Jenell V. Spitale

I lead strategy and implementation for experiential learning and student employment initiatives at the University at Buffalo Career Design Center, advancing equitable access to high-impact experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers.

In my current role, I oversee a portfolio of programs including Here to Career+ Student Employment, the Internship Equity Fund, the Internship Support + Emergency Fund, and Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (URCA)—collectively supporting 800 students annually across all academic units. These initiatives are intentionally designed to remove systemic barriers, embed equity into program design, and connect students to workforce-aligned learning opportunities.

My work sits at the intersection of program strategy, partnership development, and impact measurement. I collaborate with campus, community, and employer stakeholders to build scalable models that integrate the National Association of Colleges and Employers Career Readiness Competencies into experiential learning, with a focus on measurable student growth and long-term career outcomes.

I am passionate about designing systems that expand access, strengthen workforce pipelines, and ensure that all students can access, persist in, and benefit from experiential education.