Kelsey Ruiz
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Community Director at the University of Chicago with a proven track record in student engagement and crisis management. Expert in program development and research coordination, fostering inclusive environments that enhance student success. Passionate about empowering diverse communities and advocating for academic support, ensuring every student feels valued and supported.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Director
University of Chicago
07.2025 - Current
- Collaborate with campus partners such as Housing & Residence Life, Dean of Students Office, and Campus & Student Life to support student success.
- Respond to and manage student crises, behavioral concerns, and mental health incidents in collaboration with Campus Safety and Student Wellness.
- Supervise and coach a team of 16 Resident Assistants, providing ongoing training, leadership development, and performance feedback.
Residence Director
Northeastern University
08.2022 - 07.2025
- Ensure residential hall environments exceed student expectations for diversity, equity, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging.
- Oversee the Cultural Inclusion Living Learning Community (LLC), facilitating community-building and promoting cross-cultural understanding among residents.
- Lead initiatives aimed at enhancing residential services, improving student engagement, and strengthening the sense of community within residential halls.
- Advocate for the integration of inclusive practices in all aspects of residential life, ensuring students feel valued and supported in their living environments.
Course Instructor- Advanced Community Service Learning
University of Massachusetts Amherst
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Delivered lectures to undergraduate and high school students on topics such as Critical Analysis of Contemporary Issues in Education, Reflexivity and Critical Reflection, Applied Research Methods, Social Justice Theory, Systems Perspectives and Self-Care.
- Assisted students in working effectively with a team of peers in a semester-long research project through the Community-based PAR process.
Assistant Residence Director
University of Massachusetts Amherst
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Supervised 21 Resident Assistants (RAs) across three residential buildings serving first-year students, ensuring an environment conducive to academic achievement, personal development, and community responsibility.
- Mentored and provided guidance to RAs, helping them develop leadership skills while ensuring they adhered to university policies and supported residents’ diverse needs.
- Coordinated with academic departments and university partners to create and sustain residential communities that promote student learning, development, inclusion, and academic success.
- Worked closely with faculty, staff, and student services to integrate academic support and extracurricular opportunities into the residential experience.
Graduate Engagement Coordinator
Student Bridges Agency
09.2020 - 05.2022
- Served as a partner with Student Bridges at University of Massachusetts Amherst to help increase awareness and access for underrepresented students on the university campus and in neighboring communities.
- Collaborated with student groups, local schools, and community-based organizations to develop and implement college preparation workshops, trips to University of Massachusetts Amherst, and community-building events.
Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts Amherst
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Supported a youth participatory action research project examining education narratives, postsecondary pathways, and academic achievement of high school students in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
- Conducted literature reviews as well as managed, analyzed, and archive data, including audio and video.
- Managed youth programming, supported research operations and coordination for conference presentations and publications.
Resident Hall Assistant
Rowan University
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Planned and executed social and educational programming for residents of the ASCEND (Achieving Success through Collaboration, Engagement, And Determination) learning community, specifically designed for first-generation and low-income students.
- Developed initiatives to enhance the academic, personal, and social success of ASCEND students, focusing on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering community.
- Organized workshops, events, and resources that addressed the unique needs and challenges faced by first-generation and low-income students, providing them with the tools to succeed in higher education.
Success Coach Intern
Rowan University
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Served as a liaison between the university’s advising center and students, connecting them to campus resources for academic support and success.
- Advised students on academic probation, providing guidance on time management, confidence-building, and effective study skills.
- Met with each student weekly, developing tailored lesson plans and journals to help students map out their academic plans and track progress toward their goals.
Education
Doctorate of Education
Northeastern University
Boston, MA12-2025
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA05-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Studies & Political Science
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ05-2020
Skills
- Student engagement
- Community building
- Crisis management
- Research coordination
- Academic support
- Program development
- Application management
- Documentation skills
- Document management
Timeline
Community Director
University of Chicago
07.2025 - Current
Residence Director
Northeastern University
08.2022 - 07.2025
Course Instructor- Advanced Community Service Learning
University of Massachusetts Amherst
01.2022 - 05.2022
Assistant Residence Director
University of Massachusetts Amherst
08.2021 - 05.2022
Graduate Engagement Coordinator
Student Bridges Agency
09.2020 - 05.2022
Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts Amherst
08.2020 - 05.2021
Resident Hall Assistant
Rowan University
08.2019 - 05.2020
Success Coach Intern
Rowan University
01.2019 - 05.2019
Doctorate of Education
Northeastern University
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Studies & Political Science
Rowan University
Similar Profiles
Christine RomanChristine Roman
Sr. Administrative Specialist /Medical Education Coordinator at University of ChicagoSr. Administrative Specialist /Medical Education Coordinator at University of Chicago
Bethany HicksBethany Hicks
Registered Nurse at University of ChicagoRegistered Nurse at University of Chicago
TIANA PARKSTIANA PARKS
Lead Wellness Coordinator at University of ChicagoLead Wellness Coordinator at University of Chicago
Avery RodgersAvery Rodgers
Police Officer at University of ChicagoPolice Officer at University of Chicago
Allen KightAllen Kight
Club Services Manager at Pup SocialClub Services Manager at Pup Social