Meet Justine
Justine Cheung, Bridging Success Program Director
Welcome to ASU Bridging Success! My name is Justine Cheung and this is my tenth year as the program director for the University’s campus-based support program for students with a foster care background. ASU Bridging Success is here to support any student who was involved with the child welfare system using a holistic, trauma informed, coaching model that lets our students prioritize their needs and goals. Watching our students grow, achieve, thrive, and graduate is my greatest joy! They are amazing young people who make coming to work every day an absolute pleasure.
On a more personal level, I have both an undergraduate and graduate degree in social work. I am also very active in research with my areas of interest including both former foster youth in higher education and mental health recovery. My professional career has included working for a non-profit providing peer-support services to people diagnosed with a serious mental illness, conducting research with international refugees and social entrepreneurship, and working in the public health sector.
Meet Niya
Niya Brooks, Bridging Success Resource Navigator & Program Coordinator Sr.
My name is Niya Brooks and this is my second year working with ASU Bridging Success program! Having spent the majority of my childhood and undergraduate college years in the foster care system, I am deeply honored and excited to be a part of this program which uses a holistic and trauma informed model to support positive student outcomes for our brilliant cohort of students. Through both my personal and professional experience, I bring a unique perspective and understanding of the importance of relationship building and developing intentional programs and workshops to support our students.
I currently hold an undergraduate degree in History from Union College and a graduate degree in Higher Education in Student Affairs Administration from SUNY Buffalo State University. I have worked in a variety of different industries with diverse populations, but my most fulfilling professional roles have been in higher education with disadvantaged populations. I previously worked at my alma mater with the Academic Opportunity Program which support students from low income backgrounds with academic and personal counseling, financial aid, and social activities. In addition, I worked with the Intercultural Affairs office to help support the planning, execution, and administrative duties for initiatives and events which promote inclusion and equity.
Fun facts: I am a native New Yorker, I am ambidextrous, and I have traveled to 26 states and 7 countries!
Meet Cynthia
Cynthia Alaffa, Program Coordinator