Member Spotlight: Bonibelle Candelario & Jennifer Medina
Get to know the Co-Chairs of the Yale Latino Networking Group!
This dynamic duo have been working hard to continue the work of the Yale Latino Networking Group over the last year. With a combined experience of over 15 years at Yale, Bonibelle and Jennifer have dedicated their energies to providing Latinos at Yale opportunities to connect, develop professionally, and give back to the Greater New Haven community.
Bonibelle, also known as Boni, currently serves as a Support Staff Specialist in Human Resources in the Department of Organizational Effectiveness and Staff Development. She has worked at Yale for eight years both in Human Resources and in the Dean’s office of the Yale School of Management. In 2010, Boni joined the YLNG steering committee as a co-chair of career development as a way to help create career development programs for staff. “Career development is a passion of mine, and it has been a true pleasure to get to create in a supportive and welcoming space.”
Jennifer, or Jenn for short, has worked at Accountant in the Investment Accounting Department for seven years. She volunteered to be a part of the YLNG steering committee in 2009, shortly after her first year at Yale. “I have volunteered with various events throughout the years and I was glad to step into the co-chair position in 2014. I am excited to see the growth and direction of the group, the impact we can make on the Yale community.”
The Latino community at Yale, which includes staff and faculty in almost every department at the university, is encouraged to join YLNG for ample reasons. “The first reason to become active is networking. Yale is a large organization and you can become isolate. Joining the affinity groups at Yale allows you to connect with other people here, reaping both personal and professional benefits,” says Jenn. The Yale Latino Networking Group provides avenues to connect through various events like the Spring Social and New Hire Luncheon.
In addition to social and professional networking, involvement with the group gives its members the opportunity to develop professionally and build their resume. “We provide opportunities for you to lead, manage projects, and connect with other departments and the Greater New Haven community. These experiences are accomplishments, they demonstrate transferable skills, and career highlights that can all enhance your resume,” adds Boni. Whether you want to enhance your skills or gain experience in marketing, career development, community building, budgeting or more, the opportunities are available through YLNG.
Outside of Yale and their commitment to the affinity group, Boni and Jenn are both wives and mothers who are very active in their communities and committed to their families. Boni runs a blog she started in 2009 called Know Your Worth at www.bonicandelario.com that continues to fuel her interests in career development, social media, and online community building. Jen, who is an active member of her local church, volunteers to work with children and outreach programs. She is also a board member of a non-profit called The Latina Army (www.thelatinaarmy.org), whose mission is to celebrate and empower young Latinas.