Maria F. Vera Cante
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Experienced community organizer with a strong focus on leadership development and advancement of undocumented and immigrant youth. Achieves impactful results by mobilizing resources, building relationships, and fostering inclusive environments. Demonstrates expertise in strategic planning, raising awareness about undocumented youth, and youth organizing. Reliable and adaptable to changing needs, ensuring successful project completion.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Organizer
New York State Youth Leadership Council
05.2022 - Current
- Put on different activities and programs that are targeting the leadership development of the youth members
- Supported, maintained and trained the Dream Teams in the high schools and college campuses to ensure their organizing goals are being met and they are developing their skills as a team
- Coordinated and implemented numerous meetings, conferences and community events.
- Participated in strategy development and planning to grow organizing program, advance campaigns, and ensure the progress of the organization's 3-5 year strategic plan
- Spoke at public events, conducted various workshops and trainings including Know Your Rights trainings, Community Organizing and Systems of Oppression.
- Generated reports to evaluate program success and make modifications.
- Strengthened community relationships by developing partnerships and collaborating with local organizations.
- Trained volunteers in organizing techniques, resulting in increased participation and commitment from supporters.
- Managed budgets and financial reporting, ensuring accountability for funds spent on community initiatives.
Dream Team Network Coordinator
New York State Youth Leadership Council
10.2018 - 05.2022
- Organized and supported 15 Dream Teams by providing them with a series of training workshops to support their teams
- Created curriculum for workshops
- Created partnerships with local organizations and schools to expand our work in NYC, making sure that they aligned with our mission and values
- Created paid leadership opportunities for Network members like our Dream Team Network Fellowship and Ambassador Program, supervised the interns
- Connect with Dream Team advisors and created professional development curriculum as well as attend conferences representing NYSYLC, the network or the teacher’s group, TeachDream.
- Developed Immigrant Liaison Pilot Program alongside our educator group, TeachDream, for a group of 5 high schools. Ensured and supervised the merge of the educator group into the NYSYLC.
- Conducted site visits to Dream Teams at their schools to ensure retainment of students and create a direct link to the organization
Peer Advocate Fellow
John Jay College Immigrant Student Success Center
07.2019 - 12.2019
- Advised a group of 10 undocumented and immigrant high school students individually and in groups on academic programs available for them
- Created a welcoming and inclusive environment where students felt comfortable seeking assistance, fostering trust and open communication.
- Facilitated and created presentations for educators, parents and students about college access for immigrant and undocumented students
- Kept track of site visits at the assigned school, student engagement, and created reports for the on-site supervisor as well as the Center's Graduate Fellow
Core Member
New York State Youth Leadership Council
01.2018 - 09.2018
- Main focus was on the education programs offered by the organization which included the DREAM Team Network, community engagement workshops, curriculum planning and facilitation
- Created professional development and Undocu-Ally workshops for educators working with undocumented youth
- Hosted monthly community meetings and gatherings to foster a community with our members
- Participated in panels and conferences as a representative of the organization
Intern
General Consulate of Mexico in New York
09.2016 - 02.2018
- At the Educational Opportunities Initiative, encouraged the Mexican community to continue their education in the U.S and/or the completion of their studies from Mexico
- Constant community outreach through a series of workshops throughout the city, virtually, in Spanish and English
- Conducted bi-weekly follow-ups with at least 30 clients to be able to track their success enrolling into the recommended program by an EOI staff
- Media coordinator - updated the EOI’s Facebook page throughout the week, newsletters and internal communications to the staff
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries, ensuring a high level of satisfaction among clientele.
- Prepared comprehensive reports summarizing data analysis findings, informing key decision-makers of important trends and patterns.
- Tasks could vary on a weekly basis
Intern
New York State Youth Leadership Council
06.2017 - 08.2017
- Intern for the YLC’s summer political program, Youth Empowerment Program (YEP)
- Was in charge of contacting and confirming speakers for the daily workshops, coordinate their stipend
- Logistics work included ensuring there were sufficient Metrocards for all 20 participants and speakers, have a schedule of food and ensure its timely arrival for every day of the program, have materials for all workshops, book conference room space for all days of the program
- Helped facilitate workshops throughout the program and created curriculum
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Latin American and Latina/o Studies
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY01-2026
Skills
- Self-motivated
- Highly dependable
- Strong verbal communication & public speaking
- Excellent team player & community builder
- Fast learner
- Fluent/Bilingual in Spanish and English
- Excellent organizational skills
- Skilled youth worker
- Grassroots organizing
- Program development
- Community outreach and event planning
- Adaptability
Publications
The Children of the People: Writings By and About CUNY Students on Race and Social Change
DIO Press, August 2022
Timeline
Community Organizer
New York State Youth Leadership Council
05.2022 - Current
Peer Advocate Fellow
John Jay College Immigrant Student Success Center
07.2019 - 12.2019
Dream Team Network Coordinator
New York State Youth Leadership Council
10.2018 - 05.2022
Core Member
New York State Youth Leadership Council
01.2018 - 09.2018
Intern
New York State Youth Leadership Council
06.2017 - 08.2017
Intern
General Consulate of Mexico in New York
09.2016 - 02.2018
Bachelor of Science - Latin American and Latina/o Studies
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
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