Kristin Pongé
Miami,FL
Summary
As a multi-lingual and analytical manager, I bring a unique global perspective to my work. My strong interest in international affairs and hands-on experience working with refugees and asylum seekers have equipped me with a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of this field. I am known for my hard-working nature and commitment to excellence, consistently striving to ensure the best outcomes for those I serve. Trained in the application of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 protocol, I am adept at navigating the legal and humanitarian aspects of refugee assistance. I am passionate about leveraging my skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the lives of displaced individuals worldwide.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Associate Director & Team Leader for Regulatory Compliance
University of Miami
11.2022 - Current
- Responsible for International Student Regulatory Compliance and all related processes and workflows, as listed below
- Oversee the International Student Advising Team of six Assistant Directors
- Serve as a University of Miami ‘Designated School Official’ and ‘Alternate Responsible Officer’ for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Advise F-1 and J-1 international students and their dependents regarding immigration regulations and benefits related to their status
- Responsible for complying with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record keeping and reporting requirements
- Coordinate Initial I-20/DS-2019 Issuance process with academic departments and issues Initial I-20's/ DS-2019's for incoming international students
- Provide pre-arrival information and orientation for F-1 and J-1 international students
- Provide F-1 and J-1 international students with a wide range of benefits, including employment, available to them under the regulations and requiring institutional involvement
- Advise F-1and J-1 international students regarding cultural adjustment, taxes, health, social, financial, and other personal concerns
- Organize and present workshops related to off-campus employment options in collaboration with academic departments, career services, and student organizations
- Organize and present information related to international students to University of Miami staff and faculty
- Maintain the ISSM database, a web-based system which allows schools to electronically interface with SEVIS and handle daily datalink
- Update department websites, documents, and online information sessions
- Coordinate and oversee e-mail reminders and notifications to students
- Serve as a liaison between sponsoring embassies, government, and agencies
- Serve as administrative troubleshooter for international students
- Train new staff members on immigration regulation and office procedures
- Review and edit Advisor Manual
- Serve as Team Leader for International Student Regulatory Compliance and conduct weekly Advisor meetings
- Contribute ideas and viewpoints to the Director of International Student and Scholar Services on operational plans for the department
- Represent the department in various committee and division wide meetings
- Work with faculty and administrators on policies and changes that affect international students
- Advise J-1 scholars and conduct International Scholar Orientation when needed.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient project management strategies.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to develop long-term organizational goals and strategies.
Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services
University of Miami
07.2017 - 10.2022
- In addition to the duties as Assistant Director, responsible for International Student Regulatory Compliance
- Led teams of up to 6 personnel, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
- Assisted senior leadership in managing all aspects of operations.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on professional development opportunities and career progression paths within the company.
- Established strong relationships with key industry partners, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Enhanced employee performance through targeted training programs and regular feedback sessions, resulting in higher productivity levels.
- Reviewed proposed regulatory changes and evaluated potential impacts on business operations.
- Actively participated in industry conferences and networking events, increasing company visibility and creating valuable connections with peers.
Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services
University of Miami
06.2008 - 06.2017
- Serve as an official University of Miami ‘Designated School Official’ and ‘Alternate Responsible Officer’ for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Advise F-1 and J-1 international students and their dependents regarding immigration regulations and benefits related to their status
- Responsible for complying with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record keeping and reporting requirements
- Created and updated records and files to maintain document compliance.
- Coordinate Initial I-20/DS-2019 Issuance process with academic departments and issues Initial I-20's/ DS-2019's for incoming international students
- Provide pre-arrival information and orientation for F-1 and J-1 international students
- Plan and oversee implementation of Arrival Confirmation process for international students
- Provide F-1 and J-1 international students with a wide range of benefits, including employment, available to them under the regulations and requiring institutional involvement
- Advise F-1and J-1 international students regarding cultural adjustment, taxes, health, social, financial, and other personal concerns
- Organize and present workshops related to off-campus employment options in collaboration with academic departments, career services, and student organizations
- Maintain the ISSM database, a web-based system which allows schools to electronically interface with SEVIS and handle daily datalink
- Update department websites, documents, and online information sessions
- Coordinate and oversee e-mail reminders and notifications to students
- Serve as a liaison between sponsoring embassies, government, and agencies
- Serve as administrative troubleshooter for international students
- Train new staff members on immigration regulation and office procedures
- Review and edit Advisor Manual
- Serve as Team Leader for International Student Regulatory Compliance and conduct weekly Advisor meetings
- Contribute ideas and viewpoints to the Director of International Student and Scholar Services on operational plans for the department
- Represent the department in various committee and division wide meetings
- Work with faculty and administrators on policies and changes that affect international students
- Advise J-1 scholars and conduct International Scholar Orientation when needed
- Advise Council of International Students and Student Organizations (COISO), interim advisor of newly established Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA).
Program Coordinator, JobsPlus Program
Centro Campesino Farmworker Center, Inc.
09.2004 - 04.2008
- Oversaw all phases of adult education, vocational training, job placement and follow-up services
- Wrote federal grant, administered budget, maintained participant and financial records and prepared reports
- Directed recruitment and retention of staff, volunteers and program participants
- Trained, supervised and evaluated staff and volunteers
- Conducted employment related workshops for program participants
- Coordinated stipend and work experience payments for students
- Oversaw implementation of GED/ESOL courses, vocational curriculum, employment preparedness activities, job placement and follow-ups
- Established new partnerships with community organizations to complement services
- Counseled students on defining career and work related goals and objectives.
Administrator
Altria Lab-Plants
03.2004 - 08.2004
- Implemented inventory and sales program
- Organized workflow and delegated tasks effectively to ensure timely project completion without compromising quality.
- Managed office inventory levels, ensuring adequate supplies were available while minimizing waste and unnecessary spending.
- Trained employees on use of program and equipment (in Spanish).
Volunteer
International Rescue Committee
04.2004 - 07.2004
- Assisted with case management of agency’s clients
- Researched and conducted surveys for outreach campaign.
- Actively participated in staff meetings, contributing ideas for process improvement and program development strategies.
- Supported public relations efforts by representing the organization at various community events, building positive relationships with potential supporters.
Research Assistant
European University Viadrina
01.1998 - 10.2003
- Conducted research in the areas of social history
- Proofreading of academic papers
- Conference preparation.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Attended seminars and symposiums to improve overall knowledge and understanding.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
Intern
Berlin Institute for Comparative Social Studies/ European Migration Center
09.2001 - 12.2001
- Assisted with project “Gypsies and the State”
- Organized and evaluated conference.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
- Interacted with customers by phone, email, or in-person to provide information.
- Prepared project presentations and reports to assist senior staff.
Intern
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees/ Regional Office for Mexico, Central America, Belize and Cuba
01.2001 - 04.2001
- Applied the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the 1967 protocol
- Researched and interviewed clients to determine refugee status
- Presented cases to the UNHCR eligibility committee.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
- Completed research, compiled data, updated spreadsheets, and produced timely reports.
- Prepared project presentations and reports to assist senior staff.
- Prepared comprehensive reports summarizing data analysis findings, informing key decision-makers of important trends and patterns.
Intern
United Nations International Drug Control Programme
01.2000 - 05.2000
- Assisted in development of strategic plans to reduce drug supply and demand in Mexico and the Caribbean addressing economic, social and political issues
- Worked on projects to enhance transborder cooperation between institutions of the respective countries.
- Prepared comprehensive reports summarizing data analysis findings, informing key decision-makers of important trends and patterns.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key internal stakeholders.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
Education
M.A. - Social and Cultural Studies, Major: Comparative Social Studies
European University Viadrina
Frankfurt/Oder, GermanyBachelor of Arts - Social and Cultural Studies, Major: Cultural History
European University Viadrina
Frankfurt/Oder, GermanyStudy Abroad Program -
Florida International University
Miami, FLStudy Abroad Program -
Universidad Iberoamericana
Mexico City, MexicoUniversity of Lüneburg
Lüneburg, GermanySkills
- Data-driven decision-making
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Team Leadership
- Managing Operations and Efficiency
- Training and Development
- Documentation And Reporting
Additional Qualifications And Awards
- Successfully completed NAFSA’s Management Development Program (MDP) in July 2023
- Microsoft Office, Internet; experience with online reporting and maintaining various databases, including ISSM, CaneLink, SEVIS.
- Recipient of scholarships from the American Congress, European Commission, and the German Academic Exchange Service.
- NAFSA Member since 2008, attended Annual Conferences since
- Presented at the Florida Association of International Educator’s Annual Conference, held at Florida State University on Internships for International Students and Cultural Considerations on February 26, 2016.
- Received University of Miami's SOAR Award for Advisor of the Year 2017 out of 300 student organizations.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
German
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Full Professional
Russian
Elementary
Farsi
Elementary
Timeline
Senior Associate Director & Team Leader for Regulatory Compliance
University of Miami
11.2022 - Current
Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services
University of Miami
07.2017 - 10.2022
Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services
University of Miami
06.2008 - 06.2017
Program Coordinator, JobsPlus Program
Centro Campesino Farmworker Center, Inc.
09.2004 - 04.2008
Volunteer
International Rescue Committee
04.2004 - 07.2004
Administrator
Altria Lab-Plants
03.2004 - 08.2004
Intern
Berlin Institute for Comparative Social Studies/ European Migration Center
09.2001 - 12.2001
Intern
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees/ Regional Office for Mexico, Central America, Belize and Cuba
01.2001 - 04.2001
Intern
United Nations International Drug Control Programme
01.2000 - 05.2000
Research Assistant
European University Viadrina
01.1998 - 10.2003
M.A. - Social and Cultural Studies, Major: Comparative Social Studies
European University Viadrina
Bachelor of Arts - Social and Cultural Studies, Major: Cultural History
European University Viadrina
Study Abroad Program -
Florida International University
Study Abroad Program -
Universidad Iberoamericana
University of Lüneburg
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