DeKisa Okoi
Lake Dallas,TX
Summary
As a Race & Health Equity Liaison at Ramsey County, I work with non-profit and government agencies to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for homeless and justice-impacted populations. With a B.A. in Business Management from the University of St. Thomas and over 11 years of experience I bring a unique combination of analytical, creative, and interpersonal skills to my role. I am a driven and skillful planner who can design and implement effective strategies to address complex and systemic issues. I am an innovative change agent who has a passion for helping others and advancing racial equity. I am a highly engaged, intuitive, and collaborative leader who builds strong relationships on all levels. I am positive, flexible, adaptable, and comfortable stepping into any situation. My goal is to continue to leverage my talents and expertise to create positive and lasting impacts in my community.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Race & Health Equity Planner
Ramsey County Community Corrections
Saint Paul, MN
11.2022 - Current
- Implement advanced strategic planning techniques to foster an inclusive environment within Ramsey County systems, where racial and health equity prevailed and life outcomes were no longer predicted based on race, leading to overall improvements.
- Collaborate with Ramsey County leadership to develop and implement strategies for advancing racial and health equity.
- Provide strategic support for activities, implement shared measurement practices, and drive policy advancements in support of funding initiatives
- Work with the community to advance initiatives to create suitable county strategies, programs, and procedures.
- Increase focus on creating a respectful workplace environment while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Monitor progress towards achieving the goals and strategies for advancing racial and health equity on all decision-making including tracking and regularly reporting on deliverables and outcomes
- Ensure efficient utilization of budgeted and non-budgeted project resources through effective management.
Data Entry Specialist (PT)
Hearth Connections
Saint Paul, MN
08.2022 - Current
- Enhance the data quality and assist in the organization’s renewed supportive housing model in collaboration with government and community partners across the state
- Administering and overseeing the required external electronic databases including but not limited to the HMIS
- Ensuring that program administrative operations are conducted in compliance with current mandated requirements
- Act as a point of contact between community partners and the agency.
Administrative Assistant 3
Ramsey County Health & Wellness Administrative Division
Saint Paul, MN
04.2021 - 11.2022
- Screened supervisor's incoming calls and mail; independently responded to inquiries, complaints, and concerns by gathering and providing both technical and routine information on department programs and services; routed remaining calls and mail to supervisor or appropriate departmental staff; handled confidential information with discretion and maintained compliance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act in releasing information
- Maintained clear channels of communication between supervisor and subordinates, ensuring timely transmission of information and completion of assignments
- Assisted in the development and implementation of administrative policies and procedures; analyzed problems, gathered materials, reviewed present procedures as well as procedures used in other jurisdictions; developed alternative solutions and prepared reports and made recommendations related to findings
- Provided administrative and secretarial assistance in arranging meetings and conferences: prepared agendas, gathered needed information and materials, took and distributed minutes; represented supervisor in both internal and external meetings as requested; ensured that all necessary topics were discussed at meetings and did follow up to see that appropriate staff were contacted, required actions were taken, and deadlines were met.
Correctional Officer 1
Ramsey County Correctional Facility
Saint Paul, MN
04.2016 - 04.2021
- Oversaw inmates during job assignments, meals, recreation, extra duty, and visiting to ensure the security and safety of inmates and staff; observed, monitored, recorded, and reported any unusual inmate activity or behavior
- Fostered regular interactions with inmates to encourage an inclusive culture of communication between staff and detainees; imparted knowledge about facility rules, regulations, and multiple program offerings
- Demonstrated ability to handle emergency scenarios by promptly responding to calls for assistance while maintaining control and safety measures
- Cultivated constructive rapport with resident offenders, prioritizing professionalism and clear boundaries.
Housing Program Administration Department Director
RS EDEN
Minneapolis, MN
03.2015 - 04.2021
- Managed the billing specialist and support service stock and delivery roles.
- Implemented efficient revenue management strategies for all billable services under Support Services Programs.
- Maintained strict compliance with current mandated requirements in conducting program administrative operations
- Collaborated effectively with CFO and Accounting staff to streamline billing processes
- Managed the necessary external electronic databases, including the HMIS, with responsibility for administration and oversight.
- Maintained oversight of quarterly and monthly data reporting processes
- Attended all necessary professional meetings, committees, and continuums on behalf of RS EDEN.
- Successfully manage oversight of compliance files and eligibility for intake departments
- Oversaw disbursement of client funds and household needs for Housing Supports clients
- Served as the main contact for DHS, County, and State officials.
Office Manager/Logistical Analyst/Interim Branch Manager
Mobile Mini
Lino Lakes, MN
11.2013 - 10.2014
- Ensured Mobile Mini Units were successfully delivered and picked up from customer sites by managing dispatch plans, and driver assignments, tracking progress, and providing troubleshooting support.
- Implemented data-driven approaches for evaluating branch sales performance and devising improvement plans
- Participated in the hiring process by conducting interviews
- Ensured staff consistently met and exceeded service standards through coaching and development
- Ensured branch compliance with DOT, OSHA, and state/local safety regulations by conducting frequent safety meetings.
Brokerage Service Representative
Ameriprise Financial
Minneapolis, MN
04.2012 - 11.2013
- Assisted advisers/clients in managing and maintaining brokerage accounts.
- Assisted advisers in navigating through Ameriprise programs used to manage brokerage accounts
- Maintained high standards of call center efficiency through continuous monitoring and optimization of key performance metrics such as average handle time, after-call work, quality, and scheduled adherence.
Education
BS - Business Management
University of St. Thomas
Diploma -
Fridley High School
Skills
- Process Improvement
- Corporate Culture Change Initiatives
- Compliance Documentation
- Strategy Development & Implementation
- Policy Improvement Recommendations
- Database management
- Verbal & Written Communication
- Presentation & Facilitation
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Staff Management
- Interpersonal & Relationship Building
- Equitable Hiring, Recruiting & Interviewing
- Change Management
- Budget Management
- Project Management
- Staff Training
- Stakeholder Management
- Partnership Development
- Data Collection
Certification
Certified ToPs Facilitator - Hue Life
Building Racial Equity: Foundations - Race Forward
Implementation Leadership Academy - ACJI
Timeline
Race & Health Equity Planner
Ramsey County Community Corrections
11.2022 - Current
Data Entry Specialist (PT)
Hearth Connections
08.2022 - Current
Administrative Assistant 3
Ramsey County Health & Wellness Administrative Division
04.2021 - 11.2022
Correctional Officer 1
Ramsey County Correctional Facility
04.2016 - 04.2021
Housing Program Administration Department Director
RS EDEN
03.2015 - 04.2021
Office Manager/Logistical Analyst/Interim Branch Manager
Mobile Mini
11.2013 - 10.2014
Brokerage Service Representative
Ameriprise Financial
04.2012 - 11.2013
BS - Business Management
University of St. Thomas
Diploma -
Fridley High School