ADISHA WAGHMARAE
Senior Trainer, Learning And Development (Hybrid)
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven academic and organizational leader with a proven track record in education, diversity, and strategic management. Skilled in developing evidence-based training curricula and facilitating educational sessions for diverse audiences, I am known for aligning strategic decisions with organizational goals while fostering collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. My expertise includes managing operations, budgets, and teams to optimize resources and efficiency. Notable achievements include collaborating with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Thailand to develop a groundbreaking course on consent, sexual education, and victim-centered approaches for police in Thailand. I have extensive experience leading DEI initiatives, promoting inclusive organizational cultures, and developing innovative curricula for global perspectives. Additionally, I have created and led a 12-week leadership program that allowed for internal leadership development, and I currently serve as a DEI consultant for two grants. I have also worked with human trafficking victims, helping them achieve their goals of healing and education through tailored support and advocacy. With specialized expertise in crisis management, lecturing, and strategic planning, I am fluent in 4 languages and possess strong skills in inclusion training, budget management, and effective communication. Seeking leadership roles such as Senior Student Affairs Professional, Chief Diversity Officer, Director of People and Culture, or Learning & Development Manager.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Trainer
The University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
02.2024 - Current
- Leveraged comprehensive knowledge of learning methods and advanced communication skills to effectively use Microsoft Applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher) and Adobe; excelled in delivering impactful presentations, facilitating engaging workshops, and providing expert coaching.
- Built and led th Cultivating Conscious Leadership 8-week program, enhancing its curriculum to focus on inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, and strategic decision-making, resulting in increased participant engagement and leadership development.
- Developed and facilitated customized training programs, including onboarding, embracing change, growth mindset, professional development planning, and strategic planning workshops, tailored to meet the diverse needs of staff and faculty across the university, fostering a more inclusive and growth-oriented learning environment.
- Collaborated closely with HR business partners to strengthen employee engagement, addressing critical areas such as crisis management, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, which resulted in improved workplace culture and employee support systems.
Adjunct Professor
The University of Oklahoma
08.2017 - Current
- Developed comprehensive syllabi, lesson plans, and resource guides for courses such as Introduction to Human Relations, Cultural Awareness, Theoretical Foundations, DEI in the Workplace, and Family Issues and Family Dynamics, enhancing the overall educational experience for students.
- Emphasized critical thinking and rigorous inquiry by fostering a classroom environment where students are encouraged to question, explore, and engage deeply with course material, leading to enriched academic discussions and personal growth.
- Incorporated diverse teaching methods and real-world applications to connect theoretical foundations with practical examples, ensuring students gain a well-rounded understanding of human relations and cultural awareness in both academic and professional settings.
Director of DEIB: Outreach and Engagement
The University of Oklahoma
02.2022 - 04.2024
- Led the development and implementation of comprehensive DEI strategies through event programming, responding to reports of bias behavior, and collaborating with academic advisors and department chairs to assist students in need and promote further learning. Oversaw a team of 3 full-time staff and 6 Graduate Assistants, driving organizational culture change and fostering inclusivity across the university.
- Established and enhanced Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and advised several student organizations, supporting their efforts to foster inclusivity and community engagement. Ensured that these groups continued to operate even after the office’s dissolution due to a gubernatorial order, maintaining essential support spaces for underrepresented students and staff.
- Collaborated with university leadership and external stakeholders to implement DEI initiatives, including conducting university-wide DEI training across all campuses, including Arezzo and Puebla, which resulted in increased awareness and actionable steps toward creating a more inclusive environment for students, staff, and faculty.
Residence Life Community Coordinator
The University of Oklahoma
07.2017 - 02.2022
- Provided leadership and guidance to a diverse group of students, fostering a safe and inclusive residential environment by organizing community-building events and addressing conflicts through mediation and support. Oversaw a team of 32 student staff and 4 Graduate Assistants, ensuring effective management and support within the residence halls.
- Supported students in academic, social, and personal development, offering resources, advice, and referrals to campus services, while promoting student engagement through educational workshops and social activities.
- Responded to crisis situations and incidents by enforcing university policies and ensuring student safety, while maintaining confidentiality and delivering timely interventions in collaboration with campus security and counseling services. Additionally, served in an on-call rotation, responding to emergency situations after hours to provide immediate support and resolution.
Tennis Coach
Westwood Tennis Center
Norman, Oklahoma
01.2015 - 02.2020
- Coached a diverse range of clients aged 3 to 80, including the Norman USTA Junior Tennis Team, adult drills, and wheelchair/adaptive tennis. Developed structured lesson plans tailored to each client's goals, helping them achieve their personal and competitive tennis objectives while promoting inclusivity and skill development.
Medical Social Work Intern
Norman Regional Health Authority
Norman, Oklahoma
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Provided direct support to patients and their families, offering emotional counseling, resource referrals, and assistance with navigating healthcare systems to ensure access to necessary services and support during challenging medical situations.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, to develop comprehensive care plans for patients, addressing both medical and psychosocial needs while advocating for patient-centered care and well-being.
Education
MHR -Social Justice Track - Masters of Human Relations
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK 08.2015 - 07.2017
BSW - Bachelor of Medical Social Work
East Central University
Ada, OK 08.2010 - 07.2014
Skills
Microsoft Proficiency: (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint)
Data Tools: Qualtrics, Proficient in Various AI Tools
Multi Lingual ( English, Afrikaans, Hindi, Nepali, some French , some Newari and basic Mandarin)
Project & Operations Management
Curriculum Development (Leadership, Higher Ed, Student Affairs, and Human Relations)
Research Analysis (Mixed Methods)
Problem Solving, Strategic Partnerships, & Budget Management
Policy Development and Consultancy
Global Education Initiatives
Inclusion, Equity, Accessibility, & Diversity Training
Awards
- Staff Social Justice Award - Center for Social Justice and Equity (2024)
- Top DEI Professional - The Journal Record (2023)
- Featured in Hundred Magazine Issue #2 (2023)
- Presenter - National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (2018-2023)
- Leadership Award (2019)
- Best Performer Award (2019)
- Employee of the Month (2017)
Projects
Chief Operations Officer of Women Making Change, Women Making Change (WMC), Led a Femicide Awareness Campaign and advocated for sex education reform emphasizing awareness. Human Trafficking Continuing Education Training, University of Oklahoma, Designed and delivered training for Licensed Social Workers or Licensed Professional Counselors. DANFE Project in Nepal, Facilitated donation coordination of 5000 saree donations, and raised $10,000 for the Hakuna Matata project.
Timeline
Senior Trainer
The University of Oklahoma
02.2024 - Current
Director of DEIB: Outreach and Engagement
The University of Oklahoma
02.2022 - 04.2024
Adjunct Professor
The University of Oklahoma
08.2017 - Current
Residence Life Community Coordinator
The University of Oklahoma
07.2017 - 02.2022
MHR -Social Justice Track - Masters of Human Relations
University of Oklahoma
08.2015 - 07.2017
Tennis Coach
Westwood Tennis Center
01.2015 - 02.2020
Medical Social Work Intern
Norman Regional Health Authority
01.2014 - 12.2014
BSW - Bachelor of Medical Social Work
East Central University
08.2010 - 07.2014
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