US DEPARTMENT OF STATE, BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS
08.2023 - Current
Receive and examine passport applications, endorsements or replacement of mutilated, lost or stolen passports
Review the application for completeness, signature, affirmation of the truthfulness of statements contained in the application, verification of the identity of the applicant, and presence of required photographs and fees
Identify gaps or inconsistencies in documentary evidence and seek to reconcile same through judicious questioning of 'walk-in' applicants, or through requests for additional documentary evidence
Maintain constant alertness to the possibility of fraudulent documentation or claims of identity
In cases where fraud is suspected complete 'Suspected Fraudulent Application' form indicating the reason for suspicion; Released to 33% audit shortly after completing National Training Program
Acting Steward, negotiating Work Schedule Agreement and other issues with management
Member of the Consular Leadership Comities
Chief, Standardization and Evaluation (2d Lt/O-01)
US AIR NATIONAL GUARD
08.2024 - Current
Intelligence Officer in training
Acting Chief, Public Affairs (2d Lt/O-01)
US AIR NATIONAL GUARD
05.2023 - 07.2024
Coordinated public affairs efforts during disaster response operations for natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes, when the Air National Guard was activated
Developed and implemented communication strategies to provide timely, accurate, and clear information to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring public awareness and transparency of the Guard's humanitarian and disaster relief efforts
Advised leadership on media relations, managed public messaging, and produced crisis communications to support mission objectives and ensure effective coordination with local, state, and federal agencies
Built, maintained, and strengthened public trust and support for the Air National Guard
Provided leaders with communication tools to strengthen Airman morale and readiness
NCOIC, Military Justice/Paralegal (SSgt/E-05)
US AIR NATIONAL GUARD
04.2018 - 05.2023
Selected as the first paralegal from 87 ABW/JA to serve as Assistant Recorder (Co-counsel) in Discharge Boards
Prepared opening statements, conducted witness examinations, and entered evidence into the record
Developed a discovery process praised by senior military justice attorneys, leading to training of senior paralegals
Drafted legal documents, including affidavits, motions, subpoenas, and legal reviews
Performed in-depth legal research and prepared exhibits for trial
Assisted with trial preparation and courtroom logistics, including organizing exhibits and preparing member packets
Maintained a tracker for Courts Martial and Discharges to ensure compliance with mandates and deadlines
Online Instructor
BUILDING SERVICE 32BJ SEIU
11.2021 - 11.2023
Taught citizenship classes and professional development courses to members
Evaluated and revised lesson plans to meet student-centered learning objectives
Provided individual guidance to struggling students and tracked progress
Legal Specialist (GS 09, Step 01)
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, HEARINGS OPERATION
01.2023 - 08.2023
Mentored and trained new employees in legal procedures, case management, and system tools
Provided legal support to ensure compliance with policies, laws, and regulations
Analyzed trends to improve business processes and ensured timely case processing
Prepared dismissal decisions and reviewed legal instruments to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
Assisted with verbatim reporting during phone, video, and in-person hearings
Acted as Officer in Charge, overseeing health, safety, and administrative functions
Reviewed and analyzed trends to improve business processes
Dispensed information to the public concerning benefits and services available
Examined fee agreements; prepared recommendations to approve or disapprove the agreement and the required notices to claimants and representatives
Prepared and provided training for office staff
Interpreted complex laws, rules or regulations and written guidelines and explain provisions to others
Legal Assistant (GS 08, Step 01)
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, HEARINGS OPERATION
10.2021 - 01.2023
Provided quasi legal and technical support to Administrative Law Judges
Reviewed and processed a variety of legal and/or medical documentation, records, and evidence in accordance with applicable rules and regulations
Communicated with a wide variety of individuals to provide advice/guidance about medical or legal claims, hearings process, insurance claims, or other related programs
Interpreted complex laws, rules or regulations and written guidelines and explain provisions to others
Used a computer to prepare correspondence and word processing software for data input, queries, reports or case tracking
Performed verbatim hearing reporter duties during phone, video and in-person hearings
Immigration Paralegal
BUILDING SERVICE 32BJ SEIU
06.2016 - 10.2021
Advised stakeholders including clients, attorneys, and government agencies on complex immigration policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations and risk management strategies
Conducted risk assessments by reviewing clients' immigration history, legal documentation, and eligibility for visas, ensuring that documentation met international legal standards and mitigating risks related to potential policy violations or fraud
Collaborated with US consulates overseas to interpret and apply policy regarding visa issuance, refugee status, and other immigration matters, ensuring alignment with humanitarian guidelines and legal requirements
Researched and analyzed immigration laws and refugee policies, providing recommendations for case development, policy compliance, and identifying risks to successful immigration processes
Supported the development of case management systems to streamline visa processes for immigrant and non-immigrant applicants, improving efficiency in high-pressure environments while ensuring adherence to risk mitigation protocols
Senior Immigration Paralegal
KUZMIN & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
11.2013 - 06.2016
Consulted with stakeholders, including foreign nationals, government officials, and legal teams, to determine eligibility for immigration-related benefits and provide recommendations that align with US humanitarian policies and global refugee guidelines
Analyzed and interpreted immigration policies, legal frameworks, and risk management procedures, advising clients and attorneys on strategic next steps while ensuring compliance with humanitarian programs and refugee law
Developed and maintained comprehensive case management systems to monitor the progress of visa applications, ensuring compliance with national and international legal standards and identifying potential risks to case approval or denial
Liaised with government agencies including USCIS, the Department of State, and foreign embassies to advise on risk management, policy implementation, and to ensure that international cases adhered to both humanitarian and legal standards
Prepared detailed reports and policy memos regarding client status, visa applications, and legal challenges, offering guidance on improving processes, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with humanitarian guidelines
Lead Flight Attendant
SKY KING AIRLINES
05.2009 - 09.2011
Provided superior customer service in both international and domestic settings, working luxury first class charters, college athletes, VIPs, casino trips, commercial passengers
Performed all necessary flight attendant duties on Boeing 737 and 767 aircrafts including all relevant safety procedures being vigilant of any security breach during domestic and international flights
Complied with safety regulations and procedures as specified in the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations and company policies and procedures
Directed and assisted passengers in emergency procedures, such as evacuating a plane following emergency landing
Made split second decisions under high stress situations while administering first aid to passengers in distress
Ensured effective communication between Flight Deck and Cabin Crew
Briefed flight crew members about their duties before take-off and debriefed after landing
Completed pre-flight safety, passenger, and inventory checks
Dealt with disruptive passengers according to federal and company requirements
Oversaw and mentored junior flight attendants on proper procedures and crew standards
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL
02.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Humanities and Justice
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY
06.2015
Certificate - Spanish/English Legal Interpretations and Translations
Senior Passport Specialist at US Department of State Bureau of Consular AffairsSenior Passport Specialist at US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs
Information Systems Security Officer at US State Department Bureau of Consular AffairsInformation Systems Security Officer at US State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs
Employee Relations Branch Chief (GS-0201-14) at Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of StateEmployee Relations Branch Chief (GS-0201-14) at Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State