Employer Engagement and Operations

Leah Mills is the Director of Employer Engagement and Operations, working with employers across the Professional Services industries including Accounting, Consulting, Human Resources and Marketing, Advertising, & Public Relations.  Her role supports the development of recruitment and engagement strategies to effectively connect employers with top talent at the W. P. Carey School of Business.  Leah believes that delivering exceptional client experiences by creating seamless ways to access talent, navigate the university recruiting ecosystem, and execute high-value engagements are the keys to fostering sustainable and successful partnerships. Within the Career Management and Employer Engagement unit, she has supported on-campus recruiting execution, technology system implementation and management, and the enhancement of recruiting partnerships during her tenure.  Prior to joining W. P. Carey, Leah worked in intercollegiate athletics and holds a B.S. in Sport Management and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and a M. Ed. in Sport Administration from the University of Minnesota.

Toni Cortright is a Senior Assistant Director on the Employer Engagement team at W. P. Carey School of Business, working with employers across the Technology industries including Computer Networking, Electronic & Computer Hardware, Internet, Software, and Telecommunications.  He served for more than 20 years as a Telecommunications Operations Chief in the United States military, educating and leading soldiers, earning three Bronze Stars for efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. After retiring from military service in 2015, he changed careers to focus his leadership skills on the business of talent.  His role as a recruiter helped Veterans, and College students start new careers at the two Fortune 500 companies he was a part of. At W. P. Carey, Toni works directly with firms to help them assess, plan, and execute the most effective, innovative and strategic ways to find the talent they need.  He is a pathfinder and a team player who loves connecting and building relationships with employers and students. Toni holds a B.S. in Business Administration and MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Jennifer Redd is an Assistant Director on the Employer Engagement team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, working with employers across the Manufacturing and Logistics industries including Consumer Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage, Logistics & Transportation, Manufacturing, and Retail.  Jennifer believes the power of education is only as good as the opportunities that exist upon graduation. To that end, she develops recruiting relationships with industry partners, tracks market trends to inform student programming, and strategizes on ways to build bridges between education and industry. She brings more than 20 years of experience in relationship management where she has cultivated win-win solutions for customers and clients. Jennifer holds a B.S. in Communication with a Minor in Editorial from Indiana University.

Mara DeFilippis is an Assistant Director on the Employer Engagement team at W. P. Carey School of Business, partnering with companies in diverse industries such as utilities, government, healthcare, aerospace, and defense.  She believes in collaboratively building a common strategic vision with clients, focusing on client goals and outcomes, and consistently exceeding client expectations. Mara has worked in program and project development for more than seven years at ASU, strategically bridging local and international client needs with the complex resources and capabilities of the university. She is the founder and founding CEO of The Phoenix Green Chamber and has launched and facilitated board retreats for several community organizations and committees. Mara holds a B.S. in Accounting, has been a C.P.A, and is currently pursuing a M.A. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in ethics from Claremont Lincoln University.

Mike Sanders is an Assistant Director on the Employer Engagement team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, working with employers across the finance industries including Commercial Banking & Credit, Construction, Insurance, Investment/Portfolio Management, Investment Banking, and Real Estate.  He brings a high level of experience and understanding of the corporate landscape through years as a commercial banker, and has adapted his consultative approach in the private sector to his role at ASU. Mike has also served in a student-facing role on the career management team at the W. P. Carey School and has merged his corporate knowledge with his understanding of student interests to aid employers recruiting at the W. P. Carey to access the right students for their talent needs. Mike holds a B.A. in English from Arizona State University, and an M.A. in Technical and Professional Writing from Northern Arizona University.

Laura Kalb is an Assistant Director on the Operations team at W. P. Carey School of Business. Over the last five years, Laura provided coaching in career management and training and development, in addition to building relationships with individuals in talent acquisition and vendor management. As a leader in a regional professional association and a key member on multiple task forces, she garnered support across business units and cross-functional teams to innovate and execute new initiatives. Laura is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, utilizing her strengths to assist individuals in channeling their talents for success in their careers and business. Laura holds a B.A. in Sociology from Trinity University, and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the Peabody College at Vanderbilt University.

Kaitlyn Harbort is a Recruiting and Logistics Coordinator on the Career Operations team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, specifically working with the Technology, Manufacturing, Logistics, Retail, and Professional Services industry portfolios. Kaitlyn supports the employer and student facing teams in navigating the university landscape, planning engagement opportunities, and executing on-campus recruiting activities. Kaitlyn believes that offering opportunities for employers and students, with a shared mutual interest, to gain direct interaction is a huge part of developing a professional network and allows the Operations team to strategically engage in the career exploration process. Kaitlyn has been working in career services for more than three years, joining the CMEE team at W. P. Carey in 2020. Kaitlyn holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She also holds a certification in Resume Reviewing from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Tyler Adams is a Recruiting and Logistics Coordinator on the Career Operations team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, specifically supporting the Financial Services and Diversified industry portfolios.  Tyler supports the employer and student facing teams in navigating the university landscape, planning engagement opportunities, and executing on-campus recruiting activities.  Tyler knows that providing logistical support across the CMEE team maximizes opportunities to provide an exceptional experience for students exploring career opportunities and employers hiring top business talent.  Before coming to W. P. Carey, Tyler worked in the healthcare nonprofit sector in fundraising, marketing, and programing capacities. Tyler holds a B.A. in Leisure, Youth and Human Services from the University of Northern Iowa and a M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University. He has also earned a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

Rita Jennings is an Office Supervisor on the Career Operations team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, specifically overseeing day-to-day functions of the office administration.  Rita supports the employer and student facing teams by creating effective and efficient processes to produce excellent outcomes in connecting employers with business talent.  Additionally, she is responsible for the recruitment, training, and supervision of undergraduate student workers who supplement business operations.  Rita brings a positive attitude to her role, knowing the work she does has an impact on everyone she connects with.  During her 13 years with Career Services, Rita has worked in roles supporting events, engagement, operations, communications and reporting.

April Patten is the Content Consultant for the Career Management and Employer Engagement team at the W. P. Carey School of Business. After eight years as a coach and manager within the team, April leverages her content expertise to extend our Business is Personal mission to reach over 15,000 business students on an annual basis via online, on-demand content and comprehensive project management. As Content Consultant, April’s role is pivotal to ensure students across all W. P. Carey programs have access to curated content that meets their specific needs and interests. In addition to her 17 years in career management, April is a Certified Career Management Coach, University Career Coach, MBA Career Coach, Professional Resume Writer, Certified Civil Treatment Facilitator, and is Dare to Lead Trained. She holds a B.B.A. in Management and International Studies from CMU, an M.Ed. in Human Relations from NAU, and a Certificate of Global Advocacy from ASU.

Triné Nelson is the Curriculum Manager on the Career Management team at W. P. Carey School of Business with a specific focus of designing and administrating the Career Navigation Program for all undergraduate students, as well as administering the specialized masters courses. Triné believes that designing foundational career content will enhance students’ professional development and allow career coaches to execute a tailored program for their portfolios of students. Triné has over 15 years’ experience in career services and was awarded the Certified Professional Resume Writer designation from the Professional Association of Resume Writers. Triné holds a B.S. in Family and Human Development from Utah State University and an M. Ed. Learning Design and Technologies from Arizona State University.