Architects of their own growth: Celebrating the inaugural Career by Design cohort
Twenty-two Charlotte employees recently completed human resources’ Career by Design program, a new professional development experience that helps staff take an intentional, self-directed approach to career growth.
“Career by Design aligns closely with UNC Charlotte’s commitment to helping employees develop, contribute, and thrive,” said Paola Rubio, learning and organizational development specialist. “The program gives employees meaningful space to reflect, connect and grow together — strengthening both their careers and our campus community.”
Members of the inaugural spring 2026 cohort completed nine hours of in‑person learning across three consecutive Fridays. Through reflection, peer learning, strengths-based exploration, institutional career navigation, and performance‑cycle conversations, they built a more strategic understanding of their professional paths and drafted their own development action plans to guide their next steps.
Stacie Young ’98, senior director of donor relations, was inspired to join the Career by Design program because she wanted to be more intentional about her professional growth.
“The Career by Design program has helped me move away from thinking of my career as a fixed ladder and more as a series of evolving roles shaped by purpose, strengths and life stage,” Young said. Instead of focusing only on what’s next in a traditional sense, I’m now more focused on how I want my work to feel and what impact I want to have going forward.”
The Introduce Your Professional Brand session had the greatest impact on Joe Campos, assistant director of recruitment for the Graduate School.
“The session pushed me to pause and reflect on what I’ve accomplished, how those experiences shape my value and where I can grow next. Learning how to reposition my professional brand, including using AI tools, was eye‑opening and gave me a clearer sense of how I can continue developing at the University.”
To support their continued momentum, participants are now engaged in a six‑month virtual Community of Practice, which offers space for ongoing reflection, peer accountability, resource sharing and connection as they refine and implement their action plans.
The Career by Design program helped Rania Sorour see her professional identity honestly and gave her the language, clarity and confidence to pursue work that feels purposeful.
“As I transition into an advisory role, I’m actively using the program tools to guide my development — identifying gaps, strengthening skills and taking small, purposeful steps toward becoming the advisor I want to be.”
Career by Design’s success also highlights the power of collaboration across campus.
“The Career Center has been an invaluable and natural partner throughout this program,” said Rubio. “We are incredibly grateful for their expertise and shared commitment to empowering our staff.”
Congratulations to the spring 2026 cohort members:
Academic Affairs
- Lesley Beyersdorf, College of Computing and Informatics
- Niki Braggs, School of Professional Studies
- Joseph Campos, Graduate School
- Kyle Hairston, School of Data Science
- Kelsey Harden, School of Nursing
- Kristina Hay, College of Computing and Informatics
- Cassandra Himes, Cato College of Education
- Rachel Ladenheim, Charlotte Global
- Nicole Montgomery, Belk College of Business
- Tynaiza Murphy, Cato College of Education
- Abigail Rebollo, College of Health and Human Services
- Kristin Sheldon, School of Architecture
- Rania Sorour, College of Computing and Informatics
- Shannon Zurell, Honors College
Business Affairs
- Jessica Berrios, Safety and Security
- Tanisha Brinson, Parking and Transportation Services
- Ima Etuk, Financial Services
- Haydee Puell, Facilities Management
Student Affairs
- Vernita Edwards, Counseling and Psychological Services
- Alexis Rice, Center for Wellness Promotion
University Advancement
- Amelia Voorhees, University Events
- Stacie Young, Donor Relations
About the Career by Design program
Career by Design is a cohort-based professional development program that empowers UNC Charlotte staff to take an intentional and strategic approach to their professional growth. The program helps participants better understand themselves, navigate the broader career ecosystem, align their aspirations with institutional priorities and translate insight into meaningful action. Career by Design supports employees at all levels, from those in their initial career stages to those pursuing a strategic pivot or professional growth.
Interested in joining the fall 2026 cohort?
Applications for the fall 2026 cohort will be available in late July on the HR website and will be featured in Niner Insider.
Written by: Jennifer Howe
Photos courtesy of Human Resources