Meet the Maricopa Corporate College Staff
Jason Weinstein | Chief Officer, Corporate Engagement
As Executive Director, Jason leads the MCOR team to deliver high-impact training and development solutions for the business community, government, and industries to positively impact the economy. Jason joined the MCOR team in September of 2021 and brings over ten years of experience working in business services, workforce development, and higher education, with a majority of time spent developing new industry and community partnerships, and delivering career services. Jason obtained his undergraduate degree in marketing from St. John’s University, where he also earned a dual concentration in international business and integrated marketing strategy. He also earned his Master's in Education in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College. In his free time, Jason enjoys many different outdoor activities. To relax, he also enjoys cooking and can often be found in his kitchen preparing meals.
Brent Boardman | Project Manager
As a Project Manager, Brent ensures the success of a range of initiatives within Maricopa Corporate College (MCOR). Brent has worked at MCOR since 2015 and has been teaching and presenting on Organizational Behavior for Managers, Leading Projects in Organizations, and Team Dynamics since 2008. Brent earned his MBA from the W.P. Carey School of Business, his Global Leadership Certificate from Thunderbird School of International Management, and is a contributing Fellow for the Arizona Program for Policy, Ethics, and Education Leadership (APPEEL, Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics at ASU). In addition to teaching, he is a published author, photographer, poet, and woodworker.
Emilio Cabrera | Director of Corporate Partnerships
As Director of Corporate Partnerships, Emilio establishes relationships with corporate partners to improve their workforce and culture by delivering corporate training and professional development opportunities. Emilio has been with the Maricopa County Community College District for 15 years; his passion for higher education and workforce development make Maricopa Corporate College a natural fit. Emilio obtained his undergraduate degree in marketing at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, and earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. In his free time, Emilio enjoys time with his family, playing softball and soccer.
Ron Gaschler | Director of Career Services
As the Director of Career Services, Ron is a Strengths Based Leader with over 25 years of experience in higher education leadership. Currently, he is leading district wide initiatives to support equitable career services at the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges, improve business processes and implement modern technology to support our students, community and employers for the purpose of creating meaningful and accessible talent pipelines. Previously, Ron held leadership roles at GateWay Community College, DeVry University, University of Arizona, California State University San Marcos, and other colleges and universities in Career Services, Employer Relations, and other Student Success initiatives. He currently serves on the board for the Mountain Pacific Association of Colleges and Employers. In his free time he enjoys real estate endeavors, tennis, time with friends and family, and is a self proclaimed foodie and wine snob.
Jessica Hoffert | Project Manager
As a Project Manager, Jessica manages Education Concierge Services projects with Maricopa Corporate College's corporate community partners. Jessica has been working in higher education for the past 20 years, of which more than 10 have been with the Maricopa County Community College District. She obtained her Bachelor of Science from Minnesota State University - Moorhead, and her MBA with an emphasis in global management from the University of Phoenix. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Conna Jones | Marketing Project Manager
As Marketing Project Manager, Conna leads the development of comprehensive marketing strategies and campaigns. She has extensive experience in organizational development, sales, events, and training in the real estate, automotive, and education sectors. She is also dedicated to community enrichment through a history of service on multiple non-profit boards of directors. Conna holds multiple certifications in Management and Business, and an Organizational Leadership B.A. from ASU. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Alex Kouumdjieva | District Director, Marketing Operations and Digital Strategies
As District Director of Marketing Operations and Digital Strategies, Alex uses the latest inbound marketing strategies to connect Arizona businesses with impactful corporate training. With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she brings an array of experience in marketing, public relations, CRM management, and nonprofits. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new places and spending time with her family.
Shenxin (Akiko) Li | Project Manager
As a Project Manager, Shenxin focuses on corporate project developments and is committed to higher education. Shenxin joined the Maricopa Corporate College team in October of 2022. With an international background, she has over 15 years of experience in project management, including cross-cultural consulting, community outreach, corporate strategy development, corporate governance, international governmental relations between states and provinces, and leadership through academic training programs for students and governmental officials. Shenxin completed her BBA from the Institute of Franco-American Management in France and earned her MBA from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She also holds a PMP certification from PMI. In her spare time, Shenxin enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, watching movies, and having yummy food.
Dana Macke-Redford | Senior Project Manager
As Senior Project Manager, Dana focuses on the successful delivery of training and education programs for Arizona’s students and corporate clients. She has spent more than a decade in training and development and has a diverse background in program and project management, organizational development, financial services, and call center operations. Dana attended University of Illinois as an undergrad, completed a Post-Baccalaureate in Secondary Education from Ottawa University, and earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She also holds her PMP certification from PMI. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and being a volleyball mom.
Emma Martinez | Project Manager
As a Project Manager, Emma supports the success of the Key Performance Essentials programs, along with a range of other initiative projects within Maricopa Corporate College. Emma has been with the Maricopa County Community College District for eight years, mainly at Phoenix College with the College Police Department. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management from Arizona State University, and is currently pursuing a degree in cybersecurity. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, working out, and trying new restaurants.
Tran Mendez | Program Analyst
As a Program Analyst, Tran ensures the ongoing success of programs and initiatives at MCOR by working with members of various teams and corporate clients. She has been in higher education for over 10 years and has a significant background in operations and doctoral faculty training. Tran is a native Arizonan and earned her undergraduate degree from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her young family, cooking, and trying new restaurants around the Valley.
Karis Mora | Program Analyst
As Program Analyst, Karis is committed to streamlining business operations and providing effective program support. She manages day-to-day functions and addresses issues with clarity and professionalism. Karis holds a Master of Education from Grand Canyon University and has been with Maricopa Corporate College (MCOR) since 2020, serving in various student-facing roles. She is excited to continue growing with MCOR in her new capacity. Outside of work, Karis enjoys spending time with her family, painting, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography.
Vanessa Plummer | Project Manager
As a Project Manager, Vanessa brings a blend of passion for assisting others and exceptional organizational skills, making her an asset to Maricopa Corporate College's (MCOR) fulfillment team. Her expertise lies in overseeing the success of diverse grants and mastering her project management skills. Vanessa, a native of Arizona, attended Glendale Community College, where her journey with the Maricopa Community College District (MCCCD) began with a student worker role, shaping the start of her career in higher education. She has been a valued member of MCOR since December 2013, building on nearly a decade of experience within MCCCD across various roles. Outside of work, Vanessa finds joy in lounging poolside, indulging in crafting projects, capturing moments through photography, and caring for her beloved menagerie of animals.
Kaylani Reyes | Digital Marketing Specialist
As Digital Marketing Specialist, Kaylani helps manage the strategy, execution, and content creation for MCOR's social media and digital advertising. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Information Technology with a focus in user experience, and brings her experience studying audience-focused design and content. In her spare time, Kaylani enjoys creating digital art, playing video games, going to concerts, and enjoying the various foods Arizona has to offer.
Armando Sanchez | Senior Marketing Automation Specialist
As Senior Marketing Automation Specialist, Armando helps oversee the automation of multiple marketing initiatives and campaigns. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from ASU in 2020, and has been working in the industry ever since. Armando joined the Maricopa Corporate College team in 2023, and has enjoyed helping assist clients in their educational aspirations. He was born and raised in the Metro–Phoenix area. In his free time, Armando likes to build and tinker with computers, play video games, read, watch movies, perform weightlifting, and work on his vinyl collection.
Rachel Thomas | Content Marketing Specialist
As Content Marketing Specialist, Rachel writes and prepares creative content for a variety of digital platforms. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in professional writing, and brings a wealth of experiences from her time working with nonprofit organizations before joining the Maricopa Corporate College team. If she were to live her life by a quote, it would be “Everyone falls down. Getting back up is how you learn to walk.” - Walt Disney. In her free time, she enjoys writing, art, and getting in as much time outdoors as the weather will allow.
Mike Turner | Manager of Corporate Partnerships
As Manager of Corporate Partnerships, Mike’s a key part of the Maricopa Corporate College (MCOR) team that delivers high-impact training and development solutions for businesses, industries, and the government to positively impact the economy. Mike joined the MCOR team in January of 2023, and brings over 20 years of experience in workforce development and higher education, with a majority of time spent developing collaborative partnerships focused on the training needs of corporate and government entities. Mike obtained his undergraduate degree in organizational communications from Northern Arizona University, and he earned his Master of Business Administration from Western International University. In his free time, Mike enjoys many different outdoor recreational activities and spending time with his family.
Amanda Williams | Intern, Public Relations and Marketing
As Intern for Public Relations and Marketing, Amanda assists with developing and executing marketing campaigns, creating engaging content for various platforms, and helping to organize events and promotions. Amanda is a student at Arizona State University, pursuing a degree in journalism and mass communication with a minor in public relations at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, reading, traveling, and adding to her sticker collection.