Yahaira Gil Maestro
Oceanside, NY
Summary
Dynamic leader specializing in program and operations management, with a focus on enhancing organizational performance through strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. Proven track record of executing large-scale events and managing significant budgets, driving improvements in customer experience and operational efficiency in fast-paced environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Partner Strategy & Event Operations
Independent Consultant
01.2022 - Current
- Build and optimize processes for event planning, scheduling, communication, and execution, improving efficiency and scalability
- Partner with clients in hospitality and events to design and implement event management systems and operational workflows
- Advised clients on customer engagement and retention strategies, enhancing attendance, repeat participation, and overall experience.
- Identify opportunities to enhance customer and partner experience through improved communication, coordination, and data tracking
- Collaborate directly with business owners and leadership teams to align operational strategy with growth and revenue goals
- Managed multiple client engagements in fast-paced environments, delivering tailored operational solutions.
- Implemented tailored solutions to address specific client challenges.
- Provided leadership and guidance to team members while encouraging collaboration across departments.
- Negotiated contracts with partners and vendors, securing favorable terms that aligned with company objectives.
Director, The Young Women's Leadership Schools
Student Leadership Network
New York
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Provided strategic leadership and operational oversight for programs, partnerships, professional development, and budgeting across five NYC schools serving 3,000+ students
- Directed continuous improvement initiatives to boost engagement and program effectiveness across multiple schools
- Led cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders to support organizational goals and streamline execution
- Managed and developed staff through coaching, training, and performance management to enhance professional growth
- Oversaw a $1M+ program budget, including forecasting, reporting, analysis, and expense management
- Developed and implemented systems to align programming, operations, and team objectives across multiple sites
- Built and maintained relationships with school leaders, educators, volunteers, corporate partners, and community stakeholders
- Utilized Salesforce CRM to synthesize, analyze, and report data to support strategic planning and decision-making
- Professional Highlight: Successfully planned and executed a 500+ attendee event featuring Sonia Sotomayor.
Associate Director, Operations
Student Leadership Network
New York
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Facilitated strategic planning and operations for multi-site education programs, enhancing service for 2,600+ students
- Delivered operational insights and recommendations to leadership teams, driving improvements in effectiveness and scalability
- Collaborated cross-functionally to streamline workflows, enhance operational processes, and ensure effective program execution
- Developed programs for empowering young women through education.
Associate Director, Girls' Education Programs & Events
Student Leadership Network
New York
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Led the creation, implementation, and management of education programs and events serving 2,000+ students in grades 6-12
- Increased program reach and participation by implementing innovative engagement strategies and technology solutions
- Coordinated volunteer recruitment and engagement strategies, enhancing program and event staffing effectiveness
- A nonprofit organization focused on empowering young women through education.
Senior Manager of Programs & Events
Student Leadership Network
New York
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance student leadership programs and engagement.
- Coordinated partnerships with educational institutions to expand outreach efforts.
- Developed and implemented training modules for staff and volunteers.
- Facilitated educational programs for young women at a nonprofit organization to enhance access to resources and opportunities.
Program Manager
Student Leadership Network
New York
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Led program development initiatives to enhance student leadership opportunities.
- Managed partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations effectively.
- Coordinated training sessions for educators and students to foster engagement.
- Empowered young women through targeted educational programs, fostering personal and academic growth.
Student Opportunities Manager
The Urban Assembly
01.2008 - 01.2012
Mentor Program Manager
The Urban Assembly School of Business for Young Women
01.2006 - 01.2008
Special Populations Mentoring Program Case Manager
Big Brothers Big Sisters, NYC
01.2004 - 01.2006
Preventive Case Planner
Association to Benefit Children
01.2002 - 01.2004
Education
Women in Education Leadership - Cambridge, MA
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA01-2020
Lead the Way Fellow -
01-2019
Inaugural Member -
The Cru
01-2018
Bachelor of Arts -
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NYNew York, NY
Skills
- Event Planning & Operations
- Stakeholder engagement
- Program management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Adaptability to change
- Customer engagement
- Data analysis
- Process improvement
- Stakeholder Recruitment
- Event Strategy Development
- Training & Professional Development
- Professional development
- CRM Strategy Development
- Event management
- Process optimization
- Executive Leadership
- Team leadership
- Adaptability to change
- Change Management
Professional Highlight
Successfully planned and executed a 500+ attendee event featuring Justice of the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor.
Leadership Experience
- Board Member, The Octavia Project, 01/23, 12/25
- Advisor, Velvet Technology Inc., 01/23, 12/25
- Participant, Harvard University - Women in Education Leadership, 2020
- Lead the Way Fellow, 2019
- Inaugural Member, The Cru, 2018
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Partner Strategy & Event Operations
Independent Consultant
01.2022 - Current
Director, The Young Women's Leadership Schools
Student Leadership Network
01.2020 - 01.2022
Associate Director, Operations
Student Leadership Network
01.2019 - 01.2020
Associate Director, Girls' Education Programs & Events
Student Leadership Network
01.2016 - 01.2019
Senior Manager of Programs & Events
Student Leadership Network
01.2014 - 01.2016
Program Manager
Student Leadership Network
01.2013 - 01.2014
Student Opportunities Manager
The Urban Assembly
01.2008 - 01.2012
Mentor Program Manager
The Urban Assembly School of Business for Young Women
01.2006 - 01.2008
Special Populations Mentoring Program Case Manager
Big Brothers Big Sisters, NYC
01.2004 - 01.2006
Preventive Case Planner
Association to Benefit Children
01.2002 - 01.2004
Women in Education Leadership - Cambridge, MA
Harvard University
Lead the Way Fellow -
Inaugural Member -
The Cru
Bachelor of Arts -
John Jay College of Criminal Justice