Meet Our GOLD Leader Mentors

WHAT IS A GOLD LEADER MENTOR?

GOLD Leader Mentors are student leaders who volunteer their time to work with the GOLD program. Mentors staff the GOLD Leadership Center in MacVittie College Union Room 114 weekday afternoons & evenings, participate in GOLD events and complete certificate programs, serve as role models for other student leaders and campus organizations, provide information on campus activities and organizations, and help students to make connections to get involved in campus life.

The mentor staff introduces speakers at workshops, oversee student Personal Development Sessions and provide support and assistance for all GOLD programs, including Leadership Certificate Programs.

Student leaders and students enrolled in the GOLD Leadership Certificate Program are encouraged to apply for the leader mentor positions in the spring semester. Become a GOLD Leader Mentor.

MEET OUR 2011-2012 GOLD LEADER MENTORS!

BAREEQAH AHMAD

is a sophomore Biology major from New City, NY. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, Bareeqah is a lobby host and high school liaison, and an active member of Shakti, Geneseo M.A.P.S., Biology Club, and Community Health Alliance. Her most admired leader is her father.  Bareeqah believes the GOLD Program offers valuable skills that stick with us for the rest of our lives, and sees the program as an opportunity every student should take advantage of. Her advice for students interested in the GOLD Program is to enroll in different workshops to get a deeper understanding of what the program is about and what it truly means to be a leader, and to stay actively involved in the program to build up skills and knowledge to help in the future.

JACOB BLISS

is a sophmore Business Administration major with a Sociology minor from Wolcott, NY. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, Jacob is in Phi Beta Lambda, Geneseo Toastmasters and works at Red Jacket as a supervisor. The leader Jacob admires most is Winston Churchill, for his ability to cement an entire country together in the face of a World War with only his words. He feels like the GOLD program is the best place to become acquainted with and to expand on your leadership roles and responsibilities. His advice is to start workshops as soon as you arrive on the first day to make sure you earn all the awesome certificates.

A fun fact about Jacob: he is a certified scuba diver.

MATTHEW BOWER

is a junior Psychology major in the Edgar Fellows Honors Program from Fillmore, NY. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, he serves as the Vice Chair of Activities Commission, the President of Amnesty International, a Resident Assistant in Eco House, the Chair of the Council of Service Organizations, and sits on the Board of Directors of Livingston CARES. The leader that Matt most admires is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the pioneer of Satyagraha--resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience, a philosophy firmly founded upon total nonviolence. Unlike any other program, Matt believes that GOLD teaches both holistic leadership theory and technical skills which can be applied to any career field. His advice to anyone who is interested in GOLD is to get involved as soon as possible.

A fun fact about Matt: he loves to play tennis.
Favorite Leadership Quote: "From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a living." (Arthur Ashe)

NIKOLAY CLARK

is a junior Accounting and International Relations double major from Kenmore, New York near Buffalo. In addition to being a GOLD Leader Mentor, Nikolay is a founding father and a brother of Alpha Kappa Psi – Psi Omicron Chapter, a National Co-Ed Business Fraternity. This year he will be serving as the Professional Development Committee Chair. Nikolay also serves as a student ambassador and a tour guide for the Geneseo Admissions Office. Nikolay finds GOLD to be a great program that allows students to learn valuable life lessons, leadership skills, and get active in community service. His advice is to get involved and do things at Geneseo and the GOLD program that you would not otherwise usually do.


A fun fact about Nikolay: he was adopted from Russia when he was 12 years old, and has a great life story of coming over and adapting to American culture.
Favorite leadership quote: "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which have been overcome while trying to succeed." (Booker T. Washington)

CORY COX

is a junior Physics major with a minor in Math from Marcy, NY. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, Cory also works for the College Union. He is an avid member of the Geneseo Crew Team and has served on it's executive board for the past two years. The leader Cory most admires is his rock climbing partner Brett Myers, for his immense ability to reassure, motivate and educate. Cory believes that the GOLD program is an opportunity that cannot be surpassed in it's ability to thoroughly expose the student body to important life skills in a social setting that enforces important lessons in and of itself. It is a great way to meet and learn from your peers, educators and administrators in a relaxed and enjoyable experience. His advice for new students is to become involved in the GOLD workshops early; it has something to offer for everyone and is one of many ways to become more involved and aware of the opportunities available to students at Geneseo.

SAMANTHA CRAMER

CAITLIN DENNEHY

is a senior Business Administration major from Syracuse, N.Y. In addition to being a GOLD Leader Mentor, Caitlin is a Student Director for the Klainer Center for Women and Business, serves as Vice President of Operations for Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, and is a Campus Representative for the Disney College Program. She is also involved in intramurals and community service. She believes that GOLD is a great program because it teaches life and leadership skills that can be applied to the classroom as well as the real world. Caitlin's advice for new students in the GOLD program is to take advantage of all that the program has to offer. The GOLD program offers so many workshops on a variety of topics that it's hard not to find something that will interest you.

A fun fact about Caitlin: she worked at Walt Disney World!
Favorite Leadership Quote: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You
must do the thing you think you cannot do." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

IWONA DRAPALA

is a junior Economics major from Brooklyn, New York. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, Iwona is the Communications director for the Academic Affairs Committee (AAC), as well as an active member in Circle K and the business fraternity AKPsi. The leader she admires most is Ban Ki-moon because of his strides to reform peacekeeping, as well as other diplomatic issues around the world. Iwona feels that the GOLD program is an excellent opportunity to get involved in learning about leadership skills, as well developing new ones. Her advice to anyone interested in the GOLD Program is to attend workshops with an open mind, because there are so many things to be learned!

A fun fact about Iwona: she is fluent in Polish!

SARAH DZARA

is a senior Biology major with a minor in Environmental Studies from Springville, NY. In addition to being a GOLD Leader Mentor, Sarah is a MacVittie College Union Employee, serves as President of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and is student leader for the Geneseo Interfaith Service Project. She believes that GOLD is an excellent way for students to gain tools and skills that will assist them in their current organizational positions and academic careers, as well as future leadership positions. Sarah's advice for students entering the GOLD Program is to be actively engaged in the workshops, because they teach valuable lessons that can stick with you for years to come.

Favorite leadership quote: "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." (Mother Theresa)

LINDSAY GIACALONE

is a junior Mathematics and Adolescent Education major from Shoreham, NY. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, she is a Resident Assistant, the Secretary of the Elementary and Secondary Education Association (ESEA), and a member of the HEROS program. Lindsay most admires her parents because of all they have done. She believes the GOLD program opens many doors for students to learn more about leadership and about skills that will be used in the future. Her advice to all interested in GOLD is to just do it! Sign up for the ones that interest you and really try and get the most out of each one.

GABRIELLE GOSSET

is a senior double major in English Creative Writing and Communication from Buffalo, NY. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, she is the President of the English Honor Society (Sigma Tau Delta), Copy Writer for MiNT Magazine and writing an Honors Thesis. She admires her mother as a leader. She believes that the GOLD program is important for students of all class years and majors as there are workshops and programs for everyone. Her advice for new GOLD students is to take the workshops that interest you, but don't be afraid to explore new ideas. They could become a new interest!

A fun fact about Gabi: she loves video games and has a website where she writes about them.

MELISSA GRAHAM

is a junior Biology major with minors in Psychology and Environmental Studies from Orchard Park, New York. In addition to being a GOLD Leader Mentor, Melissa is a Resident Assistant in Ontario Hall and serves as a captain on the women's basketball team. She is also an active member of the National Residence Hall Honorary. Her most admired leader is former Buffalo Bills head coach Marv Levy. Melissa finds GOLD to be a unique program that allows students to gain life skills from both the workshop presenters and other students attending the workshops. GOLD offers students an opportunity to collaborate their leadership experiences and to grow in a variety of areas. Her advice to students is to set a goal at the start of each semester of what they want to accomplish in regards to GOLD and each week make a commitment to reaching that goal through attending workshops, writing journals, and gaining leadership experiences.

Favorite leadership quote: "People have to be given the freedom to show the heart they possess. I think it's a leader's responsibility to provide that type of freedom. And I believe it can be done through relationships and family. Because if a team is a real family, its members want to show you their hearts." (Coach K)

ELIZABETH LAWRENCE

is a senior Accounting major from Sandy Creek, NY. In addition to serving as a GOLD Leader Mentor, Elizabeth is a Resident
Assistant, a member of NRHH and a member of the Yoga Club. She also works in the College Union. Elizabeth admires the leadership skills and adventuresome spirit of her great grandmother, Eileen Vollick, because she was the first woman to earn her piloting license in Canada. Elizabeth believes GOLD is a worthwhile program because it is a great way to learn about different leadership strategies and then test them accordingly. Her advice for new students in the GOLD program is to take notes at the workshops because it will help when you are reflecting and writing the journal.

A fun fact about Elizabeth: she has gone skydiving and would go again in a heartbeat!
Favorite leadership quote: "Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that
much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves." (Dale Carnegie)

BRANDI MARTIN

is a sophomore Business Administration and Psychology double major from Long Island, New York. Besides being involved in the GOLD program, Brandi also is a sister of Sigma Delta Tau and mentors high school teenagers through the HEROS club on campus. She is in both the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and Golden Key International Honour Society. The person Brandi admires most is her father, John for being the most determined and hard working individual she knows. She believes the GOLD program is truly useful and provides many realistic opportunities to help you develop into a successful individual. Her advice is to look at the workshop catalog because you would be surprised at the variety of appealing workshops available!

A fun fact about Brandi: she loves painting her nails.
Favorite leadership quote: "Leadership: the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

DANIEL MATTHEWS

is a sophomore Economics and Political Science double major from Massena, New York. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, Dan is a member of the Geneseo Crew Club, the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and has participated in various work trips for Livingston County Habitat for Humanity. The leader Dan admires the most is John Paul II for his dedication to social justice and his determination to stand up for those who were oppressed. Dan believes that GOLD offers students a unique opportunity to develop valuable skills that will assist them with future careers and positions. Dan’s advice to students is to take as many workshops as they can fit into their schedules and aim for completing all certificates by the time they graduate.

A fun fact about Dan: he spent 2011 Winter Intersession in Argentina.
Favorite leadership quote: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." (John Quincy Adams)

MICHAEL MIECHOWSKI

is a senior Accounting major from Williamsville, New York. Besides being a Gold Leader Mentor, Mike is an RA in Jones Hall, member of the Volunteer Income Tax Association, and enjoys playing basketball. The leader he most admires is Franklin D. Roosevelt for his accomplishments despite all the challenges he faced. Mike believes that GOLD is an opportunity for students to learn about leadership and themselves. This contributes to students' personal growth and professional success. His advice for students is to attend MANY GOLD workshops and take advantage of opportunities that challenge one's leadership abilities.

A fun fact about Mike: he is very passionate about the outdoors and enjoys using his canoe.
Favorite leadership quote: "Expect rejection, but expect even more strongly to overcome it." (Marv Levy)

VINCENT MOSCATO

is a senior Pre-Med student at Geneseo from Montgomery, New York. Along with being a Gold Mentor Leader he is involved with Circle-K, an on campus service organization, he is a member of the SUNY Geneseo Club Baseball team, and is also active on many intramural sports teams. Vincent's most admired leader would be Derek Jeter. Vincent believes that Gold is a great way for students to learn about very important life skills. The skills taught in Gold are very applicable to what will become necessary in the near future for many students. He believes that the best way for students to get involved with GOLD is simply by making an account and exploring what workshops would be of interest.

DAVID MURRAY

is a senior Psychology and Mathematics major. In addition to being a GOLD Leader Mentor, David is a Big Brother in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters chapter of Geneseo, a member of the Latino Sibling and Peer Research Group, a volunteer Lobby Host for the admissions office, and a counselor for the Rochester Young Scholars Academy at Geneseo. He greatly admires both Mahatma Gandhi and Aristotle for their social and philosophical leadership. David believes that GOLD is an invaluable asset to the SUNY Geneseo community, and encourages both new and returning students to become active in the program. His advice for students new to the GOLD program is to try and participate in as many workshops as possible- there is a valuable lesson or skill to be learned in each and every session! Plus, it's a great way to meet new people on campus!

A fun fact about David: he was born on Friday the 13th.
Favorite leadership quote: "I want people to walk around delusional about how great they can be- and then to fight so hard for it every day that the lie becomes the truth. To inspire that passion in others; that is greatness in itself." (Lady GaGa)

KRISTA MUSCARELLA

is a senior Psychology and Sociology double major from Buffalo, New York. In addition to being the Office Manager and a GOLD Leader Mentor, Krista is the Senior Resident Assistant in Erie Hall and serves on the Student Conduct Board. She is an Undergraduate Research Assistant with the Sibling and Peer Research Group in the psychology department and a brother of Alpha Phi Omega, a National Co-Ed Service Fraternity. She is employed by the College Advancement office. Her most admired leaders are her parents and Eva Longoria. Krista finds GOLD to be a great program that allows students to learn a variety of skills in which they will be able to use for the rest of their lives. Her advice to students is to take a wide range of workshops as they may be surprised what they can learn!

A fun fact about Krista: she loves to sleep.
Favorite leadership quote: "Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller,
Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein." (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

NICHOLAS PALUMBO

is a sophomore Psychology major and Biology minor from Utica, New York. Besides being a GOLD Leader Mentor, Nicholas is the Student Affairs Commission Representative for the Psychology club. He also is an Undergraduate Research Assistant with the Sibling and Peer Research Group in the Psychology department. Nicholas has been employed since the summer of 2010 as a Care Attendant on the Oncology floor of Faxton-St. Luke's Hospital. The person that he admires the most is his father. Nicholas finds the GOLD program to be an incredible way to network oneself not just amongst your peers, but also amongst alumni of Geneseo. As well as learning life skills that might not be necessarily taught in the classroom that will follow GOLD certificate holders with them far beyond their undergraduate time at Geneseo. His advice to any new students to the GOLD program is to take as many workshops as you can; even if they may not seem inherently the most appealing, you will be surprised to find out how much you can learn!

A fun fact about Nicholas: he worked on the "Obama for America" campaign during the 2008 election.
Favorite leadership quote: "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." (President Barack Obama)

SAIF RATUL

Saif Ratul is a junior mathematics major with political science minor. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, Saif Ratul is also a Resident Assistant in Steuben Hall, the Vice-President of Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society. Saif Ratul considers GOLD as one of the most valuable leadership program in Geneseo that provides an opportunity to SUNY Geneseo Students to develop their leadership skills. Not only it develops the skills, but the program also introduces a diverse leadership schemes. Saif’s advice for students interested in GOLD program is to venture around various certificates, and avoid being obligated or forced to fulfill all certificates. In other words, take workshops that interest you, not take them because you have.

A fun fact about Saif: he is a professional Black & White Film photographer.
Favorite leadership quote: "I must follow people. Am I not their leader?" (Benjamin Disraeli)

BRENT SANDERSON

is a junior Biology major with a pre-med concentration from Penfield NY. In addition to being a GOLD mentor, Brent is an active member of Colleges Against Cancer, Biology Club, and is the scholarship and recruitment chair for the national fraternity of Alpha Chi Rho. He is also the head coach of the women's club hockey team at Geneseo. The person Brent admires most is his great grandfather. He finds GOLD as a great way to grow as a person and develop your interpersonal skills with fellow college students. Brent enjoys meeting new people at each GOLD workshop that are dedicated to improving their potential for success here at Geneseo and beyond college. His advice to anyone new to the GOLD program is to attend workshops they find appealing and interesting.

A fun fact about Brent: he has been working on farm for three years.
Favorite leadership quote: "A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done." (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

MAYA SHAH

is a junior Communication student with a Conflict Studies minor born and raised in Queens, New York. In addition to being a GOLD Mentor, she is also a current Resident Assistant in Wyoming Hall and a member of the Program Development team for the Women's Leadership Institute. Her most admired leaders are Lisa Ling and Anderson Cooper. Maya believes that the GOLD program is a critical way for students to comprehend basic life skills that are imperative beyond the classroom. Her advice to her peers is to laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go what you cannot change.

Favorite leadership quote: "And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." (Nelson Mandela)

HARRISON SINGER

is a senior Business Administration major with a minor in Legal Studies from Amherst, NY. In addition to being a GOLD leader mentor, Harrison is Founder and President of Geneseo Toast Masters, Advertising Manager of The Lamron, VP of the Junior Class, and a student representative on the Registrar Advisory Committee. The leader Harrison most admires is Teddy Roosevelt because of his common sense approach to leadership and the chutzpa he showed by enacting dynamic change. He believes the GOLD program is a great opportunity for students to network with successful alumni, to meet other motivated students, and to learn practical skills for free that will last a lifetime. Harrison's advice for new students in the GOLD program is to volunteer, ask questions and create relationships with the guest presenters and staff. Harrison's pearl of wisdom for students is a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: "Do something every day that scares you."

A fun fact about Harrison: he's trained in IDF Krav Maga.
Favorite Leadership Quote "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." (Theodore Roosevelt)

MARIA VOLPE-MCDERMOTT

is a sophomore Political Science major with a Pre-Med concentration from Albany, NY. In addition to being a GOLD leader mentor, Maria serves as a student ambassador and a tour guide for the Geneseo Admissions Office, is a Floor Representative on her hall's council, and is an active member of Habitat for Humanity and intramural sports. The leaders Maria most admires are her mother and grandmother. Maria believes that the GOLD program is a great opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, as well as learn skills that can be used throughout one's life. Her advice for new students in the GOLD program is to begin by attending workshops that interest them to learn about how the program functions.

A fun fact about Maria: she has a twin brother with a different birthday.
Favorite leadership quote: "There are those who look at things the way they are, and why...I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" (Robert Kennedy)