Alicia Rhodes (she/her)
Assistant Director, Career Services
Originally from Trenton, NC, Alicia attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where she earned her Bachelor of Art in English. Her undergraduate years were a pivotal moment in her life as she navigated college as a first-generation student. While at A&T she had the pleasure of being a part of student groups and pledging Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She continued to further her education and has earned a Masters of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Strayer University and a Masters of Career Counseling & Placement from North Carolina Central University.
Prior to joining the Career Center, Alicia worked at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment as a Career Coach and at Duke University’s Career Center as an Undergraduate Career Counseling Intern. Before beginning her career in higher education, she spent over 10 years working in private sector organizations fulfilling customer interfacing roles.
Alicia loves helping people explore, reflect, and identify and accomplish their goals. When she’s not working, she enjoys taking peaceful walks, spending time with her family and friends, exploring new places, and watching movies.
Career Communities
Discovery & ExplorationClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+NeurodiverseStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomenStakeholders
AlumniDoctoral StudentsMaster's StudentsUndergraduate Students
Ängela Bonner
Associate Director, Career Readiness
Originally from Winston-Salem, NC, Ängela received a Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2005 where she was also a Student-Athlete on the Track & Field Team. She continued her education earning a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from North Carolina Central University in 2007. During her time as a Graduate Assistant, she had dual roles within the Sports Medicine and Compliance units of the athletic department. After completing her studies, she worked with the NCCU Student-Athlete Academic Support Services. Her interest in student academic success and development propelled her into academic advising and program development for first time freshmen, sophomore, and transfer students. Ängela joins us from North Carolina Central University where she most recently served as interim Academic Advising Coordinator. Ängela truly enjoys engaging with students assisting them in creating their pathway of success and seeing them reach their full potential. Ängela is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and when not working she enjoys traveling (especially to a beach), crafting, going to an athletic event and spending time with family and friends.
Career Communities
Education, Government, Nonprofit & PolicyClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+NeurodiverseStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomen
Angelica Ramirez Blanks (she/her/ella)
Assistant Director, Engineering Master's Career Services & Professional Development
Angelica is Assistant Director of Career Services and Professional Development for Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering Masters Programs. She is an enthusiastic coach offering practical and individualized attention to students navigating graduate school and transitioning into the workforce. Angelica encourages students to use their values, passions, and abilities to build a fulfilling and purposeful life. Through this strengths-based approach, students better understand themselves, their talents, the talents of others, and gain momentum to bring their goals to fruition.
Angelica received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and attended the University of South Carolina Aiken for her master’s in clinical psychology. She is also a certified Health Coach and mindfulness guru particularly as a tool for personal growth and often incorporates these practices in her coaching. Using her extensive knowledge of motivational and therapeutic techniques, Angelica empowers learners to consider themselves holistically and how career can be strategically woven into a well-balanced life.
Angelica is originally from the DC metro area and worked for nonprofit organizations for 12 years before finding career coaching through her graduate assistantship. She comes from a loud and loving Colombian family and is always looking for opportunities to share and engage with cultures from around the world. She lives in northeast Raleigh with her husband and 6 year old son and can usually be found cooking new recipes, playing games with her son, or watching stand up comedy.
(ENG Master's) Steps for Search Success
Connect with a Career CoachStakeholders
Engineering Master's
Cameo Hartz (she/her or they/them)
Assistant Director, Engineering Master's Career Services & Professional Development
Cameo Hartz is a Career Coach / Assistant Director of Career Services for Duke’s Professional Masters Programs. In this role, she offers individual meetings and chats; creates media and training; and facilitates community to support student and alumni success in the job and internship search. She has been involved in Career Services work at Duke University since 2007.
Cameo received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Rochester, a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and holds an ACC credential with the International Coaching Federation. Before Duke, she advised and educated students at Hamilton College and the University of Michigan.
Cameo is the co-author of a monograph, Overview of Curricular Approaches, in the Summer 2012 edition of the journal New Directions for Student Services and has written for NACE and LinkedIn. She has also been an elected Directorate Member of ACPA’s Commission for Career Services and served on the board of directors for the Career Counselor Technology Forum on LinkedIn. Most recently, she volunteers for the Raleigh-Area chapter of the International Coaching Federation.
Specialties and Interests
Engineering Students and Alumni, Master's Level(ENG Master's) Steps for Search Success
Clarify What You WantFind people, communities, and eventsSpend time with news and trendsUnderstand the possible opportunitiesUnderstand what you want, like, and are good atClose Your SearchAccept and decline offersCheck in on desired opportunitiesEvaluate optionsNegotiateReceive your offerConnect with a Career CoachFind and Apply for OpportunitiesConduct targeted outreachSubmit online applicationsUse additional methodsGet Feedback and AdviceAdapt your search based on feedback and reflectionEdit and improve your documentsFind people who can offer adviceGet input and feedback on your planInterviewBe at your best on interview dayGet organized for each interviewLearn to InterviewPractice specifics for each interviewRespond skillfully after an interviewSet Up Your SearchBegin practicing for interviewsDecide and act on systems for time management, tracking applications and correspondenceDevelop your search planEstablish primary presence on LinkedIn or another platformPrepare your documents to align with the search planUse the search plan to decide methods and tools to use when beginning your searchStay Positive and MotivatedDeal with rejection and silenceManage low energy, motivation, or timeRe-focus on what you want and can doRevisit your search approachTalk to PeopleAsk questions to connect and learnFollow-up to keep your network and search aliveMake a requestTalk about yourselfIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+NeurodiverseStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomenStakeholders
AlumniEngineering Master's
Carl Thompson
Senior Career Specialist
A native of Greensboro, Carl Thompson received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, before attending Argosy University where he received his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Economics.
Before joining the Duke Career Center, Carl had more than 7 years of experience working in higher education as a career counselor and a student services coordinator for the institutions of Rockingham Community College, Forsyth Tech, and Alamance Community College. Prior to that, he worked in the private industry as a professional development specialist and for the NC Department of Commerce as a career counselor.
Devoted to the goal of providing holistic support to individuals, Carl has developed a passion for helping people identify and achieve their strategic goals, while maintaining motivation and personal self-care along their educational journeys.
Outside of work, Carl enjoys web designing, playing piano, rooting for the Carolina Panthers, and spending quality time with his family. His diverse range of interests and experiences make him a well-rounded and engaging professional, and an asset to our community.
Career Communities
Energy, Environment & SustainabilityClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreStakeholders
AlumniDoctoral StudentsMaster's StudentsUndergraduate Students
Catherine Allen (she/her)
Assistant Director, Career Services
With experience ranging from advisor and instructor, program developer, and employer relations, Catherine (she/her) joined the Duke Career Center in 2019. She is an Assistant Director currently managing the Data, Technology & Engineering Career Community and advising undergraduate and graduate students with interests across all areas. Catherine grew up in Seven Lakes, NC. In her first career as a licensed K-12 School Counselor, she worked at the middle school and district levels in Albuquerque, NM, with a focus on college and career readiness. Career development and education remained a primary focus for Catherine as she transitioned to Higher Ed career services in 2017 at UNC Chapel Hill. A fan of music, podcasts, food, and sewing, Catherine is always interested in discovering new bands, shows, and restaurants. Feel free to share your favorite listens or local eateries.
Specialties and Interests
Data, Technology & EngineeringCareer Communities
Data, Technology & EngineeringCareer Development Process
Evaluate & RefineExplore OptionsFocus & PrepareKnow YourselfTake ActionCareer Planning
Build My NetworkCreate a Resume / CV / Cover LetterExplore Your Interests / Self AssessmentFind an InternshipGeneral Professional DevelopmentNegotiate an OfferPrepare for an InterviewSearch for a Job / EmployerClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomore
Chloë Benjamin (she/her)
Assistant Director, Engineering Master's Career Services and Professional Development
Chloë is Assistant Director for Duke’s Professional Masters Programs. She offers career coaching and shares resources that support students pursuing engineering master’s degrees in this role. She began coaching Pratt’s Master’s students starting in the Fall of 2021 as a coaching consultant and has officially joined us Full-Time in Spring Semester 2022.
Chloë received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in Anthropology and her master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). While her graduate studies focused on school counseling, she realized that career counseling was her favorite part of her job! Before Duke, she provided career coaching and student counseling at UNC, Stanford University Online High School, for a nonprofit helping healthcare workers through a corporate restructuring, and internationally through her own private consulting business. From 2015 to 2019, she lived and worked abroad in Morocco. In addition, she launched an education consultancy that partnered with groups like the US Embassy and EducationUSA to create college and career programming for students who wished to study in the USA.
A career changer herself, Chloë has first-hand experience with career pivots. She previously worked as a Creative Maximizer at Google, where she wrote ads and maximized campaign performance using data analytics. Then, through a company change and promotions, she grew into a role as Senior Knowledge Engineer at a silicon valley startup, using artificial intelligence to match linguistic data patterns in content with categorized advertisements. Regardless of the job role, she has always been a technology and science enthusiast, and she is excited to work with Pratt School of Engineering students.
In her personal life, Chloë was raised in East Oakland in a small artist’s community by a Buddhist father and a Jewish mother. She’s adopted a big fluffy rescue dog named Zephyr, who has accompanied her on world travels and even has his own EU passport! For fun, she enjoys culinary adventures, yoga, the outdoors, travel, film, podcasts,
reading books, all kinds of
music (check out the spotify playlists), and contemplating how to live a full yet not too serious life.
(ENG Master's) Steps for Search Success
Clarify What You WantFind people, communities, and eventsSpend time with news and trendsUnderstand the possible opportunitiesUnderstand what you want, like, and are good atClose Your SearchAccept and decline offersCheck in on desired opportunitiesEvaluate optionsNegotiateReceive your offerConnect with a Career CoachFind and Apply for OpportunitiesConduct targeted outreachSubmit online applicationsUse additional methodsGet Feedback and AdviceAdapt your search based on feedback and reflectionEdit and improve your documentsFind people who can offer adviceGet input and feedback on your planInterviewBe at your best on interview dayGet organized for each interviewLearn to InterviewPractice specifics for each interviewRespond skillfully after an interviewSet Up Your SearchBegin practicing for interviewsDecide and act on systems for time management, tracking applications and correspondenceDevelop your search planEstablish primary presence on LinkedIn or another platformPrepare your documents to align with the search planUse the search plan to decide methods and tools to use when beginning your searchStay Positive and MotivatedDeal with rejection and silenceManage low energy, motivation, or timeRe-focus on what you want and can doRevisit your search approachTalk to PeopleAsk questions to connect and learnFollow-up to keep your network and search aliveMake a requestTalk about yourselfIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+NeurodiverseStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomenStakeholders
AlumniEngineering Master's
Christina Plante (she/her)
Assistant Director of Career Services
Christina Plante (she, her, hers) is an Assistant Director in the Duke Career Center and manages the Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Design Community. She has around 9 years of experience in career services and focuses on transitions and career exploration. Most recently she was the Science and Sustainability Community Manager where she coached students interested in research, energy, environment, sustainability and more.
Christina joined the Career Center staff in August 2014 and advised master’s students in the Pratt School of Engineering. Here she managed job search work groups and predominantly coached international students through recruitment in the U.S. In August 2016, Christina transitioned to advise first years and sophomores on the undergraduate team. In this role she developed strategy, branding, programming and messaging for the “First Year Initiative.” Christina also helped lead a sophomore women’s first-generation, low-income career development group for 4 years.
Christina received her M.S. in Counseling with a concentration in College Counseling and Student Development from the 3rd ranked Counseling Education Department at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also holds a B.A. in Psychology from North Carolina State University.
During her free time, you can catch Christina practicing yoga, playing beach volleyball, or enjoying the outdoors with her family and dog.
Specialties and Interests
Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Design Community ManagerCareer Communities
Innovation, Entrepreneurship & DesignClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+NeurodiverseStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomenStakeholders
AlumniDoctoral StudentsFaculty & StaffMaster's StudentsUndergraduate Students
Grace Athy
Assistant Director, Career Services
Grace Athy (she, her, hers) is an Assistant Director in the Duke Career Center and works with the Business, Finance, and Consulting Community. She is joining Duke with over four years of experience within Career Services. Most recently, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, within Kenan-Flagler’s Business School and University Career Services.
She achieved her BSW from Spring Arbor University and shortly thereafter, her MSW from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. She is originally from Michigan, but has since lived in many other states, such as South Dakota, Texas, and now North Carolina.
Prior to her time at UNC, she worked at the University of Texas at Austin within the Moody College of Communication as a Career Coach for the Radio-Television-Film department. (Fun-Fact: One of the professors within the RTF department is actor and UT alum, Matthew McConaughey, whom Grace was able to meet during a staff meeting).
She is passionate about equipping students for success within their future careers and empowering them during their educational journey. When Grace isn’t working, she loves trying new foods and spending time outdoors with her husband, Calvin, and dog, Rocket.
Specialties and Interests
Business, Finance, and ConsultingCareer Communities
Business, Finance & Consulting
Greg Victory (he/him/his)
Assistant VP Student Affairs/Fannie Mitchell Executive Director, Career Center
Degree: BA, Education and History, Le Moyne College; MS, Higher Education Administration, Syracuse University, School of Education
Greg came to Duke during the famed summer of 2020 from Tufts University, where he served Executive Director of the Career Center since 2016. Greg has experience developing innovative and enduring partnerships between the career team and other campus partners, including Alumni Affairs, the First-Generation Center, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and Athletics. He successfully developed and launched a “Designing Your Life” course for first-year students and oversaw the creation of numerous career and student-alumni global networking events. He is focused on outreach to employers and alumni across a wide range of industries and nonprofit sectors and works to ensure that all students see themselves and their pathways represented in Career Center programs and initiatives.
In his 25-year career, Greg served as Executive Director of Continuing Education at Rhode Island School of Design, where he was previously Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of the RISD Career Center. During nearly a decade at Syracuse University, Greg taught in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, led the highly regarded First-Year and Transfer Programs office, and served as a lead with employer engagement in the Syracuse Career Center. Greg has also held positions at Colgate University and Ithaca College and taught junior high school social studies. He serves on the Board of Regents at his alma mater, Le Moyne College.
One of Greg’s favorite jobs was serving as “Scooch,” mascot for the Syracuse Mets (formerly the Syracuse Chiefs), a AAA baseball club—the same level as the Durham Bulls. That position allowed him to “be as goofy as I wanted to be, to bring joy, laughter and excitement to fans,” he said. “It offers a glimpse of my spirit, energy and enthusiasm.” In his free-time he enjoys traveling, food (cooking and exploring new restaurants), and spending time with his partner David and puppy Faya. Greg is also a huge college sports fan and is excited to cheer on the Blue Devils.
Career Communities
Discovery & ExplorationEducation, Government, Nonprofit & PolicyEntertainment, Media & ArtsInnovation, Entrepreneurship & DesignClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
Black/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+Native American/IndigenousStudent-AthletesUndocumentedStakeholders
EmployersFaculty & StaffParents & FamiliesUndergraduate Students
Hal Matthews (he/him)
Associate Director, Global Careers
As Associate Director for Global Careers, Hal develops programming and resources to support the career development of international students and students interested in pursuing global careers.
Before joining the Career Center team, Hal served as Senior Program Coordinator with the Office of Global Affairs at Duke. He received his M.A. in German and higher education administration from Washington University in St. Louis, where he developed an institutional roadmap for recruiting and supporting students underrepresented in study abroad programs. Prior to his master’s studies, he was as a United States teaching assistant for the Austrian Ministry of Education in Vienna, Austria.
Career Development Process
Evaluate & RefineExplore OptionsFocus & PrepareKnow YourselfTake ActionCareer Planning
Build My NetworkCreate a Resume / CV / Cover LetterExplore Your Interests / Self AssessmentFind an InternshipGeneral Professional DevelopmentNegotiate an OfferPrepare for an InterviewSearch for a Job / EmployerClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
InternationalStakeholders
AlumniDoctoral StudentsFaculty & StaffMaster's StudentsUndergraduate Students
Jaime Byrd
Director, Employer Relations
Jaime joined the Career Center in March 2018 as Assistant Director, Employer Relations. She manages the planning and implementation of the On-Campus Recruiting Program, career fairs, and networking events and also serves as the Employer Relations liaison for the Education, Nonprofit, & Social Impact and Government, Law, & International Affairs career communities. Jaime has been a member of the Duke community since 2014 and worked in Housing and Residence Life prior to joining the Career Center team.
Originally from the Midwest, Jaime received her B.A. in Communications from Huntington University and her M.A. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Student Affairs from Eastern Michigan University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, home design, cooking, music, and yoga.
Stakeholders
Employers
Jared Smith
Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Jared earned his MA in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Leadership from Tufts University. Before joining the Duke Career Center, Jared worked to provide holistic care to first generation, low-income, and students with undocumented status at Tufts University’s FIRST Resource Center.
As the Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging, He is responsible for creating opportunities and access for underrepresented and marginalized student populations at Duke. In this role, He will work closely with Student Leaders, Cultural and Identity Centers, and various offices tasked with supporting these student communities to enhance the resources for and experiences of career readiness and preparedness for Duke’s student communities.
Jared strongly believes that supporting students starts with a holistic approach to their needs. He considers his work a supplemental support to every student’s eventual success. Outside of work Jared enjoys visiting new restaurants, reading, yoga, and dancing.
Career Development Process
Evaluate & RefineExplore OptionsFocus & PrepareKnow YourselfTake ActionCareer Planning
Build My NetworkCreate a Resume / CV / Cover LetterExplore Your Interests / Self AssessmentFind an InternshipGeneral Professional DevelopmentPrepare for an InterviewSearch for a Job / EmployerClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+Native American/IndigenousNeurodiverseStudent-AthletesStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomenStakeholders
AlumniDoctoral StudentsFaculty & StaffMaster's StudentsParents & FamiliesUndergraduate Students
Jenny Johnson (she/her)
Assistant Director, Engineering Master's Career Services & Professional Development
I work in the careers space with Engineering Master’s students at Duke University. The favorite part of my role is the opportunity to boost confidence and discourage doubt in students each day. When I’m not coaching students and alums on their job or internship search process, I loves to consume books on Reese’s Book Club List, test vegan recipes, and explore new parks with family.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
(ENG Master's) Steps for Search Success
Clarify What You WantFind people, communities, and eventsSpend time with news and trendsUnderstand the possible opportunitiesUnderstand what you want, like, and are good atClose Your SearchAccept and decline offersCheck in on desired opportunitiesEvaluate optionsNegotiateReceive your offerConnect with a Career CoachFind and Apply for OpportunitiesConduct targeted outreachSubmit online applicationsUse additional methodsGet Feedback and AdviceAdapt your search based on feedback and reflectionEdit and improve your documentsFind people who can offer adviceGet input and feedback on your planInterviewBe at your best on interview dayGet organized for each interviewLearn to InterviewPractice specifics for each interviewRespond skillfully after an interviewSet Up Your SearchBegin practicing for interviewsDecide and act on systems for time management, tracking applications and correspondenceDevelop your search planEstablish primary presence on LinkedIn or another platformPrepare your documents to align with the search planUse the search plan to decide methods and tools to use when beginning your searchStay Positive and MotivatedDeal with rejection and silenceManage low energy, motivation, or timeRe-focus on what you want and can doRevisit your search approachTalk to PeopleAsk questions to connect and learnConduct Informational InterviewsFollow-up to keep your network and search aliveMake a requestTalk about yourselfIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+NeurodiverseStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomenStakeholders
AlumniEngineering Master's
Kai Kelley Jr. (he/him)
Assistant Director, Entertainment, Media & Arts Career Community
Since joining the Career Center in Spring 2020, Kai has enthusiastically served in multiple different roles across the department. As the new Assistant Director for the Entertainment, Media & Arts Career Community, Kai works to develop and deliver training, content, resources, and events emphasizing the entertainment industry by effectively utilizing e-learning to educate, empower and support students in their intentional professional development. Though the responsibilities and focus of his roles have changed over his time at Duke, at the core of his work is his desire to bolster the center’s mission to provide students and alumni with guidance highlighting the iterative nature of self-awareness, options knowledge, decision making, and career readiness processes across academic disciplines. A responsibility well-fit to his background in student affairs spanning across housing and residence life, student leadership, and university admissions. Kai received his B.S. in Geography, B.S. in Community & Regional Planning, and certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Appalachian State University and his Masters degree in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences from North Carolina State University. In his free time Kai enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, streaming the latest media content, and engaging the Durham community through participation on a local commission.
Career Communities
Entertainment, Media & ArtsCareer Development Process
Evaluate & RefineExplore OptionsFocus & PrepareKnow YourselfTake ActionCareer Planning
Explore Your Interests / Self AssessmentGeneral Professional DevelopmentClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+Native American/IndigenousNeurodiverseStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomenStakeholders
AlumniDoctoral StudentsFaculty & StaffMaster's StudentsUndergraduate Students
KJ Juett
Catalyst Fellow
Joining the Career Center in fall 2021, Kala is no stranger to the Duke community. Kala studied Visual and Media Studies and received a Certificate in Arts of the Moving Image from the Trinity School of Arts and Sciences in 2020.
During her time at Duke, she served as President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated; a FAC; worked in the Mary Lou as a Graphic Designer and was a Baldwin Scholar. Kala is excited about her return to Duke and sees this role as a means to continue building her legacy while encouraging students to find strength in their identities to increase their potential beyond their time at Duke.
Serving as the initiate Catalyst Fellow, Kala is building a program that bridges the gap between going from Duke student to Duke alumni with career readiness strategies, strength coaching, and connecting current students to alumni. Catalyst is just beginning so stay tuned!
Lauren Coury
Career Advisor
In 2022, Lauren Coury joined the Duke Career Center as a Career Advisor for the Data, Technology, and Engineering Career Community with past experience in academic advising, strategic planning, and customer service.
In her role, she guides students in their career development process through industry-specific advising. She connects students to resources and mentors that center on each student’s personal experience and encourage exploration and self-authorship.
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Lauren earned her B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies from Furman University. After initially pursuing a degree in law, she decided to pivot her career path and graduated with an M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Virginia. Lauren specializes in student development and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students within career advising.
Along with her passion for helping students, Lauren enjoys hiking, going to farmer’s markets (to dog watch), and being creative with food and through studio art.
Specialties and Interests
Data, Technology, and EngineeringCareer Communities
Data, Technology & EngineeringCareer Development Process
Evaluate & RefineExplore OptionsFocus & PrepareKnow YourselfTake ActionCareer Planning
Build My NetworkCreate a Resume / CV / Cover LetterExplore Your Interests / Self AssessmentFind an InternshipGeneral Professional DevelopmentNegotiate an OfferPrepare for an InterviewSearch for a Job / EmployerClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
Native American/Indigenous
Leigh Ann Muth-Waring (she/hers)
Assistant Director, Employer Relations
Career Communities: Discovery & Exploration
Role: Employer Relations
Specialty Areas: Employer Assistance with Internships, Student Funding for Summer Experiences, Recruiting Services for Employers
Leigh Ann Muth-Waring joined the Career Center in July 2013 with a background in career coaching, employer relations, academic advising, academic policy, and teaching. She is a member of the Employer Relations team and serves as the primary liaison to organizations who offer internships, early talent opportunities, or exploratory programs for first-year and sophomore level undergraduate students. In this role, Leigh Ann works with organizations from all industries and locations. She also acts as a knowledge source for companies who are in the beginning phase of developing their internship program as well as organizations who have established programs. Along with her Employer Relations teammates, Leigh Ann is a resource to employers who are seeking insight regarding bench-marking, program development, compensation guidelines, campus branding, and recruitment strategies. In addition, Leigh Ann also oversees the operations, application and selection processes, and assessment of the Career Center’s Internship Funding Program and the Professional Development Fund.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Leigh Ann earned her Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology from Clarion University of PA and her Masters of Arts in Higher Education/Student Personnel from Slippery Rock University of PA. Outside of work, Leigh Ann loves spending time with her husband and two children, traveling, gardening, and live music.
Specialties and Interests
Internships, Funding for Summer Experiences, Discovery & ExplorationStakeholders
Employers
Margi Strickland (she/her)
Assistant Director of Employer Relations
Before joining the Career Center Team as Assistant Director, Employer Relations for Science & Sustainability and Arts & Entertainment in July 2022, Margi served as Senior Assistant Director in the Duke Undergraduate Admissions Office for twelve years and as the inaugural Director of Selection and Recruitment for the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program for seven years. She previously worked for five years in the UNC-Chapel Hill Admissions Office. Throughout her career, Margi has valued forging, cultivating, and strengthening relationships; helping students find the perfect fit; and creating and implementing innovative, engaging on-campus programming. She holds a B.A. in English with Honors and Highest Distinction from UNC-Chapel Hill and an M.Ed. in Student Personnel Services from USC-Columbia.
She enjoys spending time with her husband and twin children, solving crossword puzzles, horseback riding, and spoiling her Havanese, Mocha Latte.
Specialties and Interests
Science & Sustainability and Entertainment, Media, & ArtsStakeholders
Employers
Mariah Jones
Assistant Director, Employer Relations
Career Communities: Business, Finance, and Consulting
Originally from the Buckeye State, Mariah attended The Ohio State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She continued her education at Clemson University where she earned her Master of Education in Counselor Education/Student Affairs. While at Clemson, she worked in the Michelin Career Center as the Graduate Assistant for the Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program. It was during that time that her passion for early talent programs began to flourish.
Mariah joins the Duke Career Center from Zoom Video Communications, where she worked as a University Technical Recruiter for the Global Emerging Talent (GET) Program. She is excited to utilize both her corporate experience and institutional knowledge to create a seamless recruitment experience for Duke students and Employers.
When she isn’t working, Mariah enjoys trying new recipes, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends.
Career Communities
Business, Finance & ConsultingStakeholders
Employers
Marcus Shaw (he/him)
Administrative Assistant, Operations and Logistics Manager
Prior to coming to Duke in September 2015, Marcus served 22 years in the Marine Corps. While serving, his duties included a myriad of responsibilities ranging from communications and information systems to administration and logistics. He currently serves as the Administrative Assistant to the department and provides support to the Career Center Senior Leadership staff, including the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Fannie Mitchell Executive Director, and Associate Directors.
Megan Wilson (she, her)
Associate Director, Communications and Outreach
Prior to coming to Duke in July 2003, Megan worked in residential real estate while earning a BA in Communication at NC State. Her prior experience includes building a 16-store restaurant franchise in the Midwest, creating wardrobe for a Las Vegas show and teaching, while traveling with the circus. In 2013, she earned her Master’s in Library Science from North Carolina Central University. Meg’s responsibilities at Duke include managing communication; reception and triage; logistics and marketing for events, programs and services; and multimedia support for the Career Center. She is a college advisor at Duke as well.
Specialties and Interests
Communication, Events and Multimedia Support for the Career Center
Michael "Rudi" Rudisill (he/him)
Assistant Director, Career Services
Michael Rudisill, or Rudi – a nickname he was given by his fifth grade football coach – comes to Duke after spending the last eleven and a half years at Campbell University as an athlete, volunteer, student, and employee; most recently as the Admissions Counselor and Recruiter at Campbell’s medical school. A three time Campbell Graduate, Rudi is passionate about the Appalachian mountains, the Carolina Panthers, and blogging about the intersections of faith, politics, mental health, and culture. When he is not on the go, you can more than likely find him laughing with the people he loves the most over a charcuterie board.
In addition to healthcare, Rudi has a background in college athletics, religion (M.Div), and counseling.
Career Communities
Healthcare & Biomedical SciencesClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+NeurodiverseStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomenStakeholders
AlumniDoctoral StudentsMaster's StudentsUndergraduate Students
Nicole Mitchell (she/her)
Associate Director, Career Readiness
A native of Dallas, North Carolina, by way of Long Island, New York, Nicole (she/her/hers) received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Elizabeth City State University in 2006 and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from North Carolina Central University in 2010. She currently serves as Associate Director, Career Readiness.
While pursuing her Master’s at NCCU, Nicole held multiple roles within the Athletic Department as the Graduate Intern later transitioning to a full-time position as the Athletic Academic Advisor and Champs Life Skills Coordinator. This would lead to a 16-year career within Collegiate Athletics working with HBCU, DII, DI, Mid-Major, and Power 5 institutions. In 2018 she joined the Georgia Southern Athletic Department as the Associate Director of Student-Athlete Services working as the primary academic advisor for the Men’s Basketball and Men’s Soccer programs and assisting the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Services manage day-to-day operations of the program.
With extreme excitement, Nicole is excited to continue to fulfill her passion for being a servant leader to students. In her free time, she dreams of becoming a contestant on The Great British Bake Off and is always in the kitchen baking. A lover of nature, if Nicole is not in the kitchen, she is outside soaking up as much sun as possible or finding new foodie spots!
Class Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+Native American/IndigenousNeurodiverseStudent-AthletesStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomenStakeholders
AlumniDoctoral StudentsMaster's StudentsUndergraduate Students
Rachel Coleman (she/hers)
Director, Career Development and Education
Originally from Pennsylvania, Rachel earned an undergraduate degree in education with a minor in psychology and went on to teach in the public school system. After completing a combined M.S./Ed.S. program in Counseling and Human Systems, she worked for more than six years at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, helping military service members navigate their career transitions.
Rachel is National Certified CounselorTM (NCC®) through the National Board for Certified Counselors as well as Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in the state of North Carolina. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education through NC State University.
Trainings Rachel has completed:
- Duke P.R.I.D.E.
- UndocuAlly
- Neurodiversity at Duke
- Racial Equity Learning Arc
- Asexuality 101
- Trans 101
- Racial Equity Institute Groundwater Training
Specialties and Interests
Graduate student career developmentCareer transitionsDeveloping self-awarenessCareer explorationCareer decision makingPersonal brandingCareer Communities
Business, Finance & ConsultingData, Technology & EngineeringDiscovery & ExplorationEducation, Government, Nonprofit & PolicyEnergy, Environment & SustainabilityEntertainment, Media & ArtsHealthcare & Biomedical SciencesCareer Development Process
Evaluate & RefineExplore OptionsFocus & PrepareKnow YourselfTake ActionCareer Planning
Build My NetworkCreate a Resume / CV / Cover LetterExplore Your Interests / Self AssessmentFind an InternshipGeneral Professional DevelopmentNegotiate an OfferPrepare for an InterviewSearch for a Job / EmployerClass Year
First YearJuniorSeniorSophomoreIdentities / Affinities
Asian / Pacific IslanderBlack/African AmericanFirst Generation/Low IncomeHispanic/LatinxInternationalLGBTQIA+Native American/IndigenousNeurodiverseStudent-AthletesStudents with DisabilitiesUndocumentedVeteransWomenStakeholders
Doctoral StudentsMaster's Students
Sandhya Pakala (they/them/theirs)
Program Coordinator, Social Media and Events
Sandhya grew up in California and received their bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Mary’s College of California. They have always been greatly invested in supporting and growing their community, and helping people flourish as the best versions of themselves. As Program Coordinator in the Career Center, Sandhya hopes to be able to continue to do so and mitigate the barriers to career and academic success faced by many students, especially those with marginalized identities, through events, outreach, support, and curating other resources. In their free time, they enjoy anime, K-pop, many aspects of transformative fandom, learning new languages, writing fiction, and digital art. They also miss dance and baseball greatly and hope to reconnect with both in the future.
Sh'Maughn Wright, He/Him/His
Career Specialist
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from North Carolina Central University , Sh’Maughn Wright discovered he wanted to engage with students in a different manner other than teaching. As a first generation college student from Goldsboro NC, he knew he wanted to serve students by helping them navigate the career development process and maintaining important aspects of their Mental Health. He went on to complete a dual Masters program from NCCU in Career Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Sh’Maughn is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and has experience in working in various higher education based settings, as well as community work related to mental health. He has worked with the student body of NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as well as the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Sh’Maughn has a specialty in individual, family and couple’s counseling and is also an Imago trained practitioner. Throughout his collegiate and work experiences, he developed a passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for various cultures and analyzing ways to improve programs to advocate equality for underserved communities. It is with pride, he engages in a holistic approach to assist all communities in learning of their values, interests, skills, transferable skills and overall self-components to make informed decisions around careers and life. He enjoys helping students maximize their skills and values to make themselves marketable for their desired careers.
Career Communities
Discovery & Exploration
Sue Brien
Assistant Director, Employer Development & Relations, Engineering Masters
Sue Brien is an Assistant Director of Employer Relations for Duke’s Engineering Masters Programs. In this role, she actively pursues university relations contacts at local, national, and international employers to offer opportunities for internship and full-time roles to Duke talent. She brings over 20 years experience to her role and has been at Duke University since May 2019.
Sue received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Merrimack College. Before Duke, she worked in other universities in NC and Massachusetts.
Stakeholders
Employers