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 3L at the UM School of Law where she is the president of the Military and Veteran Law Student Association, the president of the Honor Council, a student director of the 1L Mentorship Pod Program, 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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Javier Andrews

Student Assistant

Originally from Tampa, Javier grew up moving frequently as part of a military family. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Crime Science from Florida International University and is now pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of Miami. In addition, Javier is a Cadet Second Lieutenant in the Air Force ROTC program, where he studies Aerospace Studies and serves as the Physical Fitness Squadron Commander and Safety & Security Officer. He plans to commission into the U.S. Air Force in 2027 as either a Combat Rescue Officer (CRO) or with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI).

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Alejandra Fonseca

Student Assistant

Alejandra is a sophomore at the University of Miami working toward a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), with a major in Marketing and a minor in Psychology. Originally from Washington, she grew up in Colombia and currently lives in Rockford, Illinois. At UM, she is an active member of the ALPFA club, where she participates in professional development and networking opportunities within the business community. After graduation, Alejandra hopes to begin her career in marketing and gain professional experience, with the long-term goal of earning an advanced degree later in her career.

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Sofia Noonan

Student Assistant

Sofia is an undergraduate Student Assistant at the Veterans Resource Center in her third 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 Bachelor of Science in Media Management at the School of Communications, minoring in Business Law and Marine Policy. She is the Vice President of the University's Media Management Association, acts as Academic Director for Pi Beta Phi Greek life organization, and is involved in the pre-law community, as well as student government. Following her undergraduate career, she plans to continue her higher education and go to law school.

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Thomas Wall

Student Assistant

Thomas started his career in public service at 16 as a firefighter/EMT in New Hampshire, later serving with the New York City Fire Department and later as a police officer and SWAT operator in Jacksonville, FL. For the past eight years, he has also served as a medic in the Army National Guard with 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne).  Thomas is now at the University of Miami transitioning from a career in public service to business, with aspirations to eventually attend law school. Overall, his goal is to leverage his background in leadership, crisis response/emergency management, and teamwork into a career at the intersection of business and law, while continuing to support fellow veterans through this role in the Veterans Resource Center.

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