Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development’s Jasmine Cardona Honored

It has been announced that Jasmine Cardona, Director of Workforce Development and Administration in the College of Staten Island’s (CSI) Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD), is one of Staten Island’s most influential businesswomen. The honorees were acknowledged at Star Network’s “Staten Island Power Women in Business” event at the Hilton Garden Inn in September.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the College, as well as the Staten Island community, for the contributions and achievements made by Continuing Education’s Workforce Development division. It is gratifying to know that the efforts of my team and I are having lasting impacts in our business community and contributing to the Borough’s economic development,” said Cardona, a Willowbrook resident and Brooklyn native, who has been at CSI for 12 years.

In her current role in CEPD, she and her staff offer comprehensive workforce development training programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to attain sustainable employment in growing workforce sectors. This role requires Cardona to remain acutely aware of the changing needs of the local labor market and regional employers by actively engaging with employers and industry. Continuing Education has developed strong partnerships in both the healthcare and technology sectors.

“The work we do has tremendous impact in the lives of our students and is valued by employers. We equip our students with in-demand skills that enable them to be marketable and remain competitive in today’s workforce,” commented Cardona.

CEPD Executive Director Chris Cruz Cullari was both proud of Cardona and gratified at the success of CEPD staff, programs, and students. “It’s a pleasure working with Jasmine, as she is so dedicated and so professional in all that she does. I congratulate her, and I am very pleased that she is receiving the praise she deserves,” commented Cruz Cullari.

“It’s wonderful to see that an intelligent and hard-working individual has been recognized for all that she contributes to the College as well as to the community at large. Jasmine is certainly an asset to the College,” lauded CSI Vice President for Economic Development, Continuing Studies, and Government RelationsKen Iwama.

Prior to Cardona’s role at the College, she coordinated a $2.3 million NYSTAR grant, under the leadership of Professors Nan-Loh Yang, Ralf Peetz, Alan Lyons, Chwen Yang Shew, and Bhanu Chauhan. This grant promoted economic development in New York State through industry engagement with the various research and development initiatives of CSI faculty.

“Working with talented and passionate leaders, Continuing Education as a whole has undoubtedly flourished. Under Christopher Cruz Cullari’s guidance, Workforce Development has made numerous strides within the Staten Island business community and because of Ken Iwama’s exemplary leadership, we have experienced countless successes,” noted Cardona.

CEPD’s Workforce Development has grown four-fold, serving more than 5,000 students over the last two years. During that time, CEPD staff members have significantly strengthened sector partnerships, providing students with solid career pathways and resources.