Melissa Westbrook
Omaha,NE
Summary
Dynamic leader with proven track record of successfully managing projects and initiatives and achieving desired program objectives. Skilled in developing and executing strategies, managing budgets and resources, and leading cross-functional teams. Consistently produces tangible outcomes that exceed expectations. Passionate about Inclusion, diversity, equity and access and stewarding stakeholder relationships.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Extension Educator - UNL Faculty
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
05.2022 - Current
- Program creation, development and leadership
- Responsible for the strategic program growth and management, serving over 3000 students and 10 employees
- Develop relationships with National stakeholders for program marketing, curriculum purchase, training and consultation
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform stakeholders and school administration.
- Continual development and evaluation of curriculum to define student learning objectives, assist developmental needs, and improve educational strategies
- Steward community relationships to identify needs and increase program reach
- Management and oversight of the Omaha teaching team including hiring, onboarding, and support of new staff
- Seek and apply for grant opportunities for program sustainability. Manage program budget and foster relationships for fundraising opportunities
- Provide training, curriculum, and digital management for program representatives in other communities in Nebraska
- Service as liaison among IANR Statewide Extension College Access projects, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Admissions and ASEM Student Enrollment and Early Access Programs
- Reaching One Reaching All: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming committee member, responsible for mission statement and strategic plan development
- Submission for data and research requests and collection of program data, and usage of data to determine program trajectory
- Bi-annual program reports and Action Plan development
Senior Assistant Director
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
03.2021 - 05.2022
- Training and management lead for the Omaha team, partner schools, teachers, and community-based organizations
- Created and updated physical records and digital files to maintain current, accurate, and compliant documentation.
- Maintained positive stakeholder relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions
- Oversaw purchasing and organization of marketing inventory.
- Inclusive Excellence committee leader with a focus on literary engagement and education
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Support the committee regarding Inclusive Excellence series content, moderating and content delivery
- Worked closely with management to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of program operations.
- Facilitator for micro professional development sessions focused on DEI content
- Coordination of large-scale student events and program conferences for student experience, utilizing interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments
- Spanish-English curriculum translation.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence and solutions focused behavior
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Next Chapter at Nebraska Coordinator
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
11.2016 - 03.2021
- Creation of a Postsecondary preparation program Next Chapter for NEBRASKA 4-H and UNL Admissions
- Development of four-year, multi-tier curriculum package for grades 9-12 with a focus in Career and College Access
- Responsible for the execution of program curriculum within Omaha Public High Schools Benson and Bryan, community-based organizations, and consultation for program delivery in rural areas of Nebraska
- Expert consultant for national universities regarding Next Chapter curriculum packages
- Facilitate conference presentations, workshops, and poster sessions to increase national awareness of the Next Chapter program.
- Seek grant opportunities for program sustainability
- Identified and communicated program needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
Assistant Site Director
YMCA of GREATER OMAHA
08.2013 - 11.2016
- Responsible for recruitment for after-school programming at McMillan Magnet Center
- Collection, Input and management of student attendance and data
- Trained new team members on site policies and procedures.
- Train and manage program youth leaders and establish daily program schedule and delegate staff assignments
- Development, implementation and altering of program curriculum to meet academic and enrichment needs
- Oversaw personnel safety and efforts at work site.
- Community Liaison for provider applications and scheduling
- Building Educator Leaders for Life- Summer Program Site Manager and Team Lead.
- Evaluated team member strengths and assigned tasks based upon expertise and background.
- Provided onsite training to help develop employee skills.
- Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
Youth, Teen and Family Program Director
YMCA of GREATER OMAHA
09.2012 - 08.2013
- Program manager for 4 departments, including budget development and oversight
- Responsible for the hiring, training and management of over 15 employees
- Established and maintained relationships with youth, families and community partners.
- Coordinated youth programs and activities to enhance life quality and self-esteem.
- Committee Lead for Metro YMCA Healthy Kids Day event
- Responsible for event vendors, delivery organization, planning and day of management and implementation.
- Assisted youth in developing problem-solving and communication skills to support stress management.
- Maintained accurate documentation of youth progress in line with reporting requirements.
Education
Master of Arts - Critical And Creative Thinking
University of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, NE12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Child, Youth And Family Studies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
05.2012
Certificate: Leading with Effective Communication -
Coursera
02.2022
Certificate: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace -
Edx
12.2021
Skills
- Spanish Bilingual
- Program Development and Leadership
- Logistics Management
- Relationship Building
- Strategic Leadership
- Understanding of Human Resources
- Team Development
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access
Websites
Volunteer Experience
Empowered Girls Inc NonProfit, 06/2020-Present, Mentor and Volunteer
Additional Information
Gallup Strengths
- Input
- Strategic
- Individualization
- Connectedness
- Arranger
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Extension Educator - UNL Faculty
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
05.2022 - Current
Senior Assistant Director
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
03.2021 - 05.2022
Next Chapter at Nebraska Coordinator
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
11.2016 - 03.2021
Assistant Site Director
YMCA of GREATER OMAHA
08.2013 - 11.2016
Youth, Teen and Family Program Director
YMCA of GREATER OMAHA
09.2012 - 08.2013
Master of Arts - Critical And Creative Thinking
University of Nebraska At Omaha
Bachelor of Science - Child, Youth And Family Studies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Certificate: Leading with Effective Communication -
Coursera
Certificate: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace -
Edx