MACCA is proud to offer quality professional development events throughout the year, virtually and in person. MACCA Monthly Virtual sessions are free for members and $10 for non-members to participate.
Note: Special extended sessions that may offer clock hours may have a higher fee
From Survival To Strategy In today’s uncertain job market, many clients make career decisions from a place of urgency rather than strategy. In this session, participants will learn how to recognize when clients are operating in survival mode and use practical tools to help them regain stability, build confidence and agency, and move toward more intentional, fulfilling career paths. Facilitator Bio:
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Mary Chan is a senior operations executive, financial leader, and former entrepreneur whose career journey is rooted in resilience, reinvention, and grit. Once a struggling single mother navigating career setbacks and financial uncertainty, Mary rebuilt her life through determination, strategic risk-taking, and an unwavering belief in her potential. Today, Mary serves as a Regional Operations leader at Colliers, where she partners closely with senior leadership on P&L ownership, operational transformation, and market growth strategy. With a background spanning HR, operations, finance, and entrepreneurship, she has led teams through acquisitions, cultural integration, and large-scale operational change while maintaining a people-first leadership philosophy. Mary holds an MBA in Finance and certifications from Wharton and Wall Street Prep. Her story resonates deeply with women balancing ambition, family, and self-belief. On stage, Mary speaks candidly about overcoming self-doubt, redefining success after failure, and building executive confidence - proving that where you start does not determine how far you can go.National Disability Employment Awareness Month Panel
Monday, October 5th at 12:00PM
Panelist:
- Marissa Borzykowski Chief of Staff at Spectrum Designs
- Rich Davis CEO at Comfort Career Connects
- Adam Mayer, MA, GCDF, CPRW; Director of Career and Academic Programming - Discovery Program at Montclair State University
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this panel will bring together professionals from higher education, private practice, and industry to explore how they support individuals with disabilities as they navigate career development, internships, workplace transitions, and employment. Panelists will share promising practices, common challenges, and practical strategies for promoting access, self-advocacy, workplace inclusion, and meaningful career opportunities. The discussion will also examine how career professionals, educators, counselors, and employers can collaborate to reduce barriers and create more equitable pathways to professional success.
Panelist Bios:
Marissa Borzykowski is a nonprofit executive with more than 15 years of experience leading person-centered programs, operations, administration, and social services. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Clark University, a Master of Social Work from Columbia University, and is a certified SIFI (Seminar in Field Instruction).
Prior to joining Spectrum Designs in 2021 as Chief of Staff, Marissa spent nearly a decade at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, where she advanced through a series of leadership roles, including Assistant Director of Social Services, Director of Geriatric Care Management, and Deputy Chief Program Officer. At Spectrum Designs, she helps drive organizational strategy, operations, and mission advancement, supporting innovative workforce development opportunities for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Marissa was recognized as a Long Island Business News 40 Under 40 honoree in 2022 and completed Volunteer New York!'s Leadership Westchester program in 2025. She previously served as an Adjunct Instructor at NYU's School of Social Work and has completed Columbia Business School's Executive Education Developing Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals. Her professional training also includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through the Beck Institute, as well as certifications in Problem Solving Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, and Suicide Prevention through LivingWorks.
Rich Davis, Neurodivergent Career Strategist / CEO at Comfort Career Connections, is a Consulting Partner with Harrison Assessments accredited in Employee Development and Recruitment.
Rich earned his BS in Psychology from the University of Connecticut, studied Educational Psychology at Temple University and has professional experience that spans workforce development, private practice, and higher ed environments.
His career coaching tool, the Comfort Career Audit™, incorporates his lived experience as a neurodivergent career professional with powerful Harrison Assessment behavioral analytic reports and CFACE™, his Comfortable Fit Approach for Career Exploration.
Rich has served as chair of the employment committee of the Mayor’s Commission for People with Disabilities in Philadelphia and on the Workforce Development Board in Montgomery County, PA. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Career Development Association (PACDA).
Adam Mayer, MA, GCDF, CPRW, leads career readiness initiatives for Experiential Education & Career Connections at Montclair State University. He holds an M.A. in Counseling from Montclair State University, a B.A. in Psychology from Stockton University, and Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) certification through the National Career Development Association. A Certified Professional Resume Writer with over 25 years of experience, Adam is committed to advancing student success and expanding access to career opportunities through personalized career exploration and engagement strategies.
