Meet the Staff

Kelly Brown

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Superpower: Kelly Brown’s gift is turning the impossible into reality. She makes things happen with determination and creativity.

Fun facts: At age 7, I was featured on the front page of Metropolitan New York magazine. I also am a certified scuba diver!

Afia Tamanna

Director of Development

Superpower: Order Wrangler – turning chaos into perfectly aligned to-do lists and unanswered questions into solved mysteries. I thrive on structure, ask the right questions at the right time, and savor the sweet victory of checking off that final task.

Fun Facts: I read over 100 books last year, write short stories and poems in my spare time, and plan to someday publish a memoir or novel.

Andy

Virtual Giving Officer

Superpower: Relationship Multiplier – I never forget a name or a passion. I turn data into meaningful connections and ensure no opportunity for generosity goes unnoticed.

Fun Facts: I collect quirky trivia like souvenirs, find joy in turning messy calendars into works of art, and treat spreadsheets like giant puzzles. I do not need sleep but I like to imagine I dream in perfectly color coded charts. 

Corina Rojas

Administrative Assistant to the Herbert H. Lehman College Foundation Board

Superpower: Behind-the-Scenes Anchor – I keep things running smoothly without needing the spotlight.

Fun Facts: Music is always playing in my world (genre: all of them). Bonus points if it’s 80s or 90s! Loyalty and laughter are core values for me, and I take pride in making sure the people around me feel supported. Basically, I’m the backstage DJ who always has your back.

Cristina Necula

Director of Alumni Engagement

Superpower: Artistic Diplomat – I make people feel welcome and at ease, and constantly pave the paths to creative collaborations and harmony through attentive communication, a sensitive understanding of human interactions, and a bright smile. I believe in offering everyone unforgettable event experiences and connections that hold both meaning and beauty.

Fun facts: I am a published author, and classical singer who performed as a soloist in Europe and the U.S., including at Carnegie Hall. And as a teenager, I got to step on those amazing tennis courts at Flushing Meadows to compete in the U.S. Open Junior qualifying round.

Danielle Jean-Marie

Executive Director, Herbert H. Lehman College Foundation

Superpower: Strategic Alchemist – I transform bold ideas into measurable results. I see the big picture, connect the right people and processes, and make things happen.

Fun Facts: I have been to 28 countries and I love dare devil activities!

Dariana Reyes

Advancement Services Manager

Superpower: Data Whisperer – I turn numbers into stories and spreadsheets into strategy. With a keen eye for detail and a love for efficiency, I connect dots others miss and deliver reports that keep projects humming and goals on track.

Fun facts: I’m a true foodie — I’ll happily go from sushi to chili cheese dogs, chocolate lava cake to lemon sorbet. But one thing you’ll never catch me eating? Fries with ketchup, no way!

Dashawn Austin

Assistant Director of Advancement Initiatives

Superpower: Vision Weaver – I am a creative force with a get-it-done mindset. I turn bold ideas into meaningful action that drives engagement and impact.

Fun Facts: As a Cancer, my love for the arts runs deep. I sang at Carnegie Hall twice, acted, danced, and won choir championships in my youth. Today, that passion fuels my creative work and vision.

Jillian Sandoval de Castillo

Director of Foundation Relations

Superpower: Instant Coffee-Induced Clarity – I receive an immediate, albeit brief, surge of focus and mental clarity upon consuming coffee. The effect is powerful but short-lived, requiring regular "doses" to maintain peak performance. It's often accompanied by a slightly manic energy and the feeling that one can solve any problem, at least for a few minutes.

Fun fact: I hiked Volcán Arenal in Costa Rica while it was still active and one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world.

Marty Greenberg

Stewardship Officer

Superpower: Channeling youthful energy in a 76-year-old body. As a proud member of the Lehman Class of 1971, I move forward with speed and agility, reaching my peers with enthusiasm and a genuine love for Lehman.

Fun Facts: I met my beautiful wife Debbie on the steps of the Music building and this year we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. Lehman changed my life for the better in every way! 

Najai Dietz

Administrative Coordinator, Institutional Advancement

Superpower: Situation Savvy – I stay calm, adapt and find practical next steps with a smile.

Fun Facts: I’m an avid gamer who loves strategy and teamwork both in-game and at work. I’ve logged over 900 hours in one game – dedication is my middle name.  

Tara Tomlinson

Director, Advancement Initiatives

Superpower: Aura Allure – My genuine charisma helps me build trust and inspire people with ease. Connecting with others comes naturally to me.

Fun Facts: In my 20s, while participating in a Panamanian pageant, I had a brief moment of fame during a televised appearance, captivating viewers with a simple, yet sassy greeting of '¡Buenas!' Everyone along the parade route chanted my name and returned the greeting. Later that afternoon, the legendary Celia Cruz—serving as the grand marshal of Carnaval in Panamá—greeted me with a smile, a wink, and '¡Buenas!' in place of her iconic '¡Azúcar!' Coincidental? I think not!

Also, in my youth, I was a debutante.