Martha Cedeño Barnes
Boston
Summary
Results-oriented Program Leader with over 10 years of experience in designing and managing volunteer-driven initiatives. Expertise in leading teams, developing scalable systems, and implementing effective volunteer recruitment and engagement strategies. Proficient in community partnership development, training facilitation, and data-informed decision-making. Bilingual in English and Spanish, committed to fostering relationships and advancing program leadership.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Friendly Visiting Coordinator (Bilingual)
FriendshipWorks
Boston
02.2024 - Current
- Conduct intake assessments and home visits with older adults, developing individualized match recommendations grounded in personality, culture, language, and lived experience.
- Manage a caseload of older adults and volunteers across multiple Boston neighborhoods, facilitating thoughtful, interest-based matches that foster meaningful, long-term companionship.
- Recruit, interview, screen, and train volunteers, guiding them from initial interest through onboarding and into active matches with ongoing support.
- Supervise and support a cohort of Senior Companions (in partnership with the City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission), maintaining regular communication and overseeing engagement and reporting.
- Monitored and reported on program activity, detailing volunteer engagement, outreach efforts, and match outcomes to support monthly and annual program evaluations.
- Established and maintained partnerships with community organizations, senior centers, and residential buildings to enhance program visibility and broaden access to services.
- Acted as community liaison and program ambassador, representing FriendshipWorks at outreach events and presentations to raise awareness and foster connections in assigned neighborhoods.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to strengthen volunteer recruitment strategies and improve program operations.
Senior Language Manager - Spanish
BGEA
Charlotte
02.2021 - Current
- Managed an online volunteer program spanning 13 countries across North, South, and Central America, and Europe, overseeing 400 volunteers who provide emotional support and spiritual guidance site visitors.
- Oversight of day-to-day operations of volunteer activities on Omni-channel Messaging and Learning Management System, resulting in 73,000 conversations annually with online guests.
- Coordinated volunteer recruiting, onboarding, training, and leadership development to strengthen program capacity.
- Operationalized the process for identifying, selecting, and training volunteer regional leaders across 10 countries.
- Directed strategic program expansion and managed fiscal oversight to ensure sustainable growth.
- Managed online content development to boost volunteer engagement with online visitors.
- Co-production of volunteer training modules, impactful video stories showcasing volunteer contributions and experiences, and engaging volunteer recruiting videos resulting in 3,800 volunteer interest forms in 2023.
- Mentored new Language Managers within the global volunteer program structure, recognized for achieving the largest volunteer growth across seven language groups in 2022 and 2023.
Bilingual Volunteer Coordinator
BGEA
Charlotte
09.2012 - 02.2021
- Managed the comprehensive initial training, approval processes, and day-to-day operations for a bilingual volunteer program (English and Spanish).
- Translated volunteer program materials and resources from English to Spanish, enabling seamless access and understanding for diverse volunteer base.
- Trained active volunteers through engaging webinars, enhancing skill development and program proficiency.
- Co-developed a streamlined volunteer activity review process and hands-on training procedures, optimizing program efficiency and enhancing the volunteer experience.
- Serve as a liaison between program users and developers, facilitating effective communication and collaboration in the use of Omni-channel messaging, learning management systems, and volunteer management systems.
Spanish Interpreter and Translator
Freelance
Providence
04.2004 - 09.2012
- Delivered consecutive and simultaneous translation and interpreting services to diverse non-profit clientele in education, medical, and judicial fields.
- Trained fellow interpreters on intricacies of medical interpretation, enhancing proficiency and quality standards within the team.
- Developed and managed key business relationships, navigating strict project deadlines to ensure high-quality language services.
Volunteer Coordinator
Citizens Education Campaign
Providence
04.2004 - 05.2006
- Spearheaded the recruitment, training, and leadership of a dedicated team of 120 volunteers, fostering a collaborative and motivated environment.
- Provided ongoing support to volunteers in the field, addressing challenges and facilitating smooth initiative implementation.
- Established and maintained communication channels with community partners and organizations in targeted neighborhoods, strengthening collaborative relationships.
- Engaged directly with community residents to communicate initiative activities, ensuring transparency and community involvement.
- Played a key role in the co-development of a strategic plan for a civic engagement initiative, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
- Co-developed tools to track community engagement efforts, enhancing initiative visibility and accountability.
- Conducted daily updates and maintenance of the initiative calendar, ensuring timely coordination of activities and events.
- Managed administrative tasks to support the initiative's overall success and operational efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC05-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Rhode Island
Providence, RI05-2023
Skills
- Program Leadership & Team Supervision
- Volunteer management
- Community partnerships
- Outreach strategy
- Cross-Cultural Communication (Bilingual: English/Spanish)
- Program Evaluation
- Program Operations & Systems Development
- Salesforce reporting
- Training Design & Facilitation
- Case management
Timeline
Friendly Visiting Coordinator (Bilingual)
FriendshipWorks
02.2024 - Current
Senior Language Manager - Spanish
BGEA
02.2021 - Current
Bilingual Volunteer Coordinator
BGEA
09.2012 - 02.2021
Spanish Interpreter and Translator
Freelance
04.2004 - 09.2012
Volunteer Coordinator
Citizens Education Campaign
04.2004 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Queens University of Charlotte
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Rhode Island