Shayla Powell
Ewa Beach
Summary
Culturally competent team player with talent for building strong relationships and fostering positive learning environment. Demonstrates patience, empathy, and persuasive communication to effectively support students and colleagues. Brings collaborative spirit to assist in creating engaging educational experiences tailored to diverse needs. Specializes in creating inclusive and supportive atmosphere, enhancing both social and academic development.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraprofessional Substitute
Holomua Elementary School
'Ewa Beach, HI
04.2026 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and encouraging open communication in the classroom.
- Monitored student behavior and academic progress, providing timely feedback to promote positive outcomes.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress, addressing concerns and celebrating achievements together.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring, enabling struggling students to improve their understanding of course content.
Graduate Research Assistant
Hawai‘i Pacific University
11.2021 - 04.2022
- Hand selected by Lead Researcher to assist in conducting a study requested on Papa Ola Lōkahi's Na Maka Wai program to uncover the overarching impact COVID-19 ARPA funds had on statewide Native Hawaiian community-based healthcare organizations.
- Conducted qualitative interviews with the lead researcher for Kīpuka O Ke Ola, Hui Mālama Ola Na ‘Ōiwi, Ke Kula Nui O Waimānalo, AHARO, Puni Ke Ola and Alulike.
- Narrowed the gap between non-native researchers and native organizations, assisting researchers to convey the meaning, context, non-verbal expressions, and Hawaiian language translations of what was presented during meetings and interviews.
- Transcribed over 12 hours of interview dialogue, ensuring accurate reporting.
- Assisted with analysis, interpretation, and review for publication and presentation.
- Volunteered at Mālama Learning Center, Pālehua Terrace, uprooting invasive species and cultivated native plants.
Vice President
HPU Phi Alpha Honor Society
Honolulu, HI
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Voted for amongst peers to serve as the honor society Vice President.
- Spearheaded 3 fundraisers to raise money for the club and the Social Work Graduation Pinning Ceremony.
- Directed the planning and execution of 2 Social Work Graduation Pinning Ceremonies.
- Created handcrafted gifts for over 50 graduates who received them during ceremonies.
- Assisted the President in creating bylaws and rules for the club.
- Received the "Light up the Night" award in recognition of outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the program.
Work Study
West O‘ahu Veteran's Center
Kapolei
12.2018 - 11.2019
- Achieved title of the lead work study student just after 1 month of working, chosen over 6 other senior work study students.
- Recognized as a stellar performer while hosting a China Beach LZ event honoring Vietnam Veterans during their 50th anniversary.
- Ensured that over 70 veteran's compensation and pension claims were submitted and processed correctly, resulting in veterans receiving disability compensation or helped the process move along further.
- Maintained immaculate cleanliness and office sustainability by ensuring supplies were stocked and offices were clean.
- Aided over 50 veterans by resourcing their needs either within the office setting or directing them to more assistance.
- Mentored by the director, Edmond Deguzman, and was invited to sit in on client's cases dealing with military sexual trauma, bereavement, PTSD, suicide, and couple's therapy.
Senior Manager for Hazardous Materials
U.S. Army
Fort Campbell, KY
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Senior subject matter expert for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) warfare prevention, protection, detection, and response.
- Created and implemented a standardized hazardous material program which resulted in 100% compliance of military, state, and federal laws.
- Constructed and enforced a subordinate inspection program to ensure adherence to a standardized hazardous material program.
Senior Personnel Actions Manager
U.S. Army
Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa, HI
07.2013 - 08.2016
- Succeeded a very broken personnel actions management program for a 120-staffed company and alone developed a new and improved standard operating procedure, which repaired issues and complaints involving military personnel transactions.
- Designed a simplified tracking system for personnel actions, recordkeeping, and in-and-out processing that streamlined time management and increased productivity by 60%.
- Prepared and processed over 1,000 personnel actions, which significantly prevented or alleviated employee family and financial difficulties.
- Served as company administrative specialist handling all promotions, reductions, awards, evaluation reports, legal, and finance actions.
- Selected to be the Company Sponsorship Program Manager, handling the unit and installation in-and-out processing, transferring families in and out of the state seamlessly.
Team Leader
U.S. Army
Fort Bragg, NC
08.2010 - 07.2013
- Operated as a team leader for the dismounted reconnaissance and surveillance team, responding to domestic hazardous material incidents along the east coast of the United States, preventing catastrophic damage to human and property.
- First line supervisor responsible for the health, well-being, training, and development of 7-9 soldiers.
- Served as the unit funds manager and managed company finances, coordinated 6 fundraising events that raised over $10,000.
- Planned and coordinated 15 company events and functions, which created lasting memories throughout the organization with unforgettable entertainment, food, and atmosphere.
Personnel Actions Manager
U.S. Army
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Tacoma, WA
09.2006 - 08.2010
- Accepted the responsibility of the personnel actions clerk at a very young rank while overseas, bridging the gap between OCONUS transactions and the CONUS actions processing station.
- Managed and organized all personnel records in compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974 for a company of 140 people, making continuous updates that ensured proper handling and control over their personal identifiable information.
- Managed and organized all personnel records according to the Privacy Act of 1974 for a company of 140 people, making continuous updates that ensured proper handling and control over their personal identifiable information.
- Created and processed over 1500 personnel actions successfully.
Education
Master's Degree - Social Work
Hawai‘i Pacific University
Hawai‘i08.2025
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration and Organizational Behavior
Colorado Technical University
04.2019
Associate's Degree - Management
Colorado Technical University
05.2017
Skills
- Technological sound
- Active listener
- Effective communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Classroom management
- Activity planning
- Crisis management
- Multicultural awareness
- Social skills training
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Verbal and written communication
- Relationship building
Languages
Hawaiian
Limited Working
Timeline
Paraprofessional Substitute
Holomua Elementary School
04.2026 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
Hawai‘i Pacific University
11.2021 - 04.2022
Vice President
HPU Phi Alpha Honor Society
09.2021 - 04.2022
Work Study
West O‘ahu Veteran's Center
12.2018 - 11.2019
Senior Manager for Hazardous Materials
U.S. Army
08.2016 - 06.2017
Senior Personnel Actions Manager
U.S. Army
07.2013 - 08.2016
Team Leader
U.S. Army
08.2010 - 07.2013
Personnel Actions Manager
U.S. Army
09.2006 - 08.2010
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration and Organizational Behavior
Colorado Technical University
Associate's Degree - Management
Colorado Technical University
Master's Degree - Social Work
Hawai‘i Pacific University
AWARDS
Light up the Night Award, Outstanding Research Award, Army Commendation Medal