Janee L Folston

Janeé has served as the Associate Director for Employer Development in the UNCW Career Center since 2022. In this role, she leads employer relations strategy, sponsorship cultivation, and career engagement initiatives across all five colleges. She oversees employer partnerships, the Employer Advisory Board, sponsorship programs, and signature events such as Career Fairs and Employer Treks. As a member of the Career Center senior leadership team, Janeé contributes to strategic planning and departmental leadership while collaborating with campus and external partners to scale career development efforts. She plays a key role in creating innovative programs and opportunities that expand student access to employers, experiences, and professional pathways. Janeé also works closely with campus partners to align the career services ecosystem model with UNCW’s 2024–2034 Strategic Goals.

Previously, Janeé was Associate Director for Career Life Design and Pre-Law Advisor at Trinity College and held senior leadership roles with YWCA Hartford Region and the YMCA. Her career reflects a strong commitment to program development, community partnerships, and organizational leadership. She is also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate and executive leadership coach, integrating her background in counseling and nonprofit management into her higher education work.

Janeé believes student success is determined not only by academics but also by the opportunities and experiences that shape their journey. Career services is where education meets opportunity, and she is committed to ensuring every student has access to the tools and connections they need to succeed.

Education

A.S. in Social Work and Legal Studies, Capital Community College
B.S. in Individualized Studies (Law, Criminal Justice & Public Safety), Charter Oak State College
M.A. in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Saint Joseph
Certificate in Human Resource Labor & Employment Relations, Penn State University

Professional Service

Member, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), 2018–present
Member, National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
Co-Chair, Employer Knowledge Group, Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE), 2023–2024
Co-Chair, Conference Employer Relations Visits, SoACE, 2025–2026
Co-Chair, Employer Relations Summit Presentations Committee, SoACE, 2024–2026
Member, Social Committee, North Carolina Association of Colleges and Employers (NCACE), 2023–2024
Eastern Region Representative, NCACE, 2025–2026
Vice Chair, Commission on Women and Girls, City of Hartford, 2018–2022
Presenter, Employer Relations Summits, SoACE, multiple years
Presenter, Annual Conference, SoACE, multiple years

Community Engagement

Board Chair, YWCA Lower Cape Fear, 2024–2026
Board Member, YWCA Lower Cape Fear, 2023
Member, Community Engagement & Outreach Committee, YWCA Lower Cape Fear, 2023
Member, Youth Advisory Board, Nir Family YMCA, 2023–2026
Member, Resource Development Committee, Nir Family YMCA, 2025–2026
Student Teacher, First Tee, Wilmington, NC, 2024

Honors & Awards

100 Women of Color Honoree, award recipient (Community Impact) 2018
Excellence in Clinical Counseling 2023