FIYou: Caryn Lavernia


CL HeadshotName: Caryn Lavernia

Hometown:  Hialeah, FL

Job Title/Department: Assistant Vice President for Engagement

Location/Campus: Engagement is systemic and we can be found in non-office spots all over Miami. Our physical office space is at MMC in PC 100.

In a nutshell: I get to partner with the small but mighty FIU Engagement Team, faculty members, and staff to build new partnerships, steward long-standing ones, and make sure the university community understands what is happening in the local community.

Number of years at FIU: 9 glorious months!

What do you enjoy most about your job? We have the privilege of being the chief connection point between FIU and the community. Being out in the field meeting with some of South Florida’s most interesting people is a great joy.

What should students and fellow faculty/staff know about your department? If you have an idea for something you would like to do in or with the community, we are here to help you find the right partners and to facilitate the process of launching a partnership. Come see us at PC100. Stay informed and in touch through our Engagement Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? My first FIU love is the Chaplin School at BBC – I love the kitchens. They remind me of my days as an undergraduate student in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management – I got a life-changing education and had lots of fun too. The sounds and smells of the kitchens take me back.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU? FIU is not just innovative; FIU is one of the most collaborative anchor institutions in the country, leading on consortiums and alliances that are creating positive, tangible change in our community and serving as the model for other institutions globally.

How do you help make FIU “Worlds Ahead?” FIU Engagement identifies and breaks down barriers between the community and the university. Our team is dedicated to thinking beyond the possibilities to create transformational engagement with community partners.

Family snapshot: Three younger brothers; a superhero Mom; the cutest niece in the world and a nephew on the way. I’ve got twin godkids who are eight and can’t wait to be Panthers! I’m lucky enough to also have a Peace Corps family in Vanuatu. My HUGE extended family keeps me quite entertained!

Word that best describes you: Explorer

First paying job:  In high school, I was an assistant to a sports’ photographer. This led to an unconditional and often-painful love of the Miami Dolphins.

Favorite TV show: Parks & Recreation. Leslie Knope is my TV hero.

What is playing on your Spotify?  Suenalo, old school hip-hop, and a new favorite is Hozier

Your proudest accomplishment: Ten years working within social justice and service organizations: first in the Peace Corps and then with City Year Miami. These experiences have enriched my life in countless ways, namely in giving me a family of committed people devoted to social change.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU? Exploring Miami; traveling; serving on community boards including the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of South Florida and Genesis Hopeful Haven; reading Douglas Adams books; managing my little brother, DaveL’s, art projects.