Honoring Community and Culture: Celebrating NJIT's Hispanic/Latino Employee Resource Group

NJIT has established employee resource groups (ERGs) that meet regularly and encourage faculty and staff to connect outside of their direct working relationships. This month, NJIT is celebrating its Hispanic/Latino ERG by profiling two of its members: Jorge E. Fresneda-Fernandez and William "Willie" Araujo.

Araujo is an assistant manager for building services now starting his 27th year, and Fresneda-Fernandez is an associate professor of marketing at the Martin Tuchman School of Management in his 8th year at the university.

Can you share your journey at NJIT? What brought you here, and what has your experience been like so far?

WA: I've been at NJIT for over 26 years. Before joining, I was a carpenter in the Newark area, working on various construction projects, including NJIT's old parking deck. As I worked on these buildings, I used to dream about what it would be like to work on campus full-time. That opportunity came when I was noticed by the director of the physical plant, who admired my skills and personality. Though it took time to get the job, I ultimately chose NJIT because of the long-term benefits, like healthcare and free education for my kids. The atmosphere here has been incredible. I've seen the campus grow, and it's fulfilling to walk through buildings I helped construct, knowing I've been part of that history.

JF: I came to NJIT right after graduating from the Ph.D. program in Business Administration at Drexel in 2017. I am a chemist by trade. I have a B.S. degree in Chemistry with a double major in Materials Sciences and Biochemistry, so I thought that a management school within a polytechnic school was the perfect fit for me: business, science and technology. Adding to that a wonderful group of colleagues, who share this interest in business and STEM, makes NJIT the perfect environment to thrive professionally. Additionally, the school had just started its own Ph.D. program a couple of years before I joined MTSM. Contributing to that program in Business Data Science seemed to be a great opportunity for a Professor of Marketing Analytics. In fact, I liked it so much that I became the Ph.D. program director! So, my experience at NJIT has been very rewarding.

How has NJIT contributed to your sense of belonging, both professionally and personally?

WA: NJIT has definitely shaped me as a person. When I started, I was mostly working with other men in the construction industry, but at NJIT, I've had the chance to engage with students, faculty, and staff from all walks of life. It broadened my perspective on different cultures and genders, which was new for me. I've also worked under four different presidents and had to adapt to each of their unique visions. That adaptability and openness to change have been key to my growth here. Plus, NJIT has given me the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships, whether it's through mentoring my team or engaging with the larger campus community.

JF: Undeniably, the polytechnic profile of the school made me feel that I do belong here from day one. That is the "professionally" portion. Personally, my colleagues and all the personnel at the MTSM, which almost feels like family to me.

In what ways has your cultural heritage influenced your role and work at NJIT?

WA: I come from a Brazilian and Cuban background, and our cultures are known for being friendly, outgoing, and hard-working. I've brought that same energy to my work at NJIT. We Brazilians and Cubans know how to work hard, but we also know how to enjoy life, and that balance is something I've always carried with me. NJIT has helped me apply those values in a professional setting, and in return, I've had the chance to learn from others about their cultures, religions, and ways of life. This diversity has enriched my experience and made me better at my job and as a person.

JF: There is a particular cultural aspect that I think has significantly influenced my work at NJIT and it is the idea of helping students beyond what is taught in the classroom or leading their research. Many times, students just need a good piece of advice, a recommendation, or guidance when deciding about their future. Of course, the best help that I can provide is quality instruction and advising with research, but many other times students need help orienting their careers. Put yourself in the shoes of an 18-year-old student who has to make decisions that may change the rest of their lives. I think this openness is one cultural aspect from my country that has influenced my work at NJIT.

What are some of the challenges and triumphs you've experienced as a member of the NJIT community?

WA: One of the challenges early on was getting promoted. It took about 10 years before I saw a clear pathway for advancement. However, with the arrival of leaders like Andrew Christ, things started to change. Promotions became more attainable and I started seeing more people of color, including myself, move up. That shift was a big triumph for me. I've been promoted twice now, and that's something I'm really proud of. It showed me that if you work hard and stay patient, good things will come your way.

JF: It is always challenging to balance teaching and research. Both, individually, can take up your entire time. As instructors, we should provide the best possible teaching. As researchers at an R1 university, we are seeking to publish impactful research. This has always been a great, but rewarding challenge. I am particularly proud of receiving a faculty teaching award last year. That was the appreciation of my former students expressed in their course evaluations. Thank you! You deserve the award!

How does NJIT support and celebrate diversity, and how has this impacted your career and personal growth?

JF: There are many ways in which NJIT celebrates and supports diversity. Just look at the many events, fairs, student associations, ERG committees, etc. Let me share one that I think people may not know about. When recruiting students for different programs at the MTSM, there is an important focus on diversity. Simply put, we believe that diversity in the classroom significantly enriches the college experience for everyone. Meeting and learning from people unlike ourselves benefit everyone involved.

WA: NJIT has definitely improved in celebrating diversity. I've seen it firsthand with the creation of offices and student groups that focus on engaging different cultures and communities. The student groups, especially the Hispanic group, are incredibly impressive. The way they present themselves and engage with the community is inspiring. It's clear that NJIT values diversity not just in words, but in action. The creation of the Office of Inclusive Excellence has been a big part in encouraging and developing these actions. This has had a huge impact on me-both in my work and my personal growth-because it encourages openness and respect for all backgrounds.

Can you share a specific moment or experience at NJIT that made you feel particularly valued or included?

WA: One moment that stands out is when I offered President Teik Lim a ride on my golf cart. I didn't know who he was at the time, but after we got to talking, I invited him to visit the facilities. To my surprise, he actually showed up, took a tour, and spent time learning about our operations. That moment made me feel incredibly valued because it showed me that no matter your title, everyone at NJIT is part of the same team. Having a president take time to understand my work really reinforced that feeling of inclusion.

JF: This may sound silly, but I always have students who make the effort of greeting me in Spanish. Students whose language is not Spanish but say "¡buenos días!" (good morning!) or "¿qué tal el fin de semana?" (how was your weekend?) always make me smile. Additionally, when both students and colleagues at MTSM ask me to show them pictures of my two daughters Carlota and Carolina, this makes me feel like I am a part of a larger NJIT family, too.

What advice would you give to new employees starting their journey at NJIT?

WA: Take advantage of the multitude of opportunities that NJIT has to offer. From the mentorship programs that can enhance your journey to the location of the university itself (within the NYC metro area!), you are standing in one the most important economic and academic hubs in the world and its benefits are at your fingertips.

JF: The first thing I'd tell any new employee is to come to work on time and be consistent. Take the time to learn about the different cultures here. If you come in with the mindset that only your way is the right way, you'll face challenges. Take time to understand others, whether it's their religion, cultural background, or identity. The more you engage with people and understand their experiences, the more fulfilling your journey here will be. NJIT is a diverse place, and embracing that will help you grow both professionally and personally.

What is a little-known fact that your peers at NJIT might not know about you?

WA: I used to be an auxiliary police officer for seven years. It taught me a lot about discipline, responsibility, and helping others, which I've carried over into my work here at NJIT. On a different note, I'm also really passionate about landscaping. I love taking care of my yard, planting trees, and watching them grow. It's a slow process, but just like relationships, with the right care and attention, the results are worth it. I always tell people, "Less is more" when it comes to landscaping, and it's a passion that gives me peace outside of work.

JF: I hope that this is NOT a little-known fact, but instead a very well-known fact, but: I am a Real Madrid season ticket holder since 1994 (30 years!). I was awarded with Real Madrid's silver medal 5 years ago for 25 years as a season ticket holder. ¡Hala Madrid!

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