About Mission Collaborative

Do work you love

Our mission

Two-thirds of Americans report feeling disengaged at work. We believe that doing work you love not only keeps you engaged, but also makes the world a better place.

We’re on a mission to help courageous people build careers they love so they can make their fullest contribution to the world around them.

Since 2017, we've helped thousands of career designers find more fulfilling work through our programs. We've worked with people from all ages and industries; from teachers and lawyers, to engineers and administrators. Regardless of your background or age, our proven Career Design Process will give the clarity and plan you need to pursue a career you really love.

Speaking of our Career Design Process, where did that come from? We've spent years refining our approach to career design, and have been very influenced by a number of fields, including Design Thinking, Positive Psychology, and Career Counseling. Our process breaks down the overwhelming challenge of "figuring out what you want to do" into simple steps that anyone can follow!

Our team

Jessica MacDonald - Director of Career Programs

Jessica is on a mission to empower individuals to unlock their full potential and forge career paths that lead to both success and personal fulfillment. Armed with a certification as a Gallup Strengths Coach, she brings experience in career coaching, leadership development, and team building. With a background predominantly rooted in higher education career services, complemented by roles in program management, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations, Jessica is adept at guiding individuals towards their professional aspirations. Her unwavering commitment to a strengths-based approach underscores her passion for helping others harness their innate talents for maximum impact.

Cecile Oreste - Program Manager

Cecile is a marketing and communications professional with an extensive background in the nonprofit sector. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in public relations, she began her career in advertising sales and media relations. Cecile has worked with performing arts organizations in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and San Francisco, in addition to consulting for companies in the logistics and technology industries. As an alumna of the Mission Collaborative Fellowship, she is passionate about helping people make connections to enhance their careers.

Katherine Lelek - Program Manager

Katherine is a dedicated career services professional and Mission Collaborative alumna who believes that self-reflection, research and having a strategic plan are the keys to finding career success. Her superpower is curiosity and she is a lifelong learner. She is particularly interested in using design thinking to empower others to find meaning and joy in their lives.

Claire Dorn - Program Manager

Claire is a career strategist with extensive experience guiding professionals across diverse industries through significant career changes. She is passionate about helping people design meaningful careers that resonate with their unique strengths, passions, and ambitions, and empowering them to transform their career aspirations into actionable plans. Her career background includes teaching, career coaching, workforce development, and project management.

Alexandria Grant headshot_edited_edited.

Alexandria Grant - Program Manager

Alexandria is a lifelong learner with a decade of experience in Education, Guidance Counseling, and Human Development. Her career began with Teach for America and evolved into a series of impactful roles. After completing the Fellowship in 2022, she earned a Project Management Certificate and transitioned into Program Management in Lending and Finance. She now consults and advises entrepreneurs and small business owners, providing technical assistance and educational programming to support their growth and bankability. Passionate about servant leadership, Alexandria collaborates with community stakeholders, grant institutions, and corporate partners to enhance access to resources that help business owners create and retain jobs, ultimately putting dollars back into the communities in which they live. As a Mission Collaborative alum and career-changer, Alexandria is dedicated to guiding individuals in career design and helping them pursue more fulfilling and purposeful careers.

Krista Vaught - Program Manager

Krista is passionate about creating learning and connection experiences that help people move forward, particularly by applying design thinking concepts and creating space for intentional reflection. She has made several pivots on her own career journey, including roles in journalism, law, executive support, academic programs, compliance, and learning and development, and she enjoys continually exploring ways to enhance meaning and fulfillment. Krista holds an EdD in educational technology and a law degree, and is an ICF Associate Certified Coach. Outside of coaching and life design, Krista enjoys traveling to national parks and finding the best gluten-free bakeries.

Samantha Varner - Program Manager

Samantha Varner is a higher education professional passionate about life-long learning and personal development. She has spent the last fifteen years working in university relations and advancement, focusing on building resources for university alumni, including the establishment of valuable career mentorship programs for which she won a CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) Gold Award in 2018 for new program initiatives. Samantha is no stranger to career transitions, as she started her career journey organizing large-scale athletic and fundraising events and has experience working with professional sports organizations and managing corporate accounts for an award-winning social/digital marketing agency. Her greatest transition has been the one to “working mom,” which has led her to be an expert in managing time and resources to maximize efficiency.

Anna Carlson - Program Manager

Anna is passionate about helping people identify and develop their strengths to find fulfilling careers. Her 12 years in education, combined with training in yoga, wellness, AI, and machine learning provide a unique perspective that she hopes will inspire others on their professional journeys.

Dumari St. Angelo - Program Manager

Dumari is dedicated to empowering individuals to find greater fulfillment, self-confidence, and joy. With over 20 years of coaching experience, she has helped thousands of people to achieve their personal and relationship goals. Her diverse background in entrepreneurship, software quality assurance, learning facilitation, and program management, paired with her expertise in mindset coaching and manifestation principles, uniquely positions her to guide professionals in discovering their next career steps. As an alumna of the Mission Collaborative Fellowship, she has personally benefited from the career clarity this program offers. Dumari is deeply committed to helping others thrive while also embracing her passion for continuous personal growth through choosing joy.

Lindsay Dahl - Program Manager

Lindsay believes everyone should enjoy a career that lights them up and helps them live the life they want. After completing the Mission Collaborative fellowship in 2019, she became one of their first program managers and has supported over 1,300 career changers through this life-changing experience. Her background is in communications, though with the help of Mission Collaborative, she has since made moves into digital workplace consulting and, most recently, instructional design of professional development programs for a B2B media company. Lindsay loves to use her expertise in design thinking and communications to help people explore ways to create careers and lives they truly enjoy.

Sara Gerken - Program Manager

Sara Gerken has built a strong foundation in higher education and student affairs, specializing in change management and empowering individuals to thrive in dynamic environments. With a master’s degree and certification as a life coach, Sara has dedicated over 100 hours to coaching clients, ranging from entry-level professionals to seasoned leaders, helping them navigate the complexities of life and career. Her work is rooted in fostering authenticity and human connection, blending her strategic project management expertise with a passion for creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to be their true selves.

Laura Marks - Program Manager

Laura is a mission-driven experiential learning advocate with 12+ years experience facilitating transformative educational programs to help others broaden their worldviews and navigate their careers. She has transitioned roles, industries, and countries a number of times (seriously, her Linkedin may give you whiplash),

and believes our careers are forever in flux, with each new experience presenting an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.

Having made the jump from Higher Education to the Tech Startup world, she's keenly aware of how our transferable skills can serve us and how job titles are only one small piece of how we apply our skills day in and day out. She's passionate about transforming education to meet the needs of the future of work, the potential of project-based learning to aid with career exploration, and the power of our networks to help us navigate our careers.

Grace Adofoli - Program Manager

Grace Adofoli is an award-winning global leader, coach, trainer, and consultant with over a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives and managing multicultural teams across the country. She possesses a profound understanding of the international development landscape and excels in responsible project management, having impacted more than 40 countries across Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Grace’s expertise encompasses leadership excellence, management, strategic navigation, and impactful solutions. She designs and implements institutional solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness and sustainability while optimizing budgets for long-term growth.Dedicated to coaching and guiding current and future leaders, Grace promotes a collaborative "We" mindset, driving change and creating environments where everyone can thrive. Colleagues describe her as a committed and encouraging leader, mentor, and team player who consistently inspires and supports those around her.

Mirta Edwards - Program Manager

Mimi is passionate about helping people find meaningful careers that align with their strengths and aspirations. She believes that with the right guidance and resources, everyone can find purpose and growth in their professional lives. As a talent acquisition leader with a background in career development, learning programs, and collaborative leadership, Mimi specializes in creating supportive experiences where people can explore, grow, and confidently take the next steps in their careers. She thrives on helping others clarify their goals, discover new possibilities, and build the skills they need to succeed. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Social Science, she brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to career development, empowering others to pursue work they love and make a lasting impact in their communities.

Nora Salmon - Program Manager

Nora is committed to supporting individuals in their career and life journeys while fostering meaningful connections. As a higher education professional with a master’s degree in international education, she brings years of experience in teaching, advising, and designing global programs. She takes great interest in learning about people’s unique backgrounds and passions, and is dedicated to helping others achieve their career aspirations.

Brittany Smith - Program Manager

Brittany has over 15 years of diverse experience spanning finance, higher education, healthcare operations, technology, AI/machine learning, and entrepreneurship. She's passionate about empowering individuals to leverage their strengths and curiosities to craft fulfilling career paths. Brittany firmly believes in the potential for successful transitions across industries and is dedicated to guiding others at any stage of their professional journey toward meaningful and rewarding careers.

Ryan Holt - Program Manager

Ryan is a University Assistant Dean with over 15 years of experience in higher education. He develops programs, experiences, and content that help individuals navigate key life transitions and align with a mission-driven life of meaning and purpose.

His passions include community development, educational theory, design thinking, leadership development, organizational culture, spirituality, hospitality, and creative programming, which inspire his work and conversations.

Mandi Glowen - Program Manager

Mandi Glowen (she/her) is passionate about empowering individuals to navigate their professional journeys with confidence. As a career and leadership coach, and higher education professional, she supports individuals navigating life and career with a strength-based approach. Her education and training includes a Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling from DePaul University, Gallup Strengths Coach training, and numerous ICF aligned programs, grounding her in the principles of career and personal success. Mandi combines proven methodologies with a deep commitment to fostering growth. She believes in the power of authentic relationships and tailored guidance to unlock potential. Mandi's mission is clear: to help people thrive, live into their strengths, and turn passion, values, and ambitions into action.

Jean Starobin - Program Manager

Jean holds an Ed.D. and two Master's degrees, bringing a unique blend of academic research and hands-on experience to her work with learners. With over 20 years in higher education, she has served as a career coach, adjunct faculty member, and program administrator, specializing in creating engaging online learning experiences and building virtual communities that foster learner success. Jean is passionate about helping learners navigate their educational and professional journey and discover meaningful career paths.

JaLeesa Beavers - Program Manager

JaLeesa is passionate about creating spaces to help people approach change with compassion, radical honesty, and intentional action. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theatre and spending years onstage and in audition rooms, JaLeesa used the skills she learned performing to pivot into education, facilitation, coaching, virtual community orchestration, and nonprofit management. She believes that community and collaboration are the best places to find answers, spark motivation, and pave paths forward.

Jasymne Alexander - Program Manager

Jasymne is a College and Career Coordinator based in the Dallas area with 12 years of experience in secondary education. Throughout her career, she has been committed to empowering students with the soft skills and subject-specific knowledge needed to thrive in the modern workforce. Jasymne’s journey began with Teach for America in Dallas ISD, and since then, she has taken on diverse roles, including teacher, curriculum and assessment writer, lead teacher, and coordinator. In her current position, Jasymne works closely with high school juniors and seniors, guiding them in exploring colleges and career opportunities that align with their goals. Her passion lies in helping individuals navigate key transitions and pursue paths that lead to fulfillment and success. In 2022, Jasymne completed the Mission Collaborative Fellowship, a transformative experience that shifted her career focus from aspiring assistant principal to College and Career Coordinator. Driven by a deep commitment to helping people unlock their full potential, she is dedicated to supporting students as they chart their course to meaningful, rewarding careers.

Annemarie Bosse - Program Manager

Annemarie is passionate about empowering others through career exploration, experiential learning, and community engagement. As a Career Coach at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she helps students connect their academic experiences to meaningful career opportunities. With a background in student affairs, career development, and leadership coaching, she creates inclusive programs that foster confidence and professional growth. Annemarie holds an M.S. in College Student Personnel from UT Knoxville and a B.A. in Psychology from Miami University and is dedicated to helping students discover and pursue fulfilling career paths.

Paula Franicevich - Operations Support Associate

Paula is a dedicated professional with a curious nature and a deep enthusiasm for supporting others in their personal development.
Her diverse experience includes roles as an assistant at public organizations, a researcher and a teacher, where she endeavored to help individuals achieve their goals and fully leverage their talents.

“After going through the Fellowship, I feel like I know more about myself and what I’m looking for in a career.”
- Spring 2023 participant

Melissa Shapiro - Program Manager

Melissa is a certified career coach passionate about helping professionals make career decisions that authentically align with their strengths and values.
She has led a team of 350 ICF Certified coaches globally at Skillsoft and managed the entire coach lifecycle and community. She's coached at organizations like 2U, Thinkful, and CareerFoundry, helping tech professionals get placed in creative organizations and solidifying employer partnerships. She has created and facilitated workshops, coached one-on-one, and guided professionals through all aspects of the job process, from gaining career clarity to job searching, interviewing, and ultimately landing a job offer. She also worked as a Creative Recruiter at Amazon, getting to experience the full recruitment life cycle.
Life is too short to be doing something that isn’t in alignment with your values. Coaching is the most rewarding work, and Melissa absolutely loves helping people.
When she's not coaching, you can find her singing and being goofy with her one-year-old daughter.

Paige del Rio - Program Manager

Paige is an instructional design and strategy leader with 10 years of experience running complex operations and initiatives. Having recently transitioned from nonprofit education work to the tech industry, she is eager to support others feeling overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable transitions. More than anything, Paige believes in creating opportunities for self determination through learning, support, and access and is excited to parlay those passions and skills into supporting the Mission Collaborative community.

Sagarika Das - Program Manager

Sagarika is passionate about supporting career-changers through their journeys of self-discovery and transformation. She is an epidemiologist with a background in global health, human-centered design, and higher education, and she uses her multidisciplinary expertise to guide individuals in pursuit of fulfilling and empowering careers.