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.

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.

Natalie Dillon is an Assistant Director on the Employer Engagement team at the W. P. Carey School of Business. Her role consults with employer clients to bring strong talent to their organizations, while navigating a complex university landscape. Natalie believes in helping organizations build strong brand awareness, think creatively about recruitment practices, and leverage a professional network to create effective and impactful partnerships. Previously, Natalie has partnered with several fortune 500 companies to create successful pipelines with university talent. Natalie holds of Bachelors of Science in Management Communications from North Dakota State University and a Postbaccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Leadership from University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management.

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.

Dakota Haight is a Recruiting and Logistics Coordinator on the Career Operations team at the W. P. Carey School of Business, working with all industry portfolios. Dakota supports the employer and student facing teams in navigating the university landscape, planning engagement opportunities, and executing on-campus and virtual recruiting activities. Prior to joining W.P. Carey, Dakota worked in finance and academics in higher education. Dakota holds a B.S. in Sport Management from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.

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.

Jes Douangchanh is a Recruiting and Logistics Coordinator on the Operations team in Career Management & Employer Engagement at the W. P. Carey School of Business, working with all industry portfolios. Jes supports the employer and student facing teams in navigating the university landscape, planning engagement opportunities, and executing on-campus and virtual recruiting activities.
She holds a B.A in Business Management from Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining W. P. Carey, she acquired a multitude of experience in higher and post-secondary education. Throughout her academic and professional experiences Jes has played key roles in campus, community, and cultural events. She believes in serving her community through creativity, innovation and connection.

Taylor Ducklow is the Business Operations Specialist for The W.P. Carey School of Business Career Management and Employer Engagement team, where she leads the student worker team and oversees all day-to-day business operations.  She knowns first hand that finding a career that not only excites you, but fits into your lifestyle and dreams, can be tricky, and that is why she believes that having equitable access to career guidance is essential to any student experience. Having worked in non-profit, public service, and private industries, Taylor has over ten years of experience leading teams and improving communications systems, including managing large-scale fundraising and training projects. Projects Taylor has co-led include the 2020 Marshalls SWAZ District JDRF Campaign, the 1st Annual 2018 TASC Game-A-Thon, and the 2016 Tucson Slutwalk. She is a writer, a member of Tucson Women in Business, and is certified in Intermediate Motivational Interviewing, Restorative Justice Circles Training, and Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention. Additionally, Taylor holds a B.A. in Creative Writing and is working to pursue a Masters of Counseling.