Selene Cortez
Director
Gresham,SC
Summary
Experienced non-profit goal-oriented manager with special interest in advocacy, public policy, program development and evaluation, and coalition building. Extensive experience in the development of campaigns, programs, and events which raise awareness of the issues affecting young mothers, children, and the Latinx community.
Topics of interest: *Drivers of girls, young women, and gender-expansive youth into the juvenile legal system influence of violence and adversity on child and adolescent development, behaviors, and health* Participation of those most impacted in research, problem identification, program development, and policy solutions
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Justice and Joy National Collaborative
01.2020 - Current
- Managed the IMPACT National Alliance of eleven young moms between the ages of 17 and 31, representing diverse backgrounds and lived expertise on the IMPACT (Invincible Mammas Pushing for Action and Change Together) in developing a national advocacy network by and for young mamas and their families
- Public policy and advocacy work for girls and young women, public speaking, and workshops
- Directed and managed the IMPACT (Invincible Mammas Pushing for Action and Change Together) project
- Developed and deepened relationships with new and existing partners to advance and improve project progress
- The Leadership of the Voices of Experience (LOVE) project, funded by the Office on Violence Against Women, supported the management of the project and worked closely with the OVW project manager, sub-awardees, and contractors, including survivors of incarceration and gender-based violence, to develop and refine the scope of work, and co-author a training curriculum to build victim service providers' capacity for supporting currently and formerly incarcerated survivors
- OJJDP Reducing Risk for Girls in the Juvenile Justice System, Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) supported the management and coordination of the training and technical assistance to twelve OJJDP-funded program sites under the OJJDP Girls Portfolio and worked closely with contractors, including young women who are survivors of incarceration, to provide and strategize webinars, data analysis, peer-to-peer learning exchanges, roundtables, and conferences (virtual and in-person)
- Developed tools and systems for project management, including tracking deliverables, timekeeping, and consultant support
- Coordinated logistics for meetings, listening sessions, and other convening needs
- Direct, develop, manage, and implement project activities, including, but not limited to, technical assistance to government and community groups, research and evaluation, and grant and contract management
- Handled communication management by taking and making telephone calls, reviewing and prioritizing emails, and composing and typing correspondence
- Negotiated agreements with external partners such as contractors or consultants
- Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency
- Oversaw strategic planning and implementation to ensure organizational goals were met
Operations Assistant
Justice and Joy National Collaborative
02.2018 - 08.2022
- Solved problems timely and effectively, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Managed day-to-day department operations with effective workflow coordination.
- Assisted operations manager with planning of routine operations and special projects.
- Supported daily operations by organizing office spaces for maximum functionality and ease of use.
- Welcome and greet office guests
- Support staff with general operational tasks
- Set up coverage when taking breaks, lunch
- Provide specific direction and tasks to back up staff covering office functions when out of office, vacations, etc.
- Plan and schedule meetings and office related events
- Answer phones in a professional manner
- Direct calls to appropriate staff or take detailed message
- Answer and send out faxes as needed
- Schedule travel arrangements for colleagues and partners.
- Type out correspondence emails, memos, meeting minutes
- Assist in preparation of presentation materials
- Monitor and maintain office equipment
- Monitor office supplies; order and re-stock as needed
- Ensure office is kept organized
- Office errands as needed
- Daily enter key data of financial transactions in database (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Deposits)
- Type accurately, prepare and maintain accounting documents and records
- Research, track and restore accounting or documentation problems and discrepancies
- Prepare bank deposits
- Maintain and update finance forms on a regular basis
- Verify invoices and coding of expenses for accuracy
- Issue checks for payment weekly
- Ensure that all finance related documents are organized, up to date and available on National Crittenton shared Dropbox
- Maintain all finance related documents in accordance to finance and accounting best practices
- Set-up & train coverage of daily finance task when out of office
- Implement & maintain the accounting systems, policies and procedures
- Monthly credit card reconciliation for all staff, verify coding expenses for accuracy
- Monthly timesheet reconciliation for all staff, verify coding and PTO allocation for accuracy
- Record detailed minutes for Monthly Board of Trustee Sustain Committee Meetings, check for accuracy and send out to committee for review
- Schedule and send meeting reminders out to Sustain Committee for monthly calls
- Manage logistics for board meetings, including: Reminder emails, rooming list, catering, transportation, etc.
- Maintain and update Board of Trustees documents on Dropbox. This includes: meeting minutes for Sustain & Reach Committee meetings; minutes for all board meetings; Board contact information and any Board meeting related materials.
Young Mom Advocate
Justice and Joy National Collaborative
06.2011 - 02.2018
- As a National Advocate with the Justice and Joy National Collaborative I focus on raising awareness of the issues affecting women and girls, specifically young mothers of color. I am currently committed to educating partners on new initiatives, working committees, and the newest program, BOLD, an innovative community for young women transitioning out of Crittenton agencies partnered with Justice and Joy National Collaborative.
- Presented, spoke and was a panelist at a number of briefings, conferences and stakeholder meetings across the country regarding girl, young women and young mother related issues e.g Foster care, child welfare, leadership, and advocacy.
- Maintained positive relationships with community to build and nurture dynamic partnerships.
- Initiated and maintained strong professional relationships with partners and stakeholders, leading to high retention rates and referrals.
- Network with diverse stakeholders to bring awareness and support to the BOLD (Bringing Opportunity, Love, and Determination) program that provides support services nationally to Crittenton consumers of service transitioning out of Crittenton programs to build their social capital virtually and In-person
- While gaining experience advocating for myself locally, I was also able to use my voice to advocate for others nationally by speaking in front of State Legislators and attending briefings in the White House.
Area Manager
Ring Ring Wireless
02.2015 - 02.2018
- Promoted positive customer service experiences by promptly resolving conflicts
- Implemented training initiatives to coach staff on best practices and protocol for enhanced profitability
- Supervised 25 employees to ensure optimal productivity
- Supervised business functions, employee staffing, customer retention and financial accountability for all stores
- Evaluated schedules, orders and forecasts to plan processes and meet timetables
- Boosted team morale and overall revenues by creating and implementing sales contests
- Monitored customer order process and addressed customer issues
- Improved overall customer purchasing experiences to promote steady revenue
- Created and implemented store displays, promoting sales and growth
- Received and reviewed candidate resume and job application submissions to approve or deny applicants for initial interviews
- Cultivated and maintained relationships and ongoing communication with potential job candidates
- Enhanced team member performance through use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching and training on topics such as effective prospecting, sales negotiations and presentation development
- Drove departmental efficiency by organizing comprehensive new hire training and orientation
Administrative Support Volunteer
MHCC Head Start
04.2013 - 06.2014
Education
High School Diploma -
Clackamas High School
Clackamas, OR06-2011
Skills
- Relationship building
- Attention to detail
- Document management
- Building and managing relationships
- Strategic planning
- Professional and friendly
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Director
Justice and Joy National Collaborative
01.2020 - Current
Operations Assistant
Justice and Joy National Collaborative
02.2018 - 08.2022
Area Manager
Ring Ring Wireless
02.2015 - 02.2018
Administrative Support Volunteer
MHCC Head Start
04.2013 - 06.2014
Young Mom Advocate
Justice and Joy National Collaborative
06.2011 - 02.2018
High School Diploma -
Clackamas High School
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