Rafael Class II EdDc
Pekin,IL
Summary
Results-driven executive with extensive experience in leadership, change management, and operational optimization across diverse industries. Currently serving as President & CEO of Self3mpowerment, leading strategic planning, program development, and partnership cultivation to drive organizational growth and empowerment initiatives. Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams, implementing data-driven solutions, and fostering client success in both remote and traditional business settings. Strong background in academic leadership, financial risk management, and business operations, with expertise in optimizing processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Skilled at managing multi-faceted projects, mentoring teams, and improving performance in fast-paced environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
10
10
Certification
Work History
Realtor
Keller Williams Hudson Valley Realty
02.2025 - Current
- Educated clients on changing or updating properties, buying, and selling techniques and processes to maintain curb appeal.
- Handled day-to-day happenings of real estate office to consistently grow client base and increase revenue.
- Advised and informed prospective clients on current market activities and conditions.
- Managed contracts, negotiations, and all aspects of sales to finalize purchases and exceed customer expectations.
President & CEO
Self3mpowerment
05.2024 - Current
- Direct strategic planning, operational management, financial oversight to ensure long-term sustainability, increased efficiency, and measurable organizational growth
- Design, develop, and implement comprehensive educational and professional development initiatives to foster skill enhancement, career readiness, and personal empowerment
- Establish, cultivate, and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, corporate sponsors, and key stakeholders to optimize outreach, resource distribution, and collaborative program success
- Manage and streamline daily operations, ensuring seamless program execution, compliance with organizational policies, alignment with longterm objectives, and continuous process improvement for enhanced efficiency
Enrollment Advisor
National University
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Assisted prospective students throughout the enrollment process by offering tailored guidance, detailed program insights, and admissions requirement clarification to support informed decision-making
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to implement strategic outreach initiatives, driving student engagement and contributing to increased enrollment figures
- Ensured accuracy and compliance in enrollment documentation by maintaining meticulous records and adhering to institutional policies and regulatory requirements
- Provided high-quality customer support by promptly addressing inquiries, troubleshooting enrollment-related issues, and enhancing the overall applicant experience
Adjunct Professor
Morris Brown College
01.2021 - 08.2024
- Developed and facilitated dynamic course materials, incorporating diverse instructional strategies to enhance student engagement and critical thinking at both undergraduate and graduate levels
- Evaluated student progress through comprehensive assessments, including exams, research projects, and written assignments, delivering detailed feedback to support academic growth and learning objectives
- Partnered with faculty and academic leadership to refine curricula, ensuring alignment with institutional policies, accreditation requirements, and evolving educational standards
- Played a key role in program development initiatives, designing and implementing academic enhancements that optimized student success and learning outcomes
CEO | Change Management Consultant
Rafael Class II LLC
09.2019 - 05.2024
- Led enterprise-wide change management initiatives, analyzing organizational needs, streamlining processes, and implementing scalable solutions to enhance operational efficiency and business resilience
- Delivered data-driven consulting services, guiding clients through complex business transformations, workflow optimization, and cultural realignment to improve overall performance and competitive positioning
- Built, mentored, and managed high-performing remote teams across diverse functions, utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies to increase operational efficiency, minimize waste, and drive continuous process improvement
- Developed and executed strategic initiatives that improved key performance metrics, enhanced client engagement, and positioned organizations for long-term success through targeted process enhancements and best practices
Academic Supervisor
Turner Job Corps
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Led the management of academic programs and faculty, ensuring curriculum design and delivery aligned with institutional goals, accreditation requirements, and industry standards
- Provided comprehensive mentorship and professional development to educators, fostering innovative teaching strategies, enhancing student engagement, and driving measurable improvements in learning outcomes
- Utilized data-driven methodologies to assess academic performance, analyze key metrics, and implement strategic interventions that enhanced student success and program effectiveness
- Developed and executed robust student assessment frameworks, collaborating with cross-functional administrative teams to address learning challenges, improve retention rates, and ensure continuous academic growth
Senior Credit Risk Analyst
JP Stone Community Bank
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Led thorough credit risk assessments for loan applications, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines and regulatory mandates, thereby safeguarding the organization's financial interests
- Formulated and executed comprehensive risk mitigation strategies, offering detailed, actionable insights to support informed lending decisions and minimize potential financial risks across the portfolio
- Regularly reviewed and analyzed the bank's loan portfolio, identifying key trends, evaluating potential risks, and recommending proactive corrective measures to optimize the overall credit quality and minimize defaults
- Collaborated with senior management and key stakeholders to enhance credit risk modeling processes, contributing to the refinement of risk management frameworks to ensure alignment with best practices and regulatory standards
General Manager
McAlister's Deli
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, optimizing customer service, staff allocation, and workflow efficiency to maintain seamless operations
- Controlled financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, & expense management, to enhance profitability while upholding operational excellence
- Led talent management initiatives, encompassing recruitment, training, performance reviews, and cultivating a positive workplace culture to improve employee engagement and retention
- Monitored key performance metrics and spearheaded continuous improvement strategies to drive operational efficiency and elevate customer satisfaction levels
Financial & Insurance Manager
Four Kings Auto Group
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Directed the management of the company's financial services and insurance products, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements while strategically customizing offerings to address diverse client needs and preferences
- Provided comprehensive consultations to clients on available financing options, insurance policies, and warranty packages, driving product sales and fostering long-term customer loyalty and satisfaction
- Performed detailed financial analysis, monitored market dynamics, and evaluated competitor strategies to optimize pricing frameworks, boosting profitability and maintaining competitive positioning
- Led efforts to streamline operational processes, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to drive improvements in service delivery, operational workflows, and overall customer experience
Inmate Grievance Representative
Fishkill Correctional Facility
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Supervised and facilitated the inmate grievance process, ensuring strict adherence to institutional policies while promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability in every step of the resolution process
- Collaborated closely with facility staff, external agencies, and stakeholders to address and resolve complex inmate issues, contributing to a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment for all individuals
- Conducted detailed analysis of grievance patterns, preparing comprehensive reports that provided strategic recommendations to optimize facility operations and strengthen relationships between inmates and staff
Director of Operations
Northeast Landscaping
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Directed and coordinated daily operational activities, overseeing project management, staff assignments, and logistics to ensure the seamless execution of services and consistently exceed customer expectations
- Designed and executed operational strategies aimed at optimizing workflow efficiency, reducing operational costs, and driving substantial improvements in business performance and overall profitability
- Managed comprehensive budget planning, procurement processes, and vendor relationships, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services while maintaining strict control over costs and safeguarding profitability
Logistics Analyst
Blount Seafood
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Directed and optimized supply chain activities, focusing on improving inventory management systems and ensuring the timely delivery of products to meet fluctuating customer demands and service level targets
- Analyzed comprehensive transportation and logistics data to identify areas for cost reduction, implement process enhancements, and increase overall operational efficiency across the supply chain
- Partnered with external vendors and internal departments to streamline workflows, shorten lead times, and elevate overall distribution performance, enhancing service quality and customer satisfaction
Education
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Higher Education Administration
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA01.2025
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Strategic Leadership
University of the Southwest
Hobbs, NM01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Organization Management
Nyack College
Nyack, NY01.2018
Skills
- Student Affairs
- Leadership Development
- Crisis Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Student Engagement
- Diversity Inclusion
- Resource Allocation
- Policy Administration
- Program Assessment
- Strategic Planning
- Student Advocacy
- Community Building
- Staff Supervision
- Emergency Response
- Ethical Development
- Committee Participation
- Student Conduct
- Event Coordination
- Report Preparation
- Academic Support
- Organizational Leadership
- Leadership and Supervision
- Student Engagement and Success
- Budget and Resource Management
- Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution
- Diversity, Inclusion, & Community Building
Certification
- OSHA Certified Leader of DEI
- Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
- Change Mgmt. Specialist (CMS)
- Organizational Leader of DEI
- Leader of DEI in Higher Education
- Licensed Human Rights Specialist
- Certified F&I Manager
- Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare
- CRC Software Certified
- CPD Certified Life Coach
Affiliations
- Member, NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators)
- Member, National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE)
- Member, Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Member, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- Member, American Council on Education (ACE)
- Member, Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Research Interests
- Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation in Higher Education
- DEI Practices and Support Systems for First-Generation College Students
- Educational Policy and Organizational Leadership
- Real Estate Finance and Zoning Law Impact on Urban Development
Publications
- Cultivating Understanding: Nurturing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education, IDLE Inc., 2023
- Book 2, In progress, 2025
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Realtor
Keller Williams Hudson Valley Realty
02.2025 - Current
President & CEO
Self3mpowerment
05.2024 - Current
Enrollment Advisor
National University
05.2024 - 08.2024
Academic Supervisor
Turner Job Corps
06.2023 - 10.2023
Adjunct Professor
Morris Brown College
01.2021 - 08.2024
Senior Credit Risk Analyst
JP Stone Community Bank
01.2021 - 01.2022
General Manager
McAlister's Deli
01.2021 - 01.2022
CEO | Change Management Consultant
Rafael Class II LLC
09.2019 - 05.2024
Financial & Insurance Manager
Four Kings Auto Group
01.2018 - 01.2021
Inmate Grievance Representative
Fishkill Correctional Facility
01.2016 - 01.2018
Director of Operations
Northeast Landscaping
01.2011 - 01.2016
Logistics Analyst
Blount Seafood
01.2009 - 01.2011
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Strategic Leadership
University of the Southwest
Bachelor of Science - Organization Management
Nyack College
- OSHA Certified Leader of DEI
- Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
- Change Mgmt. Specialist (CMS)
- Organizational Leader of DEI
- Leader of DEI in Higher Education
- Licensed Human Rights Specialist
- Certified F&I Manager
- Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare
- CRC Software Certified
- CPD Certified Life Coach
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Higher Education Administration
Liberty University
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