Yasmin Soltero
Northridge,CA
Summary
Dedicated and student-centered educator with expertise in academic preparation, transfer support, and career exploration. Passionate about guiding students through their educational journeys by fostering inclusive, engaging, and personalized learning experiences. Experienced in working with diverse student populations across specialized and mainstream settings, with a strong commitment to equity, access, and student success in higher education.
Skilled in curriculum development, instructional innovation, and academic advising, effectively integrating technology to support students in transfer planning, career readiness, and college navigation. Adept at classroom management, student engagement, and performance assessment, tailoring teaching methodologies to enhance student comprehension and achievement. Strong communicator with experience in mentoring, parental engagement, and program coordination, dedicated to creating supportive learning environments that empower students to reach their academic and career goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Diversity and Community Partnerships Intern
University of California, San Diego Graduate School of Medicine
10.2024 - Current
- Shadowed advisor meetings with graduate students, gaining insight into academic and career counseling.
- Developed a series of financial literacy modules to help students navigate financial planning as they prepare for medical school.
- Collaborated with program leaders and UCSD’s Medical COAST program to support students of color in their academic and professional journeys.
Gear Up College Advisor and Site Coordinator
Vaughn Next Century Learning Center
Pacoima
01.2022 - Current
- Served as the primary liaison between staff, teachers, counselors, the principal, and the GEAR UP Assistant Director at assigned campus sites, ensuring alignment of academic, transfer, and career exploration initiatives.
- Collaborated with site administrators, educators, and program partners to coordinate activities that support college readiness, career pathways, and successful student transfers.
- Supported students, school personnel, and families in overcoming barriers to learning, college access, and career exploration.
- Coordinated academic support services and referrals for students needing additional assistance in coursework, transfer planning, and career development.
- Fostered school-college partnerships and participated in meetings to develop strategies for increasing college-going and transfer rates among low-income youth.
- Established vertical teams to create a structured support system, easing the transition between middle school, high school, and college, while incorporating career exploration opportunities.
- Designed and led workshops for students and parents focused on academic success, college transfer processes, and career planning.
- Organized college visits, career exploration field trips, program culminations, press events, open houses, and community engagement initiatives.
Undergraduate Admissions Reader
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
10.2012 - Current
- Trained in holistic admissions review, evaluating academic performance, extracurriculars, personal statements, and contextual factors for fair and thorough assessments.
- Managed a caseload of 800+ applications, ensuring informed admission decisions by analyzing applicant qualifications and institutional fit.
Behavioral Therapist
Easterseals of Southern California
Thousand Oaks
07.2021 - 01.2022
- Delivered ABA interventions in center-based, in-home, and community settings for children with autism, ensuring individualized support.
- Traveled to multiple service locations as needed to provide consistent, high-quality care.
- Met productivity benchmarks while maintaining efficient and effective service delivery.
- Collected and analyzed behavioral data, completed documentation, graphed progress, and updated treatment plans within required timeframes.
- Stayed informed on ABA research and trends, applying evidence-based strategies to enhance client outcomes.
- Collaborated with Program Managers to assess, implement, and adjust treatment plans based on data-driven insights.
Program Manager
Project GRAD Los Angeles
Mission Hills
05.2012 - 07.2021
- Developed a unified support system from 6th grade to college graduation in collaboration with the Leadership Team.
- Led and managed College Success Team Advisors, building strong relationships with school staff to enhance student support.
- Managed a caseload of students, providing academic counseling, needs assessments, and data-driven interventions to improve outcomes.
- Strengthened the college-bound culture by organizing workshops, campus visits, and parent engagement events.
- Planned and executed major Project GRAD initiatives, including Summer Institutes, Scholarship Celebrations, and Bridge to College programs.
- Designed and implemented innovative outreach strategies to expand program impact and student engagement.
EOPS Asst. Counselor
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen
08.2010 - 02.2011
- Assisted EOPS Academic Advisor in delivering services, including TRIO applications, academic support, financial guidance, early enrollment, and career counseling.
- Managed a caseload of freshmen students, focusing on career-driven pathways, and personalized academic planning.
- Led financial aid literacy and budgeting workshops to help freshmen navigate financial responsibilities and planning.
- Assisted in academic preparation for students by providing guidance on course selection, prerequisite fulfillment, and aligning academic goals with transfer pathways.
- Guided students through the use of ASSIST.org, helping them navigate course articulation, and select transfer-friendly courses for their desired institutions.
- Provided transfer support to students, including developing transfer plans, tracking progress, and offering resources for successful college-to-college transitions.
Site Coordinator
Project GRAD Los Angeles
Mission Hills
06.2010 - 07.2009
- Advised students on academics, personal development, social skills, and career planning through one-on-one and group sessions.
- Coordinated services and led the high school team, working toward achieving program goals and fostering student success.
- Acted as a college liaison, offering a wide range of college access opportunities directly on the high school campus.
- Provided extensive counseling to help high school students set goals, explore postsecondary options, and create actionable plans for their futures.
- Maintained caseload files for up to 250 prospective scholars, ensuring accurate tracking and documentation of student progress.
- Managed confidential tracking forms and cases, including regular updates and reports for current students.
- Served as a key liaison between the organization and high school staff and administration, facilitating communication and collaboration.
Education
Masters - Higher Education
Point Loma Nazarene University
CaliforniaMasters - School Counseling
University of La Verne
CaliforniaBachelor of Arts - Sociology, Social Behavioral Sciences
California State University Northridge
CaliforniaSkills
- Fluent in Spanish
- Experienced with DACA/AB 540 student requirements
- Google Suite
- Spreadsheet tracking
- Knowledgeable in financial aid processes
- Trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- CPR Certification
- Experienced in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Certified
Professional Affiliations Memberships
- CAEL
- NASPA
- WACAC
- NCAN
- NACAC
- ASCA Member
- Collegeboard Conferences
- Posse Nominator
- People to People Leadership Ambassador Nominator
- Choices DBT
- IDEAS/Dream Act Training
- California Student Aid Commission Account Manager
- Easterseals Behavioral Therapy Training (ABA)
Community Service Activities
- Homeboy/HomeGirl Industries volunteer, 2012
- Volunteered in local college awareness/cultural events with CBOs (Upward Bound, UCLA’s EOP, LAEP, Youth Speak, CSUN Alumni Assoc. and the City of San Fernando), 2012
- Cardenas Foundation reader, 2012
- Presenter on Cash for College events (San Fernando and Pacoima), 2011-2020
Timeline
Diversity and Community Partnerships Intern
University of California, San Diego Graduate School of Medicine
10.2024 - Current
Gear Up College Advisor and Site Coordinator
Vaughn Next Century Learning Center
01.2022 - Current
Behavioral Therapist
Easterseals of Southern California
07.2021 - 01.2022
Undergraduate Admissions Reader
University of California Los Angeles
10.2012 - Current
Program Manager
Project GRAD Los Angeles
05.2012 - 07.2021
EOPS Asst. Counselor
Los Angeles Valley College
08.2010 - 02.2011
Site Coordinator
Project GRAD Los Angeles
06.2010 - 07.2009
Masters - Higher Education
Point Loma Nazarene University
Masters - School Counseling
University of La Verne
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Social Behavioral Sciences
California State University Northridge
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