Her Story
About Janice
Janice Walker serves as the Director of College Counseling and Alumni Advising at Cristo Rey Miami High School, where she is dedicated to expanding access to higher education and empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals. She is entering her fifth year in the education field after transitioning from a successful career as a Senior IT Project Manager, where she gained extensive experience across the finance, banking, healthcare, and public utilities industries. Driven by her passion for student success, Janice founded Thee College Navigator, an educational consulting business created to help students and families navigate the college admissions process while identifying affordable pathways to higher education.
Janice brings a diverse academic and professional background to her work, holding a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Master of Business Administration, and a certificate in College Counseling. In her role as a college counseling leader, she provides comprehensive guidance throughout the college preparation and admissions journey, including personal statement development, SAT preparation, activity resumes, college planning checklists, major and career exploration, supplemental essays, the Common Application, FAFSA and CSS Profile assistance, and scholarship opportunities. Her student-centered approach focuses on helping each individual identify the best college fit based on their goals, strengths, and aspirations.
Throughout her career in education, Janice has achieved significant milestones, including helping place 83 percent of first-generation students into college, with 85 percent successfully enrolling in the fall, and supporting students in earning more than $41 million in scholarships and grants, including nine students who received over $1 million in merit scholarship awards. She remains actively involved with organizations including the Cristo Rey Network, Susan G. Komen, and the United Negro College Fund, reflecting her commitment to service and educational equity. Janice attributes her success to her unwavering investment in every student, treating each student with the same level of care and dedication regardless of financial background, and working tirelessly to ensure they have the opportunity to attend a college where they can thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Janice
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my unwavering commitment to investing in every student I serve. I believe that every student deserves the same level of dedication, support, and opportunity, regardless of their financial background or circumstances. I work tirelessly to understand each student’s unique goals, strengths, and aspirations, guiding them through the college selection process to help them find the best-fit institution where they can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. My passion for advocacy, mentorship, and student success drives me to create meaningful pathways that empower students to achieve their fullest potential.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the education industry is to be proactive and intentional in exploring the opportunities and environments they are considering. If you are interested in working at a university or educational institution, take the time to visit the campus in person rather than relying solely on virtual experiences. Being there firsthand allows you to see the culture, connect with the community, and gain a complete understanding of the environment, including the strengths, opportunities, and challenges. Making informed decisions based on real experiences will help you find the right fit and build a meaningful, successful career.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are funding limitations and the impact of recent budget cuts, which can create barriers to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed. Another significant challenge is the uncertainty and fear many students are experiencing due to immigration concerns. Some students are hesitant to pursue their education or enroll in programs because they worry about potential consequences, even when they have legal status, such as a green card. These challenges highlight the importance of creating supportive, inclusive educational environments where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to pursue their academic goals.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, trust, communication, and building meaningful relationships. I believe in treating others with respect, maintaining discretion, and honoring confidentiality in every interaction. Building strong relationships through honesty, reliability, and open communication allows me to better support those around me and create an environment where people feel valued, respected, and understood. These principles guide the way I approach my work, my relationships, and my commitment to serving others.
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