Denise, shown working with students from Hofstra’s Student Government Association (SGA). Photo (Courtesy of Denise Boneta)
Denise Boneta, associate director for the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement (OSLE), has a resume greatly admired by Hofstra students. She completed her bachelor’s degree at New York University (NYU), master’s in social justice education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has experience working at NYU, Brown University and Barnard College/Columbia University. Whether you have been by Boneta’s office in OSLE or not, you have definitely felt the effects of her presence at Hofstra if you are in a club, a fraternity or sorority or have been to Music or Fall Fest.
Boneta’s duties at OSLE fall under a fairly large umbrella. She oversees leadership development, manages undergraduate student organizations and provides support to the Fraternity and Sorority Life team that reports to her. She is a direct advisor to the Student Government Association, social/general interest clubs and media clubs. Her work directly impacts the Hofstra community as she leads a massive list of annual and semesterly events including the Pride Expo, the Student Leadership Awards, Hofstra Concerts and the Entertainment Unlimited Music Fest.
Boneta works tirelessly to make our time spent at Hofstra far more enjoyable. What are small things that students can do to help Boneta ensure that everything is running smoothly? “Plan as far ahead as you can,” Boneta said. “The more time you give us to help you work on something, the better it will turn out.”
She also recommends student leaders check in with their club advisors throughout the semester.
“Getting to know each other when times are tough isn’t ideal.”
Managing so many clubs and events is not always easy, but Boneta has an optimistic attitude.
“There are many parts of the job that are difficult, as many as there are rewarding,” she said. “It doesn’t feel great […] to derecognize an organization.”
The decision is difficult for Boneta and she tries to derecognize an organization only when it is necessary and when student leaders have been given notifications and resources to avoid a negative decision. She believes that holding clubs accountable for expectations, deadlines and procedures is “part of the developmental process of students as new professionals.”
Boneta evidently works hard to help students develop into their full potential as young professionals. She advises students to treat everyone they encounter with humanity and respect. Most importantly, prioritize accountability in your life.
“When you messed something up or did it wrong, take responsibility, identify what you can do better next time and ask how you can be supported to work it out. This goes a lot farther than putting the blame somewhere else.”
Boneta’s commitment to students does not go unappreciated. Brynne Levine, a senior public relations major worked with Boneta while planning an intense comedy event coming to Hofstra in April called Girls and Gays.
“If you want to get something done at Hofstra you have to see [her]” said Levine. “She is the kindest, warmest, funniest person on this planet, and she is always ready to lend an ear and provide expert assistance. She’s helping make all my dreams come true.”
Outside of work, Boneta loves her rabbit and cat, who are both “rescues with very different personalities.” She also spends many weekends and summers in the Catskill Mountains where her grandmother lives, an invigorating getaway from Long Island and New York City.
Boneta’s position in leadership and club management is a gift to the Hofstra community. When collaborating with students, she is active and helpful, yet knows when to let the student take the reins and grow in their position. She is positive, yet sympathetic.
“I feel it both a major responsibility and honor to support students through those tougher moments,” she said.
Boneta is more than Hofstra staff, she is a role model for how one should conduct themselves professionally and support those they are working on. Students who approach her are met with a level of respect and support we all aspire to give, and from Boneta, we receive it.
