Session 1 – PDD2025 Adapt & Thrive – Embracing Change For Excellence
9:15 am – 10:30 am Central Campus, Bailey Hall
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Alumni Spotlights: Stories of Growth and Change
Join us for this inspiring opening session featuring three distinguished alumni who embody the theme, “Adapt and Thrive.” Through their personal stories of resilience and transformation, these alumni will share how they have overcome challenges, embraced change, and have achieved success in their personal and professional lives.
Rahjanni Iusi
Military and Veteran Liaison Banyan Treatment Centers
Rahjanni Iusi is a Military and Veteran Liaison at Banyan Treatment Centers, where she is dedicated to supporting veterans in recovery. Her journey began in the United States Army, where she served as a Military Intelligence Analyst and paratrooper in the Special Operations community, witnessing firsthand the toll of combat on mental health.
Her commitment to veteran advocacy was shaped by personal tragedy. In 2013, her first husband, an Active-Duty Service Member, completed suicide—one of several losses in her unit within a short time. Determined to make a difference, Rahjanni pursued higher education to address mental health challenges in the veteran community. She completed the Social Behavioral Sciences and Human Services Professional Enhancement Program (PEP) at Broward College before earning a Master of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University.
Now at Banyan Treatment Centers, Rahjanni develops programs, provides resources, and advocates for military personnel and veterans battling addiction and mental health issues. Alongside her husband, John, their adopted son Preston, and twin daughters Adalyne and Harper, she remains deeply involved in serving her South Florida community through ministry.
Simona Miulescu
Data Scientist at Peraton
Simona Miulescu is a data scientist at Peraton, where she has excelled in driving innovation since 2015. In 2024, she joined the faculty at Broward College’s Central Campus as an adjunct professor in Computer Science and Technology, where she shares her expertise with the next generation of tech professionals.
Simona earned her Master of Science in Data Science from Eastern University (2023), a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management from Broward College (Summa Cum Laude, 2021), and an Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology, also from Broward College (Highest Honors, 2018).
A passionate advocate for women in technology, Simona was recognized with the Women in Tech Award from Broward College in 2018 and honored by the National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science in 2020.
Originally from Transylvania, Romania, Simona has lived in South Florida for 34 years and enjoys the beach, gardening, and traveling with her husband and daughter.
Yasmin Teja
Library Specialist, Broward County Libraries
Yasmin Teja was born in Zanzibar, raised in Kenya, and has called South Florida home for nearly 50 years. She speaks Swahili and is a dedicated advocate for education and community service.
A proud Broward College alumna, Yasmin earned her A.A. in 1980, transferring to FAU on dual scholarships. She later earned her MBA in 1983, launching a successful career in Accounting and Finance at American Express, Mitel, and the State of Florida. However, her passion for student success brought her back to Broward College, where she worked in academic support and taught Reading as an adjunct professor. A highlight of her teaching career was collaborating in Learning Community classes with her longtime mentor, friend, and colleague, Professor Trish Joyce.
Now a Library Specialist for Broward County Libraries, she champions literacy and outreach programs. Yasmin has been recognized with several awards throughout her career, including the Broward College Unsung Hero Award in 2016 and the Professional Technical Staff Outstanding Achievement Award in 2017. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Library Science at USF.
