WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A MENTEE?
A mentee is an individual who receives advice, assistance and feedback from a more experienced person over a set period of time, resulting in the enhancement of the mentee’s educational and professional endeavors. The mentee must have clear goals and be willing to accept guidance and advice in order for the relationship to be successful. A mentee is open to constructive feedback and has a desire to learn and develop new skills to progress in their graduate education.
Congratulations to the mentees in the Sanofi Corporate Mentor Program at RVCC for the 2025-2026 academic year.
CRISTAL TAVERAS
Business Administration
Hello, my name is Cristal Taveras. I am currently a student at Raritan Valley Community College, pursuing a degree in Business Administration. After graduating, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to earn my Bachelor's degree in Marketing, along with a minor in Business Analytics. I’m drawn to these fields because they both allow me to study human behavior and how it influences business. I’m excited by the opportunity to use that knowledge to develop effective strategies that create impact.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I have several hobbies that bring me joy and allow me to express my creativity. I love reading—especially thrillers, mysteries, romance, fantasy, and science fiction—because books expand my imagination. I also have a deep passion for music. I’ve been singing and playing instruments since I was young, and listening to instrumental music helps me focus and feel inspired. Additionally, I enjoy editing videos, photos, and flyers, as well as traveling and learning about new cultures.
Being part of the Sanofi Corporate Program is an exciting opportunity, and I’m truly grateful for it. I’m confident that through this experience, I will grow both personally and professionally. I look forward to developing leadership skills, expanding my network, and gaining hands-on experience. Most importantly, I’m eager to learn from my mentor. With their guidance, I hope to step out of my comfort zone, take on challenges, and apply their insights to my life and career. I know this program will help me thrive, and I’m thankful for the chance to be part of it.
DANIEL HEREDIA
Liberal Arts
Hi, my name is Daniel Heredia, and I am a freshman at Raritan Valley Community College. I am currently a liberal arts major, planning to pursue an economics degree at a four-year university. I want to combine my knowledge of economics with passenger rail to hopefully make a difference in the transit market someday. Specifically, I would like to be a market research analyst or economist for Amtrak. My hobbies include running, swimming, listening to music, and working with plants. My other interests include pyschology, American history, and American government and politics. The Sanofi Corporate Mentorship Program will give me the opportunity to pick someone's brain who is much more knolwedgeable and wiser than I currently am. I'm a very curious person who loves learning. This program will also give me professional skills that will translate to my career aspirations. Coming from an immigrant family with limited corporate experience, I've never had a mentor who could teach me the ins and outs of the professional world. Having someone that I can look to corporate/professional advice will provide an opportunity that I have never had in my life, one that I'm incredibly thankful for.
DEBRA BURNEJKO
Business Administration
Hello! My name is Debra Burnejko, and I’m currently an honors college student at Raritan Valley Community College. I am currently majoring in Business Administration, but my plan is to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue my bachelor’s degree and declare accounting as my major. While I’m still exploring which area of accounting I want to pursue in my future career, whether it be auditing, tax, or corporate accounting, I hope to learn more and discover which path best aligns with my interests. I’m excited to find the one that fits me! I’m motivated by the opportunity to use my skills to help others navigate complex financial matters and make informed decisions that contribute to their success.
When I’m not studying, you can typically find me going for walks or hikes, playing pickleball, hanging out with friends, snowboarding, or seeking out the best restaurants to try, all while taking lots of pictures with my digital camera! I also make an effort to prioritize volunteering.
I am eager to participate in the Sanofi Corporate Mentor program because it will provide me with valuable real-world insights, help me build leadership skills, and instill confidence in myself. These experiences will make me more career-ready and equip me with the tools I need to succeed. I’m excited to work with a mentor and promise to put forth my best effort! I am truly looking forward to being inspired and motivated by what I learn through this program as I prepare for the next chapter of my life after graduation. I’m very grateful for this opportunity!
ESMERALDA OCHOA
Communication Studies
Hello, my name is Esmeralda Ochoa, and I am a first-generation college student majoring in Communication Studies at Raritan Valley Community College. After earning my associate degree, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to focus on public relations and marketing, with the ultimate goal of attending law school.
As the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, I am deeply passionate about giving back to my community and using my voice to inspire and empower others. I have served as the Vice President of Marketing for the RVCC Activities Board and am currently the President of the Business Club. I’m also an EOF Mentor. At RVCC, I’ve completed over 100 hours of volunteer service at the Food Pantry/Resource Center and have interned for over four years at Bush Law Offices LLC.
I began working at Bush Law Offices at just 15 years old, where I discovered my passion for law and community advocacy. Over the years, I’ve assisted with legal files, attended court proceedings, and supported Spanish-speaking clients in better understanding their rights. Bridging the language gap has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my work and has shown me that law is about people, their stories, and ensuring every voice is heard.
Outside of academics and leadership, I enjoy listening to podcasts, hiking, reading, and going to the gym. I’m also passionate about public speaking, a skill I’ve been developing since the age of 14. This passion has led to incredible opportunities such as speaking at the 20th Annual RVCC Foundation Scholarship Reception, participating in student panels, being featured on the 1st & 10th Podcast, and representing EOF at high school recruitment events. Currently, I’m preparing for my next major milestone: delivering a TED Talk where I will use my platform to inspire, educate, and empower others.
By participating in the Sanofi Corporate Mentor Program, I look forward to gaining professional insight, building strong mentorship connections, and learning from experienced leaders in the field. I’m excited to grow both personally and professionally as I continue my journey toward a career rooted in communication, leadership, and community impact.
HARRISON GALE
Biomedical Engineering
Hi, my name is Harrison Gale and I am currently a first year student at Raritan Valley Community College. I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering and plan on transferring to a four year university once I graduate which will likely be after next spring semester. After earning my bachelor's degree my current plan is to take the MCAT and apply to medical school. I am not sure exactly what kind of doctor I would like to become but I have such a passion for health and taking care of my body and mind and I want to use what I continue to learn to help others out and see them thrive as well.
My hobbies include reading, writing (mostly journaling), traveling, spending time with family and friends, learning new things (right now I spend 30 minutes learning spanish and chess every day) but most importantly taking care of myself and my health. I am very serious about the gym, my diet, and also my recovery. I go to the gym 6 times a week to weight lift and in the past I have also trained boxing but I would like to train martial arts or jujitsu in the future. Every Sunday I go out, get all my grocies, and plan and make all my meals for the entire week. I track everything I eat from the calories and protein to the vitamins and nutrients to make sure I htt all my daily goals. I also make sure to prioritze my recovery as much as possible, sleeping as close to 7-8 hours as I can, stretching every day, and going to acupuncture regularly.
I am so excited to see what amazing opportunities and skills I will be able to get out of the Sanofi Corporate Mentor Program. I most anticipate being immersed into the coorperate world, along the way learning how to better my leadership skills, public speaking skills, advocate for myself, and plan my future. Having a mentor at Sanofi is an amazing connection that can open up so many doors for me as long as I make sure to make the most of this opportunity as I plan to. I can't wait to start this program and I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity.
MARYAM ELSAYED
Biological Sciences
Hi, my name is Maryam Elsayed and I am currently a student at Raritan Valley Community College. I am majoring in biological sciences and plan on transferring to a four-year university once I have received my associate's degree. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I have plans on transferring into an optometry school. I love and value education, and hope to one day earn my doctorate degree in optometry and become an ortho-k specialist. I aspire to open people’s eyes and bring them awareness about the importance of early vision development in early childhood .
My hobbies include reading and writing. I especially enjoy reading historical non-fiction, and classic fiction books. My other interests include learning about different cultures, religions, and walks of life.
I hope that the Sanofi Corporate Mentor Program will provide me with the necessary job and leadership skills I will need to be successful once I have graduated from college. I look forward to working with a mentor who has my best interests at heart and cares about my success just as much as I do. Having someone I can look to for guidance as I navigate my way through my final year at Raritan, prepare to transfer to a four-year university, and refine my goals for my future career is an amazing opportunity that I am truly blessed to have.
Miguel Alfaro
Business
Hello, my name is Miguel Alfaro, and I am currently a business major at Raritan Valley Community College. After finishing my associate's degree, I plan to go to a four-year university to study International Business with a minor in finance. After finishing my bachelor's degree, I intend to relocate to Europe and work in finance or another business-related field to learn more. I hope to one day own my own business and use it to motivate others to grow.
Beyond academics, I enjoy music, whether listening to it or playing it. I've been playing guitar for about 7 years and play at my church. I've also just gotten into outdoor photography. I also enjoy playing soccer, going to the gym, and participating in team sports.
I look forward to meeting everyone and participating in the Sanofi Corporate Mentor Program and being able to learn leadership skills and how to be more confident. I look forward to working with a mentor who can help me push myself and give me as much guidance so that I can navigate through a very busy year. Most of all I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning from them.
SAM MANONGSONG
Business
Hello, my name is Sam Manongsong, and I'm part of the Honors College at Raritan Valley Community College. I'm majoring in Business and plan to transfer to Rutgers Business School in New Brunswick once I receive my associate's degree. After completing my bachelor's degree, I hope to pursue my master's or begin working in the business world.
One of my favorite hobbies is sports photography, where I combine my interest in sports with creativity. I've been doing it for the past three years, and it has taught me a lot, especially in balancing my time with school. I've also learned how to establish and maintain relationships with players and coaches. Another interest of mine is playing the guitar, and I've been playing at my church since I was ten. It's something I've stuck with over the years, and I enjoy being able to give back.
With the great opportunity of the Corporate Mentorship Program, I hope to grow both academically and professionally. I'm excited to learn more about the business world, strengthen my skills, and build a strong foundation for the future. I look forward to building and maintaining a relationship with my mentor and truly making the most out of this experience.
SEBASTIAN PORTILLO
Information System and Technology
Hello! My name is Sebastian Portillo, and I am a student at RVCC. I am originally from Paraguay and I am 20 years old. My major is Information System and Technology and I am almost done with college! I am a part time server, so I am naturally very open to talk and meet new people. My career goals are to expand my technological skills that being learning new ways to implement technology in a day to day environment, as well as making it efficient. My other goal is also to expand my network as I grow and hopefully one day be a successful business man. My hobbies and interests are all over the place! I like watching movies, hanging out with friends, learning from documentaries, playing and watching soccer! (Go Barcelona!) and listening to music. I want to say that I am a very open person that likes to learn new skills and knowledge, as-well as making new friends that I can learn from, and I hope that this Sanofi mentorship program can offer this to me and much more. I want to learn the day to day basis of the corporate world and how it works, and how to operate in it. I am sure this program will help me develop my professional career but also have fun at the same time!
THERESA JIMENEZ-GARCIA
Business
Hi, my name is Theresa Jimenez-Garcia and I am currently a student at Raritan Valley Community College, pursuing an associate degree in General Business Administration. After completing my degree, I plan to work full time for a year to gain real-world experience before transferring to a four-year university. I aim to earn my bachelor’s degree in either Business Administration, Management, or Human Resources. My ultimate goal is to build a successful career in a workplace that I can enjoy-one that can encourage my to grow and value leadership and creates a positive environment. I’m deeply committed to working hard and staying focused in order to achieve my goals and I believe that every step I take will prepare me for the long-term success.
My hobbies include working out and spending quality time with my family and friends. I also have a passion for attending concerts by my favorite artists- it’s something I love to share with those close to me. In addition I enjoy traveling and discovering new states and places around the country.
I’m excited to be part of the Sanofi Corporate Mentor Program. I believe this experience will equip me with the job and leadership skills I need to thrive after college. I’m especially looking forward to working with a mentor who understands my goals, supports my growth, and helps me navigate both my final year at Raritan and the transition to a four-year university. With the right guidance and dedication, I’m confident in my ability to build a strong future.
UZMA ALOKO
Psychology
Hi, my name is Uzma Aloko, and I am currently a student at Raritan Valley Community College majoring in Psychology. My goal is to transfer to a four-year university to complete my bachelor’s degree and eventually pursue a graduate degree in Psychology. I’m passionate about mental health and aspire to support diverse communities by combining behavioral and cognitive approaches in therapeutic settings.
Previously, I served as President of the Muslim Student Association, where I led cultural and educational initiatives that promoted awareness, inclusion, and community engagement. I also worked for both the Admissions and Recruitment Department and the Student Life Department as a student ambassador, where I helped prospective students navigate the admissions and student life processes while highlighting the unique opportunities available at RVCC. Additionally, I serve as a student leader for New Student Orientation, helping incoming students transition smoothly into college life.
I am fluent in Pashto, Farsi, and English, and I hold a Bilingual Certificate that reflects my dedication to cross-cultural communication.
My hobbies include volunteering, reading about psychology and mental health, exploring different cultures, and creating henna designs. I also enjoy event planning, mentoring peers, and participating in leadership opportunities that allow me to grow both personally and professionally.
I’m excited to be part of the Sanofi Corporate Mentor Program and look forward to learning from a mentor who can support my academic and professional growth. I hope to gain insights into the workplace, develop essential career skills, and build lasting connections that will guide me as I continue my journey.
XIOMARA CASTRO
Business Administration
My name is Xiomara, and I’m a First-generation college student majoring in General Business at Raritan Valley Community College. I plan to transfer to Rutgers Business School to continue my journey in business, with a special interest in working one day in healthcare, a nonprofit organization, or a corporate social responsibility department, just like Sanofi, where I can use my business skills to make a real difference in people’s lives. I joined the Sanofi Corporate Mentor Program because I truly want to learn from those who’ve walked the path before me. As someone who’s still shaping her place in the business world, having a mentor who’s willing to guide me, share their experience, and believe in my potential means everything. I know this experience will help me gain the tools I need, not just job-related skills, but the confidence and leadership mindset to carry with me beyond graduation. Having someone to guide me during this important chapter, my final year at Raritan, the transfer process, and the steps I take toward my future. In my free time, I love creating content for social media, going for runs, and reading books. My friends might say I’m creative, driven, and outgoing, but I just see myself as someone who cares about growing and lifting others along the way.