Rashidah Smallwood
Lancaster,TX
Summary
Compassionate and knowledgeable Financial Aid Advisor with expertise in TITLE IV funding programs and student-centered service. Experienced in guiding individuals through complex processes with tools like CoBrowse, ensuring equitable access to resources, and maintaining compliance with federal regulations. Recognized for clear communication, accuracy, problem-solving and advocacy - skills directly transferable to ADA roles focused on accessibility, accommodations, and inclusive support.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Aid Advisor
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ
07.2025 - Current
- Assisted students in understanding financial aid options and application processes.
- Provided guidance on eligibility requirements for federal and state aid programs.
- Evaluated student financial information to determine funding opportunities.
- Maintained accurate records of student interactions and financial aid statuses.
- Collaborated with academic departments to support student enrollment through financial resources.
- Responded promptly to inquiries regarding financial aid policies and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with state, federal, and institutional regulations governing the distribution of financial aid by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures.
- Maintained accurate records of all financial transactions related to student accounts, ensuring timely reconciliation during audits or reviews.
- Enhanced student satisfaction with the financial aid process by providing personalized counseling and support.
- 98% Accuracy for Month of April with 20 - 30 Work Items plus Inbound Calls completed daily.
Project Manager
AHRC-NYC, New York City, NY (Salesforce - Dallas)
Dallas, TX
05.2025 - 06.2025
- Collaborated with senior leadership to align projects with organizational goals and strategies
- Facilitated communication between cross-functional teams to ensure clear understanding of objectives and priorities
- Conducted status meetings to communicate project updates with stakeholders and team members
- Trained team members on project management tools, processes, and best practices to improve overall efficiency.
- Assigned tasks to employees and monitored progress to ensure timely completion.
- Provide monthly trainings for office staff with neurodivergent deficiencies
- Responsible for all HR functions on the local level; talent search, on-boarding, timesheets and time-off requests
- ADA Certified - via AHRC-NYC/Dallas location
- Prepared status reports for stakeholders, ensuring transparency in project progress and challenges.
- Developed training materials for team members on effective use of project management tools.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
Campus Testing Coordinator
University of North Texas at Dallas,
Dallas, TX
06.2024 - 05.2025
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and participation in testing sessions.
- Administered standardized tests to students.
- Organized secure storage of completed tests until they were sent for scoring or analysis.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information related to students' personal information, IEPs, or test scores.
- Distributed and collected all testing materials at beginning and end of each session.
- Monitored testing environment to prevent cheating and maintain a quiet atmosphere conducive to concentration.
- Reported any suspected irregularities or violations of testing policies to appropriate authorities immediately.
- Managed student behavior during testing sessions, addressing any disruptive behaviors or issues promptly.
- Monitored compliance with testing regulations, ensuring adherence to university standards and policies.
- Conducted regular evaluations of testing procedures, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
- Maintained security and integrity of sensitive test materials.
- Met state and local testing timelines.
Assistant Property Manager
Home River Group
Dallas, TX
01.2020 - 09.2023
- Managed tenant communications, resolving inquiries and issues efficiently.
- Assisted in lease administration, ensuring compliance with company policies and local regulations.
- Coordinated property maintenance requests, prioritizing urgent repairs for tenant satisfaction.
- Oversaw financial transactions, including rent collection and expense tracking for multiple properties.
- Resolved complex customer issues in a timely manner while maintaining positive
relationships with clients - Followed up on delinquent tenants and coordinated collection procedures.
- Coordinated move-ins and move-outs, ensuring smooth transitions for both tenants and property management team.
- Verified income, assets, and expenses, and completed file tracking sheet for each applicant.
Business Development /Phone Analytic Manager
Business Development /Phone Analytic Manager
Dallas, TX
02.2014 - 01.2020
- Assigned, prioritized, and delegated tasks and responsibility to departmental employees
- Oversaw multiple projects simultaneously and ensured tasks were efficiently completed
- Fostered positive relationships with customers through proactive communication tactics
- Collaborated with staff to develop and carry out processes
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of goods and services, excellent at negotiating
- Set daily call metrics at 100 outbound calls per day
Education
Certificate - Psychiatric Nursing
PCI Health Institute
Dallas, TX Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ06-2009
Skills
- Eligibility guidelines
- Verification processes
- Payment plans
- Microsoft office
- Oracle Financials
- Report Development and Presentation
- Customer Relationship Management
- CRM Software/PeopleSoft
- Strategic Outreach
- Salesforce
- Knowledgeable of Title IV Disbursements
- Vocado
Timeline
Financial Aid Advisor
University of Phoenix
07.2025 - Current
Project Manager
AHRC-NYC, New York City, NY (Salesforce - Dallas)
05.2025 - 06.2025
Campus Testing Coordinator
University of North Texas at Dallas,
06.2024 - 05.2025
Assistant Property Manager
Home River Group
01.2020 - 09.2023
Business Development /Phone Analytic Manager
Business Development /Phone Analytic Manager
02.2014 - 01.2020
Certificate - Psychiatric Nursing
PCI Health Institute
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix