Lillian Ariel Tagle
Pharr
Summary
Results-driven administrative professional with a strong background in managing compliance for educational grants and streamlining office operations. Successfully coordinated complex projects and financial processes, ensuring adherence to regulations while enhancing communication and collaboration across teams. Passionate about leveraging skills to support mission-driven organizations in achieving their objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative & Financial Coordinator
The PossAble Dream Adult High School
Pharr
07.2025 - Current
- Streamlined multi-department administrative operations, managing calendars, scheduling, and communications for the superintendent and program directors, resulting in improved organizational efficiency and reduced scheduling conflicts.
- Optimized financial workflows by processing accounts payable/receivable, establishing new accounts, and maintaining precise budget records, contributing to accurate reporting and better resource allocation.
- Successfully performed dual roles as campus secretary and bookkeeper, overseeing daily operations while ensuring seamless coordination across office and financial functions.
- Implemented improved office systems for timesheet submission, supply management, and reporting processes, reducing errors and administrative delays by an estimated 20–30%.
- Served as the primary point of contact for staff, students, and external partners, fostering professional relationships and enhancing communication across all levels of the organization.
- Supported program and grant administration by tracking expenditures, preparing financial and operational reports, and ensuring compliance with organizational and funding policies, directly contributing to successful program outcomes.
- Coordinated special projects and events, managing logistics from planning to execution, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations.
- Identified process inefficiencies and implemented solutions that increased accuracy, improved workflow, and enhanced overall office productivity.
- Provided support and guidance to administrative staff, student success coaches and teachers promoting a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
Grant Compliance Specialist-GEAR UP
Vanguard Academy
10.2024 - 06.2025
- Grant Compliance Management: Monitor and enforce compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for the GEAR UP program, ensuring all activities, expenditures, and reporting are aligned with grant requirements.
- Data Collection & Reporting: Coordinate and compile necessary data related to student participation, academic progress, and program outcomes. Prepare and submit timely and accurate reports to funding agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education and state agencies, ensuring adherence to all deadlines.
- Financial Oversight: Review and track all financial transactions related to the GEAR UP grant, including budgets, purchase orders, requisitions, and expenditures, ensuring compliance with grant guidelines and proper use of funds.
- Program Monitoring: Conduct regular program reviews and audits to assess the effectiveness of activities, ensuring alignment with the grant's objectives and measurable outcomes. Address any discrepancies or non-compliance issues promptly.
- Training & Support: Provide training and guidance to GEAR UP staff, educators, and administrators on grant compliance policies, documentation procedures, and best practices for program implementation.
- Policy Development & Documentation: Develop, update, and maintain internal policies and procedures to ensure proper documentation and compliance with all GEAR UP regulations.
- Internal and External Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for all compliance-related inquiries from internal teams, funding agencies, and other stakeholders. Foster positive relationships with key partners to facilitate smooth grant administration.
- Audit Preparation & Support: Assist with audits and reviews by internal or external bodies, preparing necessary documentation, and responding to requests for information related to compliance and performance.
- Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance and troubleshooting support to staff on grant administration systems, reporting tools, and software to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all required documentation.
- Tracking Outcomes: Ensure that the program's objectives are met, including student enrollment, graduation rates, and postsecondary enrollment, by tracking performance metrics and making recommendations for program adjustments if needed.
- Continuous Improvement: Participate in regular assessments of the GEAR UP program's effectiveness, providing feedback to program leadership for continuous improvement, including identifying areas for enhancement to meet compliance standards more effectively.
- Facilitated inter-departmental communication to address compliance issues and disseminate updates.
- Ensured thorough recording of compliance monitoring activities for future audits.
- Worked with multiple departments to ensure compliance with organizational standards.
- Supported department operations by contributing to various special assignments and projects.
- Handled inquiries from government agencies in a timely manner regarding compliance matters.
Career & Technical Education Clerk
Vanguard Academy
12.2021 - 09.2024
- Collaboration with Leadership: Work directly with the CTE Director to manage the educational needs of 3000+ students enrolled in Career & Technical Education programs of study across 4 secondary campuses (grades 7-12).
- Purchasing & Acquisition: Oversee and coordinate the purchasing process for CTE program resources and materials, ensuring cost-effectiveness, adherence to district policies, and timely acquisition of necessary supplies and equipment.
- Faculty Support & Administrative Operations: Provide administrative and operational support to 25+ faculty members, including handling travel arrangements, fundraising activities, requisitions, purchase orders, and budgeting for departmental needs.
- Grant Management: Assist in tracking data and ensuring compliance with federal and state grant requirements, submitting necessary documentation to the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
- Internship Program Management: Serve as the liaison between faculty and the Texas Workforce Commission to facilitate internship opportunities for students.
- Project Coordination: Plan, organize, and execute various projects, coordinating efforts with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
- Facilitated student and faculty engagement by planning and organizing events and activities.
- Planned and executed logistics for events, including venue selection, catering, and audio/visual setups, ensuring smooth day-of operations.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflow, contributing to improved office efficiency.
- Handled inquiries from parents and students, providing information and assistance as needed.
- Verified accuracy of all paperwork prior to submission for processing.
- Created memos, letters, emails, reports, presentations as requested by management.
- Collaborated with team members to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
Administrative Assistant
Heroes Practice Management
05.2011 - 02.2020
- Credentialing & Licensing: Manage the credentialing process for all incoming and existing Pediatric and General Dentists, ensuring timely submission of applications for the Texas Health and Human Services, independent insurance companies, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
- State Compliance: Maintain and update records for Registered Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists with the Texas State Dental Board, ensuring compliance with state regulations and licensing requirements.
- Policy & Procedure Development: Prepare and develop policies, procedures, and operational protocols for the successful opening of 4 new dental practices within a 3-year period, ensuring smooth onboarding and regulatory compliance.
- Oversaw payment processing and trained new employees on office processes, customer service best practices, and office phone etiquette to ensure consistency in patient interactions.
- Maintained and tracked annual office supply budget, ensuring timely procurement of necessary materials for efficient office operations.
- Assisted Regional Manager and Business Operations Manager with operational tasks and project coordination.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science - Organizational Leadership
South Texas College
McAllen, TX05-2023
Skills
- Grant regulation knowledge
- Compliance management
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Accurate record-keeping
- Documentation expertise
- Data analysis
- Report preparation
- Communication skills
- Training delivery
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Process optimization
References
- Cristina Santos, 956-358-1330
- Cesar Garcia, 956-960-2333
- Narciso Garcia, 956-460-0797
- Steven Sheller, 956-393-7394
- Damaris Ramirez, 956-537-6764
Affiliations
Volunteer Worship Leader at The Family Church-McAllen
Timeline
Administrative & Financial Coordinator
The PossAble Dream Adult High School
07.2025 - Current
Grant Compliance Specialist-GEAR UP
Vanguard Academy
10.2024 - 06.2025
Career & Technical Education Clerk
Vanguard Academy
12.2021 - 09.2024
Administrative Assistant
Heroes Practice Management
05.2011 - 02.2020
Bachelor of Applied Science - Organizational Leadership
South Texas College