Preparing for a successful career requires guidance, expertise, and a deep understanding of various industries. At the heart of our Career Prep Program is a team of accomplished leaders, each bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering the next generation of professionals. Get to know the directors who are dedicated to shaping your future success:
Joycelyn Morris Ph.D, Managing Director, College Programs
Dr. Joycelyn Morris leads the College Programs division with over 14 years of professional experience. Her journey began on Wall Street at Deutsche Bank in wealth management, providing her with a strong foundation in finance and business operations. Holding a B.S. and MBA from Florida A&M University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Florida International University, her academic background is as impressive as her practical experience. Dr. Morris’s transition from the financial sector to the nonprofit world highlights her deep commitment to helping individuals, especially people of color, unlock their potential. This passion is further demonstrated through her role as Director of MBA Professional Development at Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), where she equips high-achieving MBA students of color for leadership roles in business and social sectors. Her dedication extends to community involvement through volunteering for organizations like Path to College and Girls II Women, showcasing her holistic approach to career development and mentorship. Dr. Morris’s selection for Leadership Florida’s Connect 11 Class further underscores her recognized leadership and influence in developing future leaders. Her expertise is invaluable in guiding college students through their career preparation journey, making her an integral part of our Career Prep Program.
Michelle Lilley, Director, Software Engineering/Technology Sector
Michelle Lilley spearheads the Software Engineering/Technology sector of our Career Prep Program, bringing a robust background in computer engineering and a passion for technology. A graduate of Howard University with a B.S. in Computer Engineering (Cum Laude), Michelle’s academic excellence is matched by her professional achievements. Recognized as a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award Recipient and a Women We Admire Awardee among the Top 50 Women Leaders of Maryland in 2022, Michelle is a celebrated leader in her field. Her direct experience in the fast-paced technology sector provides program participants with crucial insights into navigating careers in software engineering and related tech roles. Michelle’s leadership ensures that our Career Prep Program remains at the cutting edge, preparing individuals for the demands and opportunities within the ever-evolving technology landscape. Her commitment extends beyond professional excellence, as she balances her demanding career with family life, showcasing her ability to manage and excel in multiple domains.
Atilah Claiborne, Director, Consulting Sector
Atilah Claiborne directs the Consulting sector, contributing over a decade of experience in advisory consulting to our Career Prep Program. Joining MLT in April 2022, Atilah is a dynamic communications leader with a proven track record in process improvement and strategic communication. Her educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and an MBA from Webster University. This combination of communication expertise and business acumen allows her to effectively guide individuals interested in consulting careers. Atilah’s extensive experience working with firms like EY and PwC, along with FinTech and financial services companies, equips her with deep insights into the consulting industry. She is adept at leading business transformation initiatives, project management, and developing strategic communication roadmaps. Furthermore, Atilah is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion, actively leading events that bring together minority executives. Her commitment to these values enriches our Career Prep Program, ensuring it is inclusive and prepares individuals for success in diverse consulting environments.
Jordan Kramer, Director, Financial Services Sector
Jordan Kramer leads the Financial Services sector, bringing a unique blend of entrepreneurial and investment expertise to our Career Prep Program. Holding an MBA (with Honors) from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA (with Distinction in All Subjects) from Cornell University, Jordan’s academic credentials are exceptional. For five years, he operated his own healthcare strategy and finance consulting business, honing his skills in business development and investor relations. His extensive experience also includes over ten years as a venture capital investor for Kaiser Permanente Ventures, focusing on healthcare information technology and services. This background provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape and investment strategies. Prior to his venture capital career, Jordan served as Director of Finance and Development for BUILD, a non-profit focused on inspiring under-resourced high-school students through entrepreneurship, and as a strategy consultant at Bain & Company. His diverse experience across consulting, entrepreneurship, and finance makes him an invaluable asset to the Career Prep Program, particularly for those aiming for careers in the financial services industry.
April L. Smith, Director, Corporate Management Sector
April L. Smith directs the Corporate Management sector, bringing a lifelong passion for personal motivation and career fulfillment to our Career Prep Program. With a Master of Religious Studies and an MBA in Marketing, April possesses a unique interdisciplinary approach to career development. Her expertise lies in connecting individuals with their passions and purpose, a crucial element in effective career preparation. April’s background reflects a deep understanding of human motivation and organizational dynamics, making her exceptionally well-suited to guide participants in navigating the complexities of corporate management careers. Her focus on aligning personal passions with professional goals ensures that the Career Prep Program offers a holistic and deeply personal approach to career development, preparing individuals not just for jobs, but for fulfilling and impactful careers in corporate settings.
This team of directors, with their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience, forms the backbone of our Career Prep Program. Their collective expertise ensures that participants receive top-tier guidance and preparation, setting them on the path to successful and rewarding careers across various industries.
