Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Core Competencies
Professional Skills
Language Application In Health Equity Work
Professional Development
Languages
Timeline
AdministrativeAssistant
Melody D. Velez

Melody D. Velez

Yonkers,NY

Summary

Dynamic strategic systems developer with 15+ years in health equity and non-profit operations. Expert in crafting innovative database solutions that cut processing time by 60% and boost federal grant compliance by 40%. Skilled in simplifying complex administrative tasks into user-friendly systems, fostering department collaboration. A results-driven leader who transforms challenges into growth opportunities through automation and effective monitoring. Bilingual in English and Spanish, with exceptional project management skills and a keen eye for detail in contract compliance. Committed to driving health equity and maximizing organizational impact through efficient systems development.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate, Health Equity & Policy

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE
01.2023 - Current
  • Engineered comprehensive Affiliate Portal Systems for 90+ Urban League affiliates nationwide, creating a centralized hub that improved federal reporting efficiency by 40% while ensuring consistent compliance with civil rights program requirements
  • Designed and implemented a Contract Lifecycle Management Database with automated monitoring capabilities that tracks 100+ federal and private grant contracts, reducing contract lapses by 65% through strategic renewal alerts and compliance verification
  • Developed an innovative Reimbursement Processing System utilizing conditional logic workflows that integrated directly with Finance department systems, reducing payment processing time from 45+ days to under 20 days while maintaining federal funding compliance
  • Established organization-wide SAM database monitoring protocols in collaboration with the Data Director, increasing affiliate compliance by 25% and creating a comprehensive registration manual that became the standard resource across all departments
  • Authored the organization's first Contracts Guide documenting end-to-end processes for federal grant management, now utilized as a critical reference tool ensuring consistent regulatory adherence throughout the organization
  • Serve as the primary liaison between Program staff, Finance department, and external affiliates for complex federal grant requirements, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration that has streamlined contractual compliance processes
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Traveled to various states to assist with special projects.
  • Organizing, scheduling, and supervising the CYOA program as part of my role at the Youth Leadership Summit.
  • Create customized ID badges, travel arrangements, contracts, payments, and reimbursements per project for special convening's and events. Also, I create customized ID badges for 300+ youth and staff annually for the Youth Leadership Summit.

Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer

R.A.I.N. (REGIONAL AID FOR INTERIM NEEDS)
12.2021 - 11.2022
  • Managed CEO's executive calendar and confidential board communications, preparing comprehensive meeting materials and implementing follow-through systems that improved leadership decision-making efficiency
  • Led and developed a diverse administrative team including Receptionist, Custodian, and 6 Summer Youth Employees, establishing performance objectives and conducting regular evaluations that enhanced operational effectiveness
  • Created comprehensive bilingual (English/Spanish) orientation materials that streamlined onboarding processes for new hires in healthcare service roles, reducing training time by 15% while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations
  • Orchestrated logistics for company-wide meetings and signature events including annual golf outing and gala for 200+ attendees, managing vendor relationships and budget allocation that enhanced organizational visibility
  • Redesigned administrative policies and procedures that significantly improved interdepartmental communication and operational workflow efficiency for this senior care organization
  • Prepared detailed financial and operational reports for board meetings and audit purposes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with healthcare service requirements for elderly and special needs populations
  • Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
  • Prepared meeting agendas and briefing papers for members of board of directors and executive team.
  • Created expense reports, budgets, and filing systems for management team.

CEO/Owner

MDV CUSTOM CAKES, LLC
09.2009 - 10.2021
  • Directed all business operations including strategic planning, client acquisition, and brand development that established the company as an award-winning custom cake design business
  • Implemented targeted social media marketing campaigns that secured features on major networks including BET, Telemundo, Food Network, Cooking Channel, and VH1, significantly expanding business visibility
  • Developed innovative product offerings and techniques that earned multiple industry awards and recognition in printed and digital media, positioning the business as an industry leader
  • Created and managed comprehensive business systems including inventory tracking, client management databases, and financial reporting tools that optimized operational efficiency
  • Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
  • Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
  • Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.

Program Assistant

BRONX AIDS SERVICES, INC.
04.2003 - 04.2005
  • Managed federally-funded program budgets for HIV/AIDS community services in the Bronx, preparing detailed grant reports and ensuring compliance with federal regulations during a critical period in HIV/AIDS service delivery
  • Coordinated comprehensive services for underserved communities, developing multilingual resource materials that enhanced accessibility of vital health information
  • Created educational materials and program documentation that improved community engagement rates by 30% among at-risk populations, contributing to the organization's mission of HIV/AIDS prevention and support
  • Collaborated on grant proposal development that secured additional program funding for expanded services, demonstrating ability to understand and communicate complex health equity needs
  • Supported planning and coordination of Go Girl! Program (teen girls) and associated activities.
  • Assisted with planning and coordinating day-to-day and special program activities.
  • Proofread and edited documents for accuracy and grammar.
  • Completed daily logs for management review.
  • Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
  • Drafted common document templates to reduce time spent creating documents from scratch.

Unit Manager

JEWISH HOME & HOSPITAL
04.2001 - 09.2003
  • Managed operations for 35-40 bed long-term geriatric, Alzheimer's, and sub-acute units, supervising medical documentation and maintaining regulatory compliance for this healthcare facility
  • Led implementation of the new Patient One Electronic Medical Records system, providing comprehensive training and technical support to medical staff during critical system transition
  • Served as key member of the Performance Improvement Committee, developing and implementing protocols that measurably enhanced patient care quality and staff efficiency
  • Coordinated interdepartmental communication between medical staff, administration, and support services to ensure seamless patient care delivery
  • Assisted in development and implementation of policies, procedures, and regulations for unit operations.
  • Handled complaints from patients and families and immediately took steps for quick resolution and to prevent reoccurrence.
  • Maintained adequate stock of medications, supplies and equipment to meet patient needs.
  • Oversaw RNs, LPNs, nursing aides, medical clerks and support staff and performed staffing scheduling duties.
  • Met with nursing staff and support personnel to plan services, programs and activities.
  • Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
  • Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Psychology - Mental Health Concentration

SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Manchester, NH
10.2025

Associate's Degree - Criminal Justice/Police Science

MONROE COLLEGE
The Bronx, NY
05.2018

Skills

  • Database Development
  • Workflow Automation
  • Compliance Management
  • Grant Management
  • Federal Grants Portals
  • Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite
  • Canva, Adobe Creative Suite
  • Windows 11, Mac OS, Google Workspace
  • AirTable, Softr, Zoom

Core Competencies

I have significant experience with Federal and private funding agreements, processing and regulatory compliance oversight. I also have expertise with SAM registration protocols and monitoring systems. I can develop and provide staff and affiliate training with bilingual delivery capabilities. I am available to provide guidance and subject-matter expertise to the contract staff involved in working with federal and/or non-federal organizations.

Professional Skills

  • AirTable: Custom databases, relational data models, automated workflows.
  • Softr: Build web apps, create client portals, and integrate with Airtable.
  • Federal Grants Portals / SAM.gov: Track compliance, manage deadlines. Manage registrations, verify entities, and monitor federal compliance.
  • Contract Management Software: Track documents, monitor milestones, and prepare for audits.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Utilize Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more with advanced formatting and automation.
  • Microsoft Teams / Zoom: Facilitate meetings, collaborate on documents, manage teams, and coordinate virtual training.
  • Microsoft Outlook: Optimize emails, coordinate calendars, streamline workflows.
  • Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, and Slides for seamless collaboration and version control.
  • Canva / Adobe Creative Suite: Design professional graphics and promotional materials with brand
    consistency. Craft stunning marketing materials using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
  • Windows 11 & Mac OS: Proficient in cross-platform use, system optimization, and troubleshooting.

Language Application In Health Equity Work

My bilingual capabilities enable me to bridge communication gaps between organizations and Spanish-speaking communities, ensuring critical health information is accessible to underserved populations and strengthening the impact of equity-focused initiatives.

Professional Development

  • Business Grammar, Writing and Email Essentials Certification | Pace University
  • Desktop Publishing Certification
  • Leadership Training & Development Program

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Associate, Health Equity & Policy

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE
01.2023 - Current

Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer

R.A.I.N. (REGIONAL AID FOR INTERIM NEEDS)
12.2021 - 11.2022

CEO/Owner

MDV CUSTOM CAKES, LLC
09.2009 - 10.2021

Program Assistant

BRONX AIDS SERVICES, INC.
04.2003 - 04.2005

Unit Manager

JEWISH HOME & HOSPITAL
04.2001 - 09.2003

Bachelor's Degree - Psychology - Mental Health Concentration

SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY

Associate's Degree - Criminal Justice/Police Science

MONROE COLLEGE

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Melody D. Velez