Your Advisors: Nursing, Education, Social Policy & Practice

Dr. Sharon Fleshman has been with Career Services since 2000 and serves students and alumni of the School of Nursing, Graduate School of Education, and the School of Social Policy and Practice.  As she advises those seeking social impact careers, she enjoys empowering them to find their career fit by discovering and articulating their skills, strengths and work values as they reflect on their experiences. Sharon graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. She has also earned master’s degrees from New York University’s Stern School of Business and Westminster Theological Seminary as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Northern Seminary. Before coming to Career Services, Sharon had advisory roles in consulting firms and a faith-based non-profit.  As an ordained minister, she enjoys reading, writing and speaking on spirituality, vocation, and social justice. She has quite a sweet tooth and is known throughout Career Services as a lover of chocolate.

Dr. Esther Ra is an advisor for students and alums in the schools of Nursing, Education, and Social Policy and Practice. She has worked in Education in research, supervision, professional development, and teaching. In addition to advising, Dr. Ra is a Lecturer at The Wharton School, teaching Executive and full-time MBAs in the Communications Department. She also serves as a Visiting Professor at Seoul National University and has lectured previously at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea. She earned a Doctorate of Education in Language & Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Teaching from Columbia University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Sociology minor, from Barnard College, Columbia University. She also holds a Certificate in TESOL from Biola University and Coaching Certifications in Career Management, Executive Leadership, and Strengths through The Academies. Further, she serves on the Executive Board of Mustard Seed Generation (MSG), a mental health literacy organization dedicated to creating awareness for Korean American/Asian American. She enjoys guiding and mentoring students towards a steered interest or passion.

Patty Greenfield is an advisor for students and alums in the schools of Nursing, Education, and Social Policy and Practice. Prior to joining the Career Services team at Penn, Patty served as the Assistant Director, Career Counseling at Bryn Mawr College. She obtained her MA, Counseling Psychology from Arcadia University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). Patty is a passionate disability rights advocate and is an active member of the Lucky Fin Project. She enjoys spending time with her wife and young daughter and working on her maternal mental health counseling practice.

Pronouns: she/they

Lisa joined Career Services as an Administrative Coordinator in January 2022. She earned a B.A. in Geography & Urban Studies from Temple University and was a GIS Analyst before coming to Career Services, where she supports the graduate/postdoc team and nursing/education/social policy team. As an undergraduate, they had internships in a variety of nonprofits including education programs and refugee resettlement services. She hopes to use these experiences to help support Penn students in exploring their future professions. In their free time they enjoy reading, eating their way through Philly, and bothering their cat.