Shuna Hughson

• Founded and lead a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering immigrants through ESOL education,
citizenship instruction, and legal representation.
• Built the organization from the ground up, developing its strategic vision, securing funding, and overseeing all
operations.
• Secure DOJ Organization Recognition, enabling PFAFT to legally practice immigration law and provide critical
legal services to immigrant communities.
• Facilitate Board of Immigration Appeals Representatives Accreditation for staff members, expanding legal
service capacity and strengthening advocacy efforts.
• Cultivate partnerships with legal experts, educators, and community leaders to deliver inclusive, culturally
responsive services.
• Spearhead successful grant proposals, resulting in sustained year-over-year funding growth.
• Received 501(c)(3) exempt status in record time.

• Managed all aspects of employee relations, including conflict resolution and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Partnered with executive team members in setting strategic direction goals related to workforce planning talent management initiatives.
• Spearheaded change management initiatives, effectively communicating with employees to promote understanding and acceptance.
• Developed and implemented comprehensive HR and operational policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and organizational consistency.
• Conducted cost-benefit analyses for employee medical, dental, and vision coverage, optimizing benefits packages to balance employee needs with fiscal responsibility.
• Designed and managed end-to-end recruitment, interview, onboarding, and separation processes, enhancing efficiency and improving employee experience.
• Established performance management processes, implementing clear metrics, feedback systems, and regular review cycles to support staff development and accountability.
• Created workflows in Asana to streamline project management, task tracking, and interdepartmental communication for increased productivity.
• Administered employee relations, conflict resolution, and disciplinary procedures, ensuring adherence to HR policies and fostering a positive work environment.
• Coordinated and delivered HR training sessions on policies, compliance, and professional development to equip employees and managers with essential HR knowledge.
• Oversaw compensation planning and pay structure reviews to maintain competitive pay scales aligned with industry standards.
• Strengthened organizational infrastructure through strategic planning, aligning HR initiatives with business goals to promote a cohesive workplace culture.

• Provided comprehensive operational support to nonprofit organizations, specializing in legal compliance and accreditation processes.
• Guided organizations through the IRS form 1023 application process, securing 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
• Navigated the Board of Appeals Immigration Accreditation and Department of Justice Organization Recognition processes.
• Managed state nonprofit and LLC filings, ensuring compliance with diverse state regulations.
• Coordinated and executed strategic operational plans to optimize organizational efficiency.
• Developed and implemented standardized operating procedures to enhance workflow and reduce administrative overhead.
• Led staff training on nonprofit compliance for a deep understanding of legal requirements.
• Established positive relationships with regulatory agencies, facilitating smooth audits and inspections.
• Collaborated with finance teams to develop budgeting and financial reporting systems, ensuring transparency.
• Oversaw grant management processes, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
• Streamlined volunteer management systems to increase engagement and impact.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to plan and execute successful fundraising events.
• Monitored and ensured compliance with employment laws, fostering a positive and legally sound workplace.

Additional Information:

• Actively participate in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of changes in nonprofit and immigration laws.
• Foster collaboration with legal professionals to address complex legal and accreditation issues.
• Created performance measurement systems to track program effectiveness, enabling continuous improvement efforts over time.
• Oversaw event planning initiatives from concept to execution, generating both funds and awareness for the organization''s cause.
• Implemented innovative fundraising strategies that significantly increased revenue generation for multiple nonprofits.
• Managed grant proposal writing processes, successfully securing funds for various projects and initiatives.

• Spearheaded the overall management of Business, Finance, Human Resources, and Operations, aligning practices with Culturally Responsive and Racial Equity (CRRE) principles.
• Led operational initiatives and reporting strategies, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
• Facilitated data audits of organizational tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Established best practices for organizational compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
• Managed all budgetary matters, overseeing a diverse portfolio of 18+ contracts and agreements.
• Engineered a sustainable operations unit using a centralized model for increased efficiency.

Key Achievements:

• Developed and implemented a recruitment strategy initiative, streamlining the full-scale interview process.
• Formulated standard operating procedures and policies, ensuring consistency across the agency.
• Engineered staff position structures/levels based on experience, education, and salary structures.
• Created a framework for Internal Controls, establishing policies and procedures across organizational functions.
• Overhauled the time management/payroll system, eliminating integration errors and aligning projects with allocated staff hours.
• Acquired and oversaw the installation and integration of a new ERP system, serving as System Administrator and Project Manager.
• Established automated platforms for consultant invoicing via the Mirror Group website using Asana.
• Implemented automated platforms for the submission of internal forms, reducing time inefficiencies and streamlining approval processes.
• Introduced an effective employee performance management appraisal system.

• Let the overall management of Immigration Legal Services, Refugee Resettlement Services, English as a Second Language programming, and the Food Pantry Program, overseeing program initiatives and reporting strategies.
• Facilitated best practices for compliance and programming, with a focus on immigration rights, resettlement efforts, education, and food security.
• Successfully wrote grants and procured funds, managing a portfolio of over 30 grants and contracts totaling over $20 million.
• Built a sustainable network of community partnerships and collaborations with local, state, and federal organizations.

Key Achievements:

• Created and implemented an agency-wide onboarding process with a mentorship component for new hires.
• Standardized salary rates across programs under direct supervision within the first six months of tenure.
• Developed staff position structures/levels aligned with experience, education, and salary structure.
• Introduced a trauma-informed work environment, including self-care sessions facilitated by the Clinical Care Manager.
• Implemented a 360 Peer Review evaluation and assessment format, resulting in a 95% reduction in turnover.
• Secured an additional $500,000 in grants within the first nine months of tenure.
• Negotiated a 5-year, $20 million contract budget for legal representation and social case management for immigration.
• Implemented a distance learning module for ESL instruction.
• Introduced a nutrition-based educational component focusing on chronic conditions for the Food Pantry Program.

Additional Information:

• First African American individual to direct multiple programs.

• Headed the overall success of business, HR, financial, and fiscal stewardship for three programs (Immigration, Refugee, and ESL).
• Managed procurement strategies for expenditures and monitored all grant budgetary and program procurement activities.
• Conducted audits of program spending for compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Hired, trained, and supervised Project and Program Coordinators to support business and operational functions.
• Presented key financial and operating metrics to measure success towards meeting organizational goals and identified potential opportunities and risks.

Key Achievements:

• Developed a business team to streamline business and operational policies and procedures.
• Created an electronic routing system for documentation requiring approvals and signatures.
• Implemented the use of standardized forms allowing for digital signatures, enhancing efficiency.
• Successfully reduced the deficit of three programs by $200,000 through strategic financial planning.
• Developed a comprehensive financial plan to better position programs, increase revenue, and decrease deficits.
• Promoted to Program Director of four of the largest programs in Catholic Charities within two years of tenure.

Additional Information:

• Achieved significant deficit reduction and promoted to a leadership role within a short period.

• Developed payment processes for delinquent accounts, collaborating with the Office of the Attorney General.
• Managed Title IV deadlines and financial aid benefits for veterans, military, and dual enrollment programs.
• Worked closely with the Financial Aid office and Department of Treasury to audit unclaimed student refunds.
• Supervised the Accounting Specialist and Accounting Technician.

Key Achievements:

• Implemented a Student Financial Case Management strategy, educating students on repayment policies and Financial Aid requirements before enrollment.
• Led the hiring and training of Student Workers to enhance department efficiency.
• Established effective communication channels between the Attorney's General Office and delinquent students, offering more reasonable payment options.
• Advised students on the adverse consequences of non-payment, resulting in increased enrollment in student payment plans.

• Managed contracts and invoicing for the ACADIANA CARES HIV/STD Program under the Louisiana Health Department.
• Coordinated contract negotiations, ensuring compliance with program requirements and regulatory standards.
• Generated and processed invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Collaborated with program stakeholders to gather necessary documentation for invoicing purposes.
• Conducted regular audits to verify the accuracy and completeness of invoicing data.
• Assisted in the development and implementation of efficient invoicing and reporting processes.
• Communicated with internal and external partners to address inquiries related to contracts and invoicing.
• Maintained detailed records of contracts, invoices, and supporting documentation.

Key Achievements:

• Ensured the smooth processing of contracts and invoices for the ACADIANA CARES HIV/STD Program.
• Played a key role in the development and improvement of invoicing processes.