Martha Elena Varela
Summary
Mission driven, values oriented, executive level processional with a Masters of Public Administration acquired through the National Urban Fellows program with over twenty years of leadership development and program management experience working across multiple sectors with communities of color and families in poverty. Proven track record of designing life changing programs and establishing collaborative efforts with key community partners. Hands-on experience in building relationships with diverse constituents and local and state agencies to help identify needs, problem solve issues, and create equitable community driven solutions.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Paralyzed Veterans Of America California Chapter
04.2022 - Current
- Advocated for policy changes at both local and national levels to further support the organization''s goals and objectives.
- Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Supervised a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing resource allocation by building relationships with donors, government officials and others organizations to secure funding and support.
- Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
Housing Navigation Manager - Families
LA Family Housing
04.2021 - 04.2022
- Responsible for the oversight, administrative development, training and direct supervision of five staff on the Housing Navigation Families team.
- Increased team productivity by implementing streamlined inter-departmental processes and effective internal and external communication ensuring effective program alignment.
- Championed diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the workplace by building high performance teams through effective recruitment, onboarding and talent development initiatives.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for the Housing Navigation Department.
Women Veterans Outreach Coordinator
National Veterans Foundation
05.2020 - 05.2021
- Assisted information service counselors’ field nationwide crisis calls from Veterans, with a focus on Women Veterans with disabilities.
- Advocated for and assisted homeless veterans by connecting them to veteran specific health, benefits, and local community housing programs.
- Evaluated emerging trends in community engagement, incorporating innovative approaches into existing programs to maintain relevance and effectiveness.
Lead Benefit Advocacy Specialist (CBEST)
Volunteers of America
04.2019 - 05.2020
- Worked with individuals experiencing homelessness with the SSA Countywide Benefits Entitlement Services Team.
- Supervised staff of seven who advocated for and assisted low-income communities with applying for SSA and VA benefits.
- Advocated for and assisted homeless veterans by connecting them to veteran specific health, benefits, and local community housing programs.
Youth Program Facilitator
Latino Youth Development Collaborative
10.2018 - 03.2019
- Worked with parents at a Latino parent-led grassroots nonprofit to provide Twin Cities Latino students the support, tools and resources needed to increase student academic success and increase parent involvement of Latino families in Minneapolis and Bloomington Public Schools.
Graduate Research Fellow, NUF
The California Endowment (TCE)
09.2017 - 06.2018
- Completed National Urban Fellows social justice fellowship at The California Endowment LA headquarters.
- Conducted graduate level research on the Endowment’s social justice efforts using a restorative justice framework.
- Supported Endowment’s diversity, equity and inclusion, communication, and strategic planning efforts to achieve outlined goals and objectives.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address complex community issues and generate innovative solutions.
- Developed strong working relationships with peers and faculty members to foster a collaborative research environment.
Homeless Youth Advocate
Catholic Charities of St. Paul & Minneapolis
11.2015 - 11.2017
- Enhanced youth engagement by building supportive mentoring relationships with homeless youth ages sixteen to twenty built on trust and open communication.
- Supported the quality of care at the Hope Street Shelters for Teens by implementing new innovative employment programs and connected youth to important community resources as needed.
- Advocated on behalf of youth during staff meetings with key stakeholders, ensuring proper representation of their needs.
CBPR Researcher and Lead Facilitator
University of Minnesota - School of Pediatrics - Healthy Youth Development Prevention Research Center
12.2009 - 06.2015
- Collaborated with team of educational leaders, Latino students and families and Twin Cities Latino professionals to research, design and implement the “Encuentro” pregnancy prevention program.
- Minnesota Department of Health approved curriculum.
- Member of Youth Facilitation Team, Curriculum Development Team, Hiring Team and Advisory Board.
Executive Director
West Side Safe Neighborhood Council
04.2006 - 06.2011
- Provided leadership, guidance, training, and support to crime victims in a volunteer led nonprofit organization.
- Served as liaison between law enforcement, city, county, and government officials and residents.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization's reach and influence.
- Oversaw financial management, grant writing, developing and directing all organizational programs and outreach activities.
- Facilitated community meetings and delivered organizational presentations; organizational contact for all media and government relations.
Program Director / Basketball Coach
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities
08.2002 - 03.2006
- Developed, implemented, and strengthened programming in five core program areas: Education/Career Development, Health/Life Skills, Sports Fitness & Recreation, Leadership Development, and the Arts.
- Supervised a team of seven staff, University interns, Americorps and volunteers.
- Supported the National BGCA strategies as a BGCA Youth Development Professional, BGCA Regional Steering Committee Member and BGC-Twin Cities Professional Association President.
- Lady Hawk girls traveling basketball coach.
Education
Education
Center For Leadership Equity And Research – CLEAR
Fresno, California06.2020
Masters - Public Administration
City University of New York - Baruch College
New York, New York07.2018
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN05.1999
91B10 - Medic
United States Army Academy of Health Sciences
Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio10.1991
Skills
- Exceptional Communicator
- Strategic Visionary Leader
- Problem Solver
- Program Management
Timeline
Executive Director
Paralyzed Veterans Of America California Chapter
04.2022 - Current
Housing Navigation Manager - Families
LA Family Housing
04.2021 - 04.2022
Women Veterans Outreach Coordinator
National Veterans Foundation
05.2020 - 05.2021
Lead Benefit Advocacy Specialist (CBEST)
Volunteers of America
04.2019 - 05.2020
Youth Program Facilitator
Latino Youth Development Collaborative
10.2018 - 03.2019
Graduate Research Fellow, NUF
The California Endowment (TCE)
09.2017 - 06.2018
Homeless Youth Advocate
Catholic Charities of St. Paul & Minneapolis
11.2015 - 11.2017
CBPR Researcher and Lead Facilitator
University of Minnesota - School of Pediatrics - Healthy Youth Development Prevention Research Center
12.2009 - 06.2015
Executive Director
West Side Safe Neighborhood Council
04.2006 - 06.2011
Program Director / Basketball Coach
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities
08.2002 - 03.2006
Education
Center For Leadership Equity And Research – CLEAR
Masters - Public Administration
City University of New York - Baruch College
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
91B10 - Medic
United States Army Academy of Health Sciences
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