LaMario Fortson
Denver,CO
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with over 7 years of professional experience in higher education, student life and engagement, and currently serving as the Senior Coordinator for Student Life. Proven success in fostering inclusive campus communities and promoting a sense of belonging among students. Adept at program development, event planning, and team leadership. Skilled in collaborating with diverse stakeholders to create impactful initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dedicated to empowering student leaders and enhancing the students overall experience. I am seeking a new role to leverage my expertise in driving strategic initiatives that promote student success and well-being.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Coordinator for Student Life
Arapahoe Community College
Littleton, CO
07.2023 - Current
- Coordinated large-scale events, effectively managing logistics, budgets, and vendor relations to ensure smooth operations of large scale student-centered events.
- Managed 6 Student Workers, scheduling, and workload while also providing training on processes that help the Student Life Office operate.
- Developed over 10 student affairs department partnerships in order to put on a wide range of events that helped with Student development & engagement.
- Manage over $50,000 budget for Student Events & Organizations. While also planning unique and different events to my current campus within this budget
- Heavily increased engagement on our 2nd campus where no programming was currently being done. By providing inclusive & engaging events developed to build a sense of belonging on this commuter campus.
- Delegated tasks to administrative student support staff to organize and improve office efficiency.
- Co-Chaired Student Learning & Development Committee which is a DEI/Inclusive Excellence Learning Committee that provided DEI training to students. Trainings centered around Microaggressions and Cross Cultural Communication.
- Participated in workshops and in-service meetings to enhance personal growth and professional development.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
- Utilized proactive communication abilities to resolve employment-related issues between departments.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within Arapahoe Community College, while fostering a positive work environment that encouraged collaboration among employees from the established affinity groups. This was through coordinating events for students by working with the affinity groups by aiding them in planning events.
Coordinator of Student Involvement
Arapahoe Community College
Littleton, CO
04.2022 - 07.2023
- Coordinated and developed campus-wide events and activities to promote student engagement and involvement in co-curricular opportunities
- Orchestrated students in developing opportunities to build skills, improve resilience and well-being, and connect with resources related to DEI, Mental Health, and Scholastic Achievement.
- Post pandemic built up the student organizations from 3 active student organizations to 12 student organization.
- Advised student organizations on event planning, budget tracking, and leadership development.
- Developed marketing strategies to increase student participation and awareness of campus events.
- Increased Faculty & Staff engagement with volunteerism with campus wide events.
- Increased student engagement compared to faculty/staff engagement at student events by 60%. Thus having students vastly outnumber other guests at campus wide events compared to past years.
Student Support Services Advisor/Instructor
TRIO Student Support Services
Natchitoches, LA
04.2019 - 04.2022
- Meet with students to reach solutions about their academic success and helped them better adjust to school life
- Advertised and planned activities and workshops that enriched students experience and encouraged, leadership, career development, and cultural understanding
- Partnered with faculty and other departments to offer in-school academic support for underserved students
- Advise students on course selection, pathways, and career goals
- Serve as a student mentor and counselor for students when academic problems and personal adjustment issues arose
- Established a Student Leadership Ambassador program to help recruit and retain TRIO Student Support Services Students
- Advisor to the TRIO Student Support Services Community Service Organization
- Supervise 22 student workers in office and within campus wide organizations.
Enrollment/Retention Specialist
Student Services
Many, LA
03.2018 - 04.2019
- Provided academic support, career guidance, and counseling to the students of Sabine Valley Central Louisiana Technical Community College
- Planned, developed, and organized workshops that helped with informing students about FASFA, scheduling of classes, and INCEPTIA
- Planned and organized a community Career Fair for the Town of Many
- Developed degree audits and worked with the Banner software
- Supervised five student workers.
Youth Coordinator
City of Natchitoches
Natchitoches, LA
06.2015 - 08.2018
- Developed curriculum and conducted classes to teach Pre-K through 9th grade students
- Lead counseling and discussion group forums with students ranging from ages 6-14 years old
- Helped plan community outreach events for children and teens
- Vetted program vendors and facilities for city wide events.
- Enhanced youth engagement by designing and implementing creative programs and events.
- Promoted a safe environment by enforcing policies related to conduct, safety procedures, and facility use guidelines during programming hours.
Workshop Coordinator
Academic Success Center
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Served as the liaison between the Academic Success Center and the Academic Advising
- Advised students with scheduling and planning for their college career
- Helped in the planning of classes for the Bossier Parish Community College Study Skills course
- Assisted the Executive Director of Academic Advising Services.
Education
Master of Arts - Student Affairs and Higher Education
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA05.2017
Bachelor of Science - History, Social Science
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA05.2015
Skills
- Project Management
- Strong leadership & Interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities
- Experience in program development and event planning
- Motivational Leadership
- Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles
- Proficient in budget management and resource allocation
Affiliations
- Children and Youth Planning Board, Vice-Chair, 07/2020
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Member, 07/2020, present
- Southwest Association of Student Assistance Program, Member, 06/2019,
- Louisiana Association of Student Assistance Program, Member, 06/2019,
Timeline
Senior Coordinator for Student Life
Arapahoe Community College
07.2023 - Current
Coordinator of Student Involvement
Arapahoe Community College
04.2022 - 07.2023
Student Support Services Advisor/Instructor
TRIO Student Support Services
04.2019 - 04.2022
Enrollment/Retention Specialist
Student Services
03.2018 - 04.2019
Workshop Coordinator
Academic Success Center
01.2017 - 05.2017
Youth Coordinator
City of Natchitoches
06.2015 - 08.2018
Master of Arts - Student Affairs and Higher Education
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Bachelor of Science - History, Social Science
Northwestern State University of Louisiana