My CEO efforts are focused on creating an environment where people thrive
Wilmington, Del. (Vocus) May 18, 2010
Dawn Career Institute (DCI) is pleased to announce its appointment of Cheryl Zapata as President and Chief Executive Officer. Zapata brings over 28 years of progressively responsible business experience in the postsecondary for-profit education and aviation industries to her new role as President and CEO. Her proven ability to build enterprises and motivate people, and her experience in developing long-term, productive strategic relationships made her transition to this new role a natural one.
Zapata utilizes her leadership, management, communication and marketing skills to fulfill Dawn Career Institute’s mission of cultivating an environment where students thrive in the pursuit of fulfilling personal, professional and academic goals. She will continue to produce innovative programs within the allied health, wellness and business fields that integrate curriculum and technology to position graduates for success in their chosen career fields.
“My CEO efforts are focused on creating an environment where people thrive,” Zapata said. “I believe in the global mission of career education: Providing accessible, affordable and relevant education focused on outcomes and career opportunities to a diverse ground and online student population. As an organization, we seek opportunities to create an extraordinary learning experience for our students through capstone events, our Coffee Shop Learning Center, Learning Resource Center, our New Beginnings Spa, and other labs and projects. We extend the philosophy to our graduates and employers in similar fashion, hosting learning luncheons, graduate workshops, and participating in a variety of community events. Once again, taking advantage of an opportunity to invest in and to provide an environment where people thrive.”
In the past two years under Zapata’s direct leadership, she has spearheaded a number of initiatives that have helped bring DCI to a higher level of performance for students: Dawn Career Institute developed partner relationships with Professional Fitness Institute to deliver a Personal Fitness Trainer Program; ComCourse to launch and provide the learning platform for the distance education programs; PlattForm Advertising to build an international award-winning website; expanded the facility to 36,000 square feet; and assembled an outstanding executive team including Director of Education William Harris, COO – Admissions & Career Services Shannon Yerkic, and CMO Jena Zapata.
Through the years, her influence over the organization inspired her to increase her responsibilities. In her role as Executive Vice President she provided direct management support, maintained all budgets; provided direction and oversight to marketing, events, and advertising; assisted with new program approval/accreditation renewal processes, Department of Education review, and curriculum reviews. Zapata currently serves as a board member of New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Vistage, International CEO development organization. Previously she served as Chair of the Delaware Coalition of Literacy and as Vice President of Dawn Aero, Inc.
About Dawn Career Institute
Dawn Career Institute is a career education institution based in Wilmington, Del, with online program options also available. Dawn Career Institute offers programs in some of the nation’s fastest-growing career fields: healthcare, wellness and business. Dawn Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). For more information, visit http://www.DawnCareerInstitute.edu.
Contact: Cheryl Zapata
Phone: (302) 633-9075
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