Interested In Joining?
Email Director of Student and Community Engagement, Jenna Heath, jenna.heath@unlv.edu.
Meet our Industry Leader Advisory Council
The Industry Leader Advisory Council (ILAC) advises the UNLV College of Liberal Arts (COLA) Dean’s Office on career and professional development initiatives for undergraduate students. The Council collaborates to provide sustainable career education opportunities, as well as enhances the local Las Vegas hiring pipeline to promote students’ successful post-graduate careers.
One prominent project is our REB Talks podcast. Through the perspective of ILAC members and current COLA students, REB Talks aims to inspire, educate, and motivate listeners on career development and cultivating a success-driven mindset.
Contact
Contact Jenna Heath, COLA Director of Student and Community Engagement, for more information about securing a seat on the council!
Email: Jenna.Heath@unlv.edu
Phone: 702-895-5838
Jordan Moore
Undergraduate Degree: BS Hotel Administration, '14
Current Career: Management Analyst II
Organization: City of Las Vegas
Position in ILAC: Council Chair
Why You Got Involved: As I climb, I want to lift others as well. It is important to me to assist others in their life’s journey. The time spent in a university is one of the most vital times where educational, professional and personal journey’s all intersect. It would be my hope that I could assist other’s in their journey. This board will offer me to opportunity to fulfill my personal and professional mission.
Josh Molina
Undergraduate Degree: BA Psychology, ‘10
Current Career: Entrepreneur
Organization: Makers & Finders
Position in ILAC: Council Member
Why You Got Involved: As a UNLV alum and longtime Las Vegas local, I want to create an impact in our community. I would love to share my knowledge and experience gained in owning businesses with students who have their own set of goals. It has become a personal challenge to learn how to become a better coach and guide, which is something I intend to cultivate while I am on this council.
Alma Spears
Undergraduate Degree: BA Sociology and BA Law & Society, '00
Graduate Degree: MS Marriage Family & Child Therapy, ‘10
Current Career: Senior VP of Family Services & Counseling
Position in ILAC: Council Member
Why You Got Involved: I love helping students get hands on experience that will help guide their career paths. Exposure to experience and being able to see people that look like you in fields that you are interested in pursuing is empowering and can inspire a new generation of social service advocates.
Jacent Wamala
Undergraduate Degree: BA Psychology, '13
Graduate Degree: MS Marriage & Family Therapy, ‘15
Current Career: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Money Mindset Coach
Organization: Wamala Wellness
Position in ILAC: Council Member
Why You Got Involved: I attended UNLV and work with college-age individuals all the time that had a great college experience but lacked an element of translation into the marketplace. I want to help close that gap and share real world knowledge that will help students be successful at adulting.
Lisa Szyc
Undergraduate Degree: BA Political Science, '06
Graduate Degree: Juris Doctor, ‘09
Current Career: Lawyer
Organization: Backus | Burden Law
Position in ILAC: Council Member
Why You Got Involved: I am very excited to work with students who are interested in the legal field and working in a law firm setting. I am passionate about philanthropy and helping others.
Nikkie Preston
Undergraduate Degree: BS Business Administration and Business Management, '08
Current Career: Associate Director of Development
Organization: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV
Position in ILAC: Council Member
Why You Got Involved: Being a part of ILAC is a great opportunity to enhance our future leaders by mentoring and inspiring those who want to grow. I am excited to collaborate with like-minded individuals on how we can engage the community into growing our future leaders. This is the time for all of us to work together and add value to our next generation.
Renisha O'Donnell
Undergraduate Degree: BA Sociology, '04
Graduate Degree: M.Ed. School Counseling, '09
Current Career: Program Director
Organization: CORE, Powered by the Rogers Foundation
Position in ILAC: Council Member
Why You Got Involved: To give back to students, to close the knowledge gap (things I wish I had learned during my collegiate experience), and to prepare students for their future career.
Kristina Ramirez
Undergraduate Degree: BA Psychology, '10
Current Career: Program Officer for the Millennium Scholarship
Organization: Nevada State Treasurer's Office: College Savings Division
Position in ILAC: Council Member
Why You Got Involved: My mom always told me that an education is something no one can ever take away from you; therefore, from a very young age, I knew higher education was the path for me. As a first-generation college graduate, I hope to become a motivational, supportive, and useful resource to UNLV students throughout their educational journey and beyond the classroom. I am a firm believer that we can continue learning and growing at any age, and I hope to inspire others to continuously invest in themselves from both a personal and professional standpoint.
Christopher Miannay
Undergraduate Degree: BA Political Science, '16
Graduate Degree: Pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science
Current Career: Veteran Service Officer - LGBTQ Program Manager
Organization: Nevada Department of Veteran Services
Position in ILAC: Council Member
Why You Got Involved: I want to be able to coach and challenge the next generation of leaders and push them to question and rethink conventional wisdoms and dogmas. Taking risk is not about landing your next job; it's about using your talent and committing to make a difference within our community. To make an impactful difference in this world is my life goal and I am going to do it by cultivating a positive environment, promoting equality, and too pay it forward by providing coaching and mentorship for our students.
Sheree Cain-Jones
Undergraduate Degree: BS Nursing
Graduate Degree: MS Project Management, ‘22
Current Career: Motivational Speaker, Life and Executive Coach
Organization: Sheree Cain-Jones Speaking and Coaching
Position in ILAC: Council Member
Why You Got Involved: Why You Got Involved: My desire is to help students move forward and take one step towards their dreams. I believe my story can touch another person and give them the courage that their mind can turn impossibilities into possibilities. My hope is that my position on the council will encourage the students and my colleagues to keep taking steps towards their goals so that they can impact the Las Vegas community and create long lasting change.
Chip Carter
Undergraduate Degree: BA, English, '90
Current Career: Marketing Consultant
Organization: Self-Employed
Position in ILAC: Council member
Why You Got Involved: Hopefully I can help students understand the importance of storytelling in all aspects of business and creative life.
Nathan Taylor
Undergraduate Degree: B.A. in Political Science from UNLV
Current Career: President and Founder of the Taylor Consulting Group
Organization: Taylor Consulting Group
Position in ILAC: Council member