Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Community Involvement
Fun Facts
Awards
Community Service
Timeline
Generic

Esther Woodson

Indianapolis,IN

Summary

Passionate about the City of Indianapolis and bringing people together through sports, community engagement and bettering our city. Assisting young people and those young at heart achieve their goals. An unapologetic team leader with a record of success of implementing programs and bringing individuals together to achieve goals.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Director

Indy Achieves
02.2019 - Current
  • Identify community partners for engaging in Indy Achieves mentorship program
  • Manage budget of over $5 million dollars
  • Create and sustain partnerships with Marion County schools to provide direct services to students
  • Supervise five Student Success Coaches at partnering institution and assist them in cultivating on campus partnerships and resources for cohort of assigned students
  • Cultivate and manage relationships with postsecondary partner institutions
  • Seek out new opportunities for partnering for meaning experiences for students
  • Represent organization by speaking engagements, radio interviews, television interviews, etc.

Assistant Director TRIO Upward Bound

IUPUI
08.2016 - 02.2019
  • Cultivated relationships with external partners for programs focusing on banking, community service, scholarship information, professional dress, business etiquette and career exploration
  • Managed Social Media Posts highlighting program events, student spotlight and upcoming occasions
  • Conducted media interviews when requested
  • Developed and oversee curriculum planning for both Academic Year and Summer Academy, ensuring core classes are aligned with Indiana Department of Education standards
  • Coordinated Senior Component including workshops, advising, college process, job shadows, scholarship opportunities, leadership and career development
  • Assisted Director with the management, administration and implementation of the goals and objectives of the program
  • Supported Director in implementing policies and procedures, program planning, decision masking and collection and assessment of data.

Assistant Director of K-12 Initiatives

Ivy Tech Community College
08.2009 - 08.2016
  • Sustained positive working relationships with internal and external audiences including Program Chairs, Faulty, Principals, Teachers and counselors
  • Coordinated and implemented Summer Academy orientation and events for 100 students
  • Organized Professional Development opportunities for high school teachers and counselors
  • Provided students with scholarship and post-secondary information
  • Made regular visits to 45 assigned high schools/career centers sites to ensure quality and alignment with NACEP accreditation guidelines
  • Communicated expectations of program to Dual Credit teachers, students and parents
  • Developed and maintained current database of program information
  • Ensured accuracy of student registrations, grade rosters, data entry and deadlines
  • Assisted K-12 Department in increasing enrollment numbers by 20% every year starting in 2010.

Work for Success Program Coordinator

Simon Youth Foundation
03.2007 - 07.2009
  • Recruited students from Lafayette and Washington Square Malls Education Resource Centers to participate in Work for Success Program
  • Developed partnerships with outside businesses/organizations for the purposes of students completing work base job shadows, internships, mock interviews and volunteer opportunities
  • Organized and supervised filed trips, securing transportation, lodging, meals and admission tickets
  • Created individual Service Strategies and goal setting by using formal and informal assessments
  • Networked with community professionals for the purpose of conducting presentations (Financial Literacy, interviewing skills, parenting, business etiquette, FASFA, etc.)
  • Managed budget of $176,000.00 keeping check book entries, paying invoices and awarding incentives to participants.

Community Relations Specialist

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
09.2004 - 12.2006
  • Coordinated and managed educational, health, social and recreational activities and events
  • Established and maintained partnerships with external constituents, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Indians, etc
  • Represented the organization through television/radio interviews and at community fairs and expos
  • Developed external partnership-building related to volunteer recruitment
  • Created first corporate volunteer recognition award
  • Assisted in recruitment efforts, as well as cultivating potential volunteers
  • Created and supervised short-term mentoring programs
  • Responsible for program evaluations from volunteers, participants and parents
  • Assisted Enrollment and Matching Team as needed.

Education

Masters Management and Leadership -

Western Governor’s University
Indianapolis
01.2024

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism -

Indiana University Ernie Pyle School of Journalism
Bloomington, IN
05.2000

Skills

    Building and sustaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders

    Extensive knowledge of community organizations that promote excellence in the community

    Creating positive working environments

    Excellent verbal and writing skills including experience in public speaking and presentations

    Outstanding program implementation and management

    Progressive experience in event planning and coordination

    Breaking down silos to achieve meaningful collaborations

    Outstanding customer service and organizational skills

Community Involvement

  • Ben Davis High School, Basketball Mom, Coordinate fundraising for boys’ basketball teams, Communicate with parents game day information and team appearance events
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, Big Sister, 2001 - Present

Fun Facts

Popcorn connoisseur, enjoys HGTV, Thrift shopping and tennis

Awards

  • Center for Leadership Development – Finalist for Minority Achievers Award (2022)
  • Inspire Awards “The Power of Mentoring” – Youth Mentoring Finalist (2018)
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana – Big Sister of the Year Award (2015)
  • Live United – Volunteer of the Year Award (2014)

Community Service

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
  • JEDI (Justice Equality Diversity Inclusion) Committee


  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Chi Chi Omega Chapter
  • Committee Member Books & Breakfast with Santa
  • Committee Member Back to School Extravaganza
  • Committee Member Impact Week

Timeline

Executive Director

Indy Achieves
02.2019 - Current

Assistant Director TRIO Upward Bound

IUPUI
08.2016 - 02.2019

Assistant Director of K-12 Initiatives

Ivy Tech Community College
08.2009 - 08.2016

Work for Success Program Coordinator

Simon Youth Foundation
03.2007 - 07.2009

Community Relations Specialist

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
09.2004 - 12.2006

Masters Management and Leadership -

Western Governor’s University

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism -

Indiana University Ernie Pyle School of Journalism

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Esther Woodson