We are grateful to the many Mason Alumni, Faculty, Staff, and Friends who are sharing their time, talents, and expertise with us during Career and Professional Development Week. Thank you for helping to make this week possible!
Wes Boynton BA '15
Technical Principal, Contino
Wes started his career by helping establish a new private school of music, but his Music Technology degree from George Mason quickly began driving him into the technology field. Connections at Mason opened doors for an internship which quickly became a full-time job upon graduation. After serving as an engineer at a Leesburg-based data start-up, Wes was tapped to help design the cloud platform for a publicly-traded company which later sold for over 34 million US dollars. As the Director of Platform Services, he oversaw the organization’s approach to cloud computing across architecture, reliability, cost, and security. Now with Contino, Wes is a technology consultant who helps companies large and small find their stride as they navigate their transition into the cloud. In his spare time, Wes likes to play Rocket League, streams on Twitch, and continues to write and play music.
Danielle Craddock MAIS '11
Owner, Danielle B. Craddock, LLC
Danielle Craddock is the owner of Danielle B. Craddock, LLC, a consulting company that assists start up nonprofits build a strong foundation. Prior to starting her company, she served as founder and director of Girls Inspired & Ready to Lead Inc. (GIRL) for 12 years. GIRL was dedicated to mentoring and empowering more than 1,200 middle and high school girls through Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) camps; workshops; career conferences; worksite visits; and community service events. Her work has been highlighted by Good Morning Washington (WJLA-TV), WUSA9 TV, and The Washington Post. Danielle’s most recent awards include the 2020 Nonprofit Leader Award from Leadership Fairfax and 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award for Service from George Mason University. She holds a B.A. in Communication from Old Dominion University, M.A. in Higher Education-Student Services from George Mason University, and certificate in Financial Success for Nonprofits from Cornell University.
Jennifer L. Disano
Executive Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
Jennifer serves as the Executive Director of OLLI Mason, a nonprofit membership driven organization with three regional campuses in Northern Virginia offering 600 educational courses per year to over 1200 members, serving retired individuals aged 55 or better. During her tenure, Disano has overseen Mason OLLI delivery of excellence in programming, teaching opportunities, and social and leadership opportunities to members. As OLLI Mason is nationally aligned with 125 OLLIs at universities, she works closely with other OLLIs across the country. At George Mason University, Disano serves on the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the University Libraries and as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Fall for the Book Festival. Disano holds a Master's in Psychology from Penn State University and a Bachelor's in Geography from California State University, East Bay.
Raquel Gonzalez BA '07 & MS '12
Strategy, Operations, and Culture Consultant
Raquel Gonzalez is a queer, Latinx, first-generation college graduate from generational poverty who is dedicated to socia and racial justice. As a government executive, organizer, and leadership development practitioner, Raquel has led operations, policy, and diversity and inclusion initiatives for teams up to 1,300 with budgets up to $423 million. In their personal capacity, Raquel has helped four nonprofits design leadership development programs to support the next generation of public sector leaders. They have been recognized as George Mason University’s (GMU) 2022 Graduate of the Last Decade, the 2022 Community Mentor with the Public Leadership Education Network, a 2022 National LEAD trainer for New Leaders Council, a 2021 Political Partner with the Truman National Security Project, and one of The Hispanic Coalition of New York’s 2018 ‘40 Under 40 Rising Latino Stars’.
Annette Harris MBA '97
President and Founder, ShowUp!
Annette Y. Harris is a dynamic founder and president with over twelve years’ experience delivering high-impact corporate training, executive coaching, and keynotes. Annette’s passion lies in helping high potential professionals get noticed and get ahead. Her company, ShowUp!, is a one-stop shop for all aspects of leadership development, personal branding, executive presence, and strategic style. Annette possesses nearly 18 years’ prior leadership experience in marketing and proposal management for both Fortune 500 companies and small businesses—focused on masterfully leading teams in alignment with key company initiatives.
Annette earned her BBA degree from James Madison University, her MBA from George Mason University, and was later certified by leading accreditation organizations in her field. Annette is a certified coach and personal branding and social branding analyst. Annette has been a featured guest numerous times on Washington DC local news and an expert contributor in an array of national print and online publications including Fast Company, Reader’s Digest, Huff Post, ESSENCE, Real Simple, TODAY, and Career Builder.
Scott E. Hine BS '85
Deputy Director of Corporate Business Systems, Department of Energy
Scott is a member of the Executive leadership team within the Department of Energy, where he is the Deputy Director of Corporate Business Systems. Scott has over 35 years of portfolio, program, and project management experience. He serves as the Executive Sponsor of the Federal Government's Program and Project Management Community of Practice. Scott was appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to serve as a Commissioner on the Fairfax County Consumer Protection Commission (2007-2021). He is a veteran of the United States Army. Scott has been actively engaged with Mason over the years and currently serves as President-Elect of the George Mason University Alumni Association.
Chris Jones MA '99
President, Veterans Alumni Chapter
50 years experience in delivering and managing international technology maintenance organizations and international telecommunications field engineering teams for worldwide clientele. Experience includes the management of enterprise systems design, acquisition, integration, implementation and life-cycle operations. Consulting engagements include the development and management of gap and policy analysis, performance management, change management, data conversion, and IV&V. Retired as Founder and President/CEO of Enterprise Resource Performance, Inc.
Brett W. Josephson, Ph.D.
Interim Executive Director, Continuing Education and Professional Education and
Associate Dean for Executive Development
Associate Professor of Marketing, School of Business
George Mason University
Brett W. Josephson, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean for Executive Development and an Associate Professor of Marketing in the School of Business at George Mason University. Brett oversees the school’s portfolio of learning and development solutions for the federal government, private corporations, and individuals. Under his leadership, Executive Development has made a strategic emphasis on serving the National Capital Region through tailored programming that builds on Mason’s unique thought leadership related to government contracting, business analytics, and accounting and financial management, among others. Executive Development actively supports the Department of Defense, members of the Intelligence Community, and other local firms.
Carolyn Kleiman
Career Advisor, University Career Services
For the past eight years Carolyn has been focusing on assisting George Mason students and alumni in identifying their skills, interests and values to find meaningful careers. Prior to joining Mason, she worked in career services at two other universities and has developed and taught multiple career development and planning courses across four universities. She is a member of various Professional Associations and is a regular contributor, credited as “Career Expert” to Resume Builder.com
Mary Claire Kraft
Senior Employer and Alumni Engagement Manager, University Career Services
As a part of the team at University Career Services, Mary Claire develops new employer relationships with key corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies in the Washington, D.C/Northern Virginia region to ensure more internship and full-time opportunities for Mason students and alumni. Mary Claire is a graduate of James Madison University.
Kristin Leonato
Associate Director, Programs and Outreach, University Career Services
Kristin is a higher education professional with 18 years of experience at both private and public institutions. A focus on experiential learning led Kristin through many years managing study abroad and internship programs. She currently serves as the Associate Director, Programs and Outreach with Mason University Career Services. Kristin completed her undergraduate studies in international studies and economics at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. She earned her master's degree in international education and training at American University in Washington, D.C.
Michelle Murphy BA '99
Senior Assistant Director,Career, Educational and Lifelong Learning Programs - Office of Alumni Relations
Michelle is a native of Southern California and received her undergraduate degree in Government and Politics from Mason. She continued her studies and earned a Master of Education in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University (APU). Michelle’s career in higher education spans more than 15 years and has taken her all over the country. During her time in the field, Michelle has worked in Special Events, New Student Programs, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Government, Student Activities, Leadership Development, and Volunteer Programs at Azusa Pacific University, the University of California, Irvine, Auburn University, and the University of Missouri. Michelle joined the Office of Alumni Relations at Mason in 2018 and currently serves as a Senior Assistant Director overseeing career, educational, and lifelong learning programs for Alumni.
Jessica Scibetti BA '13
Assistant Director, Student and Young Alumni Programs - Office of Alumni Relations
Jessica currently serves as the Assistant Director for Student and Young Alumni Programs within Alumni Relations. She leads all engagement programs for both students and graduates of the last decade and has launched various new initiatives including the Patriot Alumni Liaisons and Dear Patriot campaign. Prior to joining the Alumni Relations team, Jessica worked at various higher education institutions within Residence Life and Student Affairs. She graduated from George Mason University in 2013 with a degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and then went on to receive an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction, College Student Affairs from the University of South Florida in 2016. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and chasing around her almost two year old daughter, Parker.
Jessica Smith, BA '14
Founder, The Mental Health Emergency Fund
Jessica Smith is a community builder and Mental Health First Aid certified advocate based in Baltimore, MD. She is a proud Mason alumna, graduating from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2014 with a B.A. in Communication and Philosophy. Her passion for personal and professional development has positioned her within a number of nonprofit organizations that serve marginalized populations. In 2019, she was named a Forty under 40 honoree by the Black Alumni Chapter. She is the Founder of the Mental Health Emergency Fund, where she provides community members with financial access to mental health resources. As a mindfulness and meditation instructor, she helps her participants tap into their authentic voice in order to listen to their most important needs. Jessica uses her public platform to fight against stigmas associated with mental illness and is very open about her battles with anxiety and depression. Jessica's workshops inspire her audience to continue to lean into the hard, yet rewarding, toil of "self-work," which is a lifelong journey. No matter where she is, she will always build a strong support system around her because healing happens in community. Jessica invites you to connect with her. View website for more information.
Becky Stickley MPA '13
Owner and Lead Coach, Becky Stickley Coaching 
Becky Stickley helps organizations confront their most pressing challenges, create sustainable and positive cultures by equipping managers with the tools they need to excel in today’s ever evolving landscape. She has more than a decade of experience managing multi-million dollar projects and in-person and remote teams. Becky combines this experience, a degree in leadership studies, and coaching tools to help her clients navigate the evolving work landscape by gaining confidence, better managing relationships, and developing their unique leadership style with less feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated.
She lives in Toms Brook, Virginia with her husband and daughter, their dog, and flock of chickens.