This week we have the pleasure of getting to know our new Director of Macaulay-Queens, Ms. Taruna Sadhoo.
Where did you grow up and what’s your family like?
I was born in Guyana, South America but grew up in Flushing, Queens. I feel very lucky to have grown up in one of the most diverse areas of the world – without a doubt it contributed to my passion for international/cultural exchange and global citizenship. I am a proud mom, wife, sister, and aunt, and come from a family that believes in giving back to others through service, civic engagement, and within our careers.
Where did you go to college and what did you major in?
I earned a Masters degree in Higher and Post-Secondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and have a BA degree in Psychology from Queens College.
What did you do before becoming MHC Director at Queens College?
Prior to my current role, I was the Director of Experiential Education at Queens College. Within this role, I assisted in developing internship opportunities for over 700 students, providing them with meaningful internship experiences on and off campus and collectively securing over $1.5 million in funding for these programs. As an adjunct lecturer, I also taught a COOP World of Work course providing students with the experiences and skills needed to succeed in the professional setting prior to and upon graduation. Part of this course included each student exploring what global citizenship means to them and how they better understand and take action in their own communities on supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We also successfully partnered with fellow college students at The American University in Cairo to get their perspectives on what global citizenship and the SDGs mean to them.
Prior to my return to QC three years ago, I was the senior director of Community Engagement at UNICEF USA. In this role, I was responsible for leading the development, management, and expansion of the organization’s community, youth, and volunteer engagement and mobilization strategy for over 40,000 volunteers. While at UNICEF USA, I was also instrumental in the management and expansion of the Global Citizenship Fellowship, a highly competitive, full-time, 24-month program that prepares diverse, committed, and globally minded individuals for effective leadership in public service.
What do you love about your new job? I am passionate about this role as it allows me to bring together all of the skills, knowledge, and expertise I’ve garnered over the last 20 years to serve and empower students within MHC – ensuring a robust, successful, and rewarding experience for students and alumni. Serving students and alumni is what drives my work – how do we create the set of professional and further educational opportunities that complements what they have learned in the classroom. We have an incredibly talented student body and a key part of my role here is learning about the career and professional interests of our students. Our doors here at MHC are open for students and alumni to meet with us for advising so we can point out the scholarships and professional opportunities that enrich their experience here at QC and beyond.
What is/are your favorite book(s)? Music? Movie(s)? I have two favorite movies – It’s a Wonderful Life and The Shawshank Redemption – so many nuggets of wisdom within both of these scripts. I enjoy reading and learning from all types of books. However, my favorite books are memoirs and autobiographies. I’m currently reading the following books, Poison Ivy: How Elite College Divide Us by Evan Mandery; Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah; White Debt:The Demerara Uprising and Britain’s Legacy of Slavery by Thomas Harding. I am open to listening to all types of music – however, my favorites include Country, Soca, Indian and Reggae music.
Are there any issues/causes that you are particularly passionate about? I am passionate about children’s rights, access to education for marginalized populations, international development and equity, access, and diversity in higher education.
If you weren’t working at a university, what would your dream job be? This is my dream job and institution – I mean it! As a CUNY graduate and higher education professional, it has always been my professional dream to give back to the institution that has played an instrumental role in my life and that of the community in which I live.
What are your favorite ways to spend your leisure time? I enjoy spending time with my children, husband, family and friends celebrating life, laughing and eating a good meal.
What does a “good life” mean to you? It means being celebrating all the good things we have. I believe that no matter how challenging life may get, there are always rainbows to be found.
