MARIA FERNANDA CASTORENA
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bilingual Shelter Case Manager
Jewish Family Services (JFS)
San Diego, CA
09.2023 - Current
- Provided personalized guidance to newly arrived migrants, assisting with navigating systems, advocacy, and informed decision-making, fostering mutual respect and collaboration
- Worked alongside coordinators to identify at-risk vulnerable guests without a point of contact, initiating shelter referrals to ensure all guests had a final destination upon departure, preventing homelessness
- Utilized advanced data entry skills, in-person and remotely, within client management software to guarantee comprehensive documentation of guest interactions and service provision
- Conducted presentations for new arrivals, outlining program services and agreements to ensure clear alignment of program expectations.
Outreach and Retention Intern
Undocumented Community Resource Center (UCRC)
Berkeley, CA
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided culturally-sensitive and tailored guidance to UCRC students, redirecting them to resources such as housing, legal advising, financial aid, and mental health aid to address their expressed challenges
- Worked alongside staff to develop and execute retention initiatives for undocumented and mixed-status students on the UC Berkeley campus
- Provided general administrative and clerical support, including doing individual student intakes and managing confidential records through databases
- Organized and managed four community-building events, successfully boosting visitation rates to the UCRC and engaging 25+ participants per event.
Student Mentor
East Bay School for Boys
Berkeley, CA
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Cultivated an inclusive and affirming environment for diverse students (ages 12-15) where students openly addressed academic, personal, and social concerns to improve their student experience
- Matched students with volunteering opportunities based on their talents and experiences, enabling them to explore their abilities and better integrate with the community
- Employed motivational techniques and strategic goal-setting to encourage first-generation students to reach educational objectives
- Organized campus visits to the UC Berkeley campus to encourage students to visualize the options of pursuing higher education
- Ensured classroom was maintained organized and stocked with supplies, placing orders when necessary.
Peer Jury Advocate
Sweetwater Union High School Teen Court
San Diego, CA
08.2018 - 03.2019
- Facilitated meaningful relations between the diverse student population and staff within the Sweetwater Union School district by communicating with teachers and advocating on behalf of students
- Empowered at-risk students by offering guidance on school and community law enforcement policies and guidelines, providing them with valuable knowledge to make informed decisions and access available resources for their overall well-being and success
- Contributed to establishing a restorative justice program for at-risk students and conducted biweekly check-ins to provide ongoing support and monitor progress.
Education
B.A., Sociology -
University of California, Berkeley
A.A., Sociology -
Southwestern Community College
Skills
- Community Outreach
- Data Entry and Analysis
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Student Support
- Event Coordination
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
- Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Prevention
- Mental Health First Aid
Hobbies and Interests
Outdoor activities; meditation; community outreach
Timeline
Bilingual Shelter Case Manager
Jewish Family Services (JFS)
09.2023 - Current
Outreach and Retention Intern
Undocumented Community Resource Center (UCRC)
01.2022 - 05.2023
Student Mentor
East Bay School for Boys
10.2021 - 12.2021
Peer Jury Advocate
Sweetwater Union High School Teen Court
08.2018 - 03.2019
B.A., Sociology -
University of California, Berkeley
A.A., Sociology -
Southwestern Community College
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