Kiara Jefferson
Seattle
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in program development, community engagement, financial coaching and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Strong leadership abilities with a focus on team development and operational efficiency Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
Alchemy Tea and Juice
07.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented operational processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
- Managed daily business operations, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards.
- Created marketing strategies, increasing brand visibility and attracting new customers.
- Oversaw financial budgeting, monitoring cash flow to support business sustainability.
Teen and Alumni Programs Director
Girls Inc. of The Pacific Northwest
11.2023 - 09.2024
- Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering open communication and employee empowerment
- Created pathways of co-collaboration with grassroots community organizations, aligning youth programs and employers in areas of STEAM to host workshops, programs listening sessions and learning sessions for youth and family
- Developed virtual alumni channels for youth to engage post participation in programming to continue support and access to resources
- Developed high-performing teams through mentorship and professional growth opportunities
- Responsible for program expansion in Seattle, managing 3 Program Managers, 3 Program Coordinators, and over 10 Facilitators across Portland and Southwest Washington for after school and summer programming
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives, enhancing company reputation
- Improved project efficiency through strategic planning and resource allocation
- Collaborated with leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance program delivery and participant engagement across multiple locations.
- Mentored and developed staff, fostering a culture of professional growth and accountability within the organization.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
Outreach & Community Engagement Coordinator
Girls Inc. of The Pacific Northwest
07.2023 - 11.2023
- Conducted community needs analysis to support strategic planning, and locate areas of interest for continuation of programs and to broaden reach for participants
- Built strong relationships with local cultural organizations, grassroots organizations, and youth programs across Puget Sound
- Participated in strategy development to grow organizing programs and advance campaigns via social media
- Implemented strategies within strategic expansion plan to research opportunities for collegiate access for program participants inclusive of trade schools, field trip opportunities and pathways to learn about various career fields
- Identified and nurtured relationships with community leaders to build awareness and assess opportunities to expand advocacy reach for youth participants
Outreach Coordinator
SLU-Transformative Workforce Academy
02.2023 - 07.2023
- Coordinated individual referrals and advocated for clients participating in reentry programming pre and post release from MO correctional facilities
- Conducted outreach activities to engage local stakeholders in programs inclusive of local employers, grassroots organizations and non-profit support organizations in areas of recidivism reduction and reentry support
- Increased Second Chance Employer Portfolio from 25 Businesses to 100
- Created virtual resumes for clients in pre-release in partnership with Missouri Department of Corrections for virtual job fair hosted bi-annually
- Participated in pre-release support inside correctional facilities with workshops, one on one coaching, resume building and job visioning
- Conducted workshops and training sessions for second chance employers to educate on benefits of hiring second chance talent, discussing federal bonding incentives, employee assistance program supports, and resources to support justice impacted employees
Financial Coach
Compass Working Capital
10.2020 - 12.2021
- Served case load of 60-70 clients via one on one coaching virtually, over the phone or in person to assist in establishing goals in areas of budgeting, creating an emergency savings, homeownership, debt reduction, credit building and entrepreneurship
- In partnership with Senior Financial Coaches created vetted list of outsourced resources to support clients with needs in areas of mental health support, legal aid, emergency assistance, and transportation
- Used CRM platform (Salesforce) to track participant engagement, log meeting interactions, communicate via phone/text between meetings, and secure information for compliance with social services and housing authorities
- Developed and delivered engaging group presentations and one-on-one coaching sessions for internal staff in areas of employee wellness and reduction of burnout
- Guided participants in developing realistic financial goals over a 5 year time frame for a practical approach in building behaviors for individual and family self sufficiency for private financial services organization in partnership with housing authorities in Boston, Philadelphia, Rhode Island and Connecticut
Financial Empowerment Coordinator
1st Financial Federal Credit Union/ Urban League
07.2019 - 06.2020
- Helped individuals and families build and execute wealth management strategies in partnership with Urban League of Greater St. Louis and the Saving Our Sons program in St. Louis County and St. Louis City
- Collaborated with community members to develop and implement service initiatives of creating pathways for economic mobility and financial capability
- Advocated for financial services and products such as credit builder loans, financial education courses, one on one workshops and emergency aid
- Loan intake, assessment, underwriting and approval of submitted loan applications for unsecured and secured products of the credit union
- Conducted one on one workshops, account opening in person, virtually and as needed in partnership with faith based organizations, church facilities, rehabilitation centers, and pre release centers
eSpecialist Supervisor
1st Financial Federal Credit Union
09.2018 - 07.2019
- Supervised 10 eSpecialists, improving average hold times, resolution rates, and satisfaction scores
- Boosted team morale with monthly employee recognition, anonymous feedback channels, and team engagement opportunities in areas of professional development a
- Implemented innovative service strategies to improve customer experience and engagement in compliance with annual KPI's and department goals
- Recruited, trained, and onboarded new agents, maintaining exceptional service standards
Financial Advisor Trainee
Edward Jones
03.2016 - 08.2016
- Conducted client assessments to identify financial goals and needs.
- Assisted in developing personalized investment strategies for diverse clientele.
- Analyzed market trends to provide informed recommendations on asset allocation.
- Collaborated with senior advisors to enhance client relationship management processes.
- Researched financial products, ensuring alignment with client objectives and risk tolerance.
- Participated in training sessions to stay updated on regulatory compliance and best practices.
- Monitored client portfolios, ensuring timely adjustments in response to changing market conditions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to maintain current knowledge of best practices within the financial services industry.
- Assisted in preparing comprehensive financial plans for clients, ensuring alignment with their goals.
- Prepared for testing for Series 6 & 77 Securities and Investment Licensensing
Education
Professional Studies Certification - Cannabis Science And Operations
Saint Louis University
St. Louis, MOAssociate of Arts - Sociology
Edmonds Community College
Lynnwood, WASkills
- Program Development & Management
- Community Outreach & Engagement
- Financial Coaching & Literacy
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Project Coordination & Management
- Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation
- Client Needs Assessment & Advocacy
- Relationship Management
- Client relationship building
- Portfolio management
- Wealth management
- Financial reporting
- Data analysis
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Alchemy Tea and Juice
07.2024 - Current
Teen and Alumni Programs Director
Girls Inc. of The Pacific Northwest
11.2023 - 09.2024
Outreach & Community Engagement Coordinator
Girls Inc. of The Pacific Northwest
07.2023 - 11.2023
Outreach Coordinator
SLU-Transformative Workforce Academy
02.2023 - 07.2023
Financial Coach
Compass Working Capital
10.2020 - 12.2021
Financial Empowerment Coordinator
1st Financial Federal Credit Union/ Urban League
07.2019 - 06.2020
eSpecialist Supervisor
1st Financial Federal Credit Union
09.2018 - 07.2019
Financial Advisor Trainee
Edward Jones
03.2016 - 08.2016
Professional Studies Certification - Cannabis Science And Operations
Saint Louis University
Associate of Arts - Sociology
Edmonds Community College