Khary Pestaina
Washington,DC
Summary
Research professional with extensive experience in spearheading research projects and achieving impactful results. Known for fostering collaborative environments and adapting to changing project needs. Expertise in data analysis and project management, combined with results-driven mindset, ensures reliable outcomes.
- Seeking an exciting, rewarding opportunity in a progressive, dynamic educational setting focused on the growth and intellectual advancement of its students and all community stakeholders
- Historian & Researcher: Atlantic World (United States, Caribbean, Africa, Europe)
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Research
Center for an Equitable Economy & Society
08.2024 - Current
- Designed and delivered trainings and presentations to institutional staff and supported research program development.
- Established strategic goals for broad-scale research through acquisition of appropriate funding and program support.
- Taught staff, students and new employees project initiatives methods through varying external channels.
- Advised and supported staff on research initiatives at the Center.
- Established connections with liaisons to industrial and commercial stakeholders, allowing industry trends to inform research and vice versa.
- Analyzed findings and reports from researchers in program and interpreted for supervisory staff.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant
Florida International University
08.2017 - 12.2020
- Assisted & administered several undergraduate history courses
- Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
- Developed strong rapport with students through open communication channels, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Provided timely and constructive feedback on assignments, enabling students to refine their work and achieve higher grades.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and real-world examples into lectures.
Social Sciences Teacher
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
10.2000 - 06.2024
- Improved student performance by offering regular one-on-one tutoring sessions and providing personalized feedback on assignments.
- Mentored new teachers in curriculum planning and classroom management techniques, contributing to their professional growth and development.
- Emphasized inquiry-based learning approaches in lesson delivery, helping students gain confidence in their ability to ask questions and seek answers independently.
- Promoted critical thinking skills through engaging debates and discussions, encouraging students to question assumptions and consider different perspectives.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to address individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, fostering a deeper understanding of the connections between various social science topics.
- Established positive rapport with students from diverse backgrounds, promoting an inclusive learning community that values cultural competency.
- Increased overall class participation by creating an inclusive learning environment that welcomed diverse perspectives and opinions.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as field trips and guest speakers, bringing the subject matter to life for students.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians, resulting in increased communication and support for student success.
- Contributed to departmental initiatives focused on improving curriculum alignment and assessment practices across all grade levels within the social sciences program.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and incorporating real-world examples into lessons.
- Supported special education students with tailored instruction methods, ensuring their full engagement in classroom activities.
- Created lesson plans and made adjustments based on overall class performance throughout year.
- Gave assignments, graded work and regularly discussed performance with students.
- Planned learning activities that provided students with opportunities to observe, question and investigate social studies topics.
- Utilized technology to enhance student education and grasp of materials.
- Established and supported positive educational environment for student learning.
Owner & Operator
Affluent Cruises & Travel LLC
01.2008 - Current
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
Education
Ph.D. - History
Howard University
Washington, DC05-2027
Master of Arts - African & African Diaspora Studies
Florida International University
Miami, FL05-2018
Master of Arts - History
Florida International University
Miami, FL01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Florida International University
Miami, FL01.1997
Undergraduate Certificate - African & New World Studies
Florida International University
Miami, FL01.1997
Skills
- Qualitative research
- Quantitative research
- Expertise in Historical Research & Writing
- Literature reviews
- Documentation skills
- Research and analysis
- Information collection
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
Certification
- Social Sciences 6-12
- Exceptional Student Education
- Gifted Endorsed
Accomplishments
- Consultant, HAINT BLU Project & Film, Live Arts Miami, 2022
- Gilder-Lehrman History Teacher of the Year nominee, 2018
- National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) grants, 2015, 2016
- Special Guest Commentator, Resurrecting Black Wall Street: The Blueprint, 2016, DVD
- Visiting Scholar, Emory University, 2016, Summer, Georgia
- Winning Coach, Miami Heat Black History Brain Brawl Champion, 2016
- Teach for American History (TAH) grant, Masters in US History, FIU, 2010-2013
Membership Scholarly Societies
- American Historians Association
- Organization of American Historians
- Association for the Study of African American Life and History
- African American Intellectual History Society
- Association of Caribbean Historians
- United Teachers of Dade
Publications Presentations
Available on Curriculum Vitae
Professional References
Available upon request
Professional Overview
United States History, Civics, Government & Economics, World History, African American History & African Studies, American Politics & Ethics, Constitutional Law, Atlantic World (United States, Caribbean, Africa, Europe), Affluent Cruises & Travel LLC, 2008
Affiliations
- Howard University History Graduates Associations (HUHGSA)
- African American Research Library & Cultural Center
- Schomburgh Center for Research in Black Culture
- American Historical Association (AHA)
- Organization of American Historians (OAH)
- Association of Caribbean Historians (ACH)
- African American Intellectual History Society (AAIHS)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Head of Research
Center for an Equitable Economy & Society
08.2024 - Current
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant
Florida International University
08.2017 - 12.2020
Owner & Operator
Affluent Cruises & Travel LLC
01.2008 - Current
Social Sciences Teacher
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
10.2000 - 06.2024
Master of Arts - History
Florida International University
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Florida International University
Undergraduate Certificate - African & New World Studies
Florida International University
Ph.D. - History
Howard University
Master of Arts - African & African Diaspora Studies
Florida International University
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