Associate Director, Employer Relations
Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
Mariela Torres is the Associate Director at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies Career Design Lab (CDL), a role she has held since May 2019. Mariela leads the Employer Relations team, where she oversees employer engagement for 18 diverse academic programs. With close to 30 years of experience in Career Counseling and business, Mariela has successfully managed Career Services Centers that provide comprehensive support to students and alumni in navigating career transitions.
Her professional journey includes Director-level positions at institutions such as The College of New Rochelle, Berkeley College, and LIM College. Mariela has also held corporate roles at Avon Products, Perry Ellis, and Macy’s, giving her a unique perspective on career transitions between education and corporate settings. She is a certified Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Practitioner and is deeply committed to student success. She regularly provides career coaching, advises student organizations, and teaches career preparatory courses.
Mariela has been an active member of the MNYCCPOA Executive Board since 2015, serving in multiple leadership roles including President and Treasurer, and currently holds the position of Past-President. She holds a Master’s degree in Career Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising.
Outside of her professional work, Mariela is a proud wife to a New York City firefighter and a devoted mother to a son and daughter—as well as a loving dog mom. Her journey raising a son with special needs has deeply shaped her resilience and compassion, qualities that she brings to every aspect of her personal and professional life.
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Innovating the Talent Pipelines
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
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