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SUNY Cortland students walk outside in front of campus building

Meet Our Staff

NYC Recruiters

Will DeFreece headshot
Will DeFreece
Director of Recruitment
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EDUCATION

SUNY Delhi - AS, Hospitality Management
SUNY Oneonta - BA, Sociology
Stony Brook University - MS, Higher Education Administration

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

Outdoors Fan: Avid hunter, fisher, hiker
Passions: African artwork, future SUNY students, Marcus Garvey - Civil Rights leader
Playlist: SOCA, Reggae, old school RnB, Hip Hop

WHY ADMISSIONS?

I grew up with SUNY! Both of my parents worked for SUNY colleges. At a young age, I became immersed in the EOP community and knew that I wanted to someday work with a diverse cohort of students. I changed my major to better align with my career aspirations, then began working in higher education at SUNY Delhi’s admissions office. I’m enthusiastic about providing prospective students with resources that were minimal when I was in high school. Seeing students grow through the enrollment process, and prepare for their lives beyond high school, boosts my passion for admissions.

WHY SUNY?

I have experienced SUNY first-hand. First, as a graduate of multiple SUNY colleges - representing three of SUNY’s four college sectors - and as an employee. Each type of SUNY college provided me with a unique, robust experience for which I am grateful. At SUNY you will find virtually any major and be able to attend at an affordable cost. I attended an out-of-state college my first year and accumulated a large amount of debt. SUNY enabled me to save money and become debt free not long after graduating. Through SUNY I created a network of individuals, including professors and friends, who helped me develop as a professional and secure the position I am in today.

CONTACT ME!

will.defreece@suny.edu

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Melissa Delgado headshot
Melissa Delgado
Admissions Recruitment Advisor -
Brooklyn
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Education

Queens Metropolitan High School, Class of 2018
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice - BA, Forensic Psychology, minor in Economics - 2022

Fun Facts About Me

Sophie's #1 Fan: Sophie is my Pomeranian dog! 
Adventurer: I’ve traveled to Ecuador and Switzerland
Spotify Playlist: Anything by Karol G and Shakira

Why Admissions?

I am passionate about higher education and look forward to connecting New York City students to SUNY. As a Spanish speaker, I am excited to guide families - from various cultures and backgrounds - through the college application process to a SUNY campus that offers their program of interest.

Why SUNY?

SUNY represents affordability, diversity, and quality. From associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, there is a SUNY program for just about everyone. SUNY students benefit from the many ways to engage in opportunities such as research, internships, and alumni networking events.

Contact Me!

melissa.delgado@suny.edu or 212.364.5839

 

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Yesenia Perez headshot
Yesenia Perez
Admissions Recruitment Advisor -
Manhattan, Staten Island, Westchester County
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EDUCATION

White Plains High School, Class of 2021
SUNY Oneonta - BA, International Studies; BA, Spanish, 2025

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

#1 Fan: Que Viva Colombia!!!
Adventurer: I have traveled to 5 countries
Believer: Every Outfit Tells a Story!

WHY ADMISSIONS?

As a first-generation college graduate, I know firsthand how overwhelming the college process can feel. That's why I enjoy working in admissions - it's incredibly rewarding to help students navigate their own paths while showing them that higher education is within reach.

Being bilingual allows me to connect with and support families in the language they're most comfortable with, helping make the college process more accessible. The SUNY system gave me an incredible education, supportive mentors, and opportunities that shaped who I am today, and I'm excited to help other students discover those same opportunities and pursue their goals with confidence.

WHY SUNY? 

Working for the SUNY system is especially meaningful to me because I'm a product of it. SUNY gave me an affordable, high-quality education, connected me with mentors who believed in me, and opened doors to opportunities that shaped who I am today. Now, I'm grateful for the chance to give back by helping students and families navigate their own higher education journeys.

CONTACT ME!

Yesenia.Perez@suny.edu or 212.317.3511

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Nia Shields headshot
Nia Shields
Admissions Recruitment Advisor -
Bronx, Manhattan
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EDUCATION

St. Joseph High School, Class of 2015
The College of Saint Rose – BS, Financial Planning, 2019

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

Music Fan: I’ve been to more than 50 concerts!
Passions: Education, accessibility, Animal Crossing, dancing
Playlist: K-pop and Heavy Metal

WHY ADMISSIONS?

I've been passionate about helping students find the right college fit ever since I was in high school. As a tour guide and student ambassador in both high school and college, I enjoyed sharing my experiences and helping prospective students picture themselves on campus.

I was fortunate to have great support during my own college application process, and it showed me how much a little guidance can make a difference. That's why I enjoy helping students feel more confident as they navigate applications, make decisions, and find the college that's right for them. My goal is to make the college process feel less overwhelming and more personal, so every student knows they have someone in their corner.

WHY SUNY?

I’ve seen the impact SUNY has on students, and I’m excited to help them discover everything it has to offer. With so many programs, affordable tuition, diverse and inclusive campuses, and great resources, SUNY gives students the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

CONTACT ME!

Nia.Shields@SUNY.edu or 212.317.3555

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Jennifer Toribio headshot
Jennifer Toribio
Assistant Director for Recruitment -
Queens
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EDUCATION

Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, Class of 2018
SUNY Cortland - BA, Political Science; BA, International Studies - 2022

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

#1 Fan: Go Yankees!!!
Beach Lover: I spend my summers at the beach
1st Generation: I’m the first in my family to attend college

WHY ADMISSIONS?

The admissions process does not have to be difficult or confusing . . . that’s why I’m here! Working as an admissions recruitment advisor enables me to help students continue their education. And, as a Spanish speaker, I can communicate with Spanish speaking families to help them understand the enrollment process. My work in admissions began while serving as a student tour guide at SUNY Cortland. Then, within the next months, I completed an internship with Cortland’s admission office. What I learned, combined with the valuable experience I gained, is serving me well in my role as an Admissions Recruitment Advisor.

WHY SUNY?

SUNY represents opportunity. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree, SUNY provided me with opportunities to complete internships, engage in undergraduate research, and participate in the Model European Union. This experience has shaped my future. Now, as an alumna, I am working for SUNY helping students and families learn about the importance of higher education and SUNY resources.

CONTACT ME!

jennifer.toribio@suny.edu or 212.364.5830

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Meet Our Staff