Events, Operations & Programs

Tyler Gahrs serves as the Manager of Strategy & Impact for the Center for Career Engagement. In this role, he leads the operations, events, and data strategy for career engagement efforts at Washington University in St. Louis. Tyler previously directed the Chancellor’s Career Fellows program and has taught in Arts & Sciences at WashU. He holds a Master of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts in German and History from Oakland University.

Maria Bolf-Varela is a Program Coordinator in the Center for Career Engagement. She manages Handshake, WashU’s career management platform, maintains career technology resources, and administers funding for Center for Career Engagement experiential learning programs. Maria joined WashU in 2023 and previously worked at St. Louis Community College. She holds degrees from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and St. Louis Community College.

Madison Dettmann is an Events Specialist in the Center for Career Engagement. She manages planning and execution for Career Expos, Hire WashU, and other large-scale events. Madison joined WashU in 2021 and previously worked in event management at Spectra at the St. Charles Convention Center. She holds degrees from Western Kentucky University and Southeast Missouri State University.

Braden Downs (he/him/his) is the department coordinator for the Center for Career Engagement and started working for WashU in March of 2024. His role focuses on ensuring the office is running efficiently and maintaining communication/scheduling needs between staff and students. He has a diverse background in theatre, customer service, and banking, and he is thrilled to be a part of this incredible department. He is the proud father of two adorable Boston Terriers, Reno and Dottie, and whenever he is not spoiling them, he enjoys attending live theatre performances, concerts, and peaceful nights at home listening to his record collection.

Given my experience in various industries – from big tech, to nonprofit, to the performing arts, to higher education – I bring a uniquely informed perspective as a leader in career engagement and development. My role is to lead an impactful student experience that increases access to career development and success for under-resourced students at WashU through the Chancellor’s Career Fellows Program.

Elizabeth Lao (she/her/hers) is an administrative assistant with the Center for Career Engagement and started working for WashU in November of 2021. Her role is comprised of facilitating communications/scheduling between students and coaches, office management and operations, data cleanup, and general troubleshooting. She received her BA from Cal State University of Northridge before coming to St. Louis with her partner and their two cats.

Jessica Martsolf is an Events Specialist in the Center for Career Engagement, where she manages event planning for career fairs, networking events, and other career engagement programs. Jessica previously served as the Chair of the Danforth Staff Council. She joined WashU in 2016 and previously worked in case management in St. Louis. She holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

As an Events Coordinator, I lead events, manage our Career Peers, and run our social media! I have an amazing spouse and two dogs who keep life exciting! I enjoy watching TV, working on puzzles, and going on adventures. I’m excited to be a part of WashU and can’t wait to see what the future holds!