2024 NOW Conference Presenters

Aileen Liu (she/her)

Aileen Liu began her career as a high school English teacher in Atlanta Public Schools. Missing being a student, she came to UC Berkeley for her PhD in English, then taught English literature at a small liberal arts college in Connecticut. Looking for a more stable career, and wanting to be closer to her loved ones in California, she pivoted into higher education administration at the UC. She has been an Academic Policy Coordinator at UCLA Graduate Division, a Principal Policy Analyst at UCLA Academic Senate, and now Director of Curricular Engagement Initiatives at L&S...

Amanda Bent (she/her)

Amanda Bent is an educator committed to the personal and professional development of adult learners. As an English/ESL instructor and Student Affairs professional, she has fostered student growth through holistic learning activities that promote inclusion and belonging. In serving students across the Bay Area, she has engaged in more nuanced approaches to addressing the complex needs of adult learners. Currently, she facilitates student employment and leadership development for Berkeley’s IT community as a Student Life & Development Specialist. Outside of work, Amanda...

Amy Louise Casey Azuma (she/her)

As Discovery Opportunities Database Manager, Amy Louise Casey Azuma brings her core strengths: developing programs, centering student experiences, and cultivating partnerships to solve complex problems. Her work is grounded in compassion for students navigating this huge institution.

Amy has spent her 20-year career in education advising, teaching, or directing programs. She's a Cal alum (BA, English) and holds a master’s in International Education, with a concentration in Youth Leadership. She has certifications in Equity-Oriented Advising and...

Andrea Parthasarathy (she/her)

Andrea Parthasarathy works on the People & Organization Development team within Berkeley People & Culture. In this role, she creates and manages professional development programs for UC Berkeley staff (including the Berkeley Staff Fellowship Program) that focus on career growth and skill building at any stage of your career. She is also a one-on-one career coach for UC Berkeley Staff. Prior to working at UC Berkeley, she was an Academic Advisor at UC San Diego.

Session:...

Andy Storch (he/him)

Andy Storch is an author, speaker, consultant, facilitator, and connector, on a mission to teach and inspire more people to own their careers. Andy is the host of two podcasts as well as the Talent Development Think Tank conference and community.

Most importantly, Andy is a husband and father who is dedicated to living a healthy and intentional lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same.

Session: Owning Your Career at the UC

Artemio Contreras

In my role as a Talent Acquisition Recruiter at UC Merced, I’m here to assist you with any inquiries you may have regarding employment opportunities and career advancement at our institution. I bring 5 years of recruiting experience and hold an AIRS Professional Recruiter Certification.

Session: Unlocking Career Opportunities at UC Merced: Q&A Session with UC Merced Recruiters

Ben Fils (he/him)

Ben currently serves as the Associate Director of the Center for Student Conduct in the Division of Student Affairs and as a Research Affiliate with the Possibility Lab. He is a member of the first cohort of the Leaders for Equity and Democracy (LEAD) educational doctorate (Ed.D) at the Berkeley School of Education. Ben’s research asks questions about the educational opportunities within carceral spaces, whose voices are most listened to in postsecondary educational policymaking, and the dynamic exchange of ideas between public institutions and civil society.

Ben is passionate about...

Catherine Burns (she/her)

Catherine Burns is the Senior Trainer & Content Developer on the Learning & Development team at UCOP. Her area of focus is supporting the development of emotional intelligence and people skills in all leaders to create organizations that are more cohesive, inclusive, and impactful. Prior to her work at UCOP, she trained and coached teams, managers, and CEOs throughout the Bay Area as a leadership trainer at LifeLabs Learning, and developed a leadership curriculum for girl-identified youth and the adults who serve them as the National Training Director at Girls...

Chester Santos (he/him)

“The International Man of Memory” has left an impression on all corners of the earth. With his unique ability to not only demonstrate extraordinary feats of the mind, but also educate others to do the same, this U.S. Memory Champion is widely regarded to be the world’s leading memory skills expert. Through his entertaining & educational television and movie appearances, professional seminars, and best-selling books, Chester has helped millions of people...

Danielle Posa (she/her)

Founder of Workplace Wellbeing Advisors and The Wellbeing Hacker

Danielle is the co-founder of Attollo Group, a management consulting firm focused on elevating the quality and impact of human lives through work. With 14+ years as a management consultant, Danielle has worked with organizations across a variety of industries, all over the world. She partners with executive teams to develop and implement long-term, culturally integrated wellbeing strategies. Danielle believes...