Aquia Pusch
Project Manager
Topeka,KS
Summary
With over seven years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I'm dedicated to supporting marginalized communities through effective program management and federal grant execution. I specialize in overseeing federally-funded projects, navigating complex grant processes, and ensuring they meet their objectives and deliver measurable results. I've built strong partnerships with housing providers and disability service organizations to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
As a program and project director, I have led teams in managing grants from application through completion, ensuring compliance and maximizing impact. My organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities have helped me deliver successful, high-impact initiatives.
Additionally, I am an experienced trainer, working with organizations to equip their teams with the skills and tools needed to improve outcomes for the communities they serve. I am driven by a passion for systems change and excited to continue contributing to projects that support and uplift underserved individuals and communities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Project Director
Activating Change
Topeka, KS
02.2023 - 04.2025
- Led the management of two federal grants, ensuring compliance, timely reporting, and alignment with project objectives.
- Supervised and provided guidance to ten grant recipients, ensuring the successful execution of their projects in accordance with funding requirements.
- Organized and facilitated regular meetings with project team members and key stakeholders, fostering effective communication and collaboration across all teams.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of grantees' strengths, needs, and capacity-building opportunities, developing tailored strategies to address these areas for improvement.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive capacity-building plan for the project, including individualized support plans for each grantee and community partner.
- Created a detailed project timeline and work plan, consistently tracking progress to ensure timely achievement of project milestones and goals.
- Provided ongoing support to project staff, partners, and consultants, ensuring smooth project operations and successful outcomes; collected and analyzed data on project activities and impact to ensure compliance with funder requirements.
- Led and facilitated inclusive meetings with project teams and grantees, promoting equitable participation and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
- Designed, coordinated, and delivered in-person and virtual training sessions for grantees, enhancing their capacity to achieve project goals and address challenges effectively.
- Developed a training course using the Learning Management System (LMS) Articulate and LearnDash, creating an interactive and engaging learning experience for project participants.
- Applied a disability and racial equity framework to assess community contexts and barriers, identifying tailored solutions to overcome challenges and promote inclusivity.
- Delivered expert guidance and training to strengthen organizational and individual capacity within the nonprofit sector, empowering teams to succeed in their mission.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks based on urgency, available resources, and alignment with organizational goals, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.
- Monitored project performance and made data-driven adjustments to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with project objectives.
- Fostered open and effective communication with diverse communities and stakeholders, ensuring inclusivity and understanding in all project interactions.
- Developed detailed project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget parameters, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and delivering high-quality results.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and service providers, securing competitive pricing and quality resources to optimize project outcomes within budget constraints.
- Oversaw procurement of materials and services, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project budgets and timelines.
- Regularly analyzed project performance data, identifying trends and areas for improvement to ensure the continued success and impact of projects.
- Maintained transparent communication with grant funders and internal stakeholders, providing regular updates on project status, budget performance, and resolution of technical challenges.
- Oversaw day-to-day project operations, managing cross-functional issues and ensuring the successful resolution of challenges to maintain project momentum.
Independent Consultant
Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
Washington, District of Columbia
03.2024 - 03.2025
- Conducted in-depth reviews and analyses of 40 federal grant applications to ensure alignment with funding criteria and organizational objectives.
- Delivered clear, actionable feedback to funders and operational staff, fostering improved grant quality and alignment with project goals.
Rural Outreach Advocacy Coordinator
Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
Topeka, KS
09.2017 - 02.2023
- Delivered over 30 training sessions to more than 300 advocates, resulting in 400+ hours of training focused on cultural humility, accessibility, and equity for rural and historically marginalized survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
- Developed comprehensive curriculum and lesson plans to deepen understanding of key topics such as language access, anti-racism, and inclusion, ensuring relevance to diverse, multi-disciplinary audiences.
- Coordinated and allocated resources to meet program access and accessibility needs, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery across the organization.
- Designed and implemented communication equity and inclusion policies to enhance organizational practices and foster a more inclusive environment.
- Built and maintained collaborative partnerships with community advocates, service providers, interpreters, and translators, ensuring the seamless delivery of programs and services.
- Led the planning and execution of statewide training events and workshops, ensuring smooth operations and maximizing participant engagement.
- Cultivated positive relationships with community stakeholders, building dynamic partnerships that support long-term program success.
- Streamlined grant management processes, improving reporting and tracking procedures to increase operational efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
- Provided assistance to individuals navigating program procedures, addressing client needs, resolving issues, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Managed and maintained accurate grant files, records, and databases, supporting the preparation and submission of timely, comprehensive grant reports.
- Coordinated staff development initiatives, including in-service training programs, to improve team capabilities and enhance service delivery.
- Conducted eligibility screenings for supportive economic services, ensuring compliance with program requirements and effectively addressing participant needs.
- Managed the organization and transfer of supporting documentation for program evaluations, ensuring seamless coordination and accuracy in data management.
Match Support Specialist
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Topeka, Kansas
12.2016 - 09.2017
- Generated new matches through outreach and education at schools, universities, and other supportive organizations.
- Developed STEM programs in collaboration with Westar Energy and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
- Developed and facilitated training for youth concerning consent, self-autonomy, and goal making
- Developed and conducted volunteer training concerning sexual assault and working with youth experiencing trauma.
- Facilitated meetings with community stake-holders concerning grants, monthly goals, and data collections and progress.
- Coordinated referrals and direct support for youth and volunteers.
- Onboarded new volunteers by interviewing, reporting, and uploading information into systems.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic.
- Managed large caseloads of volunteers and youth participants, overseeing interviewing, training, monthly reporting, and growth of match viability.
- Maximized performance by monitoring monthly activities and mentoring matches.
Case Manager
Young Williams
03.2016 - 12.2016
- Managed a caseload of over 2000 cases in the child support system to provide comprehensive support.
- Coordinated with custodial, noncustodial parents, lawyers, and DCF case managers to increase case productivity, child support adherence, and intergovernmental cooperation.
- Liaised with intergovernmental agencies to file, report, maintain, and ensure compliance with multi-state child support orders.
- Exceeded goals through developing comprehensive organizational, analysis, and reporting practices.
- Coordinated with attorneys to file domestic relations affidavits, divorce decrees, contempt orders, and other legal documents.
- Generated, compiled data, and reports for over 10 counties in Kansas.
- Collaborated with external agencies to ensure compliance with child support orders.
Education
B.A. - Psychology
Washburn University
Topeka, KS 01.2011 - 05.2015
Skills
Project Management & Coordination: Proven experience in managing complex projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery, meeting objectives, and driving impactful results
Technology Proficiency: Skilled in using project management, communication, and design tools, including Gantt, MS Office, Google Workspace, Mondaycom, Canva, SharePoint, Articulate, and LearnDash
Remote & Online Instruction: Proficient in utilizing tools like Zoom and LMS platforms to facilitate engaging virtual learning experiences
Event Coordination: Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute large-scale events, workshops, and training sessions, ensuring smooth logistics and high participant engagement
Learning Management System (LMS) Expertise: Experience creating and delivering interactive training courses using LMS platforms such as Articulate and LearnDash, enhancing learning experiences for participants
Training Development & Delivery: Skilled in designing and delivering effective training programs, both in-person and online, to enhance team performance and support organizational objectives
Organizational & Time Management: Expertise in managing multiple projects and priorities, ensuring efficient use of time and resources to meet deadlines
Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, adept at identifying challenges and implementing solutions to maintain project momentum
Document & Data Management: Competent in managing project documentation and compliance materials, ensuring organization, accuracy, and accessibility
Policy & Procedure Development: Skilled in developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure consistent and efficient project operations
Team Leadership & Collaboration: Ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of cooperation and building strong relationships with internal and external partners
Strategic Planning & Execution: Expertise in developing and executing strategic plans that align with organizational goals and drive project success
Effective Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, ensuring clarity and transparency in interactions with team members, stakeholders, and funders
Document & Data Management: Competent in managing project documentation and compliance materials, ensuring organization, accuracy, and accessibility
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
DOJ Grants Financial Management Training Online
12-2024
Independent Consultant
Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
03.2024 - 03.2025
Project Director
Activating Change
02.2023 - 04.2025
Rural Outreach Advocacy Coordinator
Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
09.2017 - 02.2023
Match Support Specialist
Big Brothers Big Sisters
12.2016 - 09.2017
Case Manager
Young Williams
03.2016 - 12.2016
B.A. - Psychology
Washburn University
01.2011 - 05.2015
Certification
DOJ Grants Financial Management Training Online
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balancePersonal development programsFlexible work hoursHealthcare benefitsWork from home option401k match4-day work weekTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid time offCompany CulturePaid sick leaveMy Profile
https://bold.pro/my/aquia-pusch/207r
Additional Information - Presentations And Training
- Rural, Underserved, Undeserved, and Historically Marginalized Communities
- Serving the Underserved: Outreach in Rural Communities, 2017
- Native Nations and Violence Against Women, 2018
- Immigration Law and Advocacy: Showing up for Immigrant Survivors, 2018
- Abuse in Later Life: Working with Older Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence, 2018
- Improving Services for Transgender Incarcerated Individuals, 2020
- Intimate Partner Violence in Underserved Communities, Friends University, 2019
- Plain Language for Real People, 2019
- Integrating Economic Justice into Gender and Social Justice, 2020
- Aging our SERVICES: Legal Considerations for Working with Survivors in Later Life, 2020
- Supporting Latina Survivors, 2020
- Providing and Improving Services in Kansas for Transgender Survivors: 3-part webinar series, 2021
- Working with Deaf Survivors: Providing Culturally Relevant and Deaf-Center Services, 2022
- Culturally Responsive Care for Victims of Sexual Assault, SANE-SART, 2017-2020
- Creating a Sexual Assault Support Group in a Rural Community, 2018
- Increasing Language Access for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence, 2018
- Ensuring Meaningful Access for Survivors with Limited English Proficiency and Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 2019
- Interpreting for Trauma, 2019
- Language Access and Prison Rape Elimination Act, 2021
- Cultural Humility, Advocate Training, 2018
- Improving Responses to Survivors: Examining the Intersections between Oppression, 'ISMS and Violence, 2019-2020
- Interrupting Oppression, Using an Anti-Oppression Framework to Improve Services to Survivors, 2019
- Oppression and Violence, 40-hour Core advocacy Course, 2019-2022
- Outreach and Community Engagement Advocate Roundtable, 2019
- Peer-Sharing Call: Disrupting Transphobia, Homophobia, Xenophobia, and Racism in Programming, 2019
- Balance, Connectedness, and Self-Compassion: Maintaining Work-life Balance while Working Remotely, 2020
- Peer-to-Peer Sharing Call: Rural Barriers and Innovations, 2022
- Kansas Crime Victims' Rights Conference; Examining How Language Increases Access for Victims of Crime, 2019
Organizations And Affiliations
- Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition, 2017 – 2023, Equity Committee Chair, BOS, CE Committee member, HIMS Committee Member
- Kansas BELIEVE Project Committee, 2017 – 2023
- Youth Trust Project, 2017 – 2020, Board of Directors, Secretary
- Kansas Prison Rape Elimination Act Multidisciplinary Team, 2018 – 2021, Team Member
- Kansas Allstate Project Design and Review Committee, 2018 – 2022, Application Examiner
- Kansas Conference for Ending Sexual and Domestic Violence, 2019-2022, Committee Member