PAOLA MEDINA RIOJA
Farragut,USA
Summary
20+ years of experience across various fields including Human Resources, Public Relations, Administrative Services, and Higher Education Administration. 8 years in Higher Education Administration: Managing student services, admissions, and academic programs. 4 years in Human Resources/Workforce Development: Focusing on employment services, training, and workforce readiness. 3 years in Public Relations/Communications: Managing communications and international relationships with the public and stakeholders. 5 years in Administrative Services: Supporting organizational operations through various administrative roles. Overall, my experience reflects a blend of Higher Education Administration and Human Resource Development, emphasizing both educational support and workforce initiatives. This combination highlights my versatility in educational and administrative contexts.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Workforce Development Coordinator
Centro Hispano of East TN
02.2024 - Current
- Connected and networked with clients from Centro Hispano and ETC programs to provide job opportunities in the Knoxville area
- Met with individuals directly to assist them in achieving their career and skill development goals
- Led and facilitated workshops, training sessions, and courses on topics such as digital education, networking, resume writing, and interviewing
- Advancing and guiding our clients from the Centro Hispano and ETC program
- Developed collaborations with companies to enhance the Hispanic workforce
- Utilized labor market trends and forecasting data to inform workforce planning efforts within the organization.
- Oversaw job seeker aptitude and interest testing, reviewed results with job seekers and presented suitable career alternatives.
- Guided program participants through enrollment processes using one-on-one support.
- Managed new employee orientation training process for more than 54 employees.
Employment Specialist
Express Employment Professionals / S3 Perspectives Inc.
04.2022 - 01.2024
- Utilized bilingual skills to bridge the gap between minority employee skills and company needs
- Built and maintained a strong core of associates with various job skills to efficiently fill job orders
- Followed procedures and documented all activities while utilizing strong time management skills
- Employed consultative sales techniques to make persistent sales contacts with prospective clients
- Demonstrated strong phone and interpersonal skills
ESOL Teacher Assistant
Spartanburg County School District 6
08.2019 - 06.2021
- Provided students with daily opportunities to learn and maintain engagement in tasks
- Increased student confidence and trust
- Assisted students needing extra support and attention
- Used a variety of modalities to effectively engage ESOL students in activities and lessons
Spanish I & II for Heritage Speakers Class
Spartanburg County School District 6
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Focused students' attention on learning objectives and the purpose of lessons
- Related concepts to students' real-life experiences
- Clearly communicated expectations and maintained positive interactions with students
3rd Grade Bilingual Teacher
Dallas Independent School District
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Supported student engagement and participation in activities and lessons
- Facilitated positive communication and relationships among students
- Participated in professional development focused on emotional support, classroom safety, and instructional support
1st Grade Bilingual Teacher
Dallas Independent School District
08.2016 - 07.2017
- Provided daily learning opportunities to keep students engaged
- Employed various modalities to enhance student participation in lessons
- Identified students requiring individualized support
Guest Bilingual Teacher
Dallas Independent School District
08.2015 - 07.2016
- Facilitated literacy circles and peer teaching in small groups
- Tutored students preparing for the STAAR Reading test
- Supported non-English-speaking students in reaching their academic goals
Administrative Assistant
Dallas County Community College District
04.2013 - 07.2015
- Company Overview: President's Office
- Provided administrative support for complex and confidential projects, requiring attention to detail and multitasking
- Served as a resource person on policies and procedures
- Drafted correspondence and performed budget-related functions
- President's Office
Department Assistant I
Dallas County Community College District
03.2012 - 04.2013
- Company Overview: Office of Student Life
- Assisted students and coordinated their needs with the Office of Student Life
- Organized the reception area and met with students individually and in groups
- Office of Student Life
English Teacher
Instituto Cross Roads de Colombia S.A.
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Developed the Volunteer Coordination program and established a collaborative agreement with the local government
International Student Coordinator
Academia Latinoamericana de Español
01.2004 - 12.2010
- Company Overview: Equatorialis University
- Provided support and information to international students regarding Spanish programs and tourism
- Equatorialis University
Public Relations Manager
Laboratories GENFAR S.A. / SANOFI
01.2001 - 12.2003
- Evaluated customer attitudes and executed media programs to earn public understanding and support
Education
Alternative Teacher Certification Program - EC-6 Bilingual Generalist
Mountain View College
Dallas, Texas01.2017
Associate Degree - Business
Mountain View College
Dallas, Texas01.2015
Diplomado - Business Management
University of Santiago de Cali
Cali, Cauca01.2001
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
University of Santiago de Cali
Cali, Cauca01.2001
Skills
- Employer Engagement
- Training facilitation
- Career Counseling
- Partnership Building
- Workforce Analysis
- Organizational Development
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Reliability
Awards
- Support Staff of the Year, Spartanburg County School District 6, Arcadia Elementary School, 2020-2021
- Multiple Certificates of Appreciation, Mountain View College, 2012-2015
- Graduation ceremony benediction delivered by a student selected, Mountain View College, 2015
References
Samanta Pulido Aguilar, VP of Operation, Green Meadows Partners, samanta.pulido@greenmeadowsparters.com, 865-200-7409
Community work
- Consulate of Colombia in Atlanta, Colombian Foreign Ministry, Colombia nos une / Mesa de trabajo, Colombianas Líderes en Knoxville, TN, 01/01/24, Current, Strategic meetings to address and develop initiatives that promote the empowerment and well-being of women in the community.
- Mountain View College, Dallas, Texas, Student Ambassador, 01/01/14, 12/31/15
- Sigma Delta Mu (Spanish Honor Society), Mountain View College, Dallas, Texas, Vice-President, 01/01/14, 12/31/15
- International Friendship Club (IFC), Mountain View College, Dallas, Texas, President, 01/01/12, 12/31/15
- Women of Worth Club, Mountain View College, Dallas, Texas, President, 01/01/12, 12/31/15
- Asociación Colombiana del Metroplex, Dallas, Texas, Volunteer, 01/01/13, 12/31/18
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Workforce Development Coordinator
Centro Hispano of East TN
02.2024 - Current
Employment Specialist
Express Employment Professionals / S3 Perspectives Inc.
04.2022 - 01.2024
Spanish I & II for Heritage Speakers Class
Spartanburg County School District 6
01.2020 - 05.2020
ESOL Teacher Assistant
Spartanburg County School District 6
08.2019 - 06.2021
3rd Grade Bilingual Teacher
Dallas Independent School District
08.2017 - 06.2018
1st Grade Bilingual Teacher
Dallas Independent School District
08.2016 - 07.2017
Guest Bilingual Teacher
Dallas Independent School District
08.2015 - 07.2016
Administrative Assistant
Dallas County Community College District
04.2013 - 07.2015
Department Assistant I
Dallas County Community College District
03.2012 - 04.2013
English Teacher
Instituto Cross Roads de Colombia S.A.
01.2010 - 12.2011
International Student Coordinator
Academia Latinoamericana de Español
01.2004 - 12.2010
Public Relations Manager
Laboratories GENFAR S.A. / SANOFI
01.2001 - 12.2003
Associate Degree - Business
Mountain View College
Diplomado - Business Management
University of Santiago de Cali
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
University of Santiago de Cali
Alternative Teacher Certification Program - EC-6 Bilingual Generalist
Mountain View College
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