Our Staff

Donna Walker James is the Executive Director of Computer CORE, a 26-year-old nonprofit that empowers adults with the digital skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Since stepping into the role in 2019, James has led the organization through a period of dynamic transformation and growth. Under her leadership, CORE grew from serving 200 students to over 1,000 students annually, continuing to serve Northern Virginia, while expanding to DC and MD; eliminated client fees to remove access barriers; and transitioned to primarily online instruction. With a career grounded in education, workforce development, and public service, James brings both policy insight and practical leadership to her work. She previously served at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and the American Youth Policy Forum, and held executive roles in several Alexandria-based nonprofits. She is a trusted voice in the region’s digital equity movement, known for building responsive programs, forming partnerships, and cultivating a large and diverse volunteer pool —including growing an internship-to-staff pipeline at CORE. James is a graduate of Alexandria City High School and holds both a BA in Urban Studies and a Master’s in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She is the third Executive Director in CORE’s history, following women who each served a decade—continuing their legacy while shaping CORE’s future.

As Computer CORE’s Project Manager, Nuria oversees the coordination, delivery, and daily operations of CORE’s digital literacy and Digital Navigator programs. She manages student enrollment and placement, ensures smooth classroom operations, and leads the systems that support attendance tracking, course administration, partner communications, and community outreach. Nuria also works closely with instructors, volunteers, and Digital Navigators to ensure participants receive timely support—from technical troubleshooting to accessing Northstar assessments, receiving devices, or connecting with CORE’s multilingual HelpDesk. Her strength in organization and problem-solving keeps complex program activities running efficiently across multiple sites. Nuria brings exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural fluency, and a natural ability to build trust with students, partners, and community leaders. A gifted communicator who speaks seven languages, she helps ensure CORE’s programs remain accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to the region’s diverse communities. Nuria first joined Computer CORE as a student and HelpDesk intern and advanced steadily into key operational roles—reflecting her commitment, leadership, and deep understanding of the communities CORE serves..

As Computer CORE’s Finance and Development Manager, Aasia oversees the systems that keep the organization financially strong and mission-aligned. She manages CORE’s financial operations—including budgeting support, financial recordkeeping, vendor payments, donor receipting, and grant tracking—while ensuring compliance with nonprofit financial standards. Aasia also leads key development functions such as maintaining donor databases, preparing grant documentation, coordinating fundraising campaigns, and producing high-quality visual materials and reports that communicate CORE’s impact. Her expertise with platforms such as QuickBooks Online, Bill.com, DonorPerfect, Constant Contact, and Canva enables her to streamline processes and support efficient, transparent operations across the organization. Aasia is known for her precision, reliability, and ability to connect financial systems with the day-to-day needs of staff, volunteers, and community partners. Her work strengthens CORE’s sustainability and supports the expansion of digital access programs across the region. She first joined Computer CORE in 2020 as an intern and quickly advanced into full-time roles in finance, development, and creative services—reflecting her dedication, adaptability, and commitment to CORE’s mission.

Killian Cousins serves as Computer CORE’s External Affairs Manager, where he leads partnerships, communications, and community engagement efforts that strengthen the organization’s mission. He works closely with employers, civic leaders, and community partners to expand opportunities for CORE’s adult learners, with a special focus on creating pathways for graduates to pursue higher-level employment and career advancement. As a Leadership Alexandria Class of 2023 graduate, Killian brings a strong understanding of local issues, cross-sector collaboration, and the importance of advancing equity through technology and workforce access. Killian’s career spans membership management roles in national associations and the founding of a business dedicated to helping older adults safely age in place. This long-standing commitment to service guides his work at CORE, where he is inspired daily by learners striving to build skills and transform their futures. A lifelong Alexandrian and graduate of the former T.C. Williams High School, Killian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.