Charles Rivers
Saint Paul,MN
Summary
Dynamic Community-Based Engagement Specialist with extensive experience at ACET, Inc., skilled in orchestrating large-scale events and conducting multi-stakeholder research projects. Noteworthy achievements include leading or co-leading 10 diverse initiatives involving county governments, state agencies, non-profits, universities, and healthcare systems. Expertise in fostering community relationships and driving strategic initiatives enhances cultural competency and outreach. Dedicated to advancing impactful community engagement and program development across various sectors.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Community-Based Engagement Specialist
ACET, Inc.
Bloomington, MN
03.2024 - Current
- Direct community-based engagement projects and research initiatives.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute large-scale CBE events and multi-stakeholder research projects.
- Direct a team of support staff and subcontractors to design and implement Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR).
Cultural Consultant
Radias Health
Saint Paul, MN
12.2020 - Current
- Share insights on factors influencing racial disparities in service outcomes.
- Provide feedback to the agency on identified areas needing practice change.
- Discuss new programs, identify strategies, and suggest ideas for community engagement and direct referral outreach.
Program Support Coordinator & Facilitator
ACET, Inc.
Bloomington, MN
06.2022 - 03.2024
- Employed facilitation strategies to engage diverse community groups, collect qualitative data, and assist staff.
- Employed cultural competency to ensure inclusiveness of all community members.
- Collected and analyzed data to guide decision-making processes and planning.
Education
Master of Arts - Human Resources Development
Bowie State University
Bowie, MD05-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Ethics & Anthropology
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL05-2019
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Public speaking
- Networking
- Facilitation techniques
- Community relationship building
- Strategy development
- Community outreach
- Project management
- Work flow planning
- Event coordination
- Qualitative research
Volunteer: Augsburg University - Sankofa Circle Fellowship Mentor, 2023 - 2025
- Cultivate impactful mentor-mentee relationships, providing tailored guidance on career development and navigating professional landscapes, with a focus on addressing the role of racial identity in the workplace.
- Facilitate critical discussions on systemic biases and workplace dynamics, empowering mentees to develop a heightened awareness of racial identity's influence and build effective strategies for professional advancement.
- Deliver consistent support and constructive feedback, fostering a safe and inclusive environment that promoted open dialogue and enabled mentees to achieve their professional goals while developing a deeper understanding of critical consciousness.
Volunteer: Youthprise - Board Director, 2025 - Present
- Contribute to organizational strategy, policy development, and ensured legal/fiduciary compliance.
- Actively advocate for the organization, supporting fundraising initiatives and serving as a key ambassador.
- Participate in board/committee meetings, retreats, and pursue continuous governance skill enhancement.
Certification
- Certificate of Completion - Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Endorsed - Youth Program Quality External Assessor, David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality
Accomplishments
- Marquis Who's Who 2025 - Honored Listee
- Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy, 2023 - Student Fellow
- National Society of Leadership & Success, 2022
- University of North Florida, Lambda Alpha Anthropology Honors Society, 2019 - Founding member
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Community-Based Engagement Specialist
ACET, Inc.
03.2024 - Current
Program Support Coordinator & Facilitator
ACET, Inc.
06.2022 - 03.2024
Cultural Consultant
Radias Health
12.2020 - Current
Master of Arts - Human Resources Development
Bowie State University
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Ethics & Anthropology
University of North Florida
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