MOHAVE COUNTY – The Mohave College Foundation welcomes Laura Mata-Fondevila as its new Executive Director of Advancement, and Michael Cawley as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Their experience in community service, education and relationship building will support the Foundation’s work to expand opportunities for Mohave College students.
Mata-Fondevila joined the Foundation Oct. 20, bringing a diverse background in client advocacy, financial services and community wellness. A longtime Mohave County resident and Mohave College alumna, she holds an Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science and a Court Interpreter Accreditation from the University of Arizona. She also studied journalism at the University of Barcelona and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
Her professional experience includes serving as a Vice President of Lending in Mohave County, owning Laura Mata Translations and working as a Wellness Instructor at Kingman Regional Medical Center. Her background includes leadership, marketing and client management, with experience helping people navigate complex financial decisions and government policies.
Mata-Fondevila’s community involvement includes fundraising with the Venture Club, where she was recognized as Venturist of the Year for her leadership on the Splash Pad Project. She has also participated in three Hug It Forward projects building bottle schools in Mayan communities in Guatemala. She brings that commitment to service to her new role advancing the College and Foundation’s mission.
Cawley is a career educator and Colorado City community leader with longstanding ties to the College. Raised in the Colorado City area, he earned his Associate of Applied Science degree at Mohave College in 1991, a bachelor’s degree in Biology Secondary Education and teaching certification from Northern Arizona University in 1995, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix in 2009.
He taught as associate faculty at Mohave College from 1996 to 2005 and currently serves as Administrator of Technology at Masada Charter School, where he previously served as Junior High Principal. His civic service includes positions on local fire, utility, water improvement and sewer improvement district boards.
Cawley’s father, Claude T. Cawley, was a founding member and former president of the Foundation. Building on that family connection, Cawley brings a commitment to helping high school graduates transition into higher education and strengthening the Foundation’s relationships in Colorado City.
