Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Public Interest Profesional
Timeline
Generic
LANI L. GHOLSTON
Open To Work
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LANI L. GHOLSTON

Baton Rouge,Louisiana

Work Preference

Desired Job Title

Director of Advocacy and Community EngagementConsultantEviction Defense SpecialistGrant Writer & Volunteer CoordinatorSenior Operations & Outreach Associate

Work Type

Part TimeContract WorkFull Time

Location Preference

RemoteHybrid
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Open to relocation: Yes

Important To Me

Work from home option401k matchCareer advancementPersonal development programs

Summary

Clear Professional experienced in linking programmatic vision with delivery of desired results through strategic partner building and program development. Achieved impactful outcomes by fostering collaboration with domestic and international communities while translating complex concepts into accessible language. Focused on guiding teams, managing complex projects, and developing efficient processes that align with organizational goals.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement

AARP
07.2025 - Current
  • Led statewide initiatives to engage military community members and families, ensuring AARP Louisiana effectively addressed the needs of veterans and active-duty service members in partnership with organizations like MySeco and MilOneSource.
  • Cultivated and coordinated volunteer leaders and teams to drive grassroots community engagement and engage local elected officials in advancing livable community initiatives.
  • Trained volunteers to advocate with local legislators for programs enhancing quality of life for community members aged 50 and older.

Consultant

U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
04.2022 - 11.2024
  • Advanced rule of law initiatives by engaging civil society leaders and community partners, supporting program development for the Department of Justice Rule of Law Advisor.
  • Developed and executed planning for the Sex and Gender Based Violence in the Context of Terrorism Conference with the Department of Justice Rule of Law Advisor and the International Institute for Justice.
  • Drafted Department of State cables for senior leadership while coaching, reviewing, and revising documents for the Bureau of International and Law Enforcement and Department of Justice staff.

Eviction Defense Specialist

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Laredo, Texas
06.2022 - 03.2024
  • Represented, counseled, and advised English and Spanish-speaking tenants facing eviction from private landlords and Public Housing Authorities (PHA’s) in Texas Justice of the Peace courts.
  • Represented, counseled, and advised English and Spanish-speaking tenants facing eviction from private landlords and Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in Texas Justice of the Peace courts.
  • Ensured tenants’ constitutional rights were recognized and that judges complied with the applicable state and federal codes while ensuring defendants received meaningful assistance of counsel.
  • Advocated for clients in informal hearings, ensuring PHAs complied with HUD notices on disparate impact and accurately calculated income adjustments and rent for Housing Choice Voucher participants.
  • Led community advocacy and education initiatives to enhance understanding and awareness among partners serving low-income community members.
  • Trained paralegals and summer clerks on delivering policy, compliance presentations, case building and courtroom advocacy strategy and tactics.

Grant Writer & Volunteer Coordinator

Brigade Boys & Girls Club
Jacksonville & Wilmington, North Carolina
08.2019 - 02.2020
  • Managed the development of grant proposals and deliverables that meet the needs and goals of both grant-making entities and the organizations’ funding needs.
  • Developed volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and retention policy, and created implementation calendar to ensure compliance with administrative training and reporting procedures.
  • Coordinated development of grant proposals and deliverables aligned with needs of grant-making entities and funding goals of organization.

Senior Operations & Outreach Associate

AARP
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
04.2016 - 02.2019
  • Developed and implemented vendor contracts and scope of work agreements, tracking all costs to ensure proper accrual and closure by fiscal year-end.
  • Acted as AARP’s primary point of contact for community partners and state and federal entities after the historic 2016 flooding, and participated in the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
  • Developed outreach strategies to engage diverse communities and increase program participation.
  • Coordinated educational workshops and events to promote health and wellness resources for members.
  • Implemented feedback mechanisms to assess program effectiveness and improve service delivery.

Program Officer

Corporation for National and Community Service
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
08.2014 - 04.2016
  • Managed portfolio of grantees and executed compliance audits by reviewing documentation and applying federal regulations to ensure program compliance with National Service Act and conducting background checks through National Sex Offender Public Website.
  • Analyzed data and reports to determine when grantees needed additional financial investigations based on desk reviews indicating potential improper transactions, policy violations, or non-compliance with National Service Act.
  • Exceeded goal of 20% increase in elected official involvement for the national Mayor and County Day of Recognition by 6% and secured the first-ever commitment by a United States Congressman.

Education

J.D. - Law

Paul M Hebert Law Center
Baton Rouge, LA

Skills

  • Advocacy training
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Advocacy strategy
  • Legal compliance
  • Community impact
  • Problem-solving
  • Excellent communication
  • Public speaking
  • Relationship building
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Ethics and integrity
  • Advocacy strategy

Languages

Spanish
Limited Working
French
Elementary

Public Interest Profesional

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Policy and regulatory compliance professional with over a decade of experience

in program management, outreach, and federal regulatory investigations.

Armed with a Juris Doctor and active TS clearance, I bring specialized expertise in legal advocacy, contract compliance, public diplomacy, and grant oversight.

Proven success in both domestic and international government environments, including U.S. Embassies, legal aid organizations, and federal agencies. A highly  adaptable military spouse seeking mission-oriented organizations open to  remote and international positions.

Consultant

U.S. Embassy, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso | Apr 2024 – Dec 2024 Public Diplomacy, Gender Empowerment & Partnership Building

• Developed and launched a Women’s Empowerment Working Group, organizing an event celebrating American and Burkinabe women leaders.

• Supported U.S. National Day celebration through local partnership   development and community investment.

• Collaborated with the U.S. Mission library to enhance English Hour by facilitating cross-cultural dialogue with U.S. Marine Security Guards.

 
Supoprted Mission’s Public Diplomacy Grant Review Committee, evaluating proposals for alignment with foreign assistance priorities.   •  Delivered a professional presentation for the Department of Justice Rule of Law Advisor programming  on Sex and Gender-Based Violence  in the Context of Terrorism, addressing legal challenges in regions with weak law enforcement capacity.

Timeline

Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement

AARP
07.2025 - Current

Eviction Defense Specialist

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
06.2022 - 03.2024

Consultant

U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
04.2022 - 11.2024

Grant Writer & Volunteer Coordinator

Brigade Boys & Girls Club
08.2019 - 02.2020

Senior Operations & Outreach Associate

AARP
04.2016 - 02.2019

Program Officer

Corporation for National and Community Service
08.2014 - 04.2016

J.D. - Law

Paul M Hebert Law Center