She Saw The Leader in Herself at PCCC

Tiffany Guerrero always knew she would have a future in business. “It runs in my family,” said the Class of 2025 graduate. “Most of my relatives own or are in some type of business. Even my grandmother is an entrepreneur.”

Tiffany receives her Associate in Science in Business Administration degree and plans to transfer to Rutgers-Newark next Fall to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Marketing.

Her goal for a career in sports marketing, took shape at Clifton High School (CHS) where Tiffany was an active student leader, serving as student representative to the local Board of Education, working with clubs, the Honor Society, and on volunteer projects, and acting as football manager for four years.

“One of my teachers opened my eyes to the field of marketing,” said Tiffany. Then, a class tour of MetLife for the NY Jets convinced her that her future is in sports marketing.

As a dual enrollment student at CHS, Tiffany completed her secondary education while simultaneously earning PCCC college credits and transitioned smoothly into PCCC.

“In college, student leadership is a very different experience from how it is in high school,” explained Tiffany. “At PCCC, the students take responsibility for the whole project – planning, coordinating a team, fixing problems, everything.”

From the start, Tiffany’s leadership capability stood out, especially through her work with the Student Government Association (SGA), where she was elected vice president last year and president this year.

She is proud of SGA’s accomplishments: acquiring new equipment for the athletics program, advocating for a soccer team, and collaborating with so many other programs on campus, including PTK, STEM, the Wellness Center, and more.

As campaign manager for a fellow student who sought an international office in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Tiffany handled social media, created videos, and directed the campaign team. “It was very collaborative, and we had fun while supporting our candidate and each other.”

These experiences enabled Tiffany to clarify her leadership style. “I don’t come into a project with big plans to change things or make people do what I tell them, she explained.

“I want to encourage people to participate, contribute their ideas, collaborate, and learn to work in teams to achieve a goal,” she said.

A recipient of the Carmela Cerone Memorial Scholarship, Tiffany was invited to speak about how the award made a difference in her life.

“At PCCC, I could see the leader in myself,” she said. “The scholarship gave me financial support, but it also gave me time…time to focus on my college work and also to get involved in student life.”

Looking ahead, Tiffany is excited about graduating, but not about leaving PCCC. “It’s a bittersweet time,” she admits. “What I will miss the most are the people: the professors, administrators, other students, and everyone here who wants to help us succeed.”

She singles out Business professor Kloud Kourani as a favorite. “She’s a caring teacher. She listens to students and pushes you in a way that makes you grow.”

And she acknowledges the advisors and staff members from the Center for Student Engagement, who took her out of her comfort zone: Ian Wolfe, Assistant Dean; Gina Oriolo, coordinator for programs and activities; and Rafaela Ramirez, formerly of the Center.

“I am very grateful I started my college education at PCCC. I don’t think I would have had such close relationships with my professors, deep friendships, or level of support if I started at a big university first. I feel more prepared for that now, thanks to PCCC.”