Lupita Ruiz
Oakland
Summary
Financial Aid Director with extensive experience in higher education, overseeing operations across multiple campuses. Demonstrated success in developing financial strategies that ensure compliance with regulations while enhancing team performance and student financing processes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Financial Aid & Student Accounts
National Holistic Institute
Emeryville
08.2021 - Current
- Provide executive leadership for financial aid strategy, student accounts, tuition financing, cash flow management, and regulatory compliance.
- Direct all Financial Aid and Student Accounts operations across multiple campuses, ensuring compliance with federal, state, institutional, and accreditation regulations.
- Lead and mentor a multi-campus team responsible for awarding, compliance, student financing, collections, and operational excellence.
- Partnered with executive leadership, Admissions, Education, Finance, Compliance, and Operations to enhance student outcomes and optimize organizational performance.
- Developed operational strategies that streamlined financial aid processing, minimized compliance risk, and reinforced internal controls.
- Oversaw certification of VA education benefits as institution's Primary Veteran Affairs School Certifying Official (SCO), ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regulations while supporting veteran and military-affiliated students.
- Maintain advanced expertise in VA education benefits through ongoing professional development, including attendance at the WAVES Conference for School Certifying Officials for more than 15 consecutive years.
- Facilitated Veteran Affairs compliance initiatives, audits, policy implementation, and regulatory updates.
- Acted as Financial Aid Director during National Holistic Institute's acquisition of Bauman College, providing financial analysis, tuition modeling, regulatory guidance, and implementation planning.
- Present financial aid, compliance, and operational updates to executive leadership while serving as a strategic advisor on regulatory and institutional initiatives.
Financial Aid Manager
National Holistic Institute
Emeryville
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Created new hire onboarding training that decreased mistakes in Financial Aid Officers by 75% and greatly reduced risk of suspension of financial aid which comprises ~80% of business income for NHI.
- Revamped the Financial Aid department by enhancing recruitment and training processes and developing new programs.
- Developed, revised, and implemented policies and procedures for Financial Aid programs.
- Facilitated collaboration between Admissions and Financial Aid, enhancing relationships and boosting admissions.
Sr. Financial Aid Administrator
National Holistic Institute
Emeryville
03.2012 - 08.2019
- Reviewed reports to ensure accurate, timely awarding and disbursement of aid to eligible students.
- Processed financial aid applications, facilitating timely fund allocation to eligible students.
- Administer Federal and Private loans.
- Assisted in managing Federal Direct application approvals and denials, ensuring compliance in processing actions.
- Maintain knowledge of Federal Financial Aid regulations.
Financial Aid Administrator / VA School Certifying Official
National Holistic Institute
Emeryville
03.2007 - 03.2012
- Processed student financial aid applications accurately and efficiently.
- Advised students on financial aid options and eligibility requirements.
- Maintained comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations.
- Communicated financial information and application procedures to prospective and current students and families, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
- Documented student advising interactions to track progress and enhance future support.
Senior Financial Service Consultant
Cal State 9 Credit Union
Oakland
08.2006 - 03.2007
- Recommended loan solutions in accordance with lending guidelines and client requirements.
- Evaluated loan applications and documentation, informing members of additional requirements to facilitate approval.
- Explained and promoted service products to members, enhancing their understanding and engagement.
- Assisted Branch Manager with daily operations and audits, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
Member Service Representative
Mendo Lake Credit Union
Ukiah
09.2001 - 08.2006
- Opened new accounts and provided tailored investment options to clients.
- Maintained in-depth knowledge of bank products, services and best practices.
- Maintained accurate transaction records and ensured compliance of all documentation.
- Supported client relationship managers in conducting research and maintaining customer accounts.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Berkeley City College
Berkeley, CaliforniaSkills
- Regulatory compliance
- Federal student aid regulations
- Financial analysis
- Policy development
- Data management
- Project management
- Leadership and strategy
- Interdepartmental collaboration
- Bilingual communication proficiency
Timeline
Director of Financial Aid & Student Accounts
National Holistic Institute
08.2021 - Current
Financial Aid Manager
National Holistic Institute
08.2019 - 08.2021
Sr. Financial Aid Administrator
National Holistic Institute
03.2012 - 08.2019
Financial Aid Administrator / VA School Certifying Official
National Holistic Institute
03.2007 - 03.2012
Senior Financial Service Consultant
Cal State 9 Credit Union
08.2006 - 03.2007
Member Service Representative
Mendo Lake Credit Union
09.2001 - 08.2006
Associate of Arts -
Berkeley City College