FERDINANDO CASTRO GONZALEZ
New York,NY
Summary
Effective at planning promotional strategies to drive membership growth. Encouraging and focused leader with demonstrated success in bonding team members based on shared goals. Dedicated to revitalizing the group with forward-thinking approaches.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Cooke Outreach Representative (CORP)
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
01.2020 - Current
- Represented Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as an ambassador to increase awareness and guide community college students on applying for a full-ride scholarship for undergraduate and master's degrees.
- Executed promotional campaigns for the organization's services.
- Organized and facilitated community meetings and educational events.
- Attended conferences, workshops, seminars, and other networking events.
- Created promotional materials for special events, campaigns, and initiatives.
Chapter President, United Nation Association
Columbia University
New York, NY
01.2021 - 05.2024
- Grew student membership from 3 to over 500 within a single academic year, establishing the largest chapter nationally.
- Organized and hosted two events to commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda in collaboration with the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations, Ambassador Claver Gatete.
- I earned a spot on the Second Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent at the United Nations, where I served as a member of the advisory board for advocating for African descendants' well-being.
- Gained recognition for actively supporting campus-wide SDGs initiatives, leading to an invitation from the Economic and Social Council Youth Forum for engaging in policy discussions. Contributed significantly to fostering a more sustainable and thriving community.
- Received recognition from the Secretary General of Italy and Morocco at the United Nations Association for my groundbreaking contributions in enhancing multilateralism and multilingualism in human rights affairs.
Co-Founder, Venezuela Student Association (VENSA)
Columbia University
New York, NY
01.2021 - 05.2024
- Recruited 50 members to establish the initial leadership roster
- Devised & implemented organization's bylaws, constitutions, exhibited for evaluation to Student Senate.
- Created meeting agendas to ensure efficient organization and clear communication between team members during weekly meetings. Facilitated discussions by identifying key talking points and keeping the conversation focused. Achieved successful outcomes and boosted productivity by ensuring all agenda items were addressed within set timeframes.
- Created and managed culturally-focused events to increase understanding of my native country's traditions and ongoing humanitarian issues.
- Pioneered 'Future Venezuela', which marked the first-ever interdisciplinary Conference held at an Ivy League University exclusively for Venezuelan students studying in any of the eight participating institutions. Orchestrated discussions led by subject matter authorities covering vital areas like energy, economy, as well as addressing intricate concerns related to humanitarian crises and mass migrations.
- Represented Venezuela at the United Nations, highlighting humanitarian challenges and presenting research on strategies for improving the lives of Venezuelan citizens.
University Senator’s Legislative assistant
Columbia University
New York, NY
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Annotated and summarized discussions from Senate meetings to inform students about university affairs
- Conducted student interviews to gain insight into their needs and obstacles for data analysis, alongside the student senator. Utilized gathered information to formulate policy recommendations.
- Spoke on behalf of the school community during University Senate meetings by communicating their issues to the university president, board of trustees, deans and faculty representatives
- Analyzed current and proposed policies, identified potential issues, and developed solutions. Additionally, I prepared written summaries of policy proposals for the University Senate review.
Director of Outreach, Interschool Governing Board
Columbia University
New York, NY
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Provided official recognition status and funding to student groups for their initiatives.
- Fostered interactions between all 21 schools at Columbia University to facilitate collaboration and utilize their collective talents and resources.
- Conceptualized and executed media campaigns to create awareness about available resources.
- Managed budgeting and financial planning processes for the organization.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the organization
State of Texas Resolutions Committee Chair, Texas Junior Colleges Student Government Association
Dallas Community College
Dallas, USA
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Managed all Texas resolutions committee meetings, informing the State Officer Board of findings and decisions.
- Oversaw representatives in all six Texas regions, aiding in researching state needs and presenting solutions.
- Successfully enhanced the experience of all Texas community college students by implementing resolutions which required the provision of mandatory mental and emotional wellness education, disability education and advocacy measures. Additionally, instituted programs such as clothes closets for low-income students, free access to feminine hygiene products, and made it more accessible for U.S. Citizens to register and vote.
Education
Bachelor’s - Political Science, Focus in International Relations, Minor in Comparative Politics & Latin American Studies
Columbia University, School of General Studies
New York, NY05.2024
Associate of Science - Hospitality/Exhibition and Event Management
Dallas College (Richland Campus)
05.2021
Language certification - Concentrations (English, French, and Italian)
Venezuela’s Bolivarian Military University – School of Languages Francisco de Miranda
12.2014
Skills
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Clear Written and verbal Communication
- Emotional Awareness
- Precision in Work
- Strategic Planning
- Innovation and Creativity
- Membership promotion
- Efficient Data Management
- Data-Driven Insights
- Active Community Engagement
Accomplishments
- Inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha and GS Honor Society, Columbia University 2022-2023
- GS Service Award,Columbia University, Columbia University 2022-2023
- 3 times Spirit Award on Service and Leadership, Columbia University, 2021-2024
- U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Government of the United States of America 2020-2021
- All USA Academic Team, American Association of Community Colleges 2020-2021
- All Texas Academic Team, American Association of Community Colleges 2020-2021
- Texas Student Leader of the Year, TJCSGA 2020-2021
- Student Leader of the Year, Dallas College 2020-2021
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholar, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation 2020-2021
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Full Professional
French
Professional
Italian
Professional
Timeline
Chapter President, United Nation Association
Columbia University
01.2021 - 05.2024
Co-Founder, Venezuela Student Association (VENSA)
Columbia University
01.2021 - 05.2024
University Senator’s Legislative assistant
Columbia University
01.2021 - 01.2023
Director of Outreach, Interschool Governing Board
Columbia University
01.2021 - 01.2022
Cooke Outreach Representative (CORP)
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
01.2020 - Current
State of Texas Resolutions Committee Chair, Texas Junior Colleges Student Government Association
Dallas Community College
01.2019 - 01.2021
Bachelor’s - Political Science, Focus in International Relations, Minor in Comparative Politics & Latin American Studies
Columbia University, School of General Studies
Associate of Science - Hospitality/Exhibition and Event Management
Dallas College (Richland Campus)
Language certification - Concentrations (English, French, and Italian)
Venezuela’s Bolivarian Military University – School of Languages Francisco de Miranda
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