Department of Student & Career Development

Elizabeth Sturges Llerena
Art & Substitute Teacher
Virginia Benayoun
Substitute Teacher
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ELOI VILLANUEVA
Math teacher/coach

My morning starts extra early as I thank God for another day to serve as an educator. I feel so blessed to work in a school community where I am able to teach and learn alongside my students and colleagues. I do this work every day, always remembering that "having understanding is better than silver, having wisdom is better than gold, but LOVE surpasses them all".
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Project Name

MICHELE DEBONO
College Counselor & Internship Coordinator

KATIE STRAUSS
Humanities, ENL and Special Educator
Project Name

FRANK FENG
SYEP Site Coordinator
I was once a student at Flushing International High School, and now I am proud to be back working in the same community as a Program Coordinator with the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), supporting students through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and Work, Learn & Grow (WLG) program.
Having received guidance and support from others when I was younger, I now hope to give back by helping students explore career interests, build confidence, and develop practical skills they can use in the real world. My goal is to help students gain meaningful experiences, become more prepared for life beyond high school, and feel confident taking their next steps toward their future.
YOUSRA HANIF
Program Manager

From stepping into FIHS as a student to guiding others as a tutor and now leading as a Program Manager, my entire journey in the United States has unfolded within these school walls.
Throughout this journey, I have lived by two core principles: “When you try something, you risk failure; but when you do not, you ensure it,” and “Unfortunately, there will be no evidence that you really tried your best if you don’t make it.”
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I believe success has no single definition or boundary. True success lies in finding personal fulfillment in what you do while uplifting others—never making anyone feel small, causing harm, or standing in someone else’s way. In our own unique ways, we are all capable of defining and achieving success.
Isbeth Arelis
Bridge Coach
My name is Isbeth Jiménez, am from Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata. I am 19 years old College Student at CCNY majoring in Psychology. Am the New Bridge Coach at FIHS, am a fan of historical events learning exploration. I really love reading, painting, writing and learning new creative activities every day.


Ahnaf Chowdhury
Substitute Paraprofessional
Jenny Lu
Substitute Teacher


Fatema Hanif
College Now Liaison & Substitute Teacher
My name is Fatema Hanif, and I am proud to be both an alumna of Flushing International High School (FIHS) and a member of its school community. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, with a minor in Economics, from Queens College, CUNY, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction at Georgia Institute of Technology.
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At FIHS, I serve as a College Now Liaison and a substitute teacher, supporting students as they navigate their academic journeys and explore opportunities for their future. As a former student, FIHS will always hold a special place in my heart. It is more than just a school to me; it is my second home. Having experienced the school as a student, I understand the importance of creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can learn, grow, and reach their full potential. I believe in the power of education to open doors, build confidence, and create brighter futures for individuals and communities.
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Outside of school, I enjoy cooking a variety of dishes, experimenting with new dessert recipes, and playing video games. I love exploring new things, being creative, and continuing to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
I am grateful to be part of the FIHS community and look forward to helping students recognize their potential, pursue their goals, and build a strong foundation for their future.
Mingxi Wang
Substitute Teacher

