Governance
Essex County College Facts
Discover
Degrees & Programs
Academics
Continuing Education
Workforce Training & Business Solutions
Paying for College
Path to ECC
Student Life
Campus Information
Student Services
Why ECC?
Meet the 2025 Candidates for the Essex County College Alumni Board.
VOTING RUNS FROM JUNE 16 – JUNE 17, 2025
Major: Computer Science Year Graduated: 2024
I am currently an IT Risk Analyst, and out of my two and a half years at ECC, I was privileged to serve for about 3 semesters as an officer and president for the PTK honor society. Though proud of that opportunity, I feel there is a void in my heart concerning what more I can give to the ECC community. From expanding networking events that interests both alumni, current students and staff, to improving fundraising efforts, development workshops and launching other important initiatives with hopes to bring all together and support our professional growth. My confidence in my ability to lead comes from what I have already accomplished, my involvement, leadership skills and the ability to connect with others. I plan to work alongside my team to bring the best in our alumni community and beyond. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Major: Business Administration Year Graduated: 2024
My name is Shelby Robinson, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for President of the Essex County College Alumni Association. As a proud member of the Class of 2024 with an associate’s in Business Administration, I’ve experienced firsthand the life-changing power of education, both personally and professionally. ECC not only provided me with knowledge, but also set the stage for my journey toward a bachelor’s degree, which I am currently pursuing at Rutgers Business School as a Supply Chain Major.
I am running to give back to our community through service and lead the alumni association in transforming our individual experiences into something meaningful for everyone. Together, we can strengthen our community, support one another, and ensure that Essex County College continues to inspire future graduates to stay connected.
My professional background is in the health insurance industry. I started in customer service and progressed through various roles in Operations, where I developed a strong passion for Quality Assurance. In my current position as a Senior Operations Quality Auditor, I conduct front-end and back-end reviews of medical claims to ensure accuracy and compliance with workflows while investigating any discrepancies. Additionally, coaching and mentoring junior analysts in peer-to-peer reviews in past roles has enhanced my communication skills and emotional intelligence.
My career has equipped me with strong leadership, collaboration, and process improvement skills. I emphasize effective communication and relationship-building to foster networking opportunities, helping alumni connect and collaborate. I am dedicated to enhancing our alumni network and driving initiatives that benefit our community.
To share a bit about about my service experience, a few roles that I’ve held include the following: President of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for the middle and elementary schools in Hillside Township, where I developed strong leadership and organizational skills while advocating for our school’s families and fostering collaboration among diverse groups;
Elected School Board Member of the Hillside Township Board of Education from 2010 to 2012. I deepened my understanding of governance, decision-making, and the importance of community engagement in shaping educational outcomes. This experience equipped me to navigate complex issues and work collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve shared goals;
Fundraising Chair for Hillside Pop Warner Youth Football and Cheer. I am currently active and involved in fundraising efforts, sharpening my skills in strategic planning and relationship building. My volunteer work with the Susquehanna University Football Team (2020-2025), where I helped organize weekly team meals and community outreach initiatives, has reinforced my commitment to service and enhanced my ability to connect alumni with meaningful opportunities to give back.
These opportunities have instilled in me a passion for fostering a sense of community. I am dedicated to ensuring we work together to uplift one another, as well as our current students, staff, and faculty.
If elected, my goal is to implement and reestablish initiatives such as membership drives to grow our association, networking events, community service projects. I am committed to creating an environment where alumni can give back by share their expertise, expand their networks, and stay connected with the college.
In closing, my vision for Essex County College Alumni Association is collaboration, strength in numbers. I am here to listen, to serve, and work diligently to ensure our association thrives. If elected I will encourage you to share your ideas and feedback with me. I would be honored to serve as your president and I am humbly asking for your support. Thank you for your consideration.
Major: Liberal Arts Humanities Year Graduated: 1993
My name is Lev D. Zilbermints. I was born in Moscow, Russia. Our family came to the United States in May 1975, seeking a better place to live and proper medical treatment for me, then a sick boy of eight. America saved me, and for that I am very grateful. In this country I was able to obtain eyeglasses and hearing aids that were not available in then – Soviet Union. Why? Because at the time, Russian medicine was 40 years behind that of Western countries.
In the United States I finished high school and went to college, university, and graduate school. This would have been impossible in Russia because medicine, politics, and the standard of living was different.
By profession I am a reporter for the Local Talk newspaper of Maplewood, New Jersey. I have been with Local Talk since 2017.
My membership with the ECCAA dates back to 2002.
I am running for office because I feel major changes are needed in how the Essex County College Alumni Association is run. We need dedicated people to be officers, chair committees, and be actively involved with moving the ECCAA forward. In the past I have been Member-at-Large; Vice President; briefly President twice; Recording Secretary; Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer. I have chaired the Finance Committee in the 2023-2025 Essex County College Alumni Association. This committee is the only one that met regularly and actually did something for the ECCAA.
As Finance Committee Chair, I proposed several ideas that helped to raise money for ECCAA and make the organization more visible. These included Book Sale, Bake Sale, and an Alumni – Students volleyball game. A total of $881 was raised from the book drive and bake sale. Thus, I have experience handling finances and raising money.
Right now I deliver monthly Alumni Association reports at Essex County College Board of Trustees meetings. I also make Public Comments on Agenda Items and Public Comments at the Board of Trustees meetings. What we need are more in-person meetings, interaction with Student Government Association, clubs, faculty, trustees, administration and the ECC community. Action is stronger than words. We need alumni to be a visible presence at Essex County College. If elected President, I will recruit and appoint alumni to committees that govern school affairs. We also need to have the ECCAA Office on the fourth floor, Room 4120 open. This will allow alumni to be better informed.
I also would make establishing partnerships between businesses, ECCAA and Essex County College. This will allow more money to flow to the school, students and alumni. Graduating students who become alumni would be able to intern and/or find jobs at these businesses. Such partnerships would be beneficial to the school and the community.
During my undergraduate days at Essex County College I was a Student Government Association Senator (May 1991 – January 1992) and Secretary (January – May 1992). Students re-elected me to a second term as Senator in 1992. I served on the Academic Affairs Committee, the Publicity/Program Committee, and the ad hoc Cafeteria Committee. At Bloomfield College, I was the Executive Secretary (1993-94); Vice President (1995-96) and President (Spring 1996) of the Day Student Government. I graduated in May 1996 Summa cum laude with a B.A. degree in Political Science.
After ECC and Bloomfield College, I attended Graduate School – Newark at Rutgers-Newark. I majored in Political Science, and received my Masters degree in 2005. While at Rutgers-Newark, I was president and vice president of the Chess Club; Copy Editor, Opinion Editor, Executive Editor of the Rutgers – Newark Observer, the student newspaper; Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Graduate Student Government Association. I also was Senator and Legislative Vice President of the University College Student Government Association (UC-SGA) in 2007-2008.
My hobbies include chess, comic books, journalism, movies, reading, writing.
Major: Education Year Graduated: 2025
Greetings Essex County College Alumni Association. My name is Makeda Bower-Carter. I am running for the Office of Vice-President, Essex County College Alumni Association.
Why am I running for the office of vice-president in the alumni association? I am running for the office of vice-president because I believe that I can help the alumni association:
• I can work with the alumni association to improve Essex County College overall.
• I can work with the alumni association to create information and education professional development webinars.
• I can work with the alumni association to provide mentorship to incoming and current students.
• I can work with the alumni association to raise funds for education programs when needed.
• I believe that I can work with the alumni association to introduce and create marketing programs that highlight and tell the stories of alumni who through hard work have gone on to achieve successful careers, which can be an inspiration to future and incoming students.
How can the alumni association benefit from me being in office?
Some of my leadership qualities that would make me an excellent vice-president are strong leadership, innovation and commitment to the organization.
I am experienced with partnering across diverse teams in various work, cultural and community environments. I have over thirty years experience in planning and coordinating events. I have ten years experience in operation and project management.
My Current Profession
I am currently pursuing a career in education. It has been my dream to be a high school teacher and a university professor. I love to teach.
I love to debate on community issues such as education, immigration, labor trends, and the global economy, as well as do research, write and publish.
I am also a fine artist. I am a fiber, textile, and mural artist, as well as a mosaic artist. I have great love and passion for all types of art, especially the performing arts. I feel artistic expression will keep the imagination alive, which will result in all types of innovation.
My commitment to the alumni association
As your next vice-president I will be an ambassador for Essex County College. I will participate in community outreach programs. I will always advocate for and uplift the excellent education programs Essex County College has to offer and their accompanying support services.
Vote for me Makeda Bower-Carter to be your next vice-president, Essex County College Alumni Association.
Major: Nursing Year Graduated: 2023
Hello, my name is Asia T. McClain BSN RN. I graduated from Esses Dept of Nursing in 2023. I went on to attain my BSN from Capella University and currently working on my MSN/FNP. Essex provided me a life I could have only dreamed of otherwise. I came from a lower middle-class family that was not always able to afford the better things in life. I had my first daughter when I was 17 years old which only complicated life. I went the traditional college route but found it hard to stay afloat working a full-time job, going to school to become an early childhood educator and being a mother. I came back to Essex in my mid 20s to pursue a different career path. I landed on nursing and have not looked back since. I attained my LPN license prior to coming to Essex not knowing they also offered the program. I went into the LPN-RN program but unfortunately had to stop just before finishing because my former employer would not allow me to take the days off to attend class all whilst trying to survive the pandemic. I came back a year later and finished strong. During my senior semester I served as the treasurer for the Nursing Class of 2023. My duties entailed but were not limited to fundraising, bookkeeping, purchasing and being a direct liaison to the vice president and president. Not only did I hold a position while at Essex, I was also the president of the parent teacher organization for my children for 2 years. These experiences gave me the opportunity to hold positions of power and see how the behind the scenes works. I would like to hold a position on this counsel because I want to give back to the one place that gave me so much. So many people do not know the great work that happens at Essex and all the opportunities it affords people who are in desperate need of it. I am big on helping my community and never forgetting to put my hand back to pull those up with me. I want to be a part of the change I so desperately seek. Thank You
Major: Education Year Graduated: 2019
Hello Everyone,
My name is Naomi Browne, and I’m running for the position of Treasurer.
I graduated from Essex County College in 2019 with a degree in Education. Shortly after, I began working as a teacher assistant in South Orange, where I developed a deep appreciation for clear communication, attention to details, and structured organization skills that are essential for this role.
Like many others, my path shifted during the global pandemic in 2020. It was a challenging time, a time of reflection and change, but it also led me to discover a new calling. In 2023, I proudly became a police officer. A role that has reinforce my dedication, discipline, and commitment to serving others with integrity and care. This journey from Education to Public Service has taught me many importance skills, and now I’m ready to bring those experiences to this position.
I’m seeking the role of Corresponding Secretary because I believe in the power of effective communication and organization to keep our Association informed, connected, and moving ahead. I bring a strong sense of responsibility, a thorough approach to managing details, and a genuine commitment to ensuring that communication flows smoothly and all members stay updated and engaged.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve, contribute, and support the growth of our Association.
Thank you for your time and your consideration.
My name is Naomi Browne, and I’m running for the position of Corresponding Secretary.
Major: Business Administration Year Graduated: 2022
Greetings, fellow alumni,
My name is Juanita Simon; I’m a proud graduate of Essex County College, having earned my AAS in Business Administration. It’s an absolute privilege to be considered for the role of Corresponding Secretary of our Alumni Association. I’m committed to fostering meaningful connections, celebrating our collective successes, and strengthening the bond that unites us as Essex County College alumni. I plan to achieve this by using clear, engaging communication to connect with alumni, students, faculty and all stakeholders.
While at ECC, I had the privilege of serving briefly as the student representative to the Board of Trustees during the 2022–2023 academic year. In that role, I gained firsthand experience in advocating for student needs and ensuring their voices were clearly and consistently represented. In my professional role as an Employee Incident and Injury Coordinator, communication is central to everything I do—whether it’s documenting employee incident details, responding with empathy, or ensuring accurate and timely follow-up. I understand the importance of delivering information with clarity and professionalism, and I believe these skills are essential for the Corresponding Secretary position.
If elected, I will:
I’m committed to strengthening our alumni network and ensuring that every graduate feels seen, heard, and truly valued. It would be an honor to serve as your Corresponding Secretary and help shape an alumni association that reflects the pride, resilience, and excellence of Essex County College.
Thank you for your support and for the opportunity to serve.
My name is Shelby Robinson, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Member at Large of the Essex County College Alumni Association. As a proud member of the Class of 2024 with an associate’s in Business Administration, I’ve experienced firsthand the life-changing power of education, both personally and professionally. ECC not only provided me with knowledge, but also set the stage for my journey toward a bachelor’s degree, which I am currently pursuing at Rutgers Business School as a Supply Chain Major.
Major: Business AdministrationYear Graduated: 2023
I currently work in the field of information technology with a concentration in business management. In addition to my professional background, I bring extensive experience in community leadership and youth development, having spent many years coaching and mentoring young athletes through local leagues and AAU sports programs.
I currently serve as a Member-at-Large on the Alumni Association and am seeking re-election for a second term. I’m running because I strongly believe in the power of the community and the value of transparent, effective leadership. My goal is to help ensure every member’s voice is heard and that decisions reflect the best interests of our entire alumni body. I am committed to fostering a more engaged, inclusive, and forward-thinking Association that continues to grow and thrive.
I have extensive experience in leadership roles, both professionally and within the community. I coach multiple youth sports teams, where I’m responsible for organizing, managing, and motivating players and parents. I’ve also contributed to team-building efforts, conflict resolution, and program development, all of which translate well into the Alumni Association leadership.
With my background in business administration and IT, I bring a skill set that combines strategic thinking with practical execution. I’m a solution oriented and organized, and I understand how to manage resources effectively. I also have a proven ability to bring people together and create positive momentum, qualities that can strengthen communication, participation, and planning within the Alumni Association.
I would be honored to have your vote. I bring a mix of professional skills, community dedication, and a heart for service. If re-elected, I will listen, lead, and work diligently to support our shared goals and values.
