Harris Career Development is here to help you navigate policy careers with attention to real-time industry demands and a deliberate, cross-cultural approach to relationship building. Our two key aims are to (1) ensure clarity and confidence on your path to meaningful work experiences; and (2) establish a strong sense of lifetime career support.

Meet our Career & Leadership Readiness Coaches

Our Career & Leadership Readiness Coaches are here to support your search from exploring options to negotiating offers.

LeChae Mottley

Associate Director, Career & Leadership Readiness

LeChae supports Harris graduate students in exploring career options that align with their interests and values and developing essential strategies to support their short-term and long-term career goals. She has worked in social services in Chicago since 2015. She has worked with clients of all ages with various career goals, from supplementing income to transitioning into new careers. Additionally, LeChae worked as a trauma therapist for survivors of sexual assault. She also has experience providing mental health counseling for community college students.

LeChae completed her bachelor of journalism in strategic communication from the University of Missouri. Additionally, she earned a master of arts degree in social service administration from The University of Chicago's Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.

Marina Williams

Associate Director, Career & Leadership Readiness

Marina works with Harris students to explore career options, identify professional development goals, and select pathways that align with students’ values. Prior to joining Harris, Marina taught English abroad through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, assisting in course curriculum and delivery for more than 800 students in grades 1-9. Intercultural work within her local Japanese community inspired Marina to pursue a graduate degree in international relations, during which time she also mentored international and local students at the high school level and beyond.

Following graduation, Marina further fostered her passion for education and public service by joining Rotary International’s Peace Centers team, assisting in fellowship program management for graduate students studying peace and conflict resolution. Marina holds a BA in English and Japanese language and culture from Northwestern University and an MA in law and diplomacy from Tufts University, Fletcher School. Following her graduate degree, she also earned certificates in adult mental health first aid, workplace negotiation, and project management.

Ethan Rucker

Manager, Career Systems & Associate Director, Digital Solutions

Through his experiences as a licensed professional counselor, advisor, and educator, Ethan established his passion for cultivating student career readiness. He received a BS in Psychology from the University of Florida and taught in Indianapolis through Teach for America. Ethan moved to Chicago in 2014 and earned an Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. He advised students in career engagement and planning at Loyola as both a graduate career advisor and academic advisor.

Alejandro Monroy, LSW

Associate Director, Career & Leadership Readiness

Since 2011, Alejandro has been working with students from high school to graduate school in variety of roles.  Whether in admissions, academic advising, or career readiness, at his core, he is enthusiastic about partnering with students to guide them through their academic and career goals.  Most recently, Alejandro coached Master’s candidates in their career exploration and readiness at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration (SSA).  He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University, and a A.M. degree in Social Service Administration from SSA.  Outside of Harris, Alejandro is a freelance photographer and volunteers with organizations working to advance inclusive policies and communities at the intersection of education and immigration.

Additional Career Resource: UCHICAGOGRAD

Along with the Career Readiness Team for Harris, there are additional tools and resources to help you explore your options, connect with professionals, and develop professional skills at UChicagoGRAD.