Meet the Staff

Jon Baldessari

Jon Baldessari

Director, Student Affairs Program

(305) 284-8719
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Jon is the inaugural director of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) that opened in March 2023.  The VRC oversees all aspects of programs and initiatives for the academic and professional success of student veteran and military-connected students. Additionally, he advises the Veteran Students Organization (VSO) and works with a...
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Student Staff

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Marisa Ewing

Graduate Assistant

Marisa is currently a 2L at the UM School of Law where she is the Vice President of the Veteran Law Student Society, Vice President of the Disability Law Students Association, a member of the Honor Council, and a Student Ambassador. Originally from Massachusetts, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from Boston University and earned a commission as an Officer in the U.S. Army. She served four years in the 82nd Airborne Division as an Adjutant General Officer and was accepted into the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) to attend law school as an Active-Duty Captain. Upon graduation and passing the bar exam in the spring of 2026, Marisa will serve as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer.

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Joshua Cárdenas

Student Assistant

Joshua is an undergraduate Student Assistant in his first year in the Veteran Resource center. Joshua is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and currently lives in Savannah, Georgia. Joshua is pursuing a degree in Economics at the University of Miami, with a minor in Spanish. He is also a licensed realtor in the state of Florida. After college, Joshua plans to pursue a career in Real Estate Development.

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Sofia Noonan

Student Assistant

Sofia is an undergraduate Student Assistant in the Veterans Resource Center in her second year on staff. Sofia is originally from Miami and grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. She will be graduating from the University in the spring of 2026. She is currently working on her B.S.C. in Media Management at the School of Communications, with two minors in Business Law and Marine Policy. She is involved in the pre-law community, Student Government, and environmental awareness organizations at UM. Following her undergraduate career, she plans to continue her higher education and study law.

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Brianna Walker

Student Assistant

Brianna is an undergraduate Student Assistant in the Veterans Resource Center in her first year on staff. Brianna is originally from Pembroke Pines, Florida but was grew up in Orlando. She will be graduating from the university in the spring of 2027 with her Bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and a minor in sports administration, both through the school of Education and Human Development. She is also involved in the Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement. Following her under graduate career, Brianna hopes to become a certified athletic trainer and work in the NFL, preferably with the Miami Dolphins.

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