CPFCA Alumni Resources for Students
Welcome and thank you for your interest in joining the CFPCA Alumni Mentoring Team. Our alumni volunteers have a broad range of talent, experience, interests and skills and they are excited to share their expertise with WSU students.
The CFPCA program offers mentors the opportunity to assist students to develop life-changing and career-building skills.
Some of the most requested discussion topics:
• Resumé building, review and refinement
• Time management and prograstination
• Job search and networking strategies
• Establishing their professional brand
• Interview techniques and mock interview role play
Alternately, if students just need someone to bounce an idea or problem off, we are there to help.
The process to become a mentor:
• Complete a short application here
• Meet with the Alumni Relations Officer (brief 10 minute meeting)
• Gain access to our Alumni Resource Chat Board and begin working with students immediately!
CFPCA Mentors 2024-2025 Academic Year
Name: Helena Bouchez
Degree: BA in Art, ‘90
Specialties: Freelancing Profitably, ADHD Management, Expanding Professional Network
Helena Bouchez is a multi-passionate, neurodivergent creative person currently making a living as a professional freelance writer and nonfiction book editor—her third career.
As a mentor, Helena is known as a deep listener who provides on point, actionable advice. Pick Helena if you want guidance on starting a freelance business that actually makes money (or how to make more money if you’re already freelancing), you want to learn proven structures for managing your ADHD, or want to know strategies for expanding your network, which really is your net worth.
Helena grew up in Dearborn, Michigan but considers herself made in Detroit. She currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband Jeff and their hilarious golden retriever, Ezri.
Name: Ray Day
Degree Info: ’98 B.A. in Journalism
Specialties: Interview skills, networking and differentiating yourself.
Ray Day is Vice Chair of Stagwell. His role supports the integration, innovation and growth of Stagwell's more than 70 global agencies, with a particular focus on communications, public relations, corporate affairs, reputation and directly serving as senior communications counsel for major clients around the world.
Name: Bryce Denison
Degree: MA ‘90
Specialties: Nature, Landscape, Portraiture, Fashion, Macro, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, Fashion, Fine Art Nude, Sports and the Business of Art and Photography, photographic portfolio review.
Bryce Denison holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from The College for Creative Studies in applied photography and holds a Masters degree in photography from Wayne State University (where he spent many years as an adjunct professor). Bryce travels throughout the United States and Canada where he lectures at various photographic events. He has lectured on behalf of Ilford Corporation and was a representative for Westcott Corporation at national meetings and conventions for over 15 years each. Bryce has work exhibited nationally has many pieces represented in the permanent collection of several museums, galleries, and private collections across the country. Recently, Bryce retired as an Arson Investigation Photographer for the Detroit Fire Department. He is a certified Evidence Technician, Arson Instructor, and has served as the Director of Midwest Photography Workshops since 1980.
Name: Instructor Crystal Jackson
Degree Info: Bachelor of Arts with a major in Speech and Master of Education
Specialization: Guidance on academic career paths, constructive feedback on projects, networking opportunities, supporting personal and professional development, explore internship and job opportunities, and develop portfolios.
Crystal Jackson, known as "The Voice," is a multifaceted individual passionate about music, cooking, and writing. Her voice's dynamics captivate audiences when and wherever she speaks. Crystal is known for her exceptional talents and commitment to academic excellence. She stands out as a remarkable individual in her academic pursuits and creative endeavors. Instructor Jackson's unique blend of skills and leadership capabilities make her a valuable member of the City of Detroit and the university community.
Name: Charlie Kadado
Degree info: Juris Doctor, B.A. in Journalism
Specialties: Networking, navigating internships/jobs, multitasking, time management
Charlie Kadado is a litigation attorney at the southeastern Michigan offices of Warner Norcross + Judd LLP. He practices in the areas of commercial litigation, media/First Amendment law, and family law. Charlie earned his Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism, magna cum laude, from Wayne State University, where he was named Journalism Graduate of the Year. He earned his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, cum laude, where he served on the Wayne Law Review and Moot Court team. Charlie was named a Dick Goehler Scholar by the American Bar Association and was granted the Joseph Grano Prize for Excellence in Constitutional Law. Prior to becoming an attorney, Charlie worked as the Real Time Manager at WXYZ-TV, the Detroit ABC affiliate.
Name: Taylar Mical
Degree info: BA in Public Relations, minor in Italian (Wayne State University), MS in Health Communication (Northwestern University)
Specialties: Digital communications and public relations, project management, editorial expertise
Taylar Mical is a senior manager of digital at Jarrard Inc. With more than a decade of experience in healthcare communications, she helps hospitals and health services organizations achieve optimal growth, visibility and ROI through a rich concentration in social media, digital strategy, website development and integrated marketing.
Prior to Jarrard, Mical worked for Finn Partners as an account supervisor and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as a social media specialist. She is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming professionals in her field, having been involved previously with America Needs You, the CFPCA mentorship program and as a teaching assistant at Northwestern University.
Name: Danté Richmond
Degree info: Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Studies
Specialties: Social Media Management and Creative Direction
Danté Richmond is from Benton Harbor, Michigan. He moved to Detroit after high school to pursue a degree from Wayne State University. He is currently employed by VaynerMedia as a Senior Content Creator. He enjoys sharing his journey and encouraging students as they navigate their final semesters and begin their careers.
Name: Constance Thomas
Degree Info: BA Public Relations ’12 WSU, MA New Media and Journalism,’13 Full Sail University
Specialties: PR & Marketing Strategic Planning, Content Planning, Copywriting & Editing, Data Analysis, Event Management, Project Management, Voiceovers
Constance Thomas works as the Campaign Marketing Manager for Detroit Public Schools Community Detroit. Constance has extensive experience in PR and Marketing enhancing brand awareness for companies and organizations such as General Motors, Congressional Black Caucus, National Urban League, NAACP, NNPA, Detroit Pride Month, USHLI, and the North American International Auto show.
She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Detroit Alumnae Chapter. Constance is a native Detroiter, where she resides with her husband and their four sons and recent rescue dog King Thomas.
Apply Here
Questions? Please contact April Hazamy at ahazamy@wayne.edu