Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University

Whiting School of Engineering

Scroll down to review candidate profiles and to access the voting link.

About the Candidates

Number of open council seats: 1 non-exempt (overtime eligible)

Suzanne DePaula, Lead Nurturer Coordinator | Academic Affairs Grad
“Hello, my name is Suzanne DePaula. I have been with JHU for two years.

In my current role, I am a Lead Nurturer Coordinator in the Academic Affairs Grad department. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because I want to be a voice for my coworkers and me. I would like to share my fun and friendly ideas to continue to create an innovative, inviting and creative work environment. I would like to bring my wealth of experience in higher education and collaborate with others. I want to further develop my leadership and team building skills.”
Abigail Fanara, Sr. Academic Program Coordinator | Computer Science – Course Assistants
“Hello, my name is Abigail Fanara. By April 1, 2025 I will have completed one full year as a Sr. Academic Program Coordinator in the Computer Science department at JHU. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because I have broad work experience outside of JHU in different industries (Service, Retail management, Marketing, Construction, Non-profit) and I believe that insight allows me to bring more out-of-the-box perspectives and ideas to the table when it comes to creating better, more equitable systems within the university for staff across all areas of expertise. In my current position, I also work and collaborate with a variety of JHU staff members ranging from faculty, to department heads, administrators, financial staff, event support and utility staff, marketing staff and more. I believe my experience and commitment to equity will bring value to the SAC mission.”
Malik Johnson, Sr. Academic Program Coordinator | Dept of Electrical and Computer Engrg
“Hello, my name is Malik Johnson. I have been with JHU for 4.5 years.

In my current role, I am a Sr. Academic Program Coordinator in the Dept of Electrical and Computer Engrg department. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because I feel there are not enough of the younger voices in university staff representation. Each staff member has individual needs, and it would be a great chance to figure out solutions for those that may not be as far in their career or do not know what it means to be involved in their work environment.”
Sharon Punte, Budget Specialist | Dept of Chemical and Biomolecular Engrg
“Hello, my name is Sharon Punte. I have been with JHU for 6 years.

In my current role, I am a Budget Specialist in the Dept of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because it is important to me to have the opportunity to network with other departments/schools, express the needs of my department’s staff and provide input to improve JHU programs.”
Angie Urrutia, Sr. Academic Program Coordinator | Center for Leadership Education
“Hello, my name is Angie Urrutia. I have been with JHU for just over 4 months. In my current role, I am a Sr. Academic Program Coordinator in the Center for Leadership Education department. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because I believe I am well-suited to serve due to my unique background and commitment to advocating for the well-being of others. With over three years of experience in higher education and nearly a decade as a paralegal, I have developed strong communication and problem-solving skills that will enable me to effectively represent staff interests. Throughout my career, I have consistently championed the needs of those I serve, and I am eager to continue that advocacy at Hopkins. I firmly believe that staff play a crucial role in supporting both students and faculty, and I am dedicated to ensuring that staff voices are heard, and their needs are prioritized in council discussions and decisions.”
Samantha Wilson, Sr. Administrative Coordinator | Academic Affairs Ugrad
“My name is Samantha Wilson (she/they), I have been in my current role as Senior Administrative Coordinator in WSE’s Undergraduate Academic Affairs department for just over 2 years. Previously I was a Senior Program Coordinator with Jhpiego for a year, so I have been with the University for over 3 years. Joining the Staff Advisory Council is of interest to me because I see that the University is growing swiftly and I believe that having younger professionals engaged with that growth is important to ensure the University cultivates a workplace culture which supports modern values and staff needs. I am interested in advocating for my peers and believe that with my position I have the unique opportunity to have touchpoints with all WSE academic departments and offices housed within the Dean’s Office. Thank you for considering my nomination, see y’all around. 😊”

Note: Staff can only vote one time for candidates from their school/division. If you receive a message that you are unable to vote for candidates because they are not in your school/division, and you believe you received this message in error, please email jhusac@jh.edu for help.