2022 Elections
Candidates for BUSAC 2022-2023
Candidates for BUSAC were given the opportunity to submit short statements indicating why they are interested in being on BUSAC and/or why they think they would be a good fit for the committee and its goals. A list of candidates and their statements, if provided, are listed below by district.
District A
Alyssa Canelli: As Brandeis leadership navigates through the post-Covid landscape of higher ed challenges, BUSAC should be at the table to advocate for the interests and concerns of staff. I would like to support BUSAC in this work, and to help make visible the Brandeis-specific issues in this era of the "great resignation."
Heather Felton
Diana Filar: Although I have been in my full time staff role at Brandeis only a year, I have a deep knowledge of the institution and A&S particularly from my time as a grad student and part-time employee. I have experience working with all facets of the university -- including labor organizing, events planning, faculty collaboration, and student engagement. I am excited in continuing my relationships with the staff at Brandeis through this more formalized role.
Meghan Hennelly: Representing the diverse needs of A&S + GSAS staff would be an honor and allow me to give back to a community that has become my home for nearly 8 years. My door will continue to remain open to any and all, even if I am unsuccessful in this bid, in the Brandeis community.
Monique Howell: I have worked at Brandeis since 2018 and have enjoyed being part of this community. As a member of BUSAC, I would love to further build up the community among staff members and help with initiatives like DEI and improving Workday.
Justin Penney: If elected, I will give voice to my colleagues of all staff levels, (including part-time and contract) as well as endeavor to find creative solutions that benefit staff and administration. My core mission(s) are: inclusivity, pay equity, and guiding the staff experience into the future. My measurable outcomes are: inclusive representation in all areas of strategic decision-making, staff empowerment through training, mentoring, and support to enable us all to be the best Brandeis can be!
Lee Picard: I have worked at Brandeis University for more than 25 years and have the perspective of both an employee and parent of a graduate. My long term service and devotion to Brandeis will help me represent my peers in fostering a positive work environment as we emerge from difficult times.
Jane Theriault: In this role, I would like to advocate for my peers by making connections across the university and giving a voice to staff concerns. I'd also like to learn from those connections I make, and to bring that knowledge back to the district.
Laura Woolf: I have worked in a variety of departments and roles in my 8 years at Brandeis and can represent perspectives from different divisions. I am conscientious and persistent, and my goal is to focus on actual deliverables that will improve staff life on campus.
District B
No candidates
District C
Joleen Caraballo: I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Brandeis community since 2013, first as an undergraduate student, and now as an employee since 2019. A large part of why I returned to Brandeis is because it has always felt like home, a place that is welcoming and allows folks to thrive creatively and intellectually. As a public health professional by training, I look forward to serving on the BUSAC committee and working to create an environment within our district that focuses on professional development, provides a healthy work-life balance and overall wellness, and engages us in fun and inventive ways outside of our role-specific responsibilities.
Lanni Isenberg: If elected, I will listen to and engage with the Heller Community and BUSAC colleagues to maximize staff voice and collaboration at Brandeis. In my nearly 17 years at the Heller School (including 4 years as Faculty Senate Administrator), the work that inspires me most involves all-Brandeis collaboration and, of course, using 'knowledge to advance social justice.' It would be a great honor to represent the Heller School.
Mel Ptacek: I would be honored to represent my peers at the Heller School so that together we may create the supportive and inclusive environments we need in order to do our best work and contribute fully. From my time as a dual-degree Heller student to my current position as Heller staff member (Lurie Institute for Disability Policy), I have come to appreciate how crucial are Heller staff not only in supporting the outward-facing social-policy mission of the school, but also—just as importantly—in reflecting and representing that mission within the school itself, including in our own workspaces and relationships. With that in mind, I would listen to and engage with Heller staff, seeking to ensure that our varied work environments and processes support and meet the needs of all staff members.
District D
Christie Barone: I would be honored to represent the Rabb School of Continuing Studies. I believe that staff are the backbone of Brandeis and I will continue to be a strong advocate for all staff members.
District E
Debby Olins: I have been a staff member of the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute for over twenty years, and a member of the Ethics Center for the past two years. During this time, I've had a front seat to the ways that Centers and Institutes are viewed on campus and how our roles have changed over the years. I am happy to bring this experience to the role of BUSAC representative and be the voice of the staff as we navigate the changes in our future.
District F
Julian Cancino: I'm honored to have been nominated to serve as a BUSAC representative. I believe my expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion and my role within central administration can help our effort to improve the workplace environment for staff at Brandeis. I'm collaborative by nature and open to new ideas while also being assertive and action-oriented. Thank you!
Jonathan Church: We are off Campus at 60 Turner St and somewhat isolated from the main Campus & this would provide an opportunity to express any issues to BUSAC. Being on the upper level of Campus frequently I get to know staff, Professors and Students so I have the opportunity to see what is going on that may improve our area.
Melinda Cimino: I am committed to promoting a positive and engaged staff experience.
Leah Steele: I am currently the Social Media Specialist in the Office of Communications however, I was previously an administrator for several departments in the Arts and Sciences. I enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration and hope to be able to bring various perspectives to the table as a committee member of district F.
Tessa Venell: I will continue to bring forward any concerns that are brought to me, and work with Jacob to keep the Administration informed of university policies as they are relevant. Thank you!
District G
No candidates
District H
No candidates
District I
Joanna DaCunha: I started working in the Pre-Health Advising office during Covid. My experience thus far would allow me to advocate for newer employees, learn more about campus wide initiatives and be a guide for my department (academic Services) on the different projects initiated on campus. I also enjoy engaging in DEI work and would love add my experience and knowledge towards our work at Brandeis.
Rachael Elliott: Though I only began at Brandeis in October 2020, I've had the privilege to become connected with many of my colleagues across campus. While my current role prioritizes serving our international students, I am deeply invested in bettering Brandeis' service to its professional community members. As a BUSAC representative, I hope to help push forward initiatives related to pay equity/transparency, improving professional development opportunities for staff, and the accessibility of buildings across campus.
District J
Kewold Elysee
District K
Eli Jacobson: I served this past year as the at-large representative, a single-year term, and I am willing to continue this role or serve district K directly for a term. I am especially interested in continuing ongoing efforts to improve the intake process for staff to communicate their concerns to BUSAC with the goal of enhancing the tracking of trends and follow-up of reported concerns.
Ravi Kotecha: As someone who has been part of the Brandeis community for more than 15 years, I have a vested interest in making improvements for staff at Brandeis. I want to hear from all of my peers, from the quietest voices to the loudest ones, about how BUSAC can best represent their needs.
Marren Sanders: I have a unique background, including experience as a tenured professor and academic dean. This experience enhances my ability to consider and understand the diverse viewpoints that accompany issues important to Brandeis staff of all levels.
Alexis Scanzani: I will engage with my fellow staff members and advocate for their concerns, questions, and ideas to University leadership. I will work to improve the staff experience at Brandeis through sustained, meaningful changes to policies.
Aimee Slater: I served as an inaugural member of BUSAC in 2018 and want to return to address several known issues such as benefits parity, transparent salary structures, and that staff are continually expected to do more for less, (really evident during the pandemic!). We need to develop plans of action, communicate them to staff, and execute these plans to mitigate our high turnover rate and reignite our passion for our work.