Get To Know the Career Development Center's Staff

Gale Sorensen, Career Educator
gsorens@chapman.edu
Gale Sorensen came to Chapman University in January of 2006.  She brings to the Career Development Center over 20 years of career counseling, teaching, and administrative experience from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.  Gale's passion is working with students and alumni to identify and reach career goals.  She believes in empowering individuals with the process of self-assessment, decision-making, and job search so they can effectively use these skills throughout their lives.  With her creativity, ability to connect with students and extensive counseling skills and experience, she is a great resource for students.  Her background includes a Masters degree in Counseling and Bachelors degree in Communications both from California State University, Fullerton.  She enjoys international travel, backpacking, and creative/artistic activities. 

Ilyana Marks, Career Relations Specialist, Internships
imarks@chapman.edu
As Internship Coordinator, Ilyana provides the Career Development Center (CDC) with student services, employer relations, program development and program assessment. Ilyana holds a Masters of Arts in Student Counseling and an MA in Education Leadership, both granted from CU’s College of Educational Studies. To enhance internship and experiential learning services, Ilyana has held leadership and membership roles in the California Internship and Work Experience Association (CIWEA), the Consortium of Liberal Arts Schools and Independent Colleges (CLASIC), the 2014 CU Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) committee, and coordinates the CU Internship Advisory Board comprised of student advisors, administrators and faculty across the disciplines.

Jamie Arevalo Le, Career Relations Specialist, Public Relations
jarevalo@chapman.edu
Jamie Arevalo came to Chapman University as the Marketing Coordinator for the Career Development Center in January of 2008.  Previously, Jamie worked at the City of Anaheim assisting the Communications Department in writing press releases, creating flyers, and developing campaigns for various residential and commercial programs. Jamie has studied Graphic design for over 15 years and graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelors degree in Communications: Advertising, and minors in American Studies and Business: Marketing. Her primary responsibilities at Chapman include designing creative campaigns to encourage students to use the services and resources of the CDC in developing their careers. She will also write the CDC e-newsletter, edit and develop material for the Web site, and produce office publications. She enjoys culinary arts, fashion, performing arts, fitness and karaoke.

Monica Shukla, Career Relations Specialist, Recruitment
mshukla@chapman.edu
As the CDC’s Career and Employer Outreach Manager, Monica will develop, implement and manage outreach programs to connect Chapman students with local, regional, and national employers by building collaborative relationships within the community.  She not only brings years of experience in the field education, but also has strong ties to Chapman University students, staff, administration, faculty and alumni.  Her background includes a M.A. in Organizational Leadership and M.S. in Human Resources from the Chapman University College, Irvine campus as well as a B.A. in Communication Studies and B.S. in Mathematics from Chapman University.  She has been published in the Journal of Business Case Studies, and her book, Time Management: How I earned four degrees in five years by twenty-two! will be released later this year.  In addition to her role within the CDC, Monica is also a Doctoral Student in the Chapman University College of Education Studies, pursing a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Cultural and Curricular Studies.  In her spare time, Monica volunteers as a Gujarati language instructor and is working toward obtaining a FAA Private Pilot’s License.  She looks forward to this opportunity to work with you as she serves her alma mater and encourages you to contact her with any ideas and career opportunity leads that you come across.

Sharon Mathis-Curd, Career Educator
mathis@chapman.edu
Sharon Mathis-Curd joined the Career Development Center in the fall of 2006.  She recently retired after 30 years of service in the Career Center at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.  While there, she received the STAR Award – Student Affairs Recognition Award for dedication to students and the student affairs division.  Since she is so passionate about working with students, Sharon decided to continue working part time.  This allows her to still spend time with her family and the joy of her life – her granddaughter!  A graduate of California State Polytechnic University with a B.A. in Behavioral Science, Sharon earned a M.S. in Counseling for California State University, Fullerton.  As a career counselor, she assists student in identifying, developing and implementing career planning goals, strategies and timelines.  Stop by the Career Development Center; she looks forward to working with you!