Meet the Team

Where is your hometown?

New Holland, PA

What is your educational background?

Grove City College, BS in Business with a Marketing Concentration

What do you do away from work?

I treasure spending time with my family and friends; and walking our dog, Lyla. I enjoy exercise, pickleball, scrapbooking, volunteering, and watching documentaries. I especially enjoy meeting new people and learning what makes them tick!

What would I tell my college-age self?

Get engaged in activities, clubs, and organizations quickly to meet others you will enjoy spending time with. Be open to new ideas, experiences, and people. It is ok to make mistakes and change your mind. Enjoy the journey not just the destination!

Favorite quote:

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Title/Program:

Case Interviewing Coach, All Undergrad Business School programs

Hometown:

Hangzhou, China/Charlotte, NC 

Education Background:

BS Economics, New York University

MS Management, Wake Forest University School of Business

MS Business Analytics, Wake Forest University School of Business

What do you like most about coaching?

The dedication to personalize each interaction to harness the best from each student.

What do you do away from work?

Travel!

What would I tell my college-age self?

Don’t stress too much; things will work out if you put in the work. Seize the opportunity to experience life for such abundant free time may not come your way once you start your career.

Favorite quote:

“Just keep swimming.” ~ Dory

Hometown: Edinburg, Texas

Education Background:  St. Edward’s University, Master of Arts in College Student Development, University of Texas-Pan American, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Le Cordon Bleu – Texas Culinary Academy, Associates of Applied Science in Culinary Arts

What do you like most about coaching? 

I love seeing the professional growth that happens throughout the process. The greatest gift a  career coach can receive is to see an individual become empowered to manifest their career goals into reality. 

What do you do away from work? 

My husband, Mark, and I have two black cats. We enjoy road trips in our RV with our furbabies and camping in the mountains. I am a horror movie aficionado with an extensive library of movies seen.  I also enjoy reading; you can always find me reading late at night. To relieve stress, I enjoy swimming laps and lifting weights. 

What would I tell my college-age self? 

Travel! Do study abroad multiple times. Get as much experience through on-campus activities and within the professional world as possible through internships. And when college is done, travel some more!

What is your hometown? Salisbury, NC

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) – Wake Forest University Class of 2008; Master of Science in Management – Wake Forest University Class of 2009

What do you like most about working with the MRE team?

What do you do away from work?
My time away from work is often spent with my family. My husband is a fellow WFU alum. You will often find us and our toddler daughter at sporting events wearing Old Gold and Black cheering on our Demon Deacons. I also enjoy working in my yard and gardening. I am an avid reader of murder and political thrillers. While I am very process and data driven, I also have an artistic side. I enjoy photography, floral design from the flowers and plants in my yard, along with tap and jazz (I dance with 15+ women on a weekly basis).

What would I tell my college-age self?
Do not put yourself in a box. Study what you love but know that it doe not determine your next steps after graduation. Embrace Wake Forest University – go to sporting events, theatre shows, Face2Face events, anything that interests you. I know this can be especially hard if you are in a 10-month program but take advantage of these things. When you are out and working, you will not have these opportunities as readily at your fingertips (and they often come with a cost instead of being free as a student).

Favorite quote:
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Where is your hometown?

Winston-Salem, NC (for the last 16 yrs; before that, VA, TX, GA, CT, FL)

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Wake Forest University
Master of Science in Counseling – College Counseling & Student Development, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

What do you like most about coaching?

I enjoy listening to students’ stories and interests and “holding up a mirror” to help them discover and understand their unique motivations, values, strengths, and challenges, equipping them to move forward toward their goals. I’m honored when I’m able to provide a safe space for others to be authentic. I also find it pretty satisfying when I’m able to revise that bullet that’s just barely going over to that second line on the resume.

What do you do away from work?

In this season of life, you’ll find me at a local playground with my 2 young kiddos. I enjoy being active through sports, dance, and hiking; I like historical fiction, and I love a good opportunity to explore NC – the restaurants, vineyards, festivals (Merlefest), and towns. I’m working on building these activities back into my life.

What would I tell my college-age self? 

Begin, draft, revise – seek progress, not perfection. Study abroad.

Favorite quote:

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

What is your hometown? 

Winston-Salem, NC

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Arts, Dartmouth College

What do you do away from work?
When I’m not at work, I love traveling, reading, and making art. Currently I’m learning to make stained glass and having a wonderful time!

What would I tell my college-age self?
Do your research and make informed decisions. Perfection is not sustainable or even desirable. Enjoy this time of your life!

Favorite quote:
“Poco a poco, se va lejos.”

Title/Program:

Associate Director, Alumni Engagement

Hometown:

Raleigh, NC

Education Background:

B.S. in Psychology and M.Ed. College Student Personnel Administration – both from James Madison University

What do you do away from work?

Reading, drinking wine and spending time with my family.

What would I tell my college-age self?

Take full advantage of the (free!) opportunities you have in the college environment. It’s a safe place to live and learn!

Favorite quote:

“Do your best until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou 

Hometown:
Oneonta, New York

Education Background:
LeMoyne College, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Drexel University, Master of Science in Higher Education Administration 

What do you like most about coaching?
Getting to know each and every student is a blast for me. Each person brings a unique perspective, strengths, and interests, and I love adjusting my coaching approach for what each person needs. Helping people harness their self-confidence and leadership skills is my favorite aspect of coaching. 

What do you do away from work?
I’m a DIYer (do-it-yourself-er) in every aspect: home project builder, craft business owner, trip planner, furniture refurbisher, dog bather, and life fixer (my husband told me to put this, and I can’t lie, it’s true!) 

What would I tell my college-age self?
Try to find joy in the journey, even when the future is unknown. It feels like you’re making tons of life-changing decisions right now, but this is the beginning of developing a skill that you’ll need your whole life: feeling confident and comfortable to take your life in the direction you desire. Also, get comfortable with networking – the need for that won’t stop when you graduate! 

Favorite quote:
“Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.”

What is your hometown? 

Booneville, NC

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Science, Economics, University of NC at Greensboro

What do you do away from work?
Family, Church, Sports, Music

What would I tell my college-age self?
Use the career center support to help you explore and navigate the world of work, the opportunities that exist, and the skillsets you have. You’ve paid for these resources with your tuition dollars, and the team wants to support you.

Favorite quote:
“The little things DO matter. Especially to people.”

Hometown: Hampton, VA

Education Background:  Bachelor of Business Administration Magna Cum Laude in Management, Concentration: Human Resources (Strayer University)

Behavioral Interviewing Certification (University of Texas at Austin)

What do you like most about coaching?

I love helping others discover aspects of who they are which ultimately elevates their confidence, increases their self-awareness and motivates them to accomplish their goals.

What do you do away from work?

When I’m not working, I love to refuel (rest, relax, shop, travel). I also make time to replenish (attend concerts, church, spend time with family/friends). In addition, I allocate time to refocus (invest in personal/professional development by way of a good book, podcast episode, course, conference or workshop).

What would I tell my college-age self?

My college-age self probably wouldn’t listen because she thought she had plenty of time and even more answers regarding what life entails. However, if there’s one piece of advice I would give to my younger self as well as today’s college students, it would be to learn as much about yourself as you can. The world is full of people who will tell you who you are, who you aren’t, what you can do and what you can’t do. When you know who you are, you can leverage your awareness as a guide that catapults you into a life of purpose, positive impact and success.

Favorite Quote:

“I don’t care what everyone else is doing, you do what’s right.” – Bertha L. Davis (my grandmother)

Where is your hometown?

High Point, North Carolina

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Master of Education in College Counseling & Student Development, North Carolina State University

What do you like most about coaching?

What I love most about coaching is the opportunity to connect and partner with our students to achieve their career goals and ultimately see them grow and succeed over time. I have a forever-growing passion for developing, supporting, and creating space for students to become their best selves, and coaching allows me to do just that! 

What do you do away from work?

Away from work, you can find me staying involved in church and ministry, spending quality time with those who mean the most to me, and in the gym – hopefully learning how to do a pull-up! I also enjoy good food and always like to try local bakeries when I travel.  Maxie B’s is my favorite in the Triad! 

What would I tell my college-age self?

I would tell my college-age self that it’s perfectly fine not to have it all figured out. College is the place to learn more about who you are and cultivate who you want to be. Embrace the greatness inside you and tap into all the greatness around you – it will all work out for the good! 

Favorite quote:

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle

Where is your hometown?

New Orleans, LA

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of General Studies – Communications & Humanities (Nicholls State University) | Certificate of Non-Profit Management (Salem College)

What do you do away from work?

Chasing after my two kids (6&8), dinners out with my wife, making gumbo, watching Saints football, and home improvement projects.

What would I tell my college-age self?

Meet with your professors, become great at time management, think about summer internships in the fall and build your network.

Favorite quote:

“Once you stop learning, you start dying”. – Albert Einstein

What is your hometown?

Winston-Salem, NC

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Science in Management, California Coast University

What do you like most about working with the MRE team?
Supporting career education programming is a highlight of my role.  Ensuring our students have the best possible experience while learning about various industry opportunities is my number one priority.  

What do you do away from work?
You will find me with my hands in the dirt planting vegetables in my garden and lots of flowers.  Thrifting is also a fun hobby that I enjoy, but by far, spending time with my family is at the top of the list.

What would I tell my college-age self?
Trust yourself; you got this!

Favorite quote:
“To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” ― Dr. Seuss

What is your hometown? 

Hickory, NC

What is your educational background?

BS in Psychology, Appalachian State University, MBA, Appalachian State University

What do you do away from work?
We have a lake house on Lake Hickory and we spend almost every weekend there. There are distinct seasons to lake life but in the summer we love to boat, hang out with our friends at the sandbar and spend time around the firepit in the evenings. Our favorite thing is to have a party complete with live music and invite all our family and friends.

What would I tell my college-age self?
Trust yourself; you got this!

Favorite quote:
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think” – Pooh Bear

Where is your hometown?

St. Petersburg, Florida

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, The University of Central Florida
Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration, Michigan State University

What do you like most about coaching? 

What I love most about coaching is being able to empower young leaders to pursue careers of purpose and meaning. I strive to serve as a motivator and encourager of others and aspire to partner with scholars to identify who they are and build toward who their strive to be.

What do you do away from work? 

Outside of the office, you will likely find me coaching youth sports (with my little ones) or preparing for my next Spartan Race. I spend a fair amount of time being involved and giving back to my community. However, I appreciate any moment where I can step a way to watch a movie, dust off my PS5 to hop on a game, or plan out my next vacation (family Disney trips are always a point of conversation).

What would I tell my college-age self? 

I would tell my college-age self that everything happens for a reason, so you need to trust the process. Give yourself grace in knowing that no one is perfect, and that all you can do is your best. Live life to the fullest and don’t spend so much time worried about tomorrow, that you miss out on the beauty of today.   

What is your favorite quote:

“The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do” – Bill Phillips

What is your hometown? Oklahoma City, OK

What is your educational background?

Southern Nazarene University – B.A. Human Relations & Music
Oklahoma City University – M. Ed.

What do you like most about working with the MRE team?

What do you do away from work?
Spending time with family, movies, music, and golf

What would I tell my college-age self?
Relax! Focus on your process and the outcomes will come.

Favorite quote:
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

Title/Program: Director, Market Readiness and Employment Undergraduate; Business and Enterprise Management Internship Advisor

Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC (with previous stops in the northeast)

Education Background: University of New Hampshire, BA History, BS Business Administration; Wake Forest University MBA

What do you like most about coaching? Students’ success. Meeting the students where they are and providing insights, resources, and knowledge to help them move forward on their journey, makes every day a great day. Students own their journey and it is a privilege to support their efforts.

What do you do away from work? I spend time being with my family, working around the house, reading, playing golf, attending Wake Forest sporting events, refereeing youth basketball, and cheering on the Boston pro teams – especially the Red Sox.

What would I tell my college-age self? Explore. Say yes and try new things. Reflect on what you like and what you like less. Spend more time on the things that are interesting. Connect your “high” desires with your “high” skills. Own your journey.

Favorite quote: “If it is to be, it is up to me.” – William H. Johnsen

Title/Program:

Director, Market Readiness & Employment – MSM, MSBA & MSA

Hometown:

Mocksville, NC

Education Background:

Bachelor of Science in Art, Minor in Marketing from Appalachian State University

What do you like most about coaching?

I love the light bulb moments when I see students start to thrive in business school and as alumni. I also love building life-long relationships that matter with brilliant, diverse students from all walks of life. Naturally, I love networking and making meaningful connections as well as mentoring students which builds their confidence.  We sit in a unique space where we contribute greatly to the life skills that improve the quality of life students will live once they graduate. 

What do you do away from work?

I love spending time with family, traveling and eating delicious food. I have a food blog (@carolinafoodgal) and have Yelp Elite status. I also love to read and stay active outdoors. There isn’t a sporting event I don’t love and I am especially committed to cheering on the black and gold (Demon Deacons and ASU Mountaineers). 

What would I tell my college-age self?

It will all work out if you stay true to yourself and continue to work hard (and use your resources). Trust the process!

Favorite quote:

“There’s no such thing as luck. Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” ~ Amy Hempel

Where is your hometown?

Concord, NC

What is your educational background?

NC State University: MS, Management; BS, Biological Sciences

What do you do away from work?

Reading, gardening and exercising

What would I tell my college-age self?

Have Plan B!

Favorite quote:

“Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out”. – John Wooden

Title/Program:

Operations Manager, Employer Relations

Hometown:

New Holland, PA

Education Background:

BS in Industrial Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Public Management from the Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University

What do you do away from work?

Spending time with my son, reading and cooking.

What would I tell my college-age self?

Use the resources your school provides–you’re paying for them–use them!

Favorite quote:

If the Lord brings you to it, He is going to bring you through it!

Hometown: Henan, China

Education Background:

I have two master degrees.  One is Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Cornell University and one is Master of Arts from Beijing Foreign Studies University (English Translation).  I received my Bachelor of Arts from Beijing Foreign Studies University (English Language and Literature).

What do you like most about coaching?

What I like most about working with the MRE team is the opportunity to partner with the diverse team of career coaches to help the students grow professionally.  I love meeting with different students and listening to their unique stories.  I am passionate about helping the students succeed and it is my pleasure to work with the wonderful MRE team with the same passion.

What do you do away from work?

Outside of work, you can find me playing pickleball at Joanie Moser Memorial Park with friends.  I also enjoy cooking Chinese food since it’s hard to find authentic Chinese restaurants in Winston-Salem.  And I love traveling!

What would I tell my college-age self?

I would tell my younger self to be less anxious about the future and not be afraid of uncertainties.  Rejection is sometimes redirection and don’t get caught up in the difficulties of the moment since they are only temporary.

Favorite Quote:

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them” – Walt Disney