Orientation and Family Programs serves everyone who walks through the doors of the university, and in particular, our new students and their family members. The staff and leadership are dedicated to easing the transition into FIU and hope to infuse the Panther spirit into this community through each of our programs.

Staff & Student Assistants

  • Carol Galladian

    Carol Galladian
    Director

  • Vanessa Franco

    Vanessa Franco
    Program Director

  • Mel Freiria

    Mel Freiria
    Program Director

  • Alex Gutierrez

    Alex Gutierrez
    Program Coordinator - Panther Camp

  • Amin Saleh

    Amin Saleh
    Program Coordinator - Peer Advisors

  • Emily Fornaris

    Emily Fornaris
    Coordinator of Administrative Services

  • Sela Andrews

    Sela Andrews
    Graduate Assistant

  • Ashley Agbonkhese

    Ashley Agbonkhese
    Student Assistant

  • Chris Hunt

    Chris Hunt
    Student Assistant

  • Emily Thomas

    Emily Thomas
    Student Assistant

  • Davari Demps

    Davari Demps
    Student Assistant

  • Joanna Alfonso

    Joanna Alfonso
    Student Assistant

  • Nick Alsopp

    Nick Alsopp
    Student Assistant

Join our 2024 teams!

If you’re interested in becoming a 2024 Peer Advisor or Panther Camp Facilitator, the application is available at go.fiu.edu/OFPapp until February 11, 2024. You can also review the information packet at go.fiu.edu/OFPinfo and watch the video below to learn more about the 2024 Peer Advisor and Panther Camp Facilitator positions.

Peer Advisors

Each year a group of enthusiastic and responsible FIU students are selected to become Orientation Peer Advisors. These special students are trained to assist with all new student orientation programs throughout the year as well as other programs for new students and their families. In this capacity, they serve as resources for new students and their parents, they assist FIU staff with planning and implementation of the programs, and they are viewed as student leaders among the University community.

  • Alana Jefferson

    Alana Jefferson
    Peer Advisor Coordinator

  • Angie Diaz

    Angie Diaz
    Peer Advisor Coordinator

  • This could be you!

    This could be you!
    Peer Advisor

Panther Camp Team

Panther Camp is coordinated by a select group of students known as the Panther Camp Facilitators. Facilitators are selected out of hundreds of applicants to represent the program and are charged with creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants. Facilitators are involved in all aspects of the camp planning process, from creating programming session and large-group activities to leading small group conversations.

After Panther Camp Facilitators have completed a year with the program, they are eligible to apply for the Panther Camp Executive Board. Panther Camp Exec members are past-Facilitators who return to take on more responsibilities within the program. Exec members are responsible for heading up committees and helping the Facilitators to create the Panther Camp Magic.

Both groups are positive representatives of Florida International University and the Panther Camp program. These student leaders build meaningful relationships, serve as mentors and role models, inspire a new class of Panthers and encourage students to "Leave their legacy with P.R.I.D.E."

  • Gabo Aragon

    Gabo Aragon
    Executive Director

  • Agatha Zapata

    Agatha Zapata
    Director of Marketing

  • Ayahnee Johnson

    Ayahnee Johnson
    Director of Sponsorship

  • Destini Nance

    Destini Nance
    Director of Operations

  • Marcus Ragoobar

    Marcus Ragoobar
    Director of Programming

  • Maria Briceno

    Maria Briceno
    Director of Recruitment

  • Tati Paz Bedolla

    Tati Paz Bedolla
    Director of Activities & Traditions

  • This could be you!

    This could be you!
    Panther Camp Facilitator