Denise Hawthorne
Houston,TX
Summary
Driven and empathetic professional with a background in career advising, case management, student support, and customer-facing roles. Adept at guiding individuals through complex systems, building strategic education and employment pathways, and maintaining strong rapport with diverse populations. Skilled in database management, employer engagement, and student development. Committed to equitable access, operational efficiency, and holistic support in education and workforce development environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Career Navigator
Capital IDEA Houston
12.2023 - Current
- Provide one-on-one academic and career guidance to a caseload of 50+ adult students pursuing healthcare, tech, and trade careers.
- Conduct in-depth needs assessments to determine financial aid eligibility, social service referrals, and individualized career plans.
- Manage and maintain detailed student records in Salesforce and internal tracking systems, ensuring compliance with program guidelines and grant requirements.
- Facilitate career readiness workshops and mock interviews; collaborate with employer specialists to connect graduates with job opportunities.
- Monitor student progress, maintain regular contact, and intervene early to resolve academic or personal barriers to success.
- Coordinate tuition payments, exam reimbursements, and monthly stipends through internal approval and Bill.com systems.
- Provide emotional support and consistent encouragement to students navigating economic hardship, career changes, and first-generation challenges.
Career Advisor
Ultimate Medical Academy Online
04.2023 - 11.2023
- Advised students on short- and long-term career goals through virtual 1:1 sessions focused on resume development, job search strategies, and educational alignment.
- Built employer relationships to expand externship and job placement opportunities for allied health graduates.
- Tracked student outcomes and performance metrics; maintained documentation and reporting to support institutional goals.
- Consistently exceeded call engagement benchmarks, averaging over 40 calls per day and 2+ hours of coaching talk time.
Team Lead / Barista
Kroger (Starbucks Division)
07.2017 - 03.2023
- Managed daily operations and team performance for in-store Starbucks location, overseeing a small staff and maintaining high standards of customer service.
- Delivered excellent guest experiences while mentoring and training team members in fast-paced environments.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, coffee brewers, and POS systems; ensured compliance with safety and cleanliness protocols.
- Supported seasonal promotions, upselling, and inventory control to drive store performance.
- Developed strong communication and conflict resolution skills through regular customer interactions and team leadership.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX12.2021
Skills
- Student Services & Advising
- Case Management & Compliance
- Career Pathway Planning
- Intake & Needs Assessments
- Employer & Community Partnerships
- CRM & Database Tools (eg, Salesforce, Google Suite, Billcom)
- Strong Written & Verbal Communication
- Workshop Facilitation
- Time Management & Prioritization
Timeline
Career Navigator
Capital IDEA Houston
12.2023 - Current
Career Advisor
Ultimate Medical Academy Online
04.2023 - 11.2023
Team Lead / Barista
Kroger (Starbucks Division)
07.2017 - 03.2023
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Sam Houston State University
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