Yolanda Wright
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Dynamic Student Services professional with a 100% college admission success rate. Expertise in developing tailored academic transition plans and enhancing student leadership and success through targeted programs. Proven track record in college admission consulting, program management, and staff development.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
College Admission Director & Counselor
Focus One College
Los Angeles, CA
08.2015 - Current
- Counsel middle school, high school, and transfer students through the college admission application process, enhancing their preparation and confidence
- Develop individualized four-year high school academic and college transition plans, tailored to student goals
- Research and identify college and scholarship matches for students based on their academic profiles and interests
- Edit personal statements and supplemental essays for clarity and impact
- Improve student's professional networking and interviewing skills
- Facilitate leadership development through extracurricular activities, enrichment programs, and community service projects.
- 100% college admission success rate
College Counselor
Great Expectations College Prep
Los Angeles, CA
07.2018 - 12.2023
- Delivered college admission counseling to middle school, high school, and transfer students across Los Angeles County, guiding them through the competitive admissions process
- Created individualized four-year high school academic and college transition plans
- Advised students on education and career pathways
- Revised college and scholarship essays for clarity and impact
- Oversaw student database, conducted surveys with students and families, and compiled monthly reports to track student progress and needs
First Star Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy Director
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
03.2012 - 09.2015
- Directed all aspects of a UCLA college access program for Los Angeles County foster youth
- Developed the program's strategic plan, managed the database, and oversaw reporting for a $500,000 budget to enhance program effectiveness.
- Hired, trained, and supervised an assistant director, two program coordinators, and twelve counselors and volunteers to ensure program support and success.
- Collaborated with the Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, the Bruin Resource Center Director, UCLA Research, First Star, LA County Department of Children and Family Services, and LA County Probation to ensure program outcomes, retention, and success
- Coordinated large-scale recruitment events, marketing campaigns, and community outreach to engage foster youth across Los Angeles County.
- Gained expertise in University of California system and undergraduate admission policies.
- Secured $125,000 in competitive grants
- 2013 UCLA Community Program of the Year award recipient
Advocacy Counselor
United Friends of the Children
Los Angeles, CA
11.2007 - 03.2012
- Implemented support services program for emancipated homeless foster youth in transitional housing, improving resource access and stability
- Mentored young adults through educational and career counseling and life skills workshops, promoting personal development and resilience
- Facilitated compliance for young adults with Department of Mental Health and CalWORKS requirements, ensuring eligibility for vital support services
- Trained staff on program quality assurance and HIPAA compliance
- Led audit reviews which resulted in increased THP+ funding
Education
Psychology, MA -
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CAPsychology, BA -
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CASkills
- College admission consulting
- College matching
- Scholarship matching
- Essay editing
- Staff supervision
- Staff development & training
- Budget planning
- Recruitment and retention
- Marketing and outreach
- Database management
- Asana proficiency
- Naviance proficiency
- Illuminate proficiency
- GradSnapp proficiency
- Effort to Outcomes proficiency
- CounselMore proficiency
- Excel proficiency
Timeline
College Counselor
Great Expectations College Prep
07.2018 - 12.2023
College Admission Director & Counselor
Focus One College
08.2015 - Current
First Star Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy Director
University of California, Los Angeles
03.2012 - 09.2015
Advocacy Counselor
United Friends of the Children
11.2007 - 03.2012
Psychology, MA -
Pepperdine University
Psychology, BA -
University of California, Berkeley