mentor started when she was a mentee. She received the support needed to overcome challenges during her first semester, which went smoothly. She aims to provide support to foster a sense of belonging within the SPS community and to help ensure a successful semester. One of the most meaningful parts of Wanda’s journey was being interviewed by a CUNY SPS school reporter during her first semester. Due to the increased enrollment in the fall semester, she shared her reasons for choosing to attend CUNY SPS. It was a great honor to share her thoughts and have her story published on the school’s website. Wanda is a caring listener who always looks for the good in people and situations, even when it seems hopeless. She is an encourager and wants everyone to succeed in their pursuits.