Career Development Specialist
bbenavi2@central.uh.edu

Liaison to the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, Bauer College of Business and Exploratory Studies

Bina Benavides Serves as the Career Development Specialist for Business, Hospitality & Exploratory Studies. As a Career Development Specialist, she works with students through their major or career exploration, supports students to prepare strong application materials, teaches students strategies on how to have the confidence in their own skills and abilities, and provides individual recommendations based on student needs.

Bina received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology with a minor in Biology & Political Science, and her Master of Science (M.P.A) in Public Administration from Oakland University from Rochester, Michigan.  During Bina’s undergraduate and graduate studies, she held positions in University Housing as a Hall Director and Apartment Coordinator, that helped grow her passion for student development. In addition, Bina worked for Houston Community College in Qatar for six years, where she was a program manager and taught college government classes. During her time in Qatar she was able to network with people from all over the world and develop a deep appreciation for different cultures.

Upon returning to Houston, Bina has assisted UH Exploratory Studies students as a Student Success Advocate to help them connect to UH resources to set them up for success and to explore different majors. In addition, during the pandemic she was the first Program Manager for the UH Graduate School, recruiting virtually and partnering with other departments on highly successful outreach and contributing to a record of applications in the history of the UH Graduate School. She has also worked as an effective Senior Program Manager at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), planning and executing summer programs for minority and economically disadvantaged students and supporting faculty on various programs and events. In these positions she has had the privilege to help First Time in College (FTIC) students, international students and more.

Bina has a deep passion for coaching, motivating and enabling students to find their path. She is proud to serve Coogs of all identities and career paths. Visit Cougar Pathway to schedule an appointment with her today.