Hannah Emenaker
Fullerton
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with expertise in financial aid administration, student engagement, and cross-departmental collaboration. Skilled in project management, compliance, and process improvement, with a passion for justice, human rights, and conflict resolution. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and student success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director, Financial Aid
Biola University
02.2015 - Current
- Provide leadership within the Financial Aid Office, supporting policy implementation, team development, and interdepartmental collaboration
- Serve as a liaison between Financial Aid and university departments such as Student Success, Accounting, Admissions, and the Registrar
- Counsel and advise students and families regarding financial aid options, eligibility, and application processes through in-person meetings, phone, email, and virtual platforms
- Manage the review, verification, and packaging of financial aid files, including special circumstances considerations and professional judgment decisions
- Oversee customer service operations, resolving complex financial aid inquiries and student concerns
- Assist in hiring, training, and mentoring new financial aid counselors and front-office staff
- Maintain and supervise student worker office assistants, ensuring effective training, scheduling, and workflow management
- Manage and award the Golden State Teacher’s Grant Program, ensuring compliance and proper fund distribution
- Played a key role in the taskforce that created and implemented the First Gen Scholars Program to support first-generation students
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations
- Represent the university at conferences, workshops, and presentations, requiring occasional travel
- Coordinate financial aid workshops, presentations, and campus events to educate students on available resources
- Assist in budget management, including overseeing student worker budgets and discretionary resources
- Maintain and update financial aid communications, including website content, forms, and email notifications
- Attend professional development opportunities such as NAFSA webinars and FSA Conferences to stay informed on regulatory updates
AS9102 Quality Assurance Consultant
Aero Engineering, Inc.
09.2014 - 02.2015
- Assisted in bringing the company into compliance with AS9102 quality assurance standards
- Implemented and deployed a project management system to digitize, streamline, and organize all orders and requisitions
- Conducted internal audits and provided corrective action steps to prepare the company for its official audit
- Recommended and deployed updated technology and hardware to enhance operational efficiency
Research Analyst
Acacia Research Group, LLC
09.2013 - 09.2014
- Conducted in-depth market research to analyze current products and industry trends
- Compiled and prepared portfolios for legal and technical review, ensuring accuracy and completeness
- Researched potential acquisitions and successful entities, providing actionable insights to management
- Maintained proprietary databases and collaborated cross-departmentally to optimize workflow
Transfer Admissions Counselor
Biola University
07.2011 - 09.2013
- Developed and executed recruitment strategies to attract and enroll prospective transfer students, including extensive travel for college fairs, high school visits, and community events
- Managed a student application caseload of 300-500 applications per year, reviewing applicant files and making admissions decisions
- Cultivated relationships with prospective students, parents, and educators to build awareness and enthusiasm for Biola University
- Provided comprehensive counseling on admissions requirements, financial aid literacy, and the enrollment process
- Delivered dynamic presentations on Biola’s academic strengths, financial aid options, and student life to diverse audiences
- Utilized a strong work ethic to provide excellent customer service to prospective students, parents, and multiple departments with consistent verbal, written, and technological communication
- Advised the hiring process of new counselors: reviewing, interviewing, training, and mentoring
- Supervised, hired, trained, and motivated student workers for overall job satisfaction and team success
- Organized, built, and led teams of students in recruitment, engagement, and development efforts
- Collaborated with on-campus departments to enhance cross-departmental recruitment efforts, streamline student support services, and create a seamless admissions experience
- Presented various presentations for departments, university events, and diverse student groups
Education
Master of Arts - Intercultural Studies, Peace and Conflict Transformation
Biola University
La Mirada, CaliforniaBachelor of Arts - Intercultural Studies
Biola University
La Mirada, CaliforniaSkills
- Proficient in Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, Perceptive Content, and Ellucian Student Management Systems - Banner, Recruit, Campus Logic
- Conversational proficiency in Dutch and Russian
- Skilled in delivering exceptional customer service and resolving complex issues efficiently in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
- Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills
- Proven ability to analyze challenges, develop creative solutions, and work independently with strong decision-making skills
- Strong ability to navigate and collaborate effectively and inclusively across diverse cultural contexts
- Passionate about justice, peacemaking, and human rights issues, particularly in underrepresented communities and regions
Early Career Positions
Barista Shift Lead | Starbucks Coffee Company
International Admissions Assistant | Biola University
Timeline
Assistant Director, Financial Aid
Biola University
02.2015 - Current
AS9102 Quality Assurance Consultant
Aero Engineering, Inc.
09.2014 - 02.2015
Research Analyst
Acacia Research Group, LLC
09.2013 - 09.2014
Transfer Admissions Counselor
Biola University
07.2011 - 09.2013
Master of Arts - Intercultural Studies, Peace and Conflict Transformation
Biola University
Bachelor of Arts - Intercultural Studies
Biola University
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