Sonia V. Szymanski
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Adaptable professional skilled in rapidly learning and adjusting to new environments. Demonstrates a strong commitment to educational equity and continuous learning, supporting others through change. Proven track record in building strategic partnerships and fostering strong relationships, enhancing collaborative efforts. Known for creative problem-solving and effective leadership capabilities.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
PA State Director & Field Organizer
Unidos US Action Fund PAC
Philadelphia, PA
09.2024 - 11.2024
- Coordinated team members to execute community events and canvassing rallies.
- Facilitated local canvassing initiatives to boost political engagement.
- Engaged with the community for volunteer coordination.
- Conducted individual training sessions for volunteers on communication techniques to engage voters.
- Executed door-to-door canvassing operations in designated areas according to established timelines.
- Facilitated outreach initiatives through multiple channels.
- Served as a liaison between local government officials and the campaign organization.
- Equipped groups of people and inspired institutions to work toward achievement of commonly articulated goals through collective action.
- Conducted outreach to local community leaders and progressive organizations
- Sourced and coached volunteers to canvass area.
- Tracked progress towards base building goals.
- Mentored volunteers on assigned tasks to keep everyone operating at same level.
- Recruited, trained and oversaw organizational volunteers.
- Handled staffing responsibilities and coordinated with employment agency for payroll.
Managing Director, Recruitment, Partnerships & Placement
Teach for America
Philadelphia
08.2019 - 06.2024
- Managed recruitment and onboarding of over 200 teachers, focusing on PA teaching certification and relocation
- Led engagement and retention efforts, consistently placing 90% of new teaching recruits in local schools by June and achieving 100% placement by August over five consecutive years
- Managed talent development partnerships with major educational institutions, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Relay Graduate School of Education, securing additional financial aid for diverse cohorts
- Developed early hiring processes and virtual hiring fairs to support new teacher onboarding and school partner talent teams
- Developed resources and managed a team in providing resume and interview coaching opportunities to support prospective teachers in securing positions
- Led recruitment initiatives to diversify teaching corps and support retention through Salesforce and Power BI for data tracking and Docebo for learning and development
- Managed a team of associates and led cross-collaboration with staff to support onboarding and hiring processes.
College Access Inquiry Consultant
College Access: Research & Action
New York
10.2015 - 07.2019
- Led consulting with five high schools to develop college access goals, particularly for first-generation students
- Created and translated resources for schools, facilitated staff training, and supported school-based college inquiry teams
- Developed strategies to increase college enrollment, addressing challenges faced by counselors and staff
- Led outcome reviews and evaluated the effectiveness of implemented programs to inform action research and drive continuous improvement.
Director of College Counseling
YWLN/The CollegeBound Initiative
New York
08.2012 - 07.2015
- Provided college admissions and financial aid guidance to over 160 students annually, focusing on first-generation and low-income students
- Supervised student interns, facilitated college readiness workshops, and coordinated presentations for college representatives
- Served on the CollegeBound Initiative Leadership Council, mentoring new Directors of College Counseling.
Director of College Placement
KIPP Philadelphia Charter Schools
Philadelphia
08.2011 - 08.2012
- Managed a caseload of over 100 students, providing college counseling and coordinating college placement and financial aid workshops
- Supervised interns and facilitated partnerships with high schools to support college access for low-income and first-generation students.
Lead Secondary School Counselor
School District of Philadelphia
Philadelphia
09.2009 - 07.2011
- Led a team of nine counselors, providing social, emotional, and academic guidance to over 265 students
- Managed professional development for 40 teachers on supporting at-risk students, facilitating interventions and crisis resolution.
Director of College Counseling
CollegeBound Initiative
Philadelphia
08.2004 - 07.2011
- Provided one-on-one and small group college advisement, coordinated college fairs and visits, and led early awareness activities for younger students
- Achieved a 97% college acceptance rate for seniors over a three-year period
- Facilitated financial aid workshops for families and staff, achieving an average of $12,000 in aid per student.
Children's Intensive Case Manager
University Settlement Society
New York
06.2000 - 03.2002
- Coordinated mental health services for children and adolescents with psychiatric diagnoses, collaborating with parents and school staff to ensure appropriate treatment and placement.
Education
Master of Science in Education, Professional Counseling -
University of Pennsylvania
01.2009
Social Work Course Work - 36 credits -
Columbia University School of Social Work
New York, NY05.2002
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Minor in Spanish -
Hofstra University
05.1995
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving Skills
- Adaptability
- Advocacy Experience
- Bilingual, fluent in Spanish
- Recruitment and Talent Development
- Program and Partnership Management
- College Access and Counseling
- Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution
- Development of college planning tools
- Coalition Building
Timeline
PA State Director & Field Organizer
Unidos US Action Fund PAC
09.2024 - 11.2024
Managing Director, Recruitment, Partnerships & Placement
Teach for America
08.2019 - 06.2024
College Access Inquiry Consultant
College Access: Research & Action
10.2015 - 07.2019
Director of College Counseling
YWLN/The CollegeBound Initiative
08.2012 - 07.2015
Director of College Placement
KIPP Philadelphia Charter Schools
08.2011 - 08.2012
Lead Secondary School Counselor
School District of Philadelphia
09.2009 - 07.2011
Director of College Counseling
CollegeBound Initiative
08.2004 - 07.2011
Children's Intensive Case Manager
University Settlement Society
06.2000 - 03.2002
Master of Science in Education, Professional Counseling -
University of Pennsylvania
Social Work Course Work - 36 credits -
Columbia University School of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Minor in Spanish -
Hofstra University
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