About Us

Our Team

Over the past few years, we have built a team of highly dedicated and skilled professionals. The goal was to find the right people – people who approach their work with care and compassion, and who are eager to serve our campus.

Mary Keating

Mary Keating

AVP for Title IX and Equal Opportunity
408-924-7288 | mary.keating@sjsu.edu 

Role: Mary is responsible for coordinating SJSU’s efforts to administer the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy. Previously, Mary conducted investigations of complaints made against students, staff, and faculty at SJSU alleging violations of the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy, ensuring that those making complaints and those responding to complaints were treated fairly and respectfully.

About: Mary is an attorney with decades of experience conducting Title IX and workplace investigations and litigating discrimination matters. She has received specialized training and holds certifications from the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Association of Workplace Investigators, and ATIXA. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her Juris Doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley.

A pandemic-era transplant, Mary enjoys the California outdoor lifestyle, live music and theater, arts and crafts, and murder mysteries (but not as a direct participant).

 


Kelsie Cleveland

Kelsie Cleveland

Deputy Coordinator for Title IX and Equal Opportunity
408-924-7276 | kelsie.cleveland@sjsu.edu 

Role: Kelsie provides support to individuals impacted by and accused of protected status discrimination and harassment, including sex-based harassment and violence. She responds to new reports with outreach, conducts intake meetings, and oversees the provision of supportive resources. She is often the first point-of-contact for the office.

About: Prior to joining SJSU, Kelsie spent five years serving as a Title IX administrator at another large university. She received her MBA from the University of Glasgow. She brings a wealth of experience and vision to this university, and is a critical member of the Office for Title IX and Equal Opportunity.

In her free time, she enjoys watching K-dramas, cooking, and eating delicious food.


Melissa Retana

Melissa Retana

Title IX and Equal Opportunity Administrative Coordinator
408-924-7289 | melissa.retana@sjsu.edu

Role: Melissa is often the first point of contact for individuals connecting with the Office for Title IX and Equal Opportunity. She helps direct individuals to the correct points of contact and resources. She also handles a wide range of administrative and financial responsibilities for the office.

About: Melissa graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies with a passion for promoting equity and justice. As a former intern for Sonoma State's Title IX Office, she actively contributed to creating a safe & inclusive campus environment, handling investigations, and supporting awareness campaigns. Beyond her professional pursuits, Melissa finds joy in being a cat mom to Deuce.


John Fox

John Fox

Civil Rights Investigator
408-924-7290 | john.fox01@sjsu.edu

Role: John conducts investigations of complaints made against students, staff, and faculty alleging violations of the CSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation. Throughout the investigation process, John ensures that those making complaints and those responding to complaints are treated fairly and respectfully.

About: Prior to joining SJSU, John spent more than 20 years conducting investigations on behalf of indigent defendants facing charges in U.S. criminal legal systems, both as a member of not-for-profit organizations and in private practice. He holds an MSW in clinical studies from New York University's Silver School of Social Work and a BA from Boston College.

Outside of work, John loves experiencing the world alongside his two young children, whether it's hiking up a mountain, digging at the beach, or enjoying fresh produce at farmers' markets around the Bay Area.


Peter Lim

Peter Lim

Interim Civil Rights Investigator
408-924-7290 | peter.lim@sjsu.edu

Role: Peter serves in a support role to the office, which includes conducting investigations into reported violations of the Nondiscrimination Policy.

About: Peter served as SJSU's Interim Title IX Coordinator/Interim AVP for Title IX and Equal Opportunity from 2022 through 2024. He is an attorney with Lim Riley, a boutique law firm dedicated to helping colleges and universities prevent and respond to sex-based discrimination and other forms of protected class misconduct. Peter previously served as a senior Title IX Investigator at the University of Pennsylvania and a sexual violence and homicide prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. He brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and organizational skills based on his work with colleges and universities across the country.

 


Alfredo Coria

Alfredo Coria

Civil Rights Investigator
408-924-2251 | alfredo.coria@sjsu.edu

Role: Alfredo conducts investigations of complaints made against students, staff, and faculty alleging violations of the CSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation. Throughout the investigation process, Alfredo ensures that those making complaints and those responding to complaints are treated fairly and respectfully.

About: Alfredo has been conducting investigations for San Jose State University (SJSU) for close to six years. Prior to joining this office, Alfredo worked with San Jose State University Personnel conducting investigations on matters pertaining to the Nondiscrimination Policy, general university policies (e.g., Workplace Violence/S99-8 Professional Responsibility/S96-2 Direct Instruction Obligation Ethics), and the California Department of Education laws and codes.  Before working with SJSU, Alfredo assisted an employment law firm in the Bay Area with employment investigations and legal matters. Alfredo received his undergraduate degree from Sonoma State University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of California of the Law, San Francisco.

Alfredo finds joy creating memories with his wife and two children. They love the outdoors whether they are going on a hike or walking through a fruit orchard and picking the ripest fruit. Alfredo is committed to serving others and making this world a bit more equitable. He is fluent in Spanish.