Antelope Intros is a recurring GCU Today feature that introduces some of our new employees to the people around them in a way that is fun and informative. Employees are eligible to be featured in the month following their orientation.
KEELY CAMBRIDGE
Job title: Marketing manager of event planning
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I first came here to attend a career fair with my former company, and I absolutely fell in love with the campus. I thought to myself, "I could work here or certainly go to school here for my master's." When the opening of an event planning manager came available, I had to jump on it.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I’m really into photography, cooking and taking barre classes (combination of postures inspired by ballet and other disciplines such as yoga and pilates).
What are you passionate about? Traveling! I love experiencing new places and embracing the local culture.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I absolutely love going up to Sedona and visiting Tlaquepaque.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I was a ski instructor in Vail for nine years before moving to Phoenix.
What are you most proud of? Putting myself through college. The greatest reward is knowing you did it yourself.
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MICHAEL COHEN
Job title: Qualifying specialist
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? The weather in Phoenix attracted me to GCU for sure. I hate cold weather, and the low humidity is good for my hair. The color purple is pretty cute, too. The Christian dynamic was a huge component!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to connect with people. I have been serving at Hillsong Church throughout the week and on Sundays. That has been a blast. I also love playing video games (specifically "NBA 2k18" and "Metal Gear Solid"), lifting weights, hiking and watching anime. My favorite animes are "Dragon Ball Super," "Attack on Titan" and "Naruto." Netflix is pretty dope, too! My favorite show ever is "Prison Break," but they canceled it -- bummer.
What are you passionate about? Making a difference in the lives of young men who are fatherless. I'm also passionate about football -- I was coaching high school football in North Carolina before I moved out here. If my work schedule ever permits time to coach football, I will do so again out here in Phoenix. I value the opportunity to be in the lives of young men because I know first-hand how important that is -- my dad was in my life for my first 10 years, but then my parents separated and everything went downhill. Since then, I realized the significance of a young man having a prominent male figure in his life to validate, encourage and lead him -- not just when he is young, but all throughout his life. This was further understood when I completed an internship at my previous church. It provided me with male, spiritual leaders who have been pillars in my life the past couple of years.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Hillsong, the employee fitness center at GCU and Pure Sushi Colony on 7th Street, especially during happy hour.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I was tricked into getting a perm in middle school. I won’t say who the family member was, but they were doing my hair for me on a biweekly basis. They were getting tired of the curliness of it and finally said, "Why don’t you get a perm?" And I was like, "NO! Perms are for girls!" So they then said, "Well, why don’t you get a relaxer? It lasts only three months and it will be easier to comb your hair." And my naïve 12-year-old self agreed to the "relaxer."
What are you most proud of? My younger brother, Brian, who I was not able to have a close relationship with growing up. He is a few steps ahead of me in life, which is pretty cool to see. He learned a trade from YouTube at 14 years old. He learned how to tint windows and has been doing it ever since. Now he’s one of the best at tinting windows in North Carolina at 24 years old and is finishing up his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice this year. I finished my bachelor's degree in Divinity at age 26. So, yeah, he’s pretty awesome.
