Karla Melgar
Lenexa,KS
Summary
Dedicated individual successfully facilitates communication between people of different cultures and backgrounds. Brings wealth of knowledge and experience to organizations requiring interpretation and translation services. Committed to providing quality service and results. Focused Translator with highly developed understanding of English and Spanish language and culture. Skilled in quickly and accurately translating written documents. Over seventeen years of related expertise. Background includes working in the Archdioceses of Kansas and Parishes environments to perform document and verbal translation services. Excellent listening and communication skills with organized and systematic approach.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant for Evangelization
Archdiocese Of Kansas City In Kansas
Kansas City, KS
07.2022 - Current
- Be the bilingual liaison between pastors, parish leader teams, and Archdiocesan offices to understand Hispanic cultural needs better and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Delivered outstanding service to pastors and lay leaders to maintain and extend relationships for future evangelization initiatives and opportunities for the bilingual parishes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive solutions for the Archdiocesan Bilingual Parishes.
- Evaluated the pastor's needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for bilingual Archdiocesan parish engagement.
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
Director of Religious Education
St. Paul Catholic Church
Olathe, KS
06.2015 - 06.2022
- Design, development, maintenance, and evaluation of catechetical programs for children and youth Pre K-12 grades, and their parents, following national and archdiocesan catechetical guidelines, being sensitive to the local culture, and the needs of diverse bilingual and monolingual communities within the parish.
- Promoted a welcoming and inclusive environment by addressing issues of diversity and inclusion within the religious education program.
- Strengthened communication channels between parents, teachers, administrators, and pastoral staff by facilitating regular meetings focused on supporting a vibrant religious education ministry.
- Led professional development workshops for educators, sharing best practices in religious education instruction.
Director & Coordinator for The Religious Education Program
Holy Cross Catholic Church
07.2013 - 06.2015
- Developed and coordinated the faith formation programs and sacramental preparation for K-6
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Provided a channel of communication for learners, catechists, volunteers, and parents.
- Participated in planning and coordinating special program activities such as catechist orientation, parent meetings, liturgies, and prayer services.
Education
Parish Catechetical Leader - Pastoral Studies
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Steubenville, OH04.2022
Ph.D. - Dental Surgeron
University of El Salvador
El Salvador, San Salvador05.1998
Employer
Archdioceses of Kansas City in Kansas
Employer address
12615 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66109
Skills
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) Oral and written Multicultural Sensitivity
- Spiritual Formation
- Active Listener
- Program Management
- Multitasking, organizational, planning, and record-keeping
- Conflict Management
- Computer skills: Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher
- Teaching experience
- Religious Studies Knowledge
- Community Service
- Community Engagement
- Integrity and Honesty
- Best Practices Implementation
- Organizational Development
Related Experience
- Interpreter and translator Holy Cross Church, Overland Park, Kansas -2008 Translating verbal and written communication to Spanish speaking parents and guardians during class time.
- Translating written communications (newsletters, fliers, letters and sacramental prep information to parents and guardians from English to Spanish.
- Attend Sacramental services to serve as translator and program assistant.
- Translating all materials from English to Spanish for the Elementary school and EEC.
- Assisting Marketing Director in all aspects of translating service marketing materials and recruitment of Hispanic families. Translating for those families who need a translated during Open House and other activities. Meetings to share information on ways to recruit and retain Hispanic Families.
Additional Information
Professional Development:
- Workshop Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers July 21, 2018, The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
- Leadership Training Program for the New Evangelization August 23, 2013, Kansas City, Kansas Why a Parish should have a Hispanic Ministry?
- Leadership Training- Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord 2012, Kansas City, Kansas
- Leadership and how to build relationships with family, co-workers, and community 2012-2011, Kansas City, Kansas
- Technical and Administrative Pastoral Planning 2011,
References
- Fr. Michael Hermes-Vicar for Hispanic Ministry for the Archdioceses of Kansas City in Kansas
- Emily Lopez- Lead Consultant for The Evangelization Office in The Archdioceses of Kansas City in Kansas
- Fr. Ramiro Chan-Director of Hispanic Ministry
- Anita MacSorley-Archdioceses of Kansas City in Kansas-The Leaven Newspaper
Timeline
Consultant for Evangelization
Archdiocese Of Kansas City In Kansas
07.2022 - Current
Director of Religious Education
St. Paul Catholic Church
06.2015 - 06.2022
Director & Coordinator for The Religious Education Program
Holy Cross Catholic Church
07.2013 - 06.2015
Parish Catechetical Leader - Pastoral Studies
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Ph.D. - Dental Surgeron
University of El Salvador
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