Award Recipients
Congratulations to these members of the Steinhardt community for their exceptional work throughout the year.
University Distinguished Administrator Award
Keiko Uenishi
Department of Music & Performing Arts Professions
University Give-A-Violet Award
Leonard Santos
Department of Media, Culture & Communications
Recognition of Years of Service
This year, our approach to recognizing Years of Service (YoS) milestones centered on meaningful, personalized appreciation. HR partnered closely with unit heads to identify thoughtful ways to celebrate employees and honor the impact of their contributions.
Unit leaders were given flexibility in how they chose to recognize their team members. Celebrations ranged from small, heartfelt gestures—such as hosting a team gathering with cake—to offering personal notes or verbal acknowledgments highlighting each individual’s contributions. Many departments also recognized milestone recipients during team meetings or shared messages of appreciation more broadly with their teams.
As part of this year’s recognition, YoS recipients were invited to reflect on their experiences by responding to two prompts: (1) Please describe one highlight or meaningful experience from your time at Steinhardt and/or NYU, and (2) What is one piece of positive advice you'd share with someone just starting at Steinhardt? Their responses are featured alongside their names, offering a more personal glimpse into their journeys and insights.
In addition, we collaborated with Ben Ouriel to provide recipients with the opportunity to have professional headshots taken, several of which are featured on this page. HR also partnered with unit heads and the Steinhardt Leadership Team to create a special thank-you montage in recognition of our honorees.
Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to celebrating our community in ways that feel both personal and meaningful.
Rhea Almeida
Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools
"Less than a year into joining NYU Metro Center as a researcher, I published an opinion piece in a magazine about how the liberties and rights of LGBTQ+ students across the country are under attack, and ways to organize to protect them. Since our think tank is laser focused on education equity and the safety of minority students, my entire team was so excited about the article. I received an outpour of congratulations and appreciations, and as a relatively new member of the team, it meant a lot. That moment solidified for me that I was in the right place -- alongside smart and driven women who are passionate about justice for students."
"The Steinhardt community is the best resource available to you -- use it well!"
Hannah Davis
Department of Nutrition and Food Studies
"One of my most meaningful experiences was my trip to NYU Accra with the Dean's Global Honor Seminar. I had an amazing time connecting with students and faculty, while exploring the beautiful country of Ghana. It was truly a life-changing experience."
"Take the time to connect with your colleagues and the students!"
Hina Haider Fancy
Department of Art and Art Professions
"Walking at Radio City right alongside my first cohort of advisees. I’d been with them since the beginning, so seeing them hit the finish line at the same time I did was just incredible."
"Try to show up for as many in-person sessions as you can. As tempting as Zoom is, you miss out on the best parts of being here. Some of my favorite memories, including our best ideas, come from the laughs we have once the cameras are off."
Tara Hardy
Office of Academic Operations, Innovation, and Strategy
"One highlight of my time at NYU has been participating in the AMC Mentorship program. Back when I was a mentee, I was lucky enough to be referred into my current role through my mentor Lois, who used to work on my team. Her guidance was invaluable to me throughout my most recent job search, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her!"
Erinn Kehoe
Office of Global Affairs
"I really enjoyed organizing the ten-year anniversary celebration for the Astor International Travel Fellowship for New York City Teachers. It was a true pleasure to bring faculty, administrators, and NYC public school teachers together for a celebration of education, travel, and new perspectives!"
"Meet as many other people across the School as you can and be curious about their roles and departments. Although programs, departments, and functional areas can feel siloed sometimes, the work we do is all connected and interrelated, and having relationships across Steinhardt will put your role into a bigger context (and often help you find solutions to problems more quickly than you might otherwise!)."
Tara Kelley
Office of Administration and Finance
"Hearing the voices of Steinhardt sing karaoke at the Winter Celebrations!"
"Steinhardt administrators and faculty come from a wide range of unique backgrounds and experiences. Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge your colleagues bring!"
Amanda Mae Adams
Office of Institutional Effectiveness
"I always find work most meaningful when I get to solve complex problems to ease other team's workflows. For one example, when I first started at Steinhardt, all data requests were manual emails and spreadsheets. I've overseen the roll out of Steinhardt's tableau instance. It's meaningful to see how far we've come in connecting teams with the data they need."
"Get to know people outside of your own team! Steinhardt has an abundance of talents, interests, and unique projects- there is so much to learn!"
Mariana Aslan
Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions
"Doing meaningful work with such talented and caring people."
"Take advantage of the opportunities to become part of the community."
Lindsay Brown
Institute of Human Development and Social Change
"I have had the opportunity to travel to more than a dozen countries through my work at NYU. These experiences have allowed me to engage deeply with far-flung communities, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to projects in contexts I would not have otherwise encountered. This work has expanded my perspective in ways I could not have anticipated at the outset of my career."
"Give yourself time to learn, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. This is a community where people are generous with their knowledge and willing to help. Reaching out, even for small things, not only makes the transition easier but also builds the relationships that will sustain you over time."
Cheri Fancsali
Research Alliance for NYC Schools
"Engaging with the Cross Cutting Initiative on Inequality has been one of the most energizing parts of my time at Steinhardt. It connected me to an extraordinary community of colleagues whose work spans disciplines I wouldn't have encountered otherwise — and those conversations have genuinely shaped my thinking and opened doors to fruitful collaborations."
"Seek out opportunities to meet others and learn about their work. Make use of the vast array of talks, presentations, working groups, and events hosted at the university to see what your colleagues are doing, learn new things, and see where synergies might exist."
Shenise Fields
Office of the Dean
"As I reflect on my 10 years in the Dean’s Office, one word that stands out to me is resilience. During this time, I’ve worked through three different Dean appointments, leadership transitions, and the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Like many of us, there were also personal moments that reminded me how important compassion and understanding in the workplace can be. What has truly made my time here meaningful is the support of my colleagues—the encouragement, collaboration, and sense of community we share."
"My advice to someone new is to be a team player. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, support your colleagues, and learn from the people around you."
Zachary Kandler
Department of Music and Performing Art Professions
"The opening ceremony for the new space of the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy. We moved from Pless Hall to 35 W. 4th street some years ago."
"The school is packed with incredible people doing very interesting things in their respective fields. And people are very interested in collaborating, so take advantage of this unique opportunity of working at such a diverse university."
Joseph Mathers
Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions
"As a part of theater operations, my work is in support of student performances, but impacts those same students in a way that is outside the scope of their training. Being a part of the student experience in a way that is disassociated from any of their coursework and helping support and develop them in ways they don't expect has been one of the best parts of my work at NYU."
"Always keep in mind why you're here."
Shipra Mittal
Office of Research
"The most meaningful part of my job is serving as a strategic partner to our faculty—navigating complex federal funding requirements, developing budgets, and lifting the administrative burden of proposal submissions. I particularly remember a holiday season when a faculty member faced a deadline just 48 hours before flying out. By taking the lead on the proposal development in that short timeline, we hit 'submit' on time. Hearing her say I went 'above and beyond' was a career highlight for me. It’s these moments of partnership that make my work in research administration so rewarding."
"Steinhardt is the best school to be at! My one piece of advice for anyone starting out is to talk to people and build your community. We have a fantastic group of people here. You’ll find that this isn't just a place to work, but a place where you truly belong."
Maura Puscheck
Department of Art and Art Professions
"When I participated in the Steinhardt Leadership Program, and got to know my two peer mentors. It was so wonderful to connect with administrators in different departments and to have their feedback and support as I navigated my plans for maternity leave. Thank you, Winnie and Nija!"
"Get to know people from all over the school!"
Brian Ranieri
Department of Administration, Leadership, & Technology
"It’s incredibly difficult to choose just one highlight from my 10 years at NYU, as my time here has been filled with meaningful opportunities, growth, and experiences that have shaped both my professional and personal journey. If I had to choose one thing that stands out most, it would be the people I’ve had the privilege to work with. The colleagues I’ve met at NYU are among the smartest, kindest, and most dedicated individuals I’ve ever encountered, and it’s truly inspiring to work alongside them every day. Beyond having exceptional colleagues, I’ve also formed lasting friendships along the way that I will always be grateful to NYU for."
"One piece of advice I would share with someone just starting at Steinhardt is to trust the people around you and never be afraid to share your ideas. You are surrounded by seasoned professionals across many different areas and disciplines who genuinely enjoy helping others learn and grow. The community here values collaboration and thoughtful input, and people are often very open to ideas that can improve a system, process, or overall experience. Steinhardt is full of lifelong learners who respect and encourage one another’s perspectives, so don’t hesitate to contribute your voice—you may be surprised by how much it’s appreciated."
Clotilde Santana
NYS Statewide RBERN
"The key is not to wait until you 'need' something. Build genuine connections from the start, stay curious about others’ work, and let people get to know you beyond assignments and grades. It might seem simple, but those relationships often become the most valuable part of your experience—both academically and professionally."
Brandy Stanfill-Hobbs
Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools
"Being part of the Metro Center is amazing. The programs do fantastic equity focussed work serving public schools, families, and NYCPS students."
"Try to stay curious. There are so many options for learning and engaging with the community. It can feel like a lot at times, but stay curious and lean into opportunities for professional growth and connection."
Ryan Tolliver
Steinhardt Technology Services
"Responding and providing immediate assistance for NYU employees and students."
"Pace yourself, most people are here to help."
Rebecca Brown
Department of Media, Culture, and Communications
"Being able to visit our study away locations in Paris, Prague, London, and Accra."
"My best piece of advice is to get to know your colleagues. I've only made it 15 years because of the friendships I've made and with the support I've received from the lovely people I have the pleasure of working with!"
Victoria Brunkhorst
Department of Applied Statistics, Social Science, and Humanities
"Of all the places I've worked, I am most appreciative of the sense of community that exists at Steinhardt. Take time to build relationships with your colleagues and peers across departments - it makes all the difference!"
"Take time to build relationships with your colleagues and peers across departments - it makes all the difference!"
J. Geddis
Office of Academic Operations, Innovation, and Strategy
"It's been my honor to work with some of the nicest people I've ever met. And some of the most unique."
"Embrace the complexity!"
Randy Susevich
Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions
Marisol Ascona
Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions
"My proudest and most special moment was witnessing my son graduate from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering in 2022."
"My advice to a person starting out at Steinhardt is to connect with people to learn systems and structures that will help them grow and prosper at the university."