Susan Meza
College Point
Summary
Dynamic leader with proven track record of successfully managing projects and initiatives and achieving desired business objectives. Skilled in developing and executing strategies, managing budgets and resources, and leading cross-functional teams. Consistently produces tangible outcomes that exceed expectations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director
Project Renewal
New York, NY
09.2025 - Current
- Overall responsibility for day-to-day management of an 100 bed shelter that serves, single adult women with respect to daily workload, and productivity; insuring shifts are adequately staffed, services are being provided to clients, interior and exterior of the facility are clean and conform to established standards.
- Manages the facility; as well as program development and implementation to assure the objectives of the program are achieved; that clients are addressing the issues in their Independent Living Plan; and initiates corrective action as appropriate.
- Regularly meets with Direct Reports on an individual and group basis to clarify roles and approaches for delivering services to clients, making corrective recommendations as appropriate.
- Determines policy for clinical programs and ensures that the Director of Social Services and staff are providing quality care to clients; and ensures comprehensive as well as individualized plans for each client.
- Manages all aspects of the program, including program budget, payroll, documentation, employee performance reviews, recruiting/discharging staff; arranging in-service training schedule; managing client admission; coordinating building maintenance with Project Renewal’s other services.
- Facilitates staff and team meetings.
- Handles community relations activities, which includes maintaining a positive relationship with neighboring community and overseeing the creation of partnerships with community-based service providers; regularly attends district service cabinet meetings.
- Oversees the purchasing of services and supplies within established agency guidelines, maintaining a cooperative relationship with the staff in the Facilities, Procurement and Finance Divisions. Ensures that proper documentation is provided to insure the delivery of goods and services as well as timely payment to vendors.
- Ensures that all information on the Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is prominently displayed and observed by all staff.
- Interfaces with other city/state agencies as needed to better serve the clients, insuring the timely completion of weekly, monthly, and annual reports.
- Ensures timely submission of supporting documents to respond to federal, state and city audits as well as any claims or lawsuits filed by clients and staff.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Available to respond to emergencies on a 24/7/365 basis, especially after normal hours and on weekends.
Senior Director of Works Support
Commonpoint Queens/ Samuel Field YM & YWHA
Queens, NY
02.2023 - 09.2025
- Hire and supervise all employees related to the agency’s food insecurity, NDA and Public Health Solution programs
- Develop partnerships and other infrastructure to conduct outreach and application assistance at community-based locations to provide greater access and minimize barriers for clients applying for work support programs and benefits.
- Monitor all program files and ensure all work, written, online submissions and participant documents are maintained in a secure and organized, in compliance with all contractual expectations
- Ensure the accurate completion of client documentation (from intake to post enrollment) that is consistent with HRA, DYCD, NYLAG, OTDA requirements and guidelines
- Prepare and communicate information to clients and staff regarding benefits procedures, changes to benefits, and address (potential) interruptions in benefits with preemptive action.
- Monitor collection, tracking, and communication of all program data both internal and external to the agency.
- Serve as a member of the senior leadership team for the Employment Services Hub.
- Serve as primary liaison to the Director of Volunteer Services for volunteer pods at pantries and volunteers delivering food, as well as Senior Director for Development for volunteer and community building initiatives and holiday special events.
- Collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Food Operations for potential internal partnerships with our two training kitchens
- Serve as the single point of contact for the food service provider and lead team of staff on monthly meetings with the food service provider, with particular attention to ensuring the successful utilization of the digital pantry inventory and ordering system.
- Research and identify potential growth opportunities for the department, as well as funding sources.
- Take lead on all food reporting and grant opportunities.
- Research and identify possible technological and technical assistance solutions to logistical challenges, as they present themselves.
- Ensure quality data entry and produce statistical reports, as requested.
- Create and implement strategies relative to increasing client choice and appointment scheduling programs.
Director of Work Supports
Commonpoint Queens/Samuel Field YM & YWHA
Queens, NY
05.2019 - 02.2023
- Assist clients with initial screening, intakes, enrollment, direct client support, and follow up services
- Develop partnerships and other infrastructure to conduct outreach and application assistance at community-based locations to provide greater access and minimize barriers for clients applying for work support programs & benefits.
- Provide clients with support around all entitlement services including SNAP, Housing, Case Assistance, Emergency Food Assistance, Child Care, Mental Health Counseling, and Educational Supports.
- Oversee the operations of the Food Pantry Program.
- Manage client data input and provide monthly statistics reports to the Vice President and Met Council.
- Order food for pantry, monitors nutritional content, tracks inventory, and manage weekly deliveries
NY Entitlement Coordinator
Project Renewal
Brooklyn, NY
09.2016 - 05.2019
- Met with incoming clients and assess their needs for entitlement services.
- Ensured that all clients receive the benefits to which they are entitled, particularly Public Assistance and SS.
- Completed HRA and SSA applications as well as develop and maintain relationships with representatives.
- Provided information about Public Assistance and related programs to clients and staff
- Resolved all conflicts with clients’ benefits (requesting social security appeals, fair hearings, etc.)
- Monitored the status of all clients’ income to ensure housing eligibility
Acting Director of Social Services
Project Renewal
Brooklyn, NY
12.2017 - 06.2018
- Ensured compliance with established program outcomes as set forth by the Department of Homeless Services.
- Provided crisis intervention/on-call crisis support for clinical emergencies
- Collaborated with the Shelter Director to develop and implement program policies and procedures.
- Supervised a team of 6 case managers responsible for case management.
Administrative Assistant
Good Shepherd Services
Brooklyn, NY
06.2015 - 09.2016
- Provided support for the planning and coordination of program activities and special events.
- Developed systems for tracking contract goals and outcome measures and generated reports.
- Created and maintain spreadsheets to track financial spending in programs
- Provided general administrative support to Division Coordinator, including drafting routine correspondence.
- Process all programmatic material including Payroll Authorization forms and hiring packets.
DVE Program Assistant
FEGS WeCare
New York, NY
11.2013 - 03.2015
- Assisted the Supervisor CRC to ensure that the company is in full compliance with agency policies and procedures
- Managed business program operations in accordance with HRA, industry regulations and HIPAA guidelines
- Responsible to monitor and enter confidential data into WeCARE and HRA computer-based programs
- Recognized, prioritize, delegate and execute conflicts as they arise in a timely fashionDesignated to record staff attendance and organize scheduling within the department
- Developed and supported clients throughout the transition process back to the workforce
Project Assistant
FEGS WeCARE
New York, NY
09.2011 - 11.2013
- Designated to be the primary person to greet and screen all visitors, assigned clients to individual case managers.
- Managed heavy incoming and outgoing call volume and provide company services that are available
- Screened incoming communications from clients and secure confidentiality on faxes, files and emails
- Maintained and executed client documentation and workflow via in house data system
Education
Master of Science - Psychology
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN05-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
SUNY Empire State College
New York, NY08-2019
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
LANGUAGES
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Timeline
Program Director
Project Renewal
09.2025 - Current
Senior Director of Works Support
Commonpoint Queens/ Samuel Field YM & YWHA
02.2023 - 09.2025
Director of Work Supports
Commonpoint Queens/Samuel Field YM & YWHA
05.2019 - 02.2023
Acting Director of Social Services
Project Renewal
12.2017 - 06.2018
NY Entitlement Coordinator
Project Renewal
09.2016 - 05.2019
Administrative Assistant
Good Shepherd Services
06.2015 - 09.2016
DVE Program Assistant
FEGS WeCare
11.2013 - 03.2015
Project Assistant
FEGS WeCARE
09.2011 - 11.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
SUNY Empire State College
Master of Science - Psychology
Capella University