Director of Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
Siena College
11.2019 - Current
Managed the allocation and oversight of a $500,000+ HEOP college access grant, ensuring compliance and effective distribution of grant funds.
Acted as the key point of contact between the college and the State Education Department to streamline grant processes and communication.
Collaborate with college leadership to assess and align HEOP goals and objectives with the broader mission and strategic priorities of the institution.
Develop and enhance a range of academic, financial, and social resources to support student development, drawing from both the college and community assets for 50 HEOP students.
Oversee the management and monitoring of all internal and external funds related to the HEOP program, ensuring compliance with budgetary constraints and grant requirements.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key donors, securing $20,000 in funding for the program to support its continued success and development.
Manage and lead a team of five staff members, providing guidance and support to ensure the effective delivery of the HEOP programs' services and initiatives.
Community Connections Coordinator
SUNY Adirondack Community College
Queensbury, New York
01.2017 - 11.2019
Planned, developed, implement and evaluate the program components in compliance with the requirements of the grant
Provide program and fiscal administration; development and management of the program budget and ensure that all contractual obligations are met
Oversaw daily operation of Community Hub and first ever established Community Hub Food Source (food pantry)
Developed plan for selecting, recruiting and serving low-income students and their families
Established and maintain relationships with community organizations and partners that are relevant to student needs
Hired, trained, supervised and evaluated all aspects of daily operation of the program and supervises 3 Completion Coaches
Coordinated with Accessibility Services, Advising, Counseling and EOP, as well as other academic student support area of the college in order to work collectively to ensure student success
Collaborated with Institutional Research to develop a system to track students serviced, progress and opportunities for early intervention
Adjunct Instructor
SUNY Adirondack Community College
Queensbury, New York
09.2017 - 11.2017
Instructed a 10 week Freshmen Seminar course, where we discussed the tools needed in order to have a successful college experience
Ensured that incoming students could access and utilize campus technologies, including Banner and email
Encouraged students to examine personal and academic goals through group and self-reflecting classroom activities
Worked with other on campus offices such as Counseling and Student Life & Diversity in order identify opportunities for involvement on campus
Veterans Trainer
The Posse Foundation-Higher Education
New York, New York
02.2015 - 11.2016
Recruited, screened and selected Posse Veteran academic scholars from a 300+ candidate pool, in collaboration with partner college officials from Vassar College, Wesleyan University and Dartmouth College
Represented the Veterans Program and importance of diversity at top tier colleges by conducting informational sessions at over 20 community colleges across the country
Spearheaded recruitment relations at community colleges in Florida
Provided social/emotional support and academic advising to 80 Posse Veterans scholars at Vassar, Wesleyan and Dartmouth
Supervised 4 Posse professional mentors at our three partner colleges and assisted with the development and execution of mentor training curriculum
Planned and facilitated workshops on academic readiness, leadership and cross cultural dialogue
Served as a resource for candidates throughout the recruitment/selection process -– including assistance with the completion of common application and financial aid forms for our partner schools
Evaluated 300+ candidates annually for the program, while traveling to partner schools and supporting 80 Posse on campus Veteran Scholars
Managed and built relationships with key personnel at military bases and Veteran Affairs to arrange and execute recruitment activities, along with maintaining relationships with administrators, faculty and staff at partner colleges and universities
Single Stop USA Case Manager
Queens Library
Far Rockaway, New York
11.2013 - 02.2015
Conducted screenings and served a wide- range population including: homeless, undocumented, lower economic status and helped link individuals and families to social, economic, and health services
Managed data on a caseload of over 100 clients assisting with application processes for government benefits
Managed outreach events in the Far Rockaway community with other community based organizations
Worked with parents of middle school students from local Teen Library center to provide information on local programs and resources while facilitating higher education opportunities workshops
Served as a community partnership liaison with over 25 community stakeholders in the Rockaways- key role in spreading the word about Single Stop program
Developed and facilitated over 20 informational workshops on topics related to public benefit programs, eligibility requirements and ways to apply
Associate Digital Media Planner
Media Storm, LLC
New York, New York
09.2012 - 11.2013
Assisted with development and managed media plans by investigating sites and negotiating plan prices
Maintained media budgets ranging from $25k-$300k and overall budget summaries for accounts
Reported on campaign tracking and delivery using marketing reporting database
Managed and organized list of potential vendors that were applicable to our clients’ media plans
Education
Master of Public Administration -
Long Island University
Brooklyn
05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Siena College
Loudonville
05.2010
Volunteer Experience
Reid Children’s Foundation, Inc., Vice President, 05/13, Present, Assist the President with program development and execution of RCF’s mission., Conduct outreach to potential donors and increase awareness of mission., Administrates the fiscal matters of the organization, ensuring development and board review of financial policies and procedures.
Big Brother Big Sister Program, Mentor, 09/08, 09/10, Mentored a 9-year-old child for 4 hours every Saturday, providing academic support and skill building activities., Conducted one on one counseling and provided referral services to various programs in the community.
Additional Details - Languages
Spanish, Fluent
Timeline
Director of Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
State Plan Program Manager at United States Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationState Plan Program Manager at United States Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration