Sheila Johnson-Willis
Associate Vice-President
Chief, Equal Opportunity and Title IX Officer
Sheila Johnson-Willis joined Syracuse University in 2012 and serves as the Associate Vice President and Chief Equal Opportunity and Title IX Officer for Faculty and Staff. In this role, she provides guidance and support to University leadership on matters of equal opportunity, civil rights, and workplace fairness. She leads the University’s work to create and maintain policies and programs that support a respectful workplace that is welcoming to all.
Sheila oversees the review and investigation of complaints involving discrimination and harassment. She ensures that concerns are addressed fairly and thoroughly in accordance with federal and state civil rights laws, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. She also provides consultation, helps resolve workplace conflicts, and develops training programs to support a welcoming environment for faculty and staff.
With a law degree and extensive experience in higher education, Sheila brings thoughtful analysis, cultural awareness, and collaborative leadership to her work. Prior to joining Syracuse University, Sheila served as the director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, and Title IX officer, at Colgate University; and as director for Affirmative Action compliance and Title IX coordinator at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN.
Melanie Cuevas-Rodriguez
Equal Opportunity and Title IX Investigator
Melanie has several responsibilities that support efforts to ensure that Syracuse University promotes a diverse and inclusive work and educational environment. In addition to investigating Title IX complaints, she investigates and coordinates responses to complaints of discrimination and harassment and ensures compliance with Equal Opportunity policies and federal, state and local regulations.
Melanie joined Syracuse University in 2005, first, as the Assistant Director of Career Services and then as the Associate Director of both Student Life and Career Services at the College of Law where she counseled students and developed and implemented programs on diversity and inclusion. Prior to joining the University, Melanie worked at the Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society in Syracuse where she represented clients in various civil and quasi-criminal matters. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Binghamton and Juris Doctor and Master’s degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University.
mcrodriguez@syr.edu
315-443-3271
Gina Kelepurovski
Equal Opportunity and Title IX Investigator
Gina joined the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services in April 2018. In addition to investigating Title IX complaints, she investigates and coordinates responses to complaints of discrimination and harassment and ensures compliance with Equal Opportunity policies and federal, state and local regulations.
Prior to joining SU, Gina was a labor and employment attorney at Mackenzie Hughes, LLP. Gina earned a B.S in Business Administration from Binghamton University, a Masters in Business Administration from SUNY Oswego and a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.
Farah Duvalsaint
Equal Opportunity and Title IX Case Coordinator
Farah serves as a welcoming first point of contact for members of the Syracuse University community seeking support with discrimination and harassment concerns. She works closely with reporters throughout their experience, providing guidance, coordinating resources, and ensuring they receive timely updates and the support they need. Farah collaborates with the Title IX Officer for Faculty and Staff to connect individuals with appropriate accommodations and assistance.
Since joining Syracuse University in July 2023, Farah has brought strong organizational and analytical skills, along with exceptional communication abilities, to her work supporting the university community through sensitive matters. Her thoughtful, detail-oriented approach helps ensure that everyone who reaches out receives attentive and respectful service. Prior to joining SU, she held various administrative and operations roles in both corporate and non-profit sectors, where she coordinated complex projects, managed stakeholder relationships, and provided high-level human resources support.
Farah is trilingual in English, French, and Creole and earned a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from George Brown College in Toronto, Canada
Christina Percoski
Training and Development Specialist
Christina provides training to students, faculty and staff on topics related to preventing harassment and discrimination, sexual and relationship violence prevention and Title IX topics. She joined Syracuse University in 2006 as an employment specialist with the Recruitment and Diversity team in the Office of Human Resources. She has held her current position as Training and Development Specialist with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Inclusion and Resolution Services since 2016.
Prior to joining SU, Christina held several positions in the area of human resources including HR Generalist and HR Supervisor roles. Christina has experience training large groups, small groups and individual employee training. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Potsdam and her Certificate of Advanced Study in Instructional Design from Syracuse University.