JESSI KALAMBAYI
Denver,CO
Summary
Graduate student in International Studies and program manager with experience in refugee resettlement, workforce development, and community-based advocacy. Skilled in managing cross-sector partnerships, coordinating complex programs, and communicating with diverse stakeholders. Seeking to explore new opportunities while deepening my understanding of state government operations, policy, and constituent services.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager, Ready for American Hospitality (RAH)
University of Denver – Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality
01.2023 - Current
- Lead a 100-hour workforce integration program for refugee and immigrant participants, coordinating training, employer engagement, and wrap-around support.
- Maintain administrative documentation including budgeting, confidential case notes, and program tracking to meet partner and institutional requirements.
- Develop and deliver presentations to employer partners on refugee hiring and support practices, contributing to improved employment retention.
- Manage partnerships between the University of Denver, the Africana Community Center, and employer partners to align programmatic needs and goals.
- Provide mentorship and support to staff, interns, and volunteers to strengthen their professional development and client-facing skills.
Public Benefits and RAH Case aide
ECDC African Community Center
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Coordinated and followed up on Employment Services (ESL/enrollment) for refugee clients within the resettlement network.
- Assisted public benefits specialists with TANF, SNAP (Food Stamps), and Medicaid applications, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.
- Supported the RAH program manager with curriculum instruction, planning, and administrative tasks.
- Supervised interns and volunteers, training them on client-based tasks such as Xfinity Essentials internet setups and ESL registration.
- Provided French and Lingala interpretation on a need-to-need basis to reduce language barriers for families.
Peer Advisor
Metropolitan State University of Denver – Career Services
08.2019 - 01.2022
- Facilitated mock interviews and one-on-one resume/cover letter advising sessions for undergraduate students.
- Prepared career workshop materials and completed administrative tasks for the Career Services office.
- Shared resources and opportunities to support students’ career readiness and internships.
Economic Empowerment Intern
ECDC African Community Center
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Conducted TANF orientations for newly arrived refugees, explaining program expectations and available services.
- Supported case managers with administrative and filing tasks for TANF-related documentation.
- Used Salesforce, CBMS, and Google Workspace to maintain accurate records of TANF activities and client progress.
- Maintained contact with community members and joined home visits with the Economic Empowerment Coach to adhere to 24-hour arrival policy.
- Transported refugees to Social Security, EBT, and medical appointments and assisted with apartment setups.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Intern
United Nations Association of Boulder County
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Contributed to committee projects through research, report writing, and meeting preparation.
- Assisted with event planning and outreach to community members around DEI initiatives.
Sales Associate
Ross Dress for Less
10.2018 - 01.2021
- Trained new associates on daily tasks including cashiering and fitting room procedures.
- Supported a positive customer experience while managing a high-volume retail environment.
- Student Caller
Student Caller
Metropolitan State University of Denver
04.2018 - 08.2018
- Contacted alumni to raise funds for scholarship programs and updated confidential alumni records.
- Customer Service Agent
Customer service agent
24-7 Intouch
12.2016 - 01.2018
- Promoted to escalation agent to assist with complex airline reservation issues.
- Informed guests of flight details and policies while adhering to company standards.
- Assisted guests with all reservations
Education
Master of Arts - International Studies - Migration Specialization
University of Denver – Josef Korbel School of International Studies
06-2026
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Minor in Africana Studies
Metropolitan State University of Denver
12-2021
Skills
- Program Management
- Community Engagement
- Training and development
- Public speaking
- Refugee Resettlement & Workforce Development
- Data Entry & Case Documentation (Salesforce, CBMS, Geneva)
- Google Workspace & Microsoft Office
- Cultural Awareness & Cross-Cultural Communication
- Event Planning & Coordination
- Mentoring & Team Support
- Strong Initiative, Confidentiality, and Professionalism
- Problem-solving
Languages
French
Timeline
Program Manager, Ready for American Hospitality (RAH)
University of Denver – Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality
01.2023 - Current
Public Benefits and RAH Case aide
ECDC African Community Center
01.2022 - 12.2022
Economic Empowerment Intern
ECDC African Community Center
07.2021 - 12.2021
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Intern
United Nations Association of Boulder County
01.2021 - 05.2021
Peer Advisor
Metropolitan State University of Denver – Career Services
08.2019 - 01.2022
Sales Associate
Ross Dress for Less
10.2018 - 01.2021
Student Caller
Metropolitan State University of Denver
04.2018 - 08.2018
Customer service agent
24-7 Intouch
12.2016 - 01.2018
Master of Arts - International Studies - Migration Specialization
University of Denver – Josef Korbel School of International Studies
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Minor in Africana Studies
Metropolitan State University of Denver
HONORS & LEADERSHIP
- Co-President, African Student Union, MSU Denver (Aug 2020 – Dec 2021)
- Student Involvement & Leadership Award, 2020–2021
- Provost Honor Roll, 2018–2021
- Africana Studies Department Scholarship, 2020–2021
- Employee of the Month, 24/7 Intouch – December 2017