DEJA-VERENDA BAKER
Cleveland
Summary
Business driver, strategist and resiliency specialist with immense success in disaster response and maintaining comprehensive business continuity plans that deliver sustainable financial, operational and logistic results for higher education institutions.
Emergency management professional equipped with comprehensive experience in crisis response and strategic planning. Known for fostering effective team collaboration and consistently achieving crisis resolution goals. Adaptable to evolving situations with expertise in emergency protocols and resource management.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Emergency Management Specialist
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH
11.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with local agencies to coordinate emergency response training exercises.
- Designed and delivered targeted emergency management training programs for first responders, increasing their readiness to handle crises effectively.
- Develop and implement comprehensive business continuity plans and strategies, conducting risk assessments and coordinating recovery efforts for the university.
- Analyzed emergency management trends and best practices to inform policy development initiatives.
IHBT PACT Intern
Bellefaire JCB
Cleveland, OH
12.2025 - 06.2026
- Developed individualized treatment plans for clients, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and engagement.
- Assisted multidisciplinary teams in conducting assessments, ensuring comprehensive care delivery.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting client communication and interpersonal skills.
- Implemented evidence-based practices, improving program effectiveness and client satisfaction.
Lead Communications Officer
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH
06.2021 - 11.2022
- Oversaw high‑volume emergency and non‑emergency call‑taking, triaged critical incidents, and provided real‑time direction to maintain calm, coordinated response during medical, mental‑health, and safety emergencies.
- Trained new dispatchers on protocols, ensuring adherence to safety standards and operational procedures.
- Used trauma‑informed communication, MHFA, and C‑SSRS principles to support distressed callers during mental health, medical, and safety emergencies.
Victim Advocacy Intern
Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
Cleveland, OH
02.2021 - 07.2021
- Developed comprehensive victim advocacy resources to enhance support services for crime victims.
- Assisted in the preparation of case files, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
- Tracked legislative developments related to advocacy focus areas, informing internal teams of potential opportunities or challenges for policy work.
- Supported the development of strategic messaging for public awareness, effectively conveying organizational goals and objectives.
Human Rights Advocate Intern
Sindhi American Political Action Committee
Cleveland, OH
01.2021 - 03.2021
- Set up congressional meetings, prepare material, and support the Advocacy & Outreach Program Manager in all planning efforts for the Long Walk for Freedom event.
- Conduct research on international law and country conditions, observe UN human rights mechanism proceedings, assist staff with compiling reports to the UN and other regional bodies, and respond to requests for assistance.
- Manage social media accounts for the Sindh Foundation while reaching out do activists and political figures to support the Sindh foundation’s cause for justice
Education
Master of Social Work - Trauma And Healing
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH05-2027
Bachelor in Criminal Justice - Forensic Psychology
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH01-2021
Bachelor of Criminal Justice - Criminalistics
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH01-2021
Skills
- Nonviolent crisis intervention (NVCI)
- Crisis management
- Contingency planning
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Project management
- Training and education
Certification
- CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor
- Mental Health First Aid Instructor
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Instructor
- Staff Advisory Council Representative
- Sexual Violence Advocate (OAESV)
- Mental Health First Aid
- Project Management
- Workforce Analysis & Planning
- Web Content Management (e.g., Drupal)
- Notary
Timeline
IHBT PACT Intern
Bellefaire JCB
12.2025 - 06.2026
Emergency Management Specialist
Case Western Reserve University
11.2022 - Current
Lead Communications Officer
Case Western Reserve University
06.2021 - 11.2022
Victim Advocacy Intern
Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
02.2021 - 07.2021
Human Rights Advocate Intern
Sindhi American Political Action Committee
01.2021 - 03.2021
Master of Social Work - Trauma And Healing
Case Western Reserve University
Bachelor in Criminal Justice - Forensic Psychology
Tiffin University
Bachelor of Criminal Justice - Criminalistics
Tiffin University