Presenter Bio - Janelle Freire

Janelle is a proud two-time graduate of Florida Atlantic University, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education and her Master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership. She began her career at FAU in 2019 as a Graduate Assistant in the Dean of Students Office, where she discovered her passion for student affairs and supporting students through both challenges and opportunities. Over the years, she has advanced within the office to her current leadership role, continuing to serve the FAU community with dedication and care.

Originally aspiring to be a teacher, Janelle has always loved working with students and helping them grow into the best version of themselves. She views the college years as a transformative time, an opportunity for students to discover their strengths, expand their perspectives, and begin making their mark on the world.

Janelle believes that every interaction, no matter how brief, can leave a lasting impact. Whether she spends hours working with a student or only shares a five-minute conversation, she strives to ensure they feel seen, heard, and supported. If she cannot directly meet their needs, she takes pride in being a connector. Linking students to the right resources, people, or opportunities to help them move forward.

Her student-centered approach is grounded in the belief that success is not a solitary achievement, but a collaborative effort between students and the communities that support them. Janelle’s work reflects her commitment to fostering a campus environment where students feel empowered to take ownership of their journeys, overcome obstacles, and embrace new possibilities.

As both an alumna and dedicated professional, Janelle’s connection to FAU runs deep. She continues to approach her work with enthusiasm, compassion, and a commitment to helping students navigate their paths to success.