Community Leads

academic community leads

Your journey is guided by a dedicated Community Lead and supported by a full campus network. Professors, advisors, and offices work together to help you explore what drives you, expand your thinking, build real-world skills, and stay on track to graduate. Support is tailored to your goals, helping you move forward with clarity and purpose toward a future you’re excited about. 

Community: STEM

community lead

Lead: Jennifer Insignares

Jennifer, a first-generation John Jay graduate in Forensic Psychology, has guided students as a Peer Career Educator, ¡Adelante! Peer Success Coach, and CUNY Service Corps intern. She specializes in data tracking and project management while helping students build academic skills, confidence, and momentum toward their goals.
“You don’t have to have everything figured out now, we’ll take it one day at a time.” - Jennifer Insignares

  • Current Favorites: My Regal Unlimited movie subscription, Dunkin’ Iced Oatmilk Lattes, and my Kindle
  • Known For: Being a good listener, always laughing at jokes, and wanting to learn more from others
  • Contact: teams <jennifer.insignares71> and email <jinsignares@jjay.cuny.edu> 

Community: Public Service & Safety

community lead

Lead: Joshua Amador

Joshua earned his M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Baruch and has led first-year and ¡Adelante! programs supporting hundreds of students. A fluent Spanish speaker and DEI facilitator, he has presented nationally and is pursuing an Ed.D. focused on equity and retention.
"Being first is not about luck; it’s about putting in the time and effort to be the best. Always go first!" - Joshua Amador

  • Current Favorites: Pokémon, video game speed running, furniture shopping
  • Last Scary Thing I Did: Getting my first apartment
  • Known For: Being super involved with lots of follow-up questions and listening more than I talk
  • Contact:  Teams <joshua.amador93> and email <jamador@jjay.cuny.edu> 

Community: Law & Humanities

community lead

Lead: Anna Huger 

Anna holds degrees from Wheaton College and Columbia University and has over a decade of experience in higher education and advising. She is known for designing impactful workshops, coordinating large events, and supporting students with steady guidance.
“Be comfortable within the uncomfortable. It will lead you to more growth than you have ever known.” - Anna Huger

  • Current Favorites:  Apple cider doughnuts, Building Lego sets, Looking up new recipes
  • Last Scary Thing I Did: Speak in front of a large audience
  • Known For:  being dependable, staying calm in stressful situations, asking people to dig deeper about their comments
  • Contact: Teams <anna.huger64> and email <ahuger@jjay.cuny.edu> 

Community: Human Behavior & Culture 

community lead

Lead: Jesse Funtleyder 

Jesse, an M.A. graduate in Forensic Psychology and Counseling, is dedicated to student well-being and justice. A Fulbright Fellow and adjunct professor, he combines research, teaching, and advocacy to support students and advance restorative justice.
“It's okay to not be okay. Just make sure to speak to someone or ask for help because there's always someone in your life who cares.” - Jesse Funtleyder

  • Current Favorites: Biking after a long day, Bad Bunny's entire discography, reading to my nephew
  • Last Scary Thing I Did: Moved to a city in Poland without knowing anyone to teach at a university
  • Known For: Being passionate about, and volunteering for, human rights causes, asking "how are you?" and actively listening to the answer, making jokes, and dancing through life
  • Contact: Teams <jesse.funtleyder93> and email <jfuntleyder@jjay.cuny.edu>

Community: Social Systems & Justice 

Sunny Kwong

Lead: Sunny Kwong

Sunny is a first-generation John Jay graduate with experience helping students navigate college life. As a former Peer Success Coach, CUNY Bridge Coach, and College & Career Advising Fellow, she is passionate about helping students transition to college and achieve their own versions of success.
“The comeback is always stronger than the setback. So take a deep breath, have fun, make mistakes, and learn as you go. You're going to do great!” - Sunny Kwong

  • Current Favorites: Taking naps, Opening blind boxes, Junk journaling
  • Known For: Spending a little too much time on Canva, Always smiling and/or laughing, Using emojis  
  • Contact: Teams <sunny.kwong22> and email <skwong@jjay.cuny.edu>