Kurt Madden
CEO of Career Nexus and
CFO of the Fresno Business Council

Prior to serving as CEO of Career Nexus, Kurt was the Chief Technology Officer for Fresno Unified School District for 14 years. He has also held several leadership positions including CEO of One by One Leadership, a community leadership development organization, a Corporate VP for a Fortune 1000 technology firm and President and Founder of two local technology companies. He is the author of two books: Leadership Questions and Synergetic Follower. Kurt serves on several boards and councils including the Fresno Business Council Board, the Economic Development Board of Fresno County, Fresno State University Alumni Board and the Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Leadership Council. Kurt is a long-time adjunct professor at Fresno State University. His focus has been on increasing student growth and success by synthesizing learning, experience and technology.

Timothy Lowe
Director, Business Development

Timothy Lowe was born and raised in Southwest Fresno. An Edison High School graduate, Timothy has developed an extensive background in customer service and community relations, specifically for low-income areas. He was appointed to the Fresno Housing Authority by then Mayor Ashley Swearengin, where he served as the Resident Commissioner for three years, focusing on outreach, access and services to the disadvantaged. Timothy went on to work with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helping individuals in the community with PG&E Assistance. Now as the Internship Manager with Career Nexus, Timothy will be working with program interns – helping guide, encourage and coach them towards success.

LJay Ramirez
Director, Human Resources & Internships

LJay Ramirez, born in West Covina CA, and raised in Fresno, CA. As a foster youth, he grew up in Fresno, went to Roosevelt School of the Arts, Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree, in Human Resource Management, and then moved to the Bay area.

LJay has over a decade of HR experience and has held positions; HRBP/Director/Head/VP at multiple organizations including Microsoft and Bay Area Boys and Girls Clubs. He returned to Fresno two years ago, working remotely, and was looking for an organization like Career Nexus to work with. As our Director, Human Resources, LJay will support Career Nexus and our interns with all Human Resource needs.

Aurora Salazar
Coordinator, Business Development

Aurora grew up in Madera and moved to Fresno in 2018. In 2021, she obtained her Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting, at Madera Community College. Aurora is currently enrolled at California State University, Fresno working to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. 

Ashley Taylor
Coordinator, Internships & Training

Born and raised in the sun-soaked streets of Fresno, California, Ashley Taylor always had a creative spark. From a young age, she was drawn to the arts, and it was clear early on that her heart belonged to creativity and helping others. Her journey led her to the Roosevelt School of the Arts, where she honed her artistic talents and discovered that her real passion wasn’t just about creating—it was about empowering others to chase their dreams.

Ashley’s path wasn’t a straight line, but it was always filled with purpose. After diving deep into post-secondary education, she developed a profound interest in supporting people as they navigate the twists and turns of their own careers. Armed with a unique combination of artistic sensibility and a strong educational foundation, Ashley realized that her mission was clear: to help others grow, succeed, and find their place in the world of work.

Enter Career Nexus, where Ashley truly found her groove. Here, she channels her passion for mentorship and personal development to help interns and young professionals build the essential soft skills that are often the missing key to success in the workplace. Whether it’s leadership, communication, or emotional intelligence, Ashley’s goal is simple: to equip the next generation of dreamers with the tools they need to turn their aspirations into reality.

Carlos Figueroa
Associate, Human Resources & Internships

Carlos Figueroa was born in Hanford, CA and raised in a small country town, Riverdale, CA. Carlos comes from a Hispanic background and speaks both English and Spanish. While working with Career Nexus, Carlos is also attending school to major in liberal arts in hopes someday to become a teacher!

With Career Nexus, Carlos provides and assists the Human Resource Director and other responsibilities.

Neil Fane
Coordinator, Training

Born and raised in Fresno, CA, Neil Fane brings over 20 years of diverse experience to his role as Training Coordinator at Career Nexus. With a degree in Accounting and a professional background spanning finance, social work, and healthcare, Neil offers a unique blend of analytical thinking, compassion, and organizational expertise.

Throughout his career, Neil has served the community in a variety of impactful roles—including as an Intake Specialist at a halfway house, a Small Business Banker for a major national bank, and a Coordinator for two leading health insurance companies. Each role has deepened his understanding of people, systems, and the importance of access to opportunity.

Neil is passionate about personal growth and is an avid reader of books that encourage critical thinking and mental expansion. He also enjoys exercising and maintaining an active lifestyle, believing that physical wellness plays a key role in professional and personal success.

Neil is a great fit for Career Nexus because of his deep roots in the community, his commitment to helping others reach their potential, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His diverse background makes him especially skilled at guiding participants through their career development journeys with empathy, structure, and insight.