Employer Relations Staff

Our dedicated Employer Relations team can help your company with all of your recruiting needs. Contact us today for more information!

• .Hema PaliwalAssociate Director - Employer Relations
  

  Hema Paliwal
  Associate Director - Employer Relations
  hpaliwal@uci.edu

  Hema Paliwal brings with her a diverse background in both higher education and corporate HR, with a keen eye for business strategy development and promoting student career success.

  Most recently, Hema was the Assistant Director of Employer Relations for Mihaylo College of Business & Economics at California State University, Fullerton. In her seven years at Mihaylo, she started and grew the employer relations program, in which she oversaw all employer outreach, developed diverse employer programming, and was integral in strengthening recruiting relationships to serve the college’s 9.500 elite undergraduate and graduate students. Prior to Mihaylo, Hema worked in corporate Human Resources where she wore multiple hats from talent recruitment, navigating HR operations, and promoting key business development.

  Hema holds an MBA in Organizational Leadership and a BA in Human Resource Management, both from California State University, Fullerton. In her free time and as a SoCal native, she enjoys going to outdoor summer concerts, singing in her local choir, and hiking around the lakes and mountains of Southern California.
  
• .Alexis UriasOn-Campus Recruitment Specialist
  

  Alexis Urias
  On-Campus Recruitment Specialist
  aurias@uci.edu

  Alexis Urias joined the Division of Career Pathways (DCP) as the On-Campus Recruitment Specialist after completing his BA in Sociology and BA in Film and Media Studies at UC Irvine in 2019. While pursuing his degrees, Alexis was involved in several campus organizations and worked for multiple On-Campus Departments, including the Division of Career Pathways. At DCP, he coordinates employer related events such as Career Fairs, On-Campus Interviews, and Information Sessions.
• .Dakota SerafinCareer Educator for UCI Division of Continuing Education
  

  Dakota Serafin
  Career Educator for UCI Division of Continuing Education
  dserafin@uci.edu

  Dakota received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling from the University of Southern California. She has held a variety of roles in both public and private universities and is passionate about helping students navigate the career development process. In her current role, Dakota serves as the Career Educator for the UCI Division of Continuing Education.
  
• .Natasha StraussEmployer Engagement Specialist
  

  Natasha Strauss
  Employer Engagement Specialist
  nstrauss@uci.edu

  Natasha Strauss received her Bachelors in Anthropology from UC Irvine and is a proud 1st gen alumna. She began her professional journey in the non-profit industry where she held various roles, including community engagement, fundraising, and, most recently, University Relations/Recruiting. In her current role, Natasha serves as the main point of contact for employers who are seeking to recruit top talent and engage UCI students and the campus community.