JAMES RIOFRIO
Youth Program Director
Durham,NC
Summary
Motivated student working towards a Master of Divinity degree with meaningful potential in providing academic and practical formation to others. Skilled at conducting research, managing projects and engaging with course materials. Strong problem-solving skills and committed to staying current with best practices and trends in higher education.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Youth Program Coordinator
Fiesta Cristiana UMC
Apex, NC
10.2023 - Current
- Implement a psychosocial approach based on listening and care, strengthening protective factors for the young people's well-being
- Implement genuine relationship scenarios mediated by participatory and playful pedagogical practices affirming young people's dignity and belonging
- Implement a family-based approach, strengthening care and protection practices in the family environment
- Articulation with programs and initiatives from Fiesta Cristiana and partner churches/institutions to generate efficiencies and amplify impacts.
Ambassador, Administrative office
Duke Divinity School
Durham, NC
09.2021 - Current
- For Academics office, Manage course registration communications
- Craft resources for students and faculty that promote academic success
Intern
CityWell UMC—Duke Divinity School
Durham, NC
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Attended and participated in regular Sunday worship meetings
- Met with church staff weekly to organize agenda
- Preached when scheduled
Intern
Iglesia La Semilla UMC—Duke Divinity School
Durham, NC
05.2021 - 05.2023
- Member of the church board
- Oversaw every aspect of the congregation’s well-being
- Preached when scheduled
- Participated in Community outreach efforts
- Organized and ran food distribution events
- Organized and ran community and health events
Resident Assistant
Duke University, Housing and Residence Life Staff, Duke East Campus
Durham, NC
01.2021 - 01.2022
Youth Ministry Vice-President
First Spanish Church Of The Nazarene
Stamford, CT
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Assisted the Youth President in coordinating the ecclesiastical plan for the current year
- Filled in and led whenever the active Youth President was absent.
Youth Ministry President
First Spanish Church of the Nazarene
Stamford, CT
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Local Youth Ministry President (NYI)
- Organized, developed, and executed a specific plan for the youth ministry’s direction during the ecclesiastical year
- Planned events, ran fund-raisers, and actively engaged in discipleship training
- Had a deciding vote and say on financial, logistical, and educational matters of the Church., Attended and participated in scheduled worship meetings
- Became responsible for the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of the local youth population
- Attended districtwide Youth Ministry President meetings.
Education
Master of Divinity -
Duke Divinity School
Durham, NC 08.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences
University of Connecticut
Stamford, CT 05.2017 - 05.2021
Skills
Trained academic writer
Skillful orator
Form and defend independent conclusions
Design a project or model that defines a problem, tests potential resolutions and implements a solution
Effectively mentor student and peers
Affiliations
Member of The United Methodist Church
Accomplishments
Participated in the first Intergenerational Preaching & Bilingual Ministry Course Cohort- Duke Divinity School Student
Timeline
Youth Program Coordinator
Fiesta Cristiana UMC
10.2023 - Current
Intern
CityWell UMC—Duke Divinity School
05.2023 - 08.2023
Ambassador, Administrative office
Duke Divinity School
09.2021 - Current
Master of Divinity -
Duke Divinity School
08.2021 - Current
Intern
Iglesia La Semilla UMC—Duke Divinity School
05.2021 - 05.2023
Resident Assistant
Duke University, Housing and Residence Life Staff, Duke East Campus
01.2021 - 01.2022
Youth Ministry Vice-President
First Spanish Church Of The Nazarene
01.2018 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences
University of Connecticut
05.2017 - 05.2021
Youth Ministry President
First Spanish Church of the Nazarene
01.2017 - 01.2018