Brenda D. Taylor
Romeoville,IL
Summary
Professional with deep understanding of program development and execution. Proven record in driving strategic initiatives and fostering team collaboration to achieve results. Skilled in project management, stakeholder communication, and adapting to evolving industry needs. Known for reliability, problem-solving, and delivering impactful outcomes.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Programming
Fighting Chance, NFP
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Grant Writing and Administration: Successfully secured and managed multiple grants, ensuring compliance with all funding requirements and maximizing resources for organizational growth
- Staff & Volunteer Recruitment, Training and Management: Recruited, hired, and supervised a diverse team of staff and volunteer members, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment to meet program goals
- Program Development and Operations: Designed, implemented, and evaluated comprehensive programs, overseeing daily operations to ensure alignment with the organization's mission and objectives
- Fundraising and Event Planning: Led the planning and execution of fundraising events, resulting in significant contributions and increased community support for organizational initiatives
- Community and Family Engagement: Developed and maintained strong relationships with participants, families, and community partners, enhancing program impact and fostering a supportive network
Director of Magnet/College & Career Readiness
Unit 4 School District
01.2021 - 01.2023
- AVID Program Leadership: Led and managed AVID programs across 10 campuses, ensuring consistent program implementation, fostering student engagement, and facilitating academic achievement
- Federal Grant Administration: Administered a Magnet federal grant of $3.6 million, overseeing budget allocation, program evaluation, and ensuring compliance to optimize resources and drive desired outcomes
- College & Career Readiness Enhancement: Enhanced College & Career Readiness across K-12 education by developing and implementing strategic initiatives, forging partnerships, and enhancing curriculum to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for post-secondary success
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Demonstrated strong leadership and collaboration skills, cultivating effective relationships with stakeholders, including administrators, teachers, parents, and community organizations, to drive program objectives and maximize student impact
- Commitment to Equity and Access: Displayed a passionate commitment to equity and access in education, creating inclusive learning environments, supporting diverse student populations, and implementing evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes and close achievement gaps
Teacher
R.T.H.S.D. 227
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Instructional Facilitation: Facilitated learning for 9th, 11th, and 12th grade Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and AP Biology classes, delivering engaging and comprehensive instruction
- Curriculum Development: Developed and implemented curriculum aligned with state standards and designed to enhance students' understanding of biological concepts
- Facilitated hands-on laboratory experiments, dissections, and interactive discussions to promote experiential learning and critical thinking skills
- Student Support and Guidance: Provided individualized support and guidance to students, fostering their academic growth and success in Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and AP Biology courses
- AP Exam Preparation: Prepared students for AP exams, delivering targeted instruction, comprehensive review sessions, and practice assessments to maximize their performance and success
Teacher/ Lead Teacher/Coordinator
CICS, Longwood
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Instructional Facilitation: Facilitated learning for 11th and 12th grade Physics and AP Biology classes, delivering comprehensive instruction and fostering a deep understanding of the subjects
- Curriculum Development: Developed and implemented an engaging and rigorous curriculum aligned with state standards and AP exam requirements
- Facilitated hands-on experiments, interactive discussions, and problem-solving activities to enhance students' comprehension and application of Physics and Biology concepts
- Student Support and Guidance: Provided individualized support and guidance to students, addressing their unique learning needs and ensuring their success in Physics and AP Biology courses
- AP Exam Preparation: Prepared students for the AP Biology exam, delivering targeted instruction, comprehensive review sessions, and practice assessments to maximize their performance and achievement
- STEAM Program Design and Implementation: Designed and implemented a 6-12 STEAM enrichment after-school program, integrating interdisciplinary approaches to foster student engagement and learning across multiple subjects
Science Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Curriculum Development: Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans and curriculum for 9th grade Biology and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) classes
- Interactive Instruction: Facilitated classroom discussions, group activities, and hands-on experiments to foster student engagement and critical thinking skills
- Student Support and Mentoring: Provided individualized support and guidance to students, including mentoring and coaching, to promote academic success and personal growth
Commercial Account Executive
Oce' Imagistics
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Account Management: Managed a portfolio of commercial accounts, maintaining strong relationships with clients in the copier industry
- Needs Assessment: Conducted in-depth needs assessments with clients to identify their specific requirements and recommended appropriate copier solutions
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including sales support, service, and technical departments, to ensure seamless implementation and ongoing support for clients' copier needs
- Sales Growth: Achieved significant sales growth by identifying new business opportunities and upselling additional services to existing clients
- Client Training and Support: Provided comprehensive training and support to clients, ensuring they were fully equipped to utilize copier solutions effectively
- Market Analysis: Conducted market analysis to stay updated on industry trends and competitor offerings, adjusting sales strategies accordingly to maintain a competitive edge
Parts Sales Specialist
Miyano Machinery
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Customer Service Excellence: Provided exceptional customer service by assisting customers in identifying and selecting the right parts for their needs, answering inquiries, and addressing concerns promptly and professionally
- Sales Transaction Processing: Processed sales transactions accurately and efficiently, including invoicing, order tracking, and ensuring timely delivery of parts
- Product Knowledge Maintenance: Maintained up-to-date product knowledge, stayed informed about industry trends, pricing, and promotions to effectively upsell and cross-sell products to customers
- Inventory Management: Monitored inventory levels to ensure the availability of high-demand parts, coordinated with the supply chain to restock as needed, and minimized backorders
- Customer Relationship Building: Developed and maintained strong relationships with customers, ensuring repeat business and fostering customer loyalty
- Sales Reporting and Analysis: Generated sales reports to track performance, identify trends, and develop strategies for improving sales and customer satisfaction
Education
M.A - Educational Administration
Governors State University
University Park, IL01.2020
B.S. - Biological Sciences
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL01.2004
Skills
- Scheduling
- Contract Management
- Resource Allocation
- Content Management Systems
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and written communication
- People Management
- Operations Management
Timeline
Director of Programming
Fighting Chance, NFP
01.2023 - 01.2024
Director of Magnet/College & Career Readiness
Unit 4 School District
01.2021 - 01.2023
Teacher
R.T.H.S.D. 227
01.2016 - 01.2021
Teacher/ Lead Teacher/Coordinator
CICS, Longwood
01.2013 - 01.2016
Science Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
01.2012 - 01.2013
Commercial Account Executive
Oce' Imagistics
01.2005 - 01.2008
Parts Sales Specialist
Miyano Machinery
01.1996 - 01.1999
B.S. - Biological Sciences
Southern Illinois University
M.A - Educational Administration
Governors State University
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