Janet came from her native Puerto Rico, in 1980, to attend Cornell University – where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Sociology.  Upon graduation, she worked with some of the leading international non-profit organizations, such as Family Planning International Assistance (FPIA) and Pathfinder International, dedicated to improving the lives of women and families throughout the developing world. She has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and closely collaborated with African and Asian-based projects.

Her program development and marketing experience were refocused to the U.S. market after Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida.  At the time, the Zoological Society of Florida was in search of a Community Relations Director to assist in the enormous task of rebuilding Miami’s beloved Metrozoo.  During her tenure at the Zoological Society, Janet worked closely with the zoo and the community at large to increase awareness of zoo programs and services.  Working with a multi-ethnic community, engaged in the midst of a reconstruction process, was a familiar ground and welcomed challenge. 

Since then, she has remained active in the national and local markets forging the community relations and communications programs for organizations such as Hispanic Radio Network, Easter Seals of South Florida, DOL/Miami Job Corps Center, Greater Miami Society for Human Resources Management and Jobing.com among others.  As Brand Ambassador, she is responsible for identifying, building and managing strategic alliances with local media, business, educational organizations, government and professional associations. 

Passionate about workforce training and development, she was instrumental in the expansion of Jobing.com, a fully integrated employment marketing and technology service provider, in South Florida.  She conducts extensive training for both job seekers and employers on recruitment, employment branding, communications, diversity, inclusion and workforce engagement, and was a contributor to the Miami Herald’s Career Column. 

Her active involvement in the human resources industry, led her to become an active member of the local and state SHRM chapter. She has served on the executive board of the Greater Miami SHRM Chapter since 2008.  She is also an active speaker at numerous conferences, training seminars and professional organizations throughout South Florida.

Since 2006, she has been using online media to extend the power of community relations, branding and support for programs and organizations.  Janet joined VITAS Innovative Hospice in 2010 as the Hispanic Liaison for Broward County. Her community relations philosophy is centered on cultivating positive relationships, and being a trusted, valuable resource. She is fluent in English and Spanish, and has working knowledge of Portuguese and Creole.

 

She remains active in the community through the participation in volunteer programs and professional associations including Cornell Alumni Club, Human Services Coalition, Latinos in Science and Technology, Hands on Miami, and the Greater Miami Society for Human Resource Management.