Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Leadership Affiliations
Awards
Publications
Timeline
Generic

Nina Vazquez

Meriden,United States

Summary

Dynamic educator and cultural historian with 8+ years of experience in designing socially impactful educational programs and managing cross-cultural initiatives. Skilled in curriculum development, community outreach, and nonprofit management. Creates welcoming environments and community-driven initiatives that inspire active participation, build confidence, and cultivate lasting engagement.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Coordinator, Upward Bound

Wesleyan University
01.2023 - Current
  • Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions for ongoing success.
  • Established strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding program reach and impact.
  • Maintained detailed records of program activities and participant data, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
  • Organized educational events and workshops to engage participants, enhancing their learning experience within the program framework.


President

CT Association for Educational Opportunity
08.2024 - Current
  • Secured $25,000 in grants, enhancing association initiatives and community engagement. Cultivated partnerships to support youth and educational outreach
  • Initiative a statewide campaign for educational programs.
  • Managed policy changes effectively while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
  • Increased the associations budget by 65%.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.

Educational Chair

Hasta 'Bajo Project Inc.
01.2019 - Current


  • Designs workshops on Reggaeton's African roots, engaging diverse perspectives.
  • Leads cultural symposium curriculum, attracting 300+ attendees annually.
  • Fosters collaboration to enhance content and interaction.

Latino Curriculum Specialist

Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
01.2022 - 01.2024


  • Develop bilingual resources for high school curriculum, enhancing cultural understanding and accessibility.
  • Collaborate with educators to address diverse learning needs, improving student engagement and outcomes.
  • Create original content on Afro-Puerto Rican history, integrating multimedia tools for dynamic, interactive learning experiences.
  • Assess and support teacher needs, fostering a collaborative and supportive educational environment.


STEAM Director

Boys & Girls Club of Hartford
01.2021 - 01.2022
  • Led daily STEAM sessions, providing accessible, hands-on programming to over 60 students each day.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to design and implement inclusive STEAM initiatives that aligned with organizational goals.
  • Spearheaded organizational STEAM projects, expanding program offerings and increasing student engagement.

Education

M.A. - Puerto Rican, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies

University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
01.2021

B.A. - Criminal Justice & Political Science

University of Hartford
Bloomfield, CT
01.2019

Skills

  • Curriculum Development
  • Program Management
  • Leadership
  • Cultural History
  • Education
  • Grant Writing
  • Community Outreach
  • Bilingual
  • Teaching
  • Nonprofit Management

Leadership Affiliations

  • President, Connecticut Association for Educational Opportunity Programs, 2024-Present
  • Board Member, New England Educational Opportunity Association, 2024-Present
  • Board Member, LGBTQIA+ Scholarship Fund, Middletown, CT, 2023-Present
  • Member, LGBTQIA+ Commission, Middletown, CT, 2023-Present

Awards

  • Most Influential Teacher Award, Meriden Board of Education, 2024
  • Connecticut 30 Under 30: Black & Latinxs, Afro Caribbean Cultural Center, 2023

Publications

  • The Erasure of Blackness in Reggaetón, Black Perspectives, 2024
  • Rhythmic Resistance: Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, 2024
  • The Best Reggaetón and Trap Songs of 2023, Remezcla, 2023

Timeline

President

CT Association for Educational Opportunity
08.2024 - Current

Program Coordinator, Upward Bound

Wesleyan University
01.2023 - Current

Latino Curriculum Specialist

Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
01.2022 - 01.2024

STEAM Director

Boys & Girls Club of Hartford
01.2021 - 01.2022

Educational Chair

Hasta 'Bajo Project Inc.
01.2019 - Current

B.A. - Criminal Justice & Political Science

University of Hartford

M.A. - Puerto Rican, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies

University of Connecticut
Nina Vazquez