CUFO Emerging Leaders Program Advances Innovation and Staff Professional Development

Facilities and Operations Human Resources (CUFO HR), in collaboration with Columbia University HR, led its third cohort through a six-week leadership development program.  

May 12, 2026
group of staff holding framed certificates in front of sign that says Emerging Leaders

Through the six-week Emerging Leaders program, participants attended skill-building workshops and developed and presented a project idea that could have a practical impact on CUFO.  Participants in this year’s cohort selected projects focused on staff recognition, mentorship, engagement at work, strategic technology use, and operational efficiency. All projects point to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation across Facilities and Operations.  

2026 Emerging Leaders Cohort 

  • Michael Castro-Vasquez, Public Safety 
  • Jacob Chanofsky, Finance & Admin 
  • Sam Chen II, Finance & Admin 
  • Riosey De Leon, Public Safety 
  • Mia DeLuis Zayas, Campus Services 
  • Derrick Dillard, Public Safety 
  • Nobel Garcia, Operations 
  • Laritza Guerrero Montero, Finance & Admin 
  • Tiffany Harding, Campus Services 
  • Patrick Jaraique, Finance & Admin 
  • Brunilda Kore, Campus Services 
  • Parid Markaj, Columbia Residential 
  • Glenroy Moore, Campus Services 
  • Carmella Nelson, Public Safety 
  • Xiomara Oliveira De Sousa, Finance & Admin 
  • Felix Peralta, Operations 
  • Hairo Ramirez, Public Safety 
  • Angela Ramos, Operations 
  • Jeremy Roberson, Campus Services 
  • Darren Salinardi, Public Safety 
  • Jaime Sarmiento, Campus Services 
  • Arianit Simoni, Operations 

Throughout the program, participants received guidance and mentorship from executive sponsors, Annette Lopes, Assistant Vice President of CUFO HR, and Brian McPherson, Deputy Vice President of Public Safety, as well as directors from CUFO HR, Terri Caldes, Kirstie Miranda, and Michael Roman. Victoria Durden, Director of Learning & Development for Columbia University HR, facilitated the program. 

The program culminated in a recognition event on April 30. At the reception, Emerging Leaders who completed the program received certificates and heard from a panel of experienced CUFO leaders, including: 

  • Christina Apollonio, Executive Director of Operations, Dining Services
  • Noah Lichtman, Executive Director, Strategic Communications
  • Patrick Oakley, Executive Director of Operations and Investigations, Public Safety