Hayden Milligan: PDC Graduate Named to South Sound Business “40 Under 40” List

For 19 years, South Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards contest has presented 40 local professionals under age 40 “who are dynamic leaders in the business community.” Writes the journal, “You dine in their restaurants. You conduct business with them. Sit on philanthropic boards with them. Run industry organizations with them. They have an innovative, entrepreneurial spirit that propels the economy today and will for years to come.” This year, one such person is Hayden Milligan, 31, a Professional Development Center graduate and a director of human resources in Olympia, Wash.

“No, I didn’t win $40,” said Milligan. Read more Hayden Milligan: PDC Graduate Named to South Sound Business “40 Under 40” List

Meet the Instructors: Dariush “DK” Khaleghi, Human Resources

[Meet the Instructors is a series intended to introduce you to one of the greatest resources the University of Washington Tacoma Professional Development Center has to offer: its diverse team of veteran, industry-tested professionals. The Center’s professional development programs are designed to be rewarding, challenging and cutting-edge. Our instructors play no small part in that, ensuring students are exposed to the most current industry trends while remaining well-versed in the tried-and-true best practices of their professions. We’re excited to share our instructors with you, and their stories are a great place to start.]

Instructors at the UW Tacoma Professional Development Center come from different backgrounds, professions and industries – and in the case of Dariush Khaleghi, from across the world. DK, who teaches in the PDC’s Leadership Essentials, Human Resources Management and Certified Public Manager® programs, came to the U.S. as a religious refugee from Iran in 1985. His journey since then has profoundly influenced the teacher he is today.

Read more Meet the Instructors: Dariush “DK” Khaleghi, Human Resources

PDC alumni uses experience to succeed at Seattle Goodwill

If you met her today, you’d have a hard time believing Rebekah Hand grew up in Florida. Now living in Fircrest, Wash., with her husband, three sons and their bulldog Mudge, Hand has all the characteristics of a native Pacific Northwesterner. She wishes she had more time for exploring the outdoors, but finds plenty of fulfillment keeping up with her family. And like most of us, she’s a big fan of Star Wars and local craft beer. Hand fits-in one other way, as well: she’s ambitious.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, Hand pursued a career in retail. Starting in 2004, Hand has worked every angle of the retail world, from sales and customer service to management, for companies including Target, New York and Company, and Pottery Barn. Despite her success in her work though, she felt that something was missing.

Read more PDC alumni uses experience to succeed at Seattle Goodwill