Getting to Know the Candidates
Take a moment to read up on our highly successful and accomplished candidates for the executive board of 2013-15.
Candidate for President
Maretta L. Hodges, MSW
Maretta L. Hodges is an underserved student advocate whom resides in Haledon, New Jersey. This distinguished Alumna of
Rutgers, Montclair State University, Bloomfield College and Passaic County Community College is often recognized for her
innate ability to command people’s attention and move them towards change. This Native Patersonian often spends her spare
time serving on the Advisory Boards of her alma mater John F. Kennedy High School- BTM Academy as well as their rival
Eastside High School.
Maretta is living proof that The Educational Opportunity Fund Program can lead students from inner cities towards success, for she achieved against the odds and evolved from an EOF Student at Bloomfield College to becoming the Director of that very same program. For the past eight years Ms. Hodges also served as an adjunct instructor of Group Dynamics for Passaic County Community College (PCCC). This scholar’s work experiences also include two years as the Assistant Director of the EOF Program at William Paterson University, six years as the Coordinator of the (TRIO) Student Support Services Program at PCCC and four years as the Admissions Counselor for the EOF Program at Passaic County Community College. In addition to being a proud mother of a 14-year old, Ms. Hodges shines her beacon of light as an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
The Desire to Run for EOFPANJ President
Maretta believes that her varied, vast and very personal experiences within the Educational Opportunity Fund Program,
coupled with her professional relationships with Federal programs, New Jersey community colleges, independent colleges,
state and research institutions has granted her the unique opportunity to demonstrate a stronger understanding on the needs
of all sectors of the EOF Professionals she serves. It is within that understanding her expressed interest in being the
EOFPANJ President derives from. If elected, Maretta vows to maintain her personal continuity as a powering force that
unites EOF Professionals. She also hopes to continue fostering programs that enhances professional development and
corporate sponsorship.
EOFPANJ represents over (100) dedicated professionals whom are the best at what we do. If elected I would like to increase opportunities for EOF Professionals to flourish in many facets while maintaining our EOF positions. Over the past (12) years I’ve watched great people leave this phenomenal program because of the perception of limitations within EOF. I want to showcase the strength of EOFPANJ by increasing opportunities for EOF Professionals to display their talents and business prospects by way of networking, scholarships for EOFPANJ members, training and professional development for clerical staff in order to increase each individual’s value at the institutions they serve. Together we will continue to advocate for the nearly 1200 EOF Students we serve however it is also just as important that we hold each other accountable for increasing our personal worth by inspiring each other to be the best professionals we are capable of being.
Rutgers, Montclair State University, Bloomfield College and Passaic County Community College is often recognized for her
innate ability to command people’s attention and move them towards change. This Native Patersonian often spends her spare
time serving on the Advisory Boards of her alma mater John F. Kennedy High School- BTM Academy as well as their rival
Eastside High School.
Maretta is living proof that The Educational Opportunity Fund Program can lead students from inner cities towards success, for she achieved against the odds and evolved from an EOF Student at Bloomfield College to becoming the Director of that very same program. For the past eight years Ms. Hodges also served as an adjunct instructor of Group Dynamics for Passaic County Community College (PCCC). This scholar’s work experiences also include two years as the Assistant Director of the EOF Program at William Paterson University, six years as the Coordinator of the (TRIO) Student Support Services Program at PCCC and four years as the Admissions Counselor for the EOF Program at Passaic County Community College. In addition to being a proud mother of a 14-year old, Ms. Hodges shines her beacon of light as an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
The Desire to Run for EOFPANJ President
Maretta believes that her varied, vast and very personal experiences within the Educational Opportunity Fund Program,
coupled with her professional relationships with Federal programs, New Jersey community colleges, independent colleges,
state and research institutions has granted her the unique opportunity to demonstrate a stronger understanding on the needs
of all sectors of the EOF Professionals she serves. It is within that understanding her expressed interest in being the
EOFPANJ President derives from. If elected, Maretta vows to maintain her personal continuity as a powering force that
unites EOF Professionals. She also hopes to continue fostering programs that enhances professional development and
corporate sponsorship.
EOFPANJ represents over (100) dedicated professionals whom are the best at what we do. If elected I would like to increase opportunities for EOF Professionals to flourish in many facets while maintaining our EOF positions. Over the past (12) years I’ve watched great people leave this phenomenal program because of the perception of limitations within EOF. I want to showcase the strength of EOFPANJ by increasing opportunities for EOF Professionals to display their talents and business prospects by way of networking, scholarships for EOFPANJ members, training and professional development for clerical staff in order to increase each individual’s value at the institutions they serve. Together we will continue to advocate for the nearly 1200 EOF Students we serve however it is also just as important that we hold each other accountable for increasing our personal worth by inspiring each other to be the best professionals we are capable of being.
Candidate for Vice President
Caroline Beretta
Caroline Beretta was born in El Salvador and grew up in Queens, New York. She currently resides in New Jersey where she has lived for over twenty years. Mrs. Beretta has been employed by the Educational Opportunity Fund Program at Essex County College, in Newark, New Jersey since 2001. She was an EOF Counselor for over eight years and was subsequently promoted to the Associate Director of EOF in 2009. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Farleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Bloomfield College, Bloomfield, NJ, and an Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences from Essex County College. Mrs. Beretta has also held various other positions at Essex County College which include: Next Step Program Counselor (the NSP is a comprehensive, academic and reentry program targeting individuals who have histories of incarceration and/or substance abuse), and an Adjunct Professor teaching different levels of Psychology courses.
Candidate for Vice President
Bertha M. Diggs
Bertha M. Diggs is currently the Associate Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at Montclair State University, where she has worked for over 25 years and has been employed in higher education for over 30 years. She was born in Southern New Jersey, where she attended Rowan University (previously called Glassboro State College), as one of the first Educational Opportunity Fund Program students entering in September 1968. She earned her BA in Secondary Social Studies with teacher certification; and a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services. Bertha has also enrolled in PhD courses at Seton Hall University and the University of Phoenix.
During Miss Diggs tenure in higher education she has mentored hundreds of students and colleagues. She is a dedicated professional who is committed to ensuring that future generations of students have the access and service of EOF that she enjoyed. She has been an unselfish leader and EOF advocate.
Miss Diggs has been an active member of the EOFPANJ throughout her professional career. Her involvement has included serving on the EOFPANJ Conference Committee, elected to the position of Four-Year State College Sector Representative to the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association Board of Directors for two years, member of EOF
Professional Association of New Jersey, Inc., 40th Annual Spring Conference committee, past member of EOF Professional Association of New Jersey, Alumni Committee and past Co-Chair of the Awards Committee.
She appreciates this nomination as an honor and seeks the position of EOFPANJ Vice President, because it is a great opportunity to give back, to a cause that has given her lifelong achievement.
During Miss Diggs tenure in higher education she has mentored hundreds of students and colleagues. She is a dedicated professional who is committed to ensuring that future generations of students have the access and service of EOF that she enjoyed. She has been an unselfish leader and EOF advocate.
Miss Diggs has been an active member of the EOFPANJ throughout her professional career. Her involvement has included serving on the EOFPANJ Conference Committee, elected to the position of Four-Year State College Sector Representative to the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association Board of Directors for two years, member of EOF
Professional Association of New Jersey, Inc., 40th Annual Spring Conference committee, past member of EOF Professional Association of New Jersey, Alumni Committee and past Co-Chair of the Awards Committee.
She appreciates this nomination as an honor and seeks the position of EOFPANJ Vice President, because it is a great opportunity to give back, to a cause that has given her lifelong achievement.
Candidate for Treasurer
Brett Pulliam
Brett Pulliam currently serves as the Associate Director of Counseling and Enrollment Services for the Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Plus Program (PMPDPP) at Seton Hall University, in which he handles recruitment, admissions, financial aid; academic, personal, and career counseling to the students within the program. The PMPDP Program is a specialized four-year undergraduate program funded through the State of New Jersey’s Educational Opportunity Program that prepares its students to go into the field of medicine. Brett has enjoyed his opportunities within EOF so much that he has held various positions within the Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association where he has served as a Sector-Representative, Parliamentarian, and currently serves as Treasurer of the organization. In addition to his responsibilities within EOFPANJ, he also serves as a board member for the Tri-State Consortium of Opportunity Programs. Prior to working at Seton Hall, Brett served as an account specialist for a major financial institution.
Brett grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, but now lives in New Jersey. He holds a Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Seton Hall and hopes to one day further his academic endeavors by pursuing a Doctoral degree in higher education.
Brett grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, but now lives in New Jersey. He holds a Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Seton Hall and hopes to one day further his academic endeavors by pursuing a Doctoral degree in higher education.
Candidate for Financial Secretary
Celia D. Younger
Education:
EOFPANJ Activities:
I feel that my service to the Association has been of quality, dedication and consistency. To continue serving as the Financial Secretary will be an opportunity that I relish and because it is the right thing to do in light of our purpose and goal to make life better for the clients that we serve. Thank you for your support.
- Virginia State University
- BS, Business Administration
- M.Ed, Educational Administration & Supervision
- MA/Theology, Georgian Court University
EOFPANJ Activities:
- Served as Sector Representative
- Conference Chairperson
- Conference Committees
- Financial Secretary
- Liaison for EOF/HE Special Initiatives
- Have attended all EOF Conferences
- Have attended all Tri-State Conferences
I feel that my service to the Association has been of quality, dedication and consistency. To continue serving as the Financial Secretary will be an opportunity that I relish and because it is the right thing to do in light of our purpose and goal to make life better for the clients that we serve. Thank you for your support.
Candidate for AESNJ Advisor (1 of 2)
Farah Pelissier
Farah Pelissier, graduated from Ramapo College in 1999, with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. She holds two Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Student Affairs
in 2008 and Business Management in 2011 from The College of Saint Elizabeth. Farah is a Student Development Specialist at The College of Saint Elizabeth-EOF program, advisor to CSE AESNJ student organization. Farah serves on the Executive Board of the EOF Professional Association of New Jersey (EOFPANJ) as the advisor of the Statewide Alliance of EOF Students of NJ (AESNJ) and
assists EOFPANJ in a variety of capacities. In addition, Farah is on the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Essex and West
Hudson County since 2010 and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter.
in 2008 and Business Management in 2011 from The College of Saint Elizabeth. Farah is a Student Development Specialist at The College of Saint Elizabeth-EOF program, advisor to CSE AESNJ student organization. Farah serves on the Executive Board of the EOF Professional Association of New Jersey (EOFPANJ) as the advisor of the Statewide Alliance of EOF Students of NJ (AESNJ) and
assists EOFPANJ in a variety of capacities. In addition, Farah is on the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Essex and West
Hudson County since 2010 and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter.
Sector Representatives
Independent Sector Representative: Tawn D. Walker
Helping people to recognize and acknowledge their own self-worth and accomplish their dreams is not just an occupation but a vocation for Tawn D. Walker, Freshman Counselor at Bloomfield College. Her current duties include: providing counseling to current students; preparing for and participating in admission and orientation events; maintaining database and providing monthly reports of current student progress; and collaborating with various departments across campus to provide premier programming for freshmen students. During the summer Tawn is a certified instructor for the Student Success Seminar that follows the On-Course curriculum created by Skip Downing.
After graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University (Metropolitan Campus), Ms. Walker was a teacher for 16 years, a Vice Principal, Principal, and Director of two non-profit organizations that encouraged college attendance and preparation. In total she has over 25 years working in education. In addition she has worked in group homes as a youth counselor and possesses a Certification in Supervision of Mentoring Programs from Fordham University/Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC. This varied background has helped Tawn develop a diverse lens when it comes to servicing her students and developing effective programs. Since becoming part of the EOF family Tawn has served on various conference committees including: Alumni Dinner, Moderator’s Committee, Commuter’s Lounge (Tri-State 2013), CTI (2011; 2012) and Chairperson of the Speaker’s Committee (Spring 2012). In addition Tawn is a part of the EOFPANJ Executive Board as an Independent Sector Rep. This year she is a Co-Chairperson of the 2013 Counselor Training Institute. During her time as a School Administrator she decided to transition into a career in counseling. Tawn is presently pursuing a Master’s In Counseling from The Alliance Graduate School of Counseling (Nyack, NY).
After graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University (Metropolitan Campus), Ms. Walker was a teacher for 16 years, a Vice Principal, Principal, and Director of two non-profit organizations that encouraged college attendance and preparation. In total she has over 25 years working in education. In addition she has worked in group homes as a youth counselor and possesses a Certification in Supervision of Mentoring Programs from Fordham University/Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC. This varied background has helped Tawn develop a diverse lens when it comes to servicing her students and developing effective programs. Since becoming part of the EOF family Tawn has served on various conference committees including: Alumni Dinner, Moderator’s Committee, Commuter’s Lounge (Tri-State 2013), CTI (2011; 2012) and Chairperson of the Speaker’s Committee (Spring 2012). In addition Tawn is a part of the EOFPANJ Executive Board as an Independent Sector Rep. This year she is a Co-Chairperson of the 2013 Counselor Training Institute. During her time as a School Administrator she decided to transition into a career in counseling. Tawn is presently pursuing a Master’s In Counseling from The Alliance Graduate School of Counseling (Nyack, NY).
Independent Sector Representative: Iris Espinoza
Iris J. Espinosa started her career in EOF as a student at The College of Saint Elizabeth in 2004. After receiving her B.A in Justice Studies and English in 2008 she was offered a position with Centenary College located in Hackettstown, New Jersey. She has been there ever since working on bringing new initiatives to support retention and graduation rates for the EOP department. Not only does she manage a heavy case load of both funded and non-funded students; she is the advisor to Alliance, Chi Alpha Epsilon, the Hispanic Organized Leadership Association (HOLA), and The Voices of Solomon (an EOP student led gospel group). She continues to create campus programming with the hope to increase awareness on diversity issues. She has served on the board as the Independent Sector Representative since 2011. She has been honored to also serve on the following committees: Spring Conference, Governmental Relations, and CTI. She is humbled to yet again have a chance to make a difference with in the Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association of New Jersey. Iris looks forward to possibly working with a dedicated, excited, and goal oriented group this upcoming term.
Iris knows firsthand that hard work can make any dream come true. Without EOF Iris would have never been able to achieve all that she has. She currently instills this in each and every one of her students. Last time she ran for the Independent Sector Representative she stated that she was in the process of receiving her Master’s. She is pleased to report that she has completed this task this past May, receiving a M.A. in Justice Administration and Public Services. Her hope is that her students would follow suit and pursue graduate school as well.
Iris knows firsthand that hard work can make any dream come true. Without EOF Iris would have never been able to achieve all that she has. She currently instills this in each and every one of her students. Last time she ran for the Independent Sector Representative she stated that she was in the process of receiving her Master’s. She is pleased to report that she has completed this task this past May, receiving a M.A. in Justice Administration and Public Services. Her hope is that her students would follow suit and pursue graduate school as well.
Public Research University Representative: Simone Mack-Bright
Simone Mack-Bright is a Senior Counselor for Rutgers University, School of Arts and Sciences Educational Opportunity Fund Program. Mrs. Mack-Bright obtained her master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from New York University and a BA from Rutgers University. She served as the Chair for the Educational Opportunity Fund Statewide Alumni Association. Mrs. Mack-Bright is a proud EOF alumnus from Rutgers College. During her academic tenure, she has worked for the Seton Hall University and Fairleigh Dickinson University EOF programs. Mrs. Mack-Bright is an active public servant, wife and mother.
Two Year Sector Representative: Tricia Shaw
Tricia Shaw is a Counselor for the Educational Opportunity Fund at Mercer County Community College. She is also an advisor of V.E.N.U.S, which is a club that focuses primarily on the social and emotional development of the women in MCCC’s EOF program. Originally from Barbados, she now resides in Burlington County with her husband Al. In addition, she serves as Adjunct Faculty with a focus on both developmental and college level English. She has earned her BA in Psychology (Rutgers University) and M. Ed in Education (Grand Canyon University). Previously, she worked with TRIO and high school students in the Trenton School District in the areas of college preparation and access. As an EOF counselor, she loves the fact that she now has the opportunity to continue helping students with access, retention and completion. She looks forward to the opportunity to serve in the capacity of Sector Representative.