Fajardo, Qadri, and Shibayama share career paths with students

IAS alumni Jaime Fajardo (’12), Aisha Qadri (’15), and Gracelynn Shibayama (’15) visited campus to share their career journeys with students as part of the Mentor Chats program. Structured as informal discussions, students can ask whatever’s on their minds – from questions around career discernment and navigating job searches to industry specific advice and the value of IAS degrees in the workforce. Fajardo, Qadri, and Shibayama view their interdisciplinary training as an asset to their careers. All agreed that it enables them to think critically and holistically about issues and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Fajardo is the Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Supervisor at Snohomish County Superior Court for justice-involved youth. YES provides court-involved youth diverse programming as alternatives to detention and enrichment opportunities that build upon the positive assets of youth. He has worked in juvenile rehabilitation since 2011 and holds a master’s in social work from the University of Washington.

Qadri is a business consultant who advises companies, coaches nonprofits, builds entrepreneurs, and sparks communities. She has worked in business development for over 13 years and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work and a certificate in nonprofit management at the University of Washington.

Shibayama is the Events Assistant for Edmonds Center for the Arts, a performing arts venue serving 75,000 patrons annually. Previously, Shibayama was the Member Relations Coordinator for KNKX 88.5 FM and the station manager for UW Bothell’s radio station, UWave Radio.

IAS is grateful for their mentorship and ongoing support of students!