Preparing Student and Clients for a Changing World of Work
Panel Discussion
Monday, July 13 at 12:00PM

Featuring: Monica Hutchins, Melissa Schultz and Karla Wynn

The world of work is changing rapidly, shaped by shifting career pathways, evolving employer expectations, economic uncertainty, emerging technologies, and changing perceptions of the value of education and credentials. These changes affect both college students and clients as they make decisions about education, training, career direction, and long-term goals.

This discussion will bring together professionals from across the field to examine how the changing work landscape is influencing the needs, expectations, and decision-making of the individuals they serve. Participants will share ideas, explore challenges, and consider practical strategies for supporting students and clients as they navigate academic choices, career planning, skill development, and future opportunities.

Presenter Bios:

Dr. Monica Hutchins is an educational champion dedicated to expanding access to higher education throughout Maryland and Virginia. With an extensive background supporting community college students, she specializes in guiding first-generation, dual-enrollment, military, and under-16 students past obstacles to achieve their academic and career goals.

Dr. Hutchins holds a B.S. in Psychology, an M.A. in Counseling (Higher Education), an M.A. in Educational Leadership, and an Ed.D. in Community College Leadership / Higher Education from Morgan State University, Trinity Washington University, and West Virginia State University. A forward-thinking leader, she is currently developing innovative initiatives designed to bridge the resource gap for students seeking access to higher education.

 As the Director of Strategic Projects and Career Counselor at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, Melissa Schultz provides comprehensive and individualized career counseling to undergraduate students of all class years, majors, and stages of career readiness. In addition, she manages key technology platforms that allow Lafayette’s Gateway Career Center to scale its services, ensuring all student communities have access to vital career support. Over a 15+-year career spanning program management, volunteer engagement, and tech deployment, Melissa has dedicated herself to helping students navigate their next steps with confidence. 

Driven by her own experience as a first-generation college student, Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Shippensburg University and a Master of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Karla M Wynn is a higher education professional who is a writer, editor, and workshop facilitator with extensive proficiency as a career and workforce development professional with six industry-designated certifications. She worked in urban and suburban settings providing career services to a variety of job seekers with diverse backgrounds including urban youth, emerging and mid-level professionals, the immigrant community, retirees seeking encore careers, people with disabilities, veterans, and justice-involved individuals returning to the labor force. The native New Yorker has a Masters’ Degree in Spiritual and Pastoral Care (Loyola University, MD), Political Science Degree (Hampton University), is member Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and served in the Peace Corps in Namibia, Southern Africa.