Coach Activity Development Advisors
Coach's advisory group of experienced career counselors, coaches, and educators collaborates on activity prioritization, establishes dosage and engagement guidelines, develops and reviews new activities, and provides feedback to ensure the AI career coach delivers high-quality, effective guidance.
La Quirshia Fennell
La Quirshia Fennell is an academic counselor and professor at three community colleges in the Los Angeles area: Mt. San Antonio College, Citrus College, and Chaffey College. Her work with diverse student populations, including non-credit and adult learners, high schoolers, and traditional college students, as well as her expertise in designing and teaching career planning courses, is instrumental in helping develop activities that are relevant to and engaging for differentiated learner types.
Quote: “There is never enough time to review every question or concern students may have. What’s unique about Coach is that students can learn at their own pace. Students come to appointments better informed, which enhances their independence and ability to take charge of their education.”
Betsy Jewell
Betsy Jewell is an NCDA-certified Global Career Development Facilitator and the founder of Betsy Jewell Career Coaching. Betsy’s expertise in supporting young adults and college students helps ensure that Coach provides not just information, but also the motivation and support that young job seekers need as they navigate their career paths.
Quote: “In my work with college students, recent graduates, and early career professionals, it has become clear that a growing number of students are feeling unprepared and overwhelmed when thinking about launching into a career. Coach helps students and job seekers explore career options and conduct thorough research. By using Coach, individuals can gain confidence and clarity as they map out their professional futures.”
Dawn Jones
Dawn Jones currently serves as the Director of Career and Transfer Services at SUNY Schenectady County Community College. Her expertise spans from individual advisement and job development to leading career readiness workshops. As an MBTI Certified Practitioner, Dawn specializes in personal assessment and supporting adult learners in career transitions. She is particularly passionate about championing initiatives for underrepresented groups and has extensive experience with the Federal Workforce Recruitment Program for Persons With Disabilities. Her contributions to Coach’s development include insights and activity development on professional development workshops, job search strategies, and networking skills.
Quote: “What I like most about Coach is that it increases access to valuable career information for those who may not otherwise have access to this type of guidance for a variety of reasons. When we can improve access, we can improve outcomes for all individuals.”
Paolo Varquez, Ed.D.
Paolo Varquez, Ed.D. has eight years of experience as a career services specialist with six years experience of part-time counseling at Coastline Community College and two years as a counseling educator at California State University, Fullerton. He serves on the Diversity Initiative and Cultural Inclusion Committee for National Career Development Association. He also served as the Technology Chair for California Career Development Association for four years. Paolo's expertise is in working with community college student populations, including ESL learners, undocumented students, and career changers, helps ensure that Coach provides inclusive and culturally sensitive guidance.
Quote: “The student-to-counselor ratio is really high, especially at underserved institutions, so discussions on career exploration are typically limited. Coach provides instant access to students for career exploration so they can make more informed decisions and plan their academic and career goals.”