Melissa Laws
Washington,DC
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Program Director with a proven track record of engaging diverse student populations and effectively addressing parent concerns and expectations. Skilled in professional leadership, training, and building organizational capacity to foster growth and development. Certified in youth development and community relations, leveraging expertise to create impactful programs that resonate with students and stakeholders. Committed to driving positive change through innovative strategies and collaborative efforts.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director
Shaw Community Center
01.2014 - Current
- Assure that program goals and performance outcomes are met in accordance with state government grants and support. Perform formal and informal evaluations of program impact demographics and outcomes. Evaluate training needs for part-time staff. Oversee the administrative aspects of program implementation. Evaluate program effectiveness and provide recommendations for areas of improvement. Plan and manage programs and community activities. Coordinate the tasks of colleagues. Experience in working with OSSE, OST and 21 Century to provide high quality afterschool programming and summer camps. Maintain accurate records of all projects and grants. Establishes and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, interns, government, and community agencies as they relate to the needs of people who low to moderate income. Organize events to display participant's work to parents, teachers and broader community. Develop and maintain open and positive relationships with parent's staff and administration. Manage workforce development program for disconnected youth ages 13-24 years old including programmatic approach. Maintain active partnership with community stakeholders and local resources.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
- Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Designed customized training programs to enhance staff knowledge and skills in key areas of responsibility.
- Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans for long-term growth.
- Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.
Program Coordinator
Shaw Community Ministry
12.2010 - 01.2014
- Part of a team, work closely with youth, ages 8-12, helping improve life skills, tutoring and academics, youth development and building self-esteem. Serve as a positive female role model and mentor to the girls and am a parent of three children in the afterschool program. Work closely with the Director in leading monthly parent meetings, and arranging enrichment programs for our youth. Provides ongoing evaluation of all activities and services at Shaw Community Ministry, ensure inclusion of feedback from program participants. Maintains statistical information to monitor and track program outcomes in support of program evaluation and improvements. Created work action plans, case management, and person centered mentoring.
Education
Professional Certification - Program Managment
DC Youth Workforce Academy
Washington, DC01.2018
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
UDC Community College
Washington, DC01.2014
Medical Coding - Medical Insurance Coding Specialist
Career Technical Institute
Washington, DC08.2010
Skills
- Experience with Salesforce
- City Span proficiency
- Proficient in Microsoft Word
- Experienced in Microsoft Outlook management
- Skilled in Microsoft tools
- Excel proficiency
- Staff development
- Organizational leadership
- Strategic leadership
- Customer service experience
- Conflict resolution
- Stakeholder engagement
- Recruitment and hiring
- Organizational skills
Timeline
Program Director
Shaw Community Center
01.2014 - Current
Program Coordinator
Shaw Community Ministry
12.2010 - 01.2014
Professional Certification - Program Managment
DC Youth Workforce Academy
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
UDC Community College
Medical Coding - Medical Insurance Coding Specialist
Career Technical Institute
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