Itzel Najera
Sun Valley,CA
Summary
Graduate student in Urban Planning with a strong commitment to social and environmental justice, community empowerment, and equitable urban development. Experienced in working with non-profit organizations and grassroots movements focused on addressing environmental hazards, systemic inequality, and barriers to opportunity in marginalized communities. Resilient candidate with over 6 years of experience with public services looking to create social and environmental change in communities that need it most.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Financial Aid and Advancement Assistant
Notre Dame High School
11.2024 - Current
- Generated reports detailing a variety of metrics including enrollment trends, award amounts. Performed detailed analysis on over 800 student financial records to ensure accuracy of data. Provided exceptional customer service to students, families, and staff regarding financial aid eligibility requirements. Considers many factors when determining each family's ability to pay. This includes income, assets, and expenses, including educational costs for other children. Created documents using Microsoft Office Suite programs such as Excel and Word. Maintained confidential records and files related to student financial aid information. Assisted with the development of budgets for the office's operating expenses. Analyzed current and potential donor data to identify demographics and trends.
Older Youth Leader
Think Together
09.2024 - 09.2025
- Engages with over 50 older youths by following, implementing, and assisting in creating lesson plans. Coached, instructed and supervised participating youths through collaborative efforts with like-minded, creative, and poised team members. Engaged youth by following, implementing, and assisting in creating lesson plans.
Barista/Shift Supervisor
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
03.2022 - 07.2024
- Proficient barista with expertise in crafting beverages while in an extremely stressful environment. Restocked and cleaned stations and facilities to maintain cleanly and operable standards.
Instructor/Team Leader
Prison Education Program
06.2023 - 04.2024
- Facilitated two classes, providing in-custody students with the cognitive tools necessary to function as productive citizens. Developed 30 weekly lesson plans for 80 students between the ages of preteen to full-grown male adults. Instructed incarcerated individuals in classes that improved civic engagement and reduced recidivism. Supervised 20 volunteers who assisted in class discussions and creating lesson plans. Provided academic, life skills, and career development programs to help incarcerated individuals. Served PEP in connecting to correctional facilities and colleges to further PEP services. Prepared grant proposal to further increase funding into the program
Community Leader
Pacoima Beautiful
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Organized events to improve areas with different needs in their own neighborhoods. Community leader who assisted in the development of building community relations and being an advocate for environmental change in the San Fernando Valley. Collaborated in weekly meetings to campaign for the shutdown of Whiteman Airport
Customer Service Representative/Cashier
Bed Bath & Beyond
10.2020 - 12.2022
- Assisted customers with finding items and placing online orders for customers to maintain customer satisfaction. Operated cash register for transactions and returns. Kept the department clean and stocked to give customers the ultimate shopping experience. Experience in packing and shipping orders
English Tutor/Teacher Assistant
Telfair Elementary School
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Supervised and tutored 15 students between kindergarten to 5th grade on reading comprehension to improve literacy in the English Language. Developed lesson plans for age groups between kindergarten to 5th grade to learn to read and write in English. Build relationships with students to understand obstacles to learning such as difficult home situations, illness or social hurdles.
Nurse Assistant/Cashier
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center
01.2018 - 08.2018
- Collaborated with nurses to maintain a clean environment by wiping down tables, sweeping floors, cleaning sheets, and disinfecting high-touch areas. Provided comfort and emotional support for elderly patients in intensive care. Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
Education
Master of Arts - Urban Planning
California State Polytechnic University
Los Angeles, CA05-2027
Bachelor's - Political Science
California State Polytechnic University
Pomona, CA05.2024
Skills
- Database management
- Community Service
- Public transportation
- Time management
- Complex Problem-solving
- Research and data collection
- Data interpretation
- Data Analysis
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Youth development
- Land use planning
- Urban planning
- Community outreach
Certification
- USC Dean Merit Scholarship Recipient
- Community Impact Scholarship Recipient
- California Latino Legislative Association Scholarship Recipient
- USC Latino Alumni Association Scholarship Recipient
- Christa McCauliffe Scholarship Recipient
- Awarded Certificate of Recognition by California Senator, Caroline Menjivar
LANGUAGES
Spanish Bilingual
American Sign Language Beginner
Timeline
Financial Aid and Advancement Assistant
Notre Dame High School
11.2024 - Current
Older Youth Leader
Think Together
09.2024 - 09.2025
Instructor/Team Leader
Prison Education Program
06.2023 - 04.2024
Community Leader
Pacoima Beautiful
01.2023 - 08.2023
Barista/Shift Supervisor
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
03.2022 - 07.2024
Customer Service Representative/Cashier
Bed Bath & Beyond
10.2020 - 12.2022
English Tutor/Teacher Assistant
Telfair Elementary School
01.2018 - 01.2019
Nurse Assistant/Cashier
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center
01.2018 - 08.2018
Master of Arts - Urban Planning
California State Polytechnic University
Bachelor's - Political Science
California State Polytechnic University