Alumni Spotlight

Lisseth Russa

“I had the honor to participate on UCF’s new Certification program for Nonprofit Management. I have worked in nonprofit for over 20 years and participating in this program, not only enhanced my skills and knowledge obtained throughout the years, but also certified my skills and knowledge and elevated by career and expertise.”  I am grateful for the opportunity and the flexibility of the program. It provided me with an overview in areas where I had exercised my skills and I acquired new knowledge in other areas of Nonprofit management where I had not had the opportunity to work in.  During the program, the information and tools provided will be useful for my future goals.”

Lisseth Russa has a passion for helping people. This is what motivated her to enter the human services field more than 15 years ago and continues to be her inspiration today.

Ms. Russa began her career as an administrative employee at a regional Boys and Girls club in New Jersey. This is where she learned to master the fundamentals on non-profit management and became increasingly involved in budgeting, grant management, leading committees, recruiting/training employees, and overseeing a staff of seventeen people.

Ms. Russa went on to serve as the Clinical Services Director for Behavioral Support Services, Inc. located in Orlando Florida. In this position Ms. Russa: managed a staff of more than 70 targeted case managers; ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, laws, and statutes; developed and monitored a clinical work plan; and collaborated with outside agencies.

She would later go on to serve as the Director of Workforce Development for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, where she led the team which provided specialized job placement services for Goodwill clients. She was responsible for: heading up CARF compliance; overseeing sub-contracts with the Orange County; and developing partnerships with industry, non-profit organizations, and higher education institutions.

Recently, Ms. Russa accepted a position with the Mental Health Association of Central Florida and now serves as the organization’s Vice President of Operations.

Ms. Russa has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University. She holds several active certifications including Certified Master Practitioner in Financial Capability and Capacity Building Certification from University of Central Florida. Recently completed her Certification in Nonprofit Management at University of Central Florida.

UCF CE Alumni? Tell Us Your Story

Crystal Saufley

Gaining the SHRM-CP certification will increase my marketability as an HR Professional and give me that edge I've been looking for to excel in my career.

Why did you decide to take this program with us?

"To enhance my knowledge in HR and increase my marketability as an HR Professional."

What did you learn?

"Coming from a strong Talent Acquisition background, I learned a lot about the other functional areas of HR. I also learned a lot about how HR functions in a global environment which is becoming increasingly more important as companies consider global strategies to gain competitive advantage and to stay competitive in general."

How did it benefit your career?

"On February 8, 2020 I successfully passed the SHRM-CP exam! The SHRM-CP/SCP course expanded and enhanced my knowledge in all of HR's functional areas and areas of expertise. The course helped me prepare tremendously for the exam and without it I would not have passed the exam. The SHRM Learning System component, books and other resources provided in the course were the key to gaining the knowledge I needed to get my pass. Gaining the SHRM-CP certification will increase my marketability as an HR professional and will give me that edge I've been looking for to excel in my career."

UCF CE Alumni? Tell Us Your Story

Virana Mohamed

This program has prepared me for my future HR career!

Why did you decide to take this program with us?

"To help me prepare for the SHRM-CP certification exam, as well as professional development! The program is well-structured and designed for anyone who is planning to sit for the exam. The instructors are all experts in their professions and the various SHRM BoCK competencies, which made it easier to comprehend as it can become overwhelming very quickly. I definitely believe that these courses aided in successfully passing the exam."

How did it benefit your career?

"During the course of the program, I was able to apply and demonstrate the SHRM Body Competency & Knowledge in my day-to-day work. Learning the various HR leadership approaches, communication styles and ethical practices were very helpful in many cases. I was also able to contribute significantly to upcoming projects in my organization that required HR knowledge and expertise. This program has prepared me for my future HR career!"

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Calston Llewellyn

I see myself as a student of knowledge. I’m always trying to learn more.

Born in Jamaica, Calston Llewellyn took his lifelong love of learning with him to UCF, where he studied computer engineering as an undergraduate. “I was the first in my family to go to college so I didn’t really understand what to do. Being a first and not having anyone to give you advice on a personal level was difficult.” Yet despite the challenges that came his way, Llewellyn succeeded and graduated from UCF with a degree in computer engineering.

After graduating, he accepted a position at UCF, where he has held a variety of roles including computer support specialist, technician in broadcast and multimedia specialist. As his career advances, Llewellyn continues to seek education and sees each new opportunity as a step towards reaching his goals.

“I like being able to invent, create, think and help others. I like being part of this kind of environment where I'm contributing to the reinventing.”

He went on to take the Project Management Certificate program through UCF Continuing Education which gave me the opportunity to acquire new skills and help succeed at his new position as division technical project manager for UCF. His Passion for learning is something that has stayed with him from his days as an undergraduate and will continue with him as he continues new endeavors.

His tips for a successful career? "Always give back to others, help them to be better, and make yourself available for opportunities."

UCF CE Alumni? Tell Us Your Story