GOBU ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Originally from Wisconsin, Jamie spent a decade in New Orleans eating gumbo after accepting a teaching position in the Global Studies department at Tulane University. After a year of part-time teaching, she was excited to transition to a remote position with Shutterstock, where she reviewed stock photography for over eight years. Prior to joining Gobu Associates in research and recruiting, Jamie utilized her Master's in Education from the University of North Dakota, in addition to a BA from Southern New Hampshire University, where she majored in psychology, to work in a variety of higher education, media, and marketing positions. She continues to teach English as a Foreign Language part-time and has recently relocated to Tucson, Arizona. As the mother of two, including a teenager in the LGBTQ+ community, Jamie values opportunities to make Diversity, Equity and Inclusion an important part of her work.
When she's not tending to her rare plant collection (she has an affinity for variegated and pink aroids), Jamie enjoys hiking Arizona's unique wilderness and traveling throughout the U.S. and Latin America with family in tow.
Marci is a born and bred New Yorker. She has been in sales for over 30 years in various industries. She loves building and cultivating relationships with her clients, candidates, and everyone she meets! Marci takes pride in being innovative and creative when getting a job done, and in being part of a company that practices what they preach: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.
Marci graduated George Washington University with a major in Criminal Justice and minors in Business Administration and Sociology. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and three dogs, hiking, listening to music, and finding the sunshine wherever she is!
Job Titles:
- Principal and Head of DE & I
Maya Munoz graduated at the University of St. Thomas with a degree in Psychology and Biology in December 2021. In the future, she plans to pursue her Master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in order to further her interest in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Maya started at Gobu Associates as an intern and has recently been promoted to Executive Director, where she focuses on using her knowledge in research to support Gobu Associates' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts as well as general research and business development. She firmly believes that through inclusion and education, businesses and their workforce can commit to a diverse environment in a more efficient and equally beneficial manner.
Maya's other interests include environmental sustainability and animal rescue and protection. She enjoys pet sitting, watching nature and wildlife, reading, tv series and movies, and has recently taken up gaming.
Steven Smith - COO, Managing Director
Steve Smith graduated with a J.D. from St. John's University School of Law in New York on a full-scholarship and a Bachelor of the Arts in English and History from the University of Minnesota. He is a born and raised Minnesotan, but currently resides in New York City. He has had a varied career including extensive time in sales, practicing immigration law, and healthcare. Steve is excited to bring all of his skills to the search industry. He is a skilled researcher, negotiator, and an excellent communicator. He enjoys working with people, clients, and candidates. He takes a warm and friendly approach to the search industry. When not working, he can be found listening to podcasts, reading about current events, or cooking.