HECA College Knowledge Major Talks: Engineering

Description

Join us for a Major Talks webinar that will cover how aspiring engineers can assess fit for the field, prepare academically, and build meaningful activities and portfolios while navigating admissions pathways. We’ll also highlight career pathways (including when licensure matters) and key takeaways to help IECs guide families in evaluating programs with confidence.

Colorado School of Mines: Assistant Director of Admissions, Julie Cable, will be talking about Mines' engineering programs and what is unique about Mines engineering, along with interesting features. This will include information on our Labriola Innovation Hub, hands on learning opportunities, and career outcomes. 

Stevens Institute of Technology: During this session, Carlos Cano will share insights on what Stevens is looking for in prospective students when they apply to the Engineering programs.

 Marge Cortes
 HECA Member, Independent Educational Consultant
 

Marge Cortes is an engineering-focused IEC based in the Bay Area. A licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with two decades of experience on projects ranging from Montessori school construction to technology installations on the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge, she saw firsthand how few women were entering the field. That realization led her to eventually earn the UC Berkeley Extension Certificate in College Admissions and establish her practice, Engineering Next, in 2016. Marge brings a unique “engineering lens” to her advising, drawing on her industry background, her degrees from MIT and McGill University, and her service as an MIT alumni interviewer. She volunteers locally and nationally with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering’s EngineerGirl programs, inspired by the next generation of builders and problem-solvers. She has also served on the Boards of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers and the SF Bay Area Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Marge travels widely to connect with students and faculty, often participating in engineering design days and project showcases, and she delights in helping each student discover their own path into engineering - no matter their starting point in math, building, or coding. She enjoys hiking, glass fusing, and for eight years fronted a 60s/70s blues and rock cover band, performing at festivals and private events throughout California.

 Julia Cable
 Assistant Director of Admissions
 Colorado School of Mines

Julia Cable was born and raised in the scenic city of Littleton, Colorado, and joined the admissions team in 2023 as the Assistant Director of Admissions – Undergraduate Recruitment. In her role, she is passionate about supporting prospective students, particularly those interested in Engineering and Applied Sciences, as they navigate the college search and application process. Julia serves as the admissions counselor for students from Northern California, Nevada, and Colorado Springs, and is committed to building strong, supportive relationships with students, families, and school counselors in these regions. With a student-focused approach, she strives to make the admissions experience approachable and informative for all. Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending time in the mountains, trying out new coffee shops, and connecting with her local community.

 Carlos Cano
 Director of Undergraduate Admissions
 Stevens Institute of Technology

Carlos is in his 16th year in college admissions and enrollment management and currently serves as the Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Stevens Institute of Technology. Prior to arriving at Stevens, Carlos has served in admissions roles at William Paterson University, SUNY Maritime College, and Georgian Court University. His previous roles have covered various scopes of admissions and enrollment, including strategic recruitment strategy, enrollment marketing and communications, and social media. 

A past president of the New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling, Carlos has been engaged with both the regional and national associations for professional development of college admissions personnel. Carlos holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration, both from William Paterson University.