August 2024 Winners

Stephanie Guilbaud

Program Coordinator
ASAP (Accelerated Study in Associate Programs)

ASAP is many things.

A haven for incoming first-year students, continuing, and transfer students who are seeking one-stop shop resources that will help remove financial barriers, create a graduation plan, and offer strategies to cope with family, work responsibilities, ensuring that they stay on track and graduate on time.

And more.

“What distinguishes ASAP is the sustained relationship a student has with one advisor over a period of years --a fantastic advantage for them to stay on track to get a degree,” said Stephanie Guilbaud, who has served as Program Coordinator at ASAP for nine years.

This unique relationship, she said, encourages values of trust, inclusion, responsibility, and compassion.

“Stephanie takes Queensborough’s culture of care to new heights—providing a space for students to feel acknowledged, appreciated, and supported,” said Rachel Jerome, Engagement Specialist at ASAP who nominated Stephanie for the C.A.R.ES. Award. “Add to that her imagination and drive to create transformative projects and events that encourage students to make new friends and to connect with other members of the campus community.”  

To be sure the scope of these events is dizzying. The ASAP graduation ceremonies in Stephanie’s words, ‘are a joyful part of the human experience.’ The ASAP C.A.F.E., initiated by another member of the ASAP team, is where Stephanie engages with students to learn more about their experiences at Queensborough and to make sure they feel welcomed and included.

She is also the founder of The ASAP Insider newsletter launched in the 2024 spring semester. It is filled with student success stories, advisor spotlights, ASAP graduate Q&A’s, finals survival tips and other features regularly included in the monthly publication. The next issue will be published in the fall.

She has ushered in faculty mentoring programs to connect students with professors outside of class to improve communication skills or hone competencies that will improve their overall quality of campus life. Stephanie is a regular presence at Welcome Tables, and Graduation Check-in. This fall she will reintroduce the popular ASAP Spirit Day as well as the storytelling workshop. A core mission of hers for the last few years is to work with students to develop personal statements when applying to college or research opportunities or summer programs.

Stephanie is a Queens native and a CUNY graduate. She was born and raised in Cambria Heights and attended The Mary Louis Academy, an all-girls college prep school. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hofstra University in 1989 and went on to earn her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in healthcare administration from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College in 2001.

“At Hofstra I was extremely active and took a leadership position in the Black Student Union organization. Each year I brought in local artisans for the Kwanzaa market. I will never forget the day I went to an art studio on the lower east side to collect “Free South Africa” posters. I walked away with 20 posters for $20 dollars. It was not until later I realized I had been standing in Keith Haring’s studio where he still produced his work.”  

“My leadership interests at Hofstra were also reflected in my studies on women’s health issues. As a woman I know that our wellbeing is not only paramount for us, but as a mother and wife I understand the challenges of balancing caregiving and a career. If we are not healthy, it can affect our families and jobs. I was recognized by my female classmates for my knowledge on this topic and they often asked me for health guidance knowing I would keep their confidence.”

Caring for and advocating on behalf of people and causes inspired Stephanie to explore careers that matched her interests. The year after she graduated from Hofstra she applied to and was hired as a desk receptionist for the All Women’s Medical Pavillion in Forest Hills. Three years later she was promoted to manager. “The culture of care at the clinic was a defining characteristic from the owners to the doctors to the front staff.”

She worked there for 18 years and then decided to leave and stay home with her two children while they finished elementary and middle school.

“Caring for my children and watching them grow up was an experience I would not have traded for the world but when they reached high school, I yearned to return to meaningful work that combined my love of healthcare and education.”

That door opened through her sister Christine who works in the Office of Admissions at St. John’s University. Christine had a friend who worked in the ASAP office at Queensborough and knew of an opening. Stephanie applied to ASAP and was hired in February 2015 as a College Assistant. Just five months later, she was reclassified to Program Coordinator.

“I learn something new every day at ASAP. I meet students who are wise—sometimes beyond their years—students who share their stories with me. It is wonderful to see them smile, knowing they have advocates, knowing they will reach the finish line soon. What keeps them going is what keeps me going. Graduation is their north star goal.”

Latoya Huntley

‘13, College Office Assistant
Office of Information Technology

Latoya Huntley has served at Queensborough for 17 years.

But she has been a member of the campus community for 38 years.

She was just four years old in 1998 when her mother Patricia Hayes, who then worked in food services, first brought her to visit the campus on Take Your Daughter to Work Day.

“That day was the start of many wonderful memories to come. People I still work with, some I will never forget and others who remain close friends with me and my family. The formative years I spent at Queensborough –the warmth and culture of care I have experienced-- helped inspire who I am today.”

“When students come to IT bearing technical problems, they are greeted by Latoya,” said Elizabeth Gordon, Information Technology Academic Technology Director, who nominated Latoya for the C.A.R.E.S Award. “Feelings of anxiety and despair dissipate in the supportive environment Latoya fosters.”

“If I am not putting a smile on someone's face it is not a good day.” With Latoya, most days are good days. Her unmistakable laugh and easy smile are irresistible; a winning combination to alleviate student stress (or anyone else's).

Elizabeth continued, “She encourages patience as the Help Desk staff work to resolve problems. While the nature and complexity of these problems vary, the atmosphere of care is consistent. It takes teamwork to transform problems into solutions.”

Latoya, born and raised in Bayside, attended Bayside High School where she earned her diploma in 2002.

In her junior year, she landed a part-time job at a nearby nursing home where she worked in the kitchen bringing food trays to residents. “This job was made for me. I developed a deep kinship with residents over the five years I worked there.” During this time, Latoya attended Queensborough but withdrew because of her dedication to the nursing home.

“Eventually I realized I could not follow a career in health care because I am just mush. It became self-evident that Queensborough was the right choice for me on several levels, specially built on the love and friendship my mother experienced.” Latoya’s mother, who later served in the mailroom, retired eight years ago from the College.

Latoya began her professional career at Queensborough in January 2007 as interim secretary for the ID office and then briefly as interim secretary in the department of chemistry before she was hired as College Office Assistant in the Office of Information Technology in 2008.

That same year she re-enrolled at the College and in 2013, Latoya graduated from Queensborough with an Associate degree in Liberal Arts.

“When I first started in IT, I was told to take care of ALL the plants. It was like Little Shop of Horrors. My black thumb almost sealed their fate but slowly I got to know the plants, talked to them, and learned their different personalities. Voila! I became a plant person.”

Latoya said one of the highlights of the year in IT is decorating for the holidays. “We always have a tree with traditional ornaments and add our techy splash with old CD’s, Rams, and destroyed hard drives.”

And the good times do not end at the office. Co-workers join her family for back yard barbeques or just a potluck dinner. Latoya is also an accomplished baker and surprises Queensborough students with cupcakes and brownies on their birthdays.

I am so fortunate to call Queensborough my home. I practically grew up here from an early age to a student and finally an employee. It is amazing for me to think about.”

She whispered, “Believe it or not, I wasn’t always an extravert. In fact, I was extremely shy. But I learned from working here that I do not have to be afraid to be my true self.  I am one of a kind and love bringing joy to people.”

Now Latoya brings her daughters, Skyla, and Sudie, seven and four, to work. “They are always so excited to see folks and say hello. I feel like I am passing the torch—continuing the tradition that began with my mother.”

“Who knows? Maybe one day they will work here!”