Meet Your Coaches

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

Where is your hometown?

Bridgetown, Barbados

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Science in Communications, (Culver-Stockton College)

Master of Business Administration, Concentration: Human Resources (DeSales University)

What do you like most about coaching?

Witnessing the transformative journeys of Students as they overcome challenges, grow in confidence, and achieve their career dreams is immensely fulfilling. The “light bulb moments” are what make my day. 

What do you do away from work?

Beyond my professional life, I am deeply passionate about the synergy between physical activity and business. My love for fitness and sports intertwines seamlessly with my entrepreneurial spirit, creating a unique blend of interests that drive me outside of work.

What would I tell my college-age self?

Say ‘yes’ to opportunities, never fear asking questions, and see how your horizons broaden.

Favorite quote:

“To not exist for yourself is a beautiful thing” –  Mike McDaniels

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!

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.”

She/hers

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.”

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?

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

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, Alumni Career Development

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

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