Lillian Ramirez

Goal-directed and adaptive grant administrator and program manager with extensive experience in both public and private sectors. Adept at grant administration, finance management, and local and state data trend analysis. Proven track record in networking and fundraising, with a history of successfully controlling budgets and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Fluent in both Spanish and English, offering bilingual capabilities. Thrives in fast-paced and challenging environments, demonstrating highly developed skills. Technologically savvy, proficient in various software programs including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), QuickBooks, cloud applications, mobile applications (Android, iOS), file systems, desktop support, and social media platforms.

• FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS-100 level through IS-800
• Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements Application
• Federal Grants Awarding & Monitoring Sub-Awards
• Organizational & Legal Requirements for Non-Profit & Profit Institutions, University of Puerto Rico
• Community-based Projects Grants’ Proposal Writing, University of Puerto Rico
• Grant Management Training, NHTSA
• Organizational & Legal Requirements for Federal Housing Incentives Program Certification

• Kelly Services, Spanish English Interpreter, 04/01/23, Present, Converting speech: Translating spoken words from one language to another, either simultaneously or consecutively., Rendering meaning: Communicating the meaning and feeling of what is being said in the target language., Using multiple languages: Being fluent in at least two languages, usually including English., Adapting style and tone: Converting the style, tone, and concepts of the source language to the target language., Working in various settings: Working in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, courts, workplaces, and conferences., Preparing for assignments: Researching topics, reviewing agendas, and preparing support materials., Following a code of ethics: Adhering to a professional code of ethics that covers confidentiality and impartiality.
• Various Organizations, Independent Contractor/Consultant, 11/01/21, Present, Engage with non-profit organizations in completing consultancy-based projects., Comply with all Federal and other regulations in accomplishing deliverables., Partner with program directors and various departments in developing reports for internal and external stakeholders., Contribute technical expertise in meetings and workgroups., Evaluate issues and recommend actions., Grant Financial Manager: Ensure Agency remains in compliance and meeting all deliverables including financial compliance and reporting and monitoring of sub-recipients., Develop policies and systems in accordance with government regulations and organizational needs and objectives., Build program budgets in coordination with program managers., Senior Federal Contracts Manager: Lead in conducting RFP/RFQ reviews, proposal preparation, contract negotiation, and contract administration through contract close-out of multimillion dollar programs., Supervise Contract’s manager., Update status of Federal and State bids., Grant Writer: Research and write grants and proposals to foundations, corporations, government entities, and individuals., Collaborate with top management in prioritizing funding needs., Cooperate with Development Department by providing media request and foundation information.
• Texas Department of Transportation, Houston, TX, Transportation Funding Specialist III, 01/01/16, 10/31/21, Developed and manage comprehensive Traffic Safety Program for communities in Houston District., In collaboration with District and Division Public Information Office, spearheaded Houston’s Behavioral Traffic Safety Public Information and Education Program through statewide and local media campaigns., Oversaw grant funding opportunities., Delivered technical assistance to programs including communications, training, consultations, and presentations., Ensured compliance with Federal and State requirements on program administration and contract management., Managed Texas’ largest district with $6M+ in grant funds over 6-county area with 30+ government agencies and nonprofit organizations., Successfully organized the Houston Traffic Safety Coalition increasing community engagement focused on traffic safety and driving behavior., Served as spokesperson in Hispanic Media for TxDOT in Harris County., Recognized as Subject Matter Expert in 14 Traffic Safety Areas.
• Cesani Towers & Dairy Farm, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Succession Executor & Property Manager, 03/01/06, 06/30/15, Managed vast property while overseeing operations and coordinating with vendors and customers., Controlled budgets including operating and capital expenditures, oversaw accounts receivables and payables, conducted budget forecasts, and produced financial reports., Delivered excellent customer service by responding to customer requests and accommodating tenant’s events., Supervised daily operations of 87 rental units, 80K m2 of commercial space, 200-vehicle parking, and 350 acres farm., Acquired Municipal, State, and Federal funds for total building rehabilitation.
• Plastics Unlimited, LLC, Caguas, Puerto Rico, Change & Transition Manager, 10/01/12, 06/30/13, Established Human Resources office with 25 employees and guaranteed health and life insurance benefits., Led systems change in human resources management increasing efficiency and productivity., Synchronized sales, purchase requisitions, and manufacturing departments., Revised State and Federal certifications for governmental energy, water consumption, and salary subsidies., Completed energy audit with progressive suggestions enhancing manufacturing energy consumption.
• The XXI Organizing Committee for the Central American & Caribbean Sporting Games, Mayagüez, PR, Sub-Director of Volunteerism, 05/01/08, 09/30/10, Formulated strategies and joint agreements recruiting volunteers with government agencies, universities, associations, industries, and participating countries., Coordinated activities promoting the Games while attracting potential volunteers, partners, and sponsors., Collaborated with web designers to ensure official website was optimized and updated., Served as front liner for volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, placement, tracking, and supervision., Recruited 6K volunteers out of 13K applicants in 18 months, maintaining 95% retention rate.
• University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, The Caribbean Coral Reef Institute, Puerto Rico, Program Manager, 08/01/04, 08/31/07, Administered Caribbean Coral Reef Institute with annual budget of $9M, 20 associates, and employees., Monitored and managed funds and produced progress reports on status and research findings., Designed process for Request for Proposal ensuring nonprofit 501c-3 compliance., Cultivated collaborative agreements with other teaching facilities for equipment loans on scientific research.
• Puerto Rico Commerce & Export Company, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Public Relations Officer, 08/01/01, 08/31/04, Managed agenda, meetings, and travel plans for Executive Director and Board of Directors., Corresponded with foreign media contacts regarding news conferences and press kits., Identified and matched overseas contacts with local counterparts for exchange of products and services., Spearheaded communications with public and private sectors advancing external trade.
• Puerto Rico Property Registry, San Germán, Puerto Rico, Group Supervisor, Trained and supervised IT group of four people digitizing property registries., Linked Headquarters and Property Registry to achieve seamless transaction., Maintained custody of historical and contemporary tomes through quality control.
• Puerto Rico Community Foundation, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fundraiser/Major Gifts Consultant, Partnered with various stakeholders to increase major gift’s donor pool for the local International Annual Philanthropy Day., Streamlined reporting procedures, donor accountability system, and funds administration.
• Corporation for the Commercial Financing of Communities & Entrepreneurs, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Public Relations Manager, Invested in small business community in partnership with the Economic Development Office., Boosted new business ventures, community initiatives, and crisis management interventions.

• Certified Federal Grants Administrator.
• Certified Spanish English Interpreter -Medical, Insurance, Finances (Banking)
• Successful track record in program management, communication, finance management, and human resource management.
• Built strong management controls having led organizational improvements resulting in higher efficiency and productivity.
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate with teams and engage with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated value-added skills in networking, relationship-building, customer service, events management, training, and mentoring.

While at TxDOT and several Government Offices, I represented the Agencies in either Spanish or English