September 2024 Winners

Jin Hee Choi

‘15, College Lab Technician
Art & Design

Maintain, innovate, and collaborate. Just a few words that describe a day in the life of Jin Hee Choi, a College Lab Technician (CLT) in the department of Art & Design for four years. Under her watch things run like clockwork so students may let their imaginations run wild.

And it takes imagination to inspire creativity and Jin Hee has plenty of that.

Her own imagination is captured through photography, an artistic calling she has pursued most of her life. Her work prompts viewers to reflect on the world's complexity, beauty, and chaos.

“I’m so lucky to surround myself with faculty and students who excel in a such a wide scope of artistic disciplines,” said Jin Hee, who was born in South Korea and raised in Fresh Meadows, Queens.

She makes certain that faculty and students are ready to use the classrooms. For ceramics, clay glazes, for drawing and painting, craft paper, for the darkroom, chemicals and equipment used to develop film and she has developed signage instruction with QR codes for equipment rental and hallway lockers—these days, many students in middle and high school no longer use traditional lockers. Her technical expertise extends to computers, software, and printers.

“Beyond her technician duties, Jin Hee engages in student-led initiatives, offering her time and expertise to events and organizations,” said Kenneth Powell, Senior College Lab Technician in the department of Art & Design, who nominated Jin Hee for the C.A.R.E.S. Award. “She created the first digital catalogue for the Juried Student Art Exhibition during Covid, allowing students to celebrate their artwork with family, friends, and the Queensborough community. This innovation enhanced students' academic performance and confidence.”

Jin Hee enrolled (for the second time) at Queensborough in 2013 and graduated with an A.S. (associate in science) degree in 2015. The first time she enrolled was in the fall of 2004 right out of high school. She was always interested in photography but the idea of photography as a practical career discouraged her, and she withdrew after taking a few classes.

In the nine years that followed she tried on an array of jobs: a teacher’s assistant in a daycare program, a dental assistant, an e-commerce coordinator in the web department for a fashion and jewelry company, a receptionist at an art studio, and finally a teacher in an after-school program for elementary school students.

But like a magnet, Jin Hee’s first love—photography--pulled her back, and she decided to give Queensborough another try in 2013. This time around she steeped herself in “Film Photography,” “Digital Imaging,” and “Art History.”

“It was not easy coming back in my mid 20’s. I was afraid most students would be younger than me. It was a relief to see that people of all ages start over or are just starting out on their college career. I give QCC a lot of credit for helping all students feel welcome and included.”

Over the next several years after she graduated from Queensborough, Jin Hee worked as a freelance photographer, assistant teacher in a photography afterschool program and a photography assistant for a watch company. She returned to Queensborough in 2019 as an adjunct College Lab Technician and in 2021 was hired as a full-time College Lab Technician.

“Ken is a great collaborator. I look to him as an example of someone who is always there to help the students engage, and the faculty to excel in their work and in their teaching.”

“Jin Hee’s positive influence extends to her colleagues, fostering a culture of support and engagement within the faculty,” said Ken. She volunteers for events focused on improving student life and has been pivotal in developing new student retention initiatives. Her efforts include managing the Art & Design Instagram, where she posts internship opportunities, highlights students’ work, and informs new students of key dates and events.”

In the spring of 2015, the same year she graduated from Queensborough, Jin Hee assembled her portfolio and applied to SVA, (School of Visual Arts). She was accepted and enrolled in the fall of 2015.

“It was a dream come true and opened many doors for me. And you know, I took a leap coming back to Queensborough and boy did it pay off. Queensborough helped me take the leap to the next stage of my life.”

---

In 2017, the department of Art and Design received accreditation from NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art & Design. Queensborough was one of only 19 community colleges in the country and the only art program in the CUNY system to receive this accreditation. With this Queensborough joined the ranks of New York City’s premier art education institutions such as Cooper Union, School of Visual Arts, Parsons School of Art and Design, Pratt, and Fashion Institute of Technology to offer a nationally recognized art and design education.

Donnyce Powell

MBA, Finance and Procurement Manager
Purchasing

CUNYBuy went live in July 2023.

 “It has a few kinks,” said Donnyce Powell, diplomatically. As Finance and Procurement Manger at Queensborough for four years, she understands the challenging adjustment from CUNYfirst. “CUNYfirst was a beautiful system-- user friendly-- more adaptable to making changes. So, yes there are still some wrinkles with CUNYBuy, but it is a solid system which allows for more transparency.”

 “Donnyce is at the ready to assist people with delays and deftly resolve problems that arise within the Purchasing Business Center,” said Sukina Saunders, College Office Assistant, Accounting and Related Entities, Business Center, who nominated Donnyce for the C.A.R.E.S. Award.

Donnyce’s connection with Queensborough goes back 34 years when she enrolled in 1990 as a Liberal Arts major. “I heard it was the best community college in Queens. And it certainly was true for me as a student, and still is today.”

She is a dyed-in-the-wool Queens girl, born and raised in Hollis. In 1992, before she earned her associate degree, Donnyce moved with her family to Miramar, Florida. “I was a single mother with a baby girl and needed the support of my mom, brothers, and cousins.” She lived in Florida for the next 24 years. Those years were productive.

From 2000-January 2016 Donnyce worked for the City of Miramar, first as a secretary, then she was promoted to Procurement Coordinator.

During this time Donnyce looked toward finishing her education. Transferring some credits from Queensborough, she was able to enroll part-time at the University of Pheonix in Ft. Lauderdale, where she received her bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2009. She earned her master’s degree in business administration in 2014 from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida.

In September 2015 Donnyce returned home to Queens to apply for a position at Queensborough as Finance Procurement Specialist. “I was excited to be back in Queens and back at Queensborough where I had such happy memories as a student.” She successfully interviewed in October 2015 and started on February 22, 2016. Eight years later Donnyce was promoted to her current title, Financial Procurement Manager.

“I remember when I had to learn the CUNYBuy terminology, the overall process and purpose, and how to provide goods and services to end users in a timely, professional manner while following procurement city guidelines in an ethical way.”

So last year, to help others untangle the new system, she created a CUNYBuy PowerPoint. The departments that participated in the presentation were Accounts Payable, Budget, Purchasing and related entities.

“Donnyce’s rapport with folks around campus is admirable,” said Sukina. “She has an innate ability to effectively communicate CUNYBuy’s complex procure-to-pay business process and also communicate with our 300 vendors.”

Donnyce knows she could not do this alone without a talented team of colleagues. “I rely on the expertise of many people, including Sukina.”

“From the day I first stepped onto this campus I have felt a sense of community that continues to grow. Queensborough brings people together. It is a joy to be part of this culture of care.”