NJCU Council on Hispanic Affairs (CHA)
CHA's Mission
The Council on Hispanic Affairs strives to achieve and engage the University community stewardship of education, leadership, and culture through Hispanic representation and interest in a Hispanic Serving Institution; support increased visibility and opportunities for Hispanics in our University community achieving lifelong academic and professional success; continue to be partners with the Jersey City Community, and beyond aligned with the mission of NJCU.
President: Ivelisse Cruz is a young professional of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent; born and raised in Jersey City. She is a first generation proud graduate of ¿ìèÆƽâ°æ who successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Currently, Ivelisse is a preschool teacher at The Children's Learning Center and pursuing a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education with Special Education specialization. As President of CHA, she would like to continue mentorships and positive relationships between students, faculty, and administrators.
Vice President: Cristian Vergara, M.A. is a young professional of Colombian descent and a proud first generation graduate from ¿ìèÆƽâ°æ. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology. Currently, Cristian is an Academic Advisor at the University Advisement Center. As Vice President of CHA, he is committed to advocacy, leadership, and advancement of the Latino community.
Treasurer: Jonathan Telleria is a young professional of Bolivian, Dominican and Mexican decent. He is a proud graduate of ¿ìèÆƽâ°æ who successfully completed a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Currently, Jonathan is a staff accountant in the Controller’s Office and pursing his Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) in Organizational Leadership & Management. As treasurer, he will display commitment to leadership, handling the budget, transparency, and promulgate of the Latino community.
Secretary: Francis Laing is a young professional of Honduran descent; born and raised in Jersey City. She is a first generation graduate from ¿ìèÆƽâ°æ who such successfully completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. Currently, Francis is an Outreach Coordinator for the Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR) office, where she manages the Rising Knight Peer Mentoring Program pursuing her Master of Arts in Health Sciences. As secretary of CHA she hopes to continue focusing on strategies and initiatives that support both students and staff at the University.
Public Relations: Chrystal Mateo is a young professional of Cuban descent. She is a graduate of Montclair State University with a Bachelors of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Educational Technology from ¿ìèÆƽâ°æ. Currently, Chrystal is the Program Assistant of the Speicher-Rubin Women’s Center for Equity and Diversity where she is able to provide the NJCU community with education, advocacy, support and empowerment. As Public Relations of CHA, she is committed to advocacy and leadership for the LatinX community and is looking forward to working with her team for the advancement of CHA.
CHA welcomes new members, and is eager for your support in the months and years ahead. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events and meetings. For more information, please contact Ivelisse Cruz at icruz1@njcu.edu.