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Hi, I’m
MIA SAKASEGAWA
Kailua,HI
Summary
Enrollment and partnership professional who has exceeded goals in admissions and sales while helping students choose programs, complete re-enrollment, and navigate financial aid. Built relationships across seven community colleges, maintained strong student volume during a downturn, and used CRM tools to manage pipeline activity and next steps.
Overview
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Grand Canyon UniversityKailua, Oahu
University Admissions Counselor
10.2020 - 10.2026
Job overview
- Ranked as the top admissions counselor for maintaining registered student volume during the 2020 enrollment cycle amid nationwide pandemic-related declines in college admissions.
- Advised transfer students and military personnel on program selection, academic planning, transfer credits, and financial aid, enhancing their education pathways.
- Achieved a 100% re-enrollment success rate among students seeking to return to their studies.
- Collaborated with all seven community colleges in Hawaii, securing registrations from each institution.
- Achieved 80-100% of enrollment goals during challenging college admissions climate.
- Updated CRM records and tracked applicant activity across enrollment stages.
Ahonui Foundation HIKailua, Oahu
Founder & CEO
07.2023 - 12.2025
Job overview
- Founded and led nonprofit providing academic coaching, career guidance, scholarship resources, and professional mentorship for Hawaii students.
- Facilitated connections between students and former Miss Hawaii USA winners and other professionals, helping students secure $100,000 in local scholarships; coached on interview preparation and personal storytelling, enhancing presentation skills.
- Partnered with Windward Community College to guide 25 liberal arts students in career exploration and course planning aligned with their goals, optimizing educational paths.
- Authored grant proposals and managed foundation funding applications, securing necessary funding for nonprofit initiatives.
Grand Canyon UniversityKihei, Maui
University Admissions Counselor
10.2019 - 10.2020
Job overview
- Coordinated outreach events for Maui high schools, generating increased prospective student inquiries and enhancing awareness of university programs.
- Facilitated student retention through proactive communication with students and families; trained counselors on registration processes and advising practices to improve support.
- Met performance benchmarks within three months of entering the role and consistently maintained above-goal admissions metrics.
HouzzSan Diego, California
Account Executive
10.2018 - 10.2019
Job overview
- Reached 100% of quarterly sales goal within five weeks and exceeded 150% of the quarterly goal within the first five months.
- Managed sales cycle in Salesforce, developing partnerships across U.S. and Canada through 80-100 outbound calls daily.
- Prospected contractors and designers to promote Houzz advertising and software solutions.
California State GamesSan Diego, California
Marketing and Operations Manager
05.2016 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
Grand Canyon University Phoenix, Arizona
Season Ticket Account Manager
11.2015 - 04.2017
Job overview
- Monitored service after sale and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions.
- Collaborated with managers to provide customer feedback and recommend operational changes to meet emerging trends.
- Developed and maintained strong working relationships with professionals within assigned territory.
Education
Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ
Master of Arts from Psychology, Emphasis in Life Coaching
03-2022
Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ
MBA from Sports Management
04-2018
Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ
Bachelor of Science from Sports Management
04-2016
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteSkills
- Enrollment management
- CRM systems
- Recruitment
- Relationship management
- Team collaboration
- Educational pathway optimization
- Grant writing
Timeline
Founder & CEO
Ahonui Foundation HI
07.2023 - 12.2025
University Admissions Counselor
Grand Canyon University
10.2020 - 10.2026
University Admissions Counselor
Grand Canyon University
10.2019 - 10.2020
Account Executive
Houzz
10.2018 - 10.2019
Marketing and Operations Manager
California State Games
05.2016 - 01.2018
Season Ticket Account Manager
Grand Canyon University
11.2015 - 04.2017
Grand Canyon University
Master of Arts from Psychology, Emphasis in Life Coaching
Grand Canyon University
MBA from Sports Management
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science from Sports Management