Throughout the year, Valencia College graduates share milestones and successes. In “Class Notes,” catch up on the personal and professional accomplishments of your fellow alumni.
Naomi Gonzales-Longstaff, ’01
Naomi has been creating nail looks for runway, beauty, fashion, editorials, print and film since 2009. Her past roles as part of the Professional Educational Teams of L’Oreal, Essie and Revlon CND has been the foundation for her continued success. She is currently the Global Brand Ambassador for GERmanikure Pro
Nail Tool. Naomi also launched a vegan nail brand called NAOMI Polish. Based in Orlando, she splits time between LA, London, Miami and New York City.7
Cole NeSmith, ’02
Cole was named one of Orlando Magazine’s “50 Most Powerful People in Orlando” and the Orlando Business Journal’s “40 under 40.” He regularly contributes to the Orlando Sentinel’s “Central Florida 100” and is actively involved in cultural transformation initiatives like Project DTO—imagining the next ten years of growth for Downtown Orlando—and as the Creative Director of “Beautiful Together”—an artistic response to the Pulse tragedy in June 2016.
Jennifer Tomlinson, ’05
Jennifer works at Valencia College as a New Student Experience faculty member and a co-coordinator of the division on West Campus. She is most excited about her diversity and inclusion work as a credentialed SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) facilitator. This summer marked the launch of her podcast, Black Woman Be Well, a podcast dedicated to the discussion of health and wellness through the unique perspective of black women. It’s available on all major podcast platforms.
Drew Han, ’06
Drew earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Central Florida (UCF) after completing his associate degree at Valencia College East Campus. He is currently employed with the national valuation firm, Valbridge Property Advisors, and serves as senior appraiser with the Orlando office. Drew is a candidate for designation with the Appraisal Institute and is a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser with the state of Florida.
Jennifer Bhagirath, ’07
After graduating from Valencia College, Jennifer went on to earn her bachelor’s in education and masters in communication from UCF. She is now the career program advisor for Culinary and Baking and Pastry Management at Valencia College Downtown Campus. Jennifer believes that both her academic and professional career began with Valencia College and considers it a place of opportunity. Jennifer is celebrating 10 years with the college and hopes to one day teach at the school.
Elvin Cruz, ’10
Elvin is currently serving as the scholarship manager at Valencia College Foundation. After earning his master’s degree from UCF in educational leadership/community college education, he started teaching the New Student Experience course, both online and face-to-face. Elvin serves on various committees for the National Scholarship Providers Association and will be celebrating his 10-year work anniversary at Valencia College in April 2020.
Shreyas Trivedi, ’10
Originally from Kenya, Shreyas Trivedi graduated from the College as an international student. He went on to receive a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations from UCF ‘12. In 2017, he returned to Valencia College as an international admissions specialist and was recently promoted to coordinator for International Student Services at Downtown Campus. In his new role, he loves interacting with the international student community and being an advocate for campus diversity.
Michael Acevedo, ’13
Currently serving as the Florida Outreach Director for the Center for American Military Music Opportunities, aka CAMMO, Mike graduated with 5 degrees from the college’s business program. A former Student Government President of East Campus, he recently performed on America’s Got Talent with Voices of Service, which took 5th place in the finals. In 2016, Mike performed in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games. In the Army, he was a broadcast journalist and singer and toured the USA, Korea and Europe.
Jazmyn Rodriguez, ’13
A graduate of Valencia College, Jazmyn recently received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCF. She often credits her success at UCF to the strong foundation she received at Valencia College. Jazmyn has now joined the team at Marriot Vacation Worldwide and hopes to use her degree to help those around her overcome challenging issues and find the joy in the world around them.
Ivelisse Rivera, ’18
Ivelisse Rivera is a Duke Energy Scholarship recipient from Valencia College and is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with a focus on power and renewable energy at UCF. Ivelisse has worked as an intern for Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Americas, Inc. and now researches Power Grid Optimization with Dr. Wei Sun at UCF. After graduation, Ivelisse hopes to pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering at UCF. Ivelisse is very grateful to have been a Valencia College scholarship recipient as it allowed her to become more involved in her studies.
Thanks for your participation in the recent 2019 Alumni Attitude Survey.
From valuable insights about your college experience to what influenced your professional and personal goals—your feedback will create better tomorrows for generations to come.
Survey results are coming this spring, so be on the lookout. We appreciate your time and support.
– Your Valencia College
Alumni Association
Share Your News!
We want to hear from you! Let us know what you’ve been up to by submitting a class note with news on career updates, awards, business venture, advanced degree, marriage or birth announcement.
To be featured in Class Notes, visit valenciacollege.edu/class-notes and complete the submission form or mail to:
Class Notes Editor,
Valencia Alumni Association,
1768 Park Center Dr., Orlando, FL 32835.
