DIA TALIAFERRO
Burnsville,MN
Summary
Student life professional with expertise in student affairs, residential life, academic advising, community building, student programming, diversity, equity and inclusion, and student success. Bringing the proven ability to promote organization, leadership skills, strategic planning, and student development.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Advisor
University of Minnesota
07.2024 - Current
- Manage approximately 200 student caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
- Provides support and guidance to students experiencing academic and personal troubles.
- Develops strong relationships with students, providing mentorship and fostering personal growth.
- Assist students in selecting courses to align with their interests and abilities.
- Enhance student success by developing and implementing comprehensive academic plans.
- Assist students in identifying career goals and aligning them with appropriate academic programs.
Assistant Director of TRIO Student Support Services
Carleton College
06.2022 - 06.2024
- Advised TRIO students on course selection, progress toward graduation, and career decisions
- Utilized a holistic advising model, challenge, guide, and support students’ personal growth
- Directed, coordinate, and evaluate activities within academic institutions, departments, and alumni organizations
- Used independent judgment and problem-solving skills to assist individual students in navigating the academic and curricular policies and procedures established by the College
- Maintained updated reports on students’ progress
- Provided a space of safe dialogue with concerns of DEI on-campus
Customer Service Agent
Delta Air Lines
12.2014 - 11.2023
- Provided passenger assistance at ticket counter and gate areas by issuing tickets, checking baggage, and assigning seats
- Resolved customer requests, questions, and complaints by analyzing individual situations and determining the best use of resources
- Operated PA system to make announcements regarding flight activity
- Provided a high level of customer service to each person by engaging customers and using active listening and effective interpersonal skills
- Help and assisted over 800 traveling passengers per day
Area Director/Academic Success Coach
Carleton College
06.2021 - 06.2022
- Served as a student mentor and counselor for students when housing problems and personal adjustment issues arose
- Met with resident assistants to discuss events and the student experience within residential halls
- Served on call through the academic school year
- Responded to crises and determined the level of assistance needed
- Conducted weekly meetings with directors, assessed and advocated resident needs; recommended solutions and strategies to improve resident care and satisfaction
- Examined students' goals and interests to counsel them on important academic decisions
Graduate Assistant Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
West Chester University
10.2019 - 05.2021
- Co-facilitated diversity, equity and inclusion trainings and workshops for faculty, students and staff members
- Served as an ambassador for DEI initiatives and efforts on campus
- Helped implement DEI assessments for students, staff and faculty
- Completed the Institute for Cultural Competence & Inclusive Excellence certificate
- Maintained social media and RamConnect for event updates
- Provided administrative support with scheduling workshops, room bookings, created agendas and maintained records of attendance
- Attended weekly one on one meetings with the DEI Coordinator to review training materials and further professional development
- Advised student organizations with best DEI practices for programming and inclusivity for building campus community
Graduate Assistant Office of Student Engagement
Swarthmore College
09.2019 - 05.2021
- Served as a liaison and resource to a diverse range of student’s clubs and organizations
- Served as the lead advisor to some of the Office of Student Engagement student groups and/or student staff
- Served as a consultant to students and student organization leaders seeking assistance and advice regarding leadership and program development through regular drop-in hours
- Assisted in the development and facilitation of student training; including student leadership skills
- Worked closely with the Director of Student Activities to create and implement campus-wide co-curricular programming
- Provided logistical support for room booking, budgetary management, student reimbursements, and other administrative duties as assigned
- Performed research on best practices related to student programming and organizational management
Education
Master of Science - Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA05.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Dance
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2013
Timeline
Academic Advisor
University of Minnesota
07.2024 - Current
Assistant Director of TRIO Student Support Services
Carleton College
06.2022 - 06.2024
Area Director/Academic Success Coach
Carleton College
06.2021 - 06.2022
Graduate Assistant Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
West Chester University
10.2019 - 05.2021
Graduate Assistant Office of Student Engagement
Swarthmore College
09.2019 - 05.2021
Customer Service Agent
Delta Air Lines
12.2014 - 11.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Dance
Columbia College Chicago
Master of Science - Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs
West Chester University of Pennsylvania