MELISSA PALOMO
New York,NY
Summary
Results-driven professional with deep expertise in field, adept at delivering high-quality outcomes. Known for strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability, ensuring reliable performance amid changing needs. Proficient in critical analysis and problem-solving, with reputation for integrity and consistency.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Special Partnerships
CareerWise New York
New York, NY
11.2022 - 04.2025
- Identify and manage CBO partnerships to provide targeted support for disadvantaged youth and schools.
- Create equitable pathways to deliver access to youth apprenticeships.
- Research and collect data on gaps in school and student support structures.
- Responsible for creating strategic yearly goals and plans for the department.
- Lead management of annual events and supervise apprentices and event volunteers.
- Developed outreach strategies to increase youth engagement in apprenticeship programs.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Analyzed apprenticeship program trends and provided recommendations for continuous improvement.
Senior Manager, K-12 Partnerships
CareerWise New York
03.2022 - 11.2022
- Co-created onboarding processes for partner employers during seasonal recruitment.
- Managed exclusive partnerships between schools and employers to ensure successful youth apprentice recruitment.
- Communicated data and provide reports to senior management and successfully maintain Salesforce reports.
- Drafted marketing content and led rebranding of program materials.
Project Manager, K-12 Partnerships
CareerWise New York
12.2019 - 03.2022
- Developed and sustained relationships with educational partners to increase access and success for students.
- Advocated for youth engagement and created spaces for young people in corporate environments.
- Managed stakeholder relationships and assisted in the development of partnership agreements.
- Coordinated scheduling and logistics for youth apprenticeship events to maximize attendance.
- Conducted stakeholder feedback sessions to enhance program offerings and participant satisfaction.
- Assisted in the creation of a curriculum embedded into schools, based off of feedback from stakeholders.
QA & Policy Supervisor
KidsPeace, KidsHaven
09.2018 - 05.2019
- Oversaw development and implementation of policies required by the ORR and state licensing.
- Analyzed data and created reports to assess program procedures and conducted program audits.
- Supervised the Quality Assurance and Case Aide department.
- Developed compliance checklists to align programs with state and federal regulations.
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
ORR Case Manager
KidsPeace, KidsHaven
10.2017 - 09.2018
- Established a reunification plan and provided services to unaccompanied minors.
- Provided direct Spanish translations of documents and developed individualized service plans.
- Coordinated with community organizations to facilitate support services for youth in need.
- Engaged families in the planning process to promote collaborative support for youth outcomes.
Advocacy Fellow
NYATEP
2024 - 2025
- Engaging in legislative advocacy and policy research to support workforce development initiatives.
- Advocated for workforce development policies at the state level, engaging with policymakers and stakeholders
- Collaborated with a cohort of fellows to develop and present advocacy initiatives
Education
M.A. - International Affairs (Concentration: Development)
The New School
New York01-2016
B.A. - Sociology (Concentration: Law and Society)
Moravian College
Bethlehem01-2014
Skills
- Core Competencies: Project Management, Cross-Cultural Experience, Strategic Planning, Data Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation, Advocacy, Design Thinking
- Database Management: Salesforce (Proficient), Raiser's Edge (Proficient), SPSS (Good)
- Software: MS Office, Mondaycom, Google Suite (Excellent); Adobe CS, iWorks (Good)
- Languages: Spanish (Native), Mandarin Chinese (Intermediate)
- Strategic thinking
- Written and oral report creation
- Nonprofit administration
- Cross-cultural design
Websites
Accomplishments
- Supervised a team of 4 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Documented and resolved apprenticeship program understanding, which led to the creation of an "Apprenticeship Agreement', which established the relationship of the apprentice and all stakeholders.
- Achieved implementation of a curriculum within a group of New York City Public Schools through collaboration with teachers and other stakeholders, which assisted in developing the complete Career Readiness Modern Youth Apprenticeship (CRMYA) curriculum adopted by New York City Public Schools in 2022.
Certification
Certification: Design Leadership for Business | Nov 2021
ACTIVITIES & RESEARCH
- Research Associate | International Field Program, Cuba: Research project on U.S. Embargo effects on youth identity.
- Project Coordinator | Muslim Associate of the Lehigh Valley: Developed ESL program for Syrian refugees.
- Intern | IES Cape Town: Provided health education courses in informal settlements in South Africa.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Chinese (Mandarin)
Limited Working
Timeline
Director, Special Partnerships
CareerWise New York
11.2022 - 04.2025
Senior Manager, K-12 Partnerships
CareerWise New York
03.2022 - 11.2022
Project Manager, K-12 Partnerships
CareerWise New York
12.2019 - 03.2022
QA & Policy Supervisor
KidsPeace, KidsHaven
09.2018 - 05.2019
ORR Case Manager
KidsPeace, KidsHaven
10.2017 - 09.2018
Advocacy Fellow
NYATEP
2024 - 2025
M.A. - International Affairs (Concentration: Development)
The New School
B.A. - Sociology (Concentration: Law and Society)
Moravian College