Meet our Staff
Kiran Somaya
As Director of the Career Development and Experiential Learning Center at Norwalk Community College, Kiran provides individual career coaching and advising to students and alumni. She assists with resume and cover letter reviews, job and internship search, mock interviews, major exploration, academic advising and professional networking. Kiran has expertise in hosting signature on-campus events including career expos, career strategy days, guest speaker series, career prep workshops, and presentations. Prior to joining NCC in January 2015, Kiran spent four years at University of Bridgeport’s Center for Career Development building strategic partnerships with regional employers, cultivating internship and job opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as alumni. In addition, she managed the CPT (Curricular Practical Training)/ internship process for international student population and all employer related programs, including all on-campus recruiting, employer events, recruiting strategies and outreach. She has also worked for seven years in the international financial services industry. Kiran graduated with Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from University of Bridgeport and also holds a Masters in Management Studies, Finance degree from Mumbai University. Besides career development and corporate outreach, Kiran is dedicated to another full-time job as the mother of two little boys. She is also passionate about paper art and would love to travel the world!
Alexis Pantello
As the new Job Developer in the Career Development and Experiential Learning Center, Alexis will be cultivating partnerships with employers to provide students with career-related work and internship experience. Alexis will also be providing guidance for students to obtain meaningful employment, including interview skills, dressing for success, resume building workshops and one-on-one appointments to find appropriate placements.
Prior to joining the Career Development team, Alexis worked at CT State Norwalk in the Tutoring Center as the Learning Commons Coordinator overseeing the PASS Program as well as supporting the Director of Student Support Services. Prior to coming to CT State Norwalk, Alexis worked in high schools as a School Counselor. There she worked with students to meet their academic as well as social/emotional needs and collaborated with them and their families to plan their postsecondary college & career path.
Alexis earned her Masters of Science Degree in Guidance & Counseling from the College of New Rochelle as well as her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Iona College. When she’s not at CT State Norwalk, she loves cooking, watching her children participate in sports, and visiting zoos & museums with her family.
Courtney Anstett
Courtney Anstett has been at Norwalk Community College (NCC) as the Service-Learning Coordinator since February 2007. Courtney received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Quinnipiac College (University) and a Masters in Science degree in Counseling: College Student Personnel Services from the University of Bridgeport.
Courtney developed the Service-Learning program at NCC. Service-Learning at NCC is the method of integrating classroom lessons with community action. Students complete community service hours for college credit based on their course goals and objectives.
In July 2019, Courtney joined the Career Development and Experiential Learning Center to enhance and expand hands-on experiences in real world settings leading to greater personal satisfaction and professional/career success.
In addition to maintaining the Service-Learning program, Courtney’s role at the College has evolved as society, the community, the college, and the needs of the students have changed to include co-curricular activities, events, and initiatives. These initiatives include Alternative Spring Break, starting and overseeing the NCC Food Pantry and the Interfaith Center and coordinating the Disney College Program. These co-curricular opportunities enhance the Service-Learning program in helping create engaged, well-rounded citizens and students.