MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – “It was unconventional. I did not choose the field of architecture, I found it, and thought, this is fascinating—I want to learn more about this,” said SUNY Orange alum, Cindy Maleike about the passion she shares when talking about her chosen field.

Asked to share her story so it may inspire or benefit other adults considering returning to or starting college, she immediately conveys a balanced combination of kindness, strength, gentle directness with a sense of humility.

Maleike explained that for some college students, they know what interests them and the major they want to study before they ever enroll in college. For her, the path was different and continued to be non-traditional at each turn.

Arriving in New York at age 20 from Bogotá, Colombia, Maleike worked various jobs before becoming employed by a Canadian contractor in 2010 who was behind the historic construction of the Freedom Tower.

“It was there I fell in love with architecture,” she explained. “When the project was finished, I knew I wanted to learn more, including drawing plans.”

A series of events, including moving to the Middletown area with her husband, Matthew, led her to enroll at SUNY Orange. A recipient of the Konrad Von Appen scholarship, she joined the Architecture Club and served as the group’s treasurer, foreshadowing future involvement in extracurricular groups that supported her interests and role as a mentor. She applied the same approach in the classroom as in life, if the answers were not immediately obvious or understood, research was needed and at a higher level of understanding enabling her to explain it to others not just to pass the next test.

A graduate of the 2016-17 Eleanor Roosevelt Community College Emerging Leaders Program, a yearlong initiative supported by the SUNY Orange Foundation that fosters self-discovery, skill development, experiential learning, and global citizenship, she continued to find opportunities outside of the classroom. Architecture Professor Charles Passarotti nominated Maleike to serve as student trustee for the 2017–18 academic year. After accepting this role, she attended all board meetings and participated in the College’s Association Board meetings. She graduated as a Phi Theta Kappa member and recipient of a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Academic Achievement for Architecture but remains involved with the Association and made a conscious decision to stay in touch with Professors Passarotti, Andrew Warren and Kathleen Rifkin as well as SUNY Orange President, Dr. Kristine Young.

“I could not be prouder of all Cindy has accomplished during her time here at SUNY Orange and beyond,” said Young. “She is the very definition of perseverance and grace. Cindy has pursued her professional goals with unwavering determination, all while balancing the demands of work, family, and service to others. That alone would be commendable, but what makes her so extraordinary is the warmth, kindness, and humility she carries through it all. Each time we speak, she shares a new milestone, a fresh insight, or an exciting opportunity that she has created for herself, and I find myself in awe of her tenacity and drive. Cindy embodies the very spirit of SUNY Orange: resilient, compassionate, and committed to making a difference. Her journey has inspired me personally, and I know it will continue to inspire countless others who hear her story.”

With a warm smile, Maleike shares, “Dr. Young once told me I reminded her of President Abraham Lincoln in that he was a self-taught lawyer. I am very aware I only have an associate’s degree, but it has made me work twice as hard.”

“I began interacting with her regularly as the Student Trustee and we’ve continued to connect through the College Association meetings. I deeply admire Dr. Young for her dedication to making SUNY Orange an exceptional institution within the SUNY system and the Hudson Valley. Her leadership and advocacy create a supportive and enriching environment for students, and it is something I admire and look up to. Despite her busy routine, she always takes time to check in on my journey, offering encouragement and words of support that inspire me on a personal and professional level. I truly value our connection and hope our collaboration continues for many years to come.”

While many in her position may opt for a higher degree, Maleike looked into the New York State licensure requirements including the work experience and hours needed by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

“The 3,740 hours are assigned across six divisions, and it is challenging to complete the breakdown in a timely manner based on the requirements in areas like project management,” Maleike explained.

She persisted through the challenge while working and sharing parenting responsibilities to her 18-month-old daughter.

“I would get up at 3:45 in the morning so I had time to study before starting the day,” she said. “I also needed to log work experience hours under a licensed architect as I already had some in construction. It took me seven years after graduation to work through everything including three years to pass my six exams, but as of June this year, I am officially a licensed, registered architect.”

Her career development began with working for Passarotti. He shared, “I have had the pleasure of witnessing Cindy’s professional journey over many years—first as a student at SUNY Orange, then an employee, and now as her colleague. She has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to growth and pursued leadership opportunities with dedication and enthusiasm that set her apart. Her exceptional work ethic and creativity made her stand out as a student, and as an employee, she refined practices, contributed meaningfully, and improved processes with meticulous attention to detail. Now, as a colleague, I value our professional interactions, including attending local and national AIA conventions together. Her passion, collaboration, and leadership make her an asset to any team.”

Adjunct Professor, Andrew Warren echoed Passarotti’s thoughts and experiences and added, “At MHE Engineering, anything I entrusted to Cindy was done thoroughly and flawlessly. When faced with unfamiliar elements, she would research them deeply. It was through that process of investigation she gained an understanding of each subject to a degree that made it familiar enough to teach it to others in the office. It is this kind of need to fully understand that drives her and makes her a better person, but it also improves everyone around her because she passes that knowledge on to her coworkers and those within her orbit.”

Asked for three words that describe what a person needs to have to be able to accomplish what she has, Maleike thinks for a moment before answering, “Drive. First of all, drive. As an immigrant and a female, I hold grudges and that fuels my drive. I once worked for someone who told me not to answer the business telephone because they thought my English wasn’t very good. Those microaggressions are what pushes me and maybe that shouldn’t be the case, but I will use it to prove I can do it.”

Secondly, she shared a person needs to have resiliency. At times, it felt like the challenge was similar to going against the current and continually proving she had the tools, experience and knowledge others had to get the job done and do it well.

Finally, “Passion. You must have passion to take this path and keep going. I came to talk to a freshmen class on the first day (at SUNY Orange) and continue to find ways to be a mentor and offer the support I would have wanted when I was starting out in this field.”

For both the opportunity to connect and help others, Maleike is actively involved in professional organizations including, Immigrant Architects Coalition (IAC), Arquitina, which specifically supports women/female Latinas in architecture and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Westchester/Hudson Valley chapter as a member of the Emerging Professionals Committee and co-chair of the Latinos in Architecture committee. She also volunteers with the Junior Achievement of New York in K-12 schools by delivering financial literacy programs to underserved school districts in Orange and Rockland counties.

Maleike’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved through an unconventional path. From a young immigrant navigating a new country to a licensed architect balancing career, family, and service to others, she has transformed challenges into opportunities for growth and impact. Her work and mentorship reflect a driven, resilient, and passionate approach that inspires those around her to reach higher and believe in their own potential. Through her dedication and commitment to supporting others, Maleike has not only built a career she loves but has left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

At 28, she enrolled at SUNY Orange, proving it is never too late to begin or continue college. Today, the SUNY Reconnect program supports adult learners ages 22 to 55 in select degree paths. Learn more at https://sunyorange.edu/suny_reconnect/. If interested in learning more about SUNY Orange and the full range of programs and opportunities it offers, schedule a campus tour or meet with an advisor by calling (845) 341-4030 or emailing admissions@sunyorange.edu.