Airikah Cotton
Northridge,CA
Summary
Dedicated higher education professional with expertise in residence life and academic support. Skilled in community engagement, crisis management, and program coordination. Proven ability to foster inclusivity, manage budgets, and enhance student participation through effective leadership and communication.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Director
California State University Northridge
06.2022 - Current
- Supervises a team of 9-12 student leaders overseeing 3-4 buildings managing a resident population of 300-500.
- Managed budgets for community programs, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum impact.
- Served on an on-call rotation for a residence housing 3,000 students, managing crisis situations and collaborating with Department of Police Services (DPS) and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
- Facilitated RA Trainings in relation to Oppression Reduction, Community Engagement, and Behind Closed Doors.
- Implemented staff support by conducting regular check-ins and reviewing projects to recognize exemplary work amidst staffing shortages.
- Promoted organization within community by giving talks, connecting with campus partners and solidifying partnerships.
- Advise the Hood Scholars Affinity Group, dedicated to offering enhanced support for students from underserved communities pursuing higher education.
- Serves a Student Conduct and Judicial Officer to facilitate mediations and disciplinary cases among residents
- Oversee the Living Learning Community(LLC/) building for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and Deaf studies majors, ensuring support for residents’ academic and educational goals.
Assistant Community Director
California State University, Northridge
12.2021 - 06.2022
- Facilitate staff development through in-depth trainings and other learning opportunities.
- Supervise, train and develop a team of 14 Resident Advisors including coaching and evaluating staff regularly through 1:1 individualized meetings
- Served on an on-call rotation for a residence housing 3,000 students, managing crisis situations and collaborating with Department of Police Services (DPS) and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
- Serves a Student Conduct and Judicial Officer to facilitate mediations and disciplinary cases among residents
- Manages the budget for programmatic events for 14 Resident Advisors and Affinity Hood Scholars.
- Oversee the Living Learning Community (LLC ) buildings for International Program Partnership IPP and Living Above the Influence
- Established clear administrative processes to help staff meet short- and long-term organizational objectives.
Student Housing Resident Mentor
California State University Northridge
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Completed weekly two hour tutoring shift helping students in different subjects
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Severed as the Zoom Host by checking in and signing out students and staff. Along with trouble shooting any online issues.
- Supported residents through COVID-19 and assisted by transitioning residents into new living environment and maintained strong communication with doing online learning.
- Promoted positive relations between residents and staff.
Student Housing Resident Advisor
California State University Northridge
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Served as a resource by assisting 50 residents each year in academic and personal development
- Conducted on call rotation of duty shits responding to residents and building incidents with follow up reports
- Planned monthly community engagements by promoting positive relations between residents and staff by providing inclusive spaces
- Conducted tours, move-in orientation and educational training sessions for residents and student leaders
- Managed conflict resolutions between residents to provide safe and secure environment through policy enforcement.
- Served as member and student leader apart of Hood Scholars and Black Girl Magic Affinity groups
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Deaf Studies
California State University - Northridge
Northridge, CA05.2021
Skills
- Standard in working: Microsoft Office, Google, Maxient, Starrez, Outlook
- Effective Communication
- Time Management
- Mentorship
- Crisis Management
- Adaptability to work in group setting with a diverse community
- American Sign Language(ASL)
Professional Associations
- Member, Western Association of College and University Housing Officers (WACUHO), 2023 - Present
- Committee Co-Chair - WACUHO Network of Professionals of Color, 2023- 202
Timeline
Community Director
California State University Northridge
06.2022 - Current
Assistant Community Director
California State University, Northridge
12.2021 - 06.2022
Student Housing Resident Mentor
California State University Northridge
01.2020 - 01.2021
Student Housing Resident Advisor
California State University Northridge
01.2018 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Deaf Studies
California State University - Northridge
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