Candice Mott (she/her)
Performance Accountability Coordinator - Secondary Programs and Career and Technical Student Organizations
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) - Career and Technical Education (DC CTE Team)
Approximate length of time in your position
5 years
Why do you think engaging in the AAMC Virtual Community is important?
Engaging in the AAMC Virtual Community is important because it provides a space to connect with professionals focused on healthcare education and workforce development. In my role at OSSE, supporting CTE programs in D.C., this platform offers valuable insights into medical education pathways, industry trends, and best practices that can strengthen our health sciences programs. It also fosters collaboration between secondary, postsecondary, and industry partners, ensuring students are better prepared for careers in healthcare.
Do you have a professional skill or area of expertise that might be of particular interest to your peers in this community?
I’m the CTE matchmaker—connecting education, industry, and workforce needs to create high-quality career pathways for students in D.C.
Engaging DC high school students and educators regarding programs and opportunities for our students.
What should people in the virtual community contact you about? (ex: I am)
Engaging DC high school students and educators regarding programs and opportunities for our students.
What was the best book you most recently read (or TV show/movie) that you watched?
Show - Paradise (on Hulu)
Book - How Successful People Lead
What’s the best piece of professional advice you have ever received? Why?
I can’t pinpoint the best advice I’ve received, but the best professional and personal decision I made was moving to D.C.
What’s the worst piece of professional advice you have ever received? Why?
Don't be a teacher.
What do you think is the best, most challenging, or most unique thing about working in academic medicine (or your field or specialty specifically)?
- The best part of working in CTE is seeing students gain real-world skills that lead directly to careers. Helping build programs that bridge education and workforce needs is incredibly rewarding.
- The most challenging part? Ensuring equitable access to high-quality programs so all students have the same opportunities for success.
- The most unique part? CTE isn’t just about learning—it’s about doing. From hands-on experiences to industry credentials, we’re shaping the future workforce in real-time.
What do you hope to gain from this online community?
I hope to gain insights, connections, and fresh ideas that can strengthen our CTE programs and career pathways.
Did you have an unusual path to your current career? Tell us about it.
I started my professional career as a cosmetologist.
How do you prefer to start your day?
Being quiet!
How do you prefer to end your day?
Does my day end? I look forward to my evening boxing class with my friends.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
The biggest misconception about my role—and CTE in general—is that it’s just about trade programs or an alternative for students who aren’t “college material.” CTE is about career readiness in all industries, from IT and engineering to healthcare and business. My work focuses on building high-quality programs that prepare students for college and careers, ensuring they gain real-world skills, certifications, and pathways to success—whether that means a four-year degree, an apprenticeship, or straight into the workforce.
You’re throwing a dinner party and can invite 3 people (alive or dead). Who do you invite?
Malcolm Gladwell, My BFF Melissa, and Bill Clinton
How did you maintain your wellness and resilience during the pandemic? Any tips to share with others?
Working out and my friend bubble
You live/work in [city]. What’s your favorite restaurant there? Is there something special we should check out next time we visit?
DC!
Favorite Dive - Stan's
Favorite Brunch - Palette 22
Favorite Steak - St. Anslem
Favorite Overall - So many to name!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Archeologist - I love dinosaurs
What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
Try to stay present
If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?
My AMEX app, Facebook, and Instagram
What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
Shark and it's yummy
Do you have pets? Please be unashamed in showing us a photo of your adorable pet(s).
No, but I dog sit!
#MemberSpotlight