Gabriella Czerw
Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, Division of Student Affairs
Start Date: January 10, 2022
The field of marketing and communications was love at first sight for Gabriella Czerw,
a self-described ‘Energizer Bunny’ who loves talking with people, helping match programs
and products to their needs, and striving to provide the best ‘customer’ service.
So when Stony Brook was looking for someone to fill that critical role in Student
Affairs, Gabriella was all in, for many reasons.
“I’ve always wanted to work in higher education and get really involved in student
engagement. Doing it at Stony Brook is a dream come true as I get to help so many
people from diverse backgrounds,” says the first-generation college graduate whose
own family roots are in Costa Rica. Gabriella adds, “It’s the job I’ve always wanted.
And it’s at a large institution that offers so many growth opportunities for faculty
and staff. I don’t see myself ever wanting, or needing, to go anywhere else.”
Gabriella is working in a relatively new department called C.R.A.F.T. (Communication, Research, Assessment, Fundraising and Technology). Her job responsibilities in the small, but growing, area include creating
cohesive branding for Student Affairs, and helping ensure easy digital access to information
so students are aware of all the programs and services available to them – from the
Career Center, to the Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO), to the diverse array
of clubs and organizations. She’s also pursuing her MBA in Marketing here and appreciates
the “big focus” SBU places on her field of choice.
Gabriella says her previous work and educational experiences, which have been “awesome,
fun and meaningful,” have all combined to prepare her for this role. These include:
welcoming international students upon their arrival to the U.S. at SUNY Cortland,
where she received her undergraduate degree in communications studies/minor in business
management; her medical marketing work at a start-up company; and her marketing and
event planning staff role at Farmingdale University.
The strengths she’s excited to bring here include “putting a lot of energy into all
of my projects, seeing and understanding people’s needs, being a team player, and
bringing a unique private and public marketing perspective.” She also likes to work
at a fast pace and make things happen.
Mostly, though, Gabriella wants to give something back. “All along my career path
I’ve had great mentors. In my new role, I’m looking to help as many students as I
can, as much as possible. I believe I can achieve that here, which is really satisfying.
And I’m so grateful for the opportunity!”