YONIQUE EDWARDS
Long Beach,CA
Summary
Community-driven public health professional with extensive experience leading equity-focused initiatives across youth development, workforce, and recreation systems. Skilled in building partnerships, delivering large-scale trainings, and creating programs that respond to community needs. Proven ability to design trauma-informed, culturally responsive strategies that expand access and advance health equity.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Opportunity Youth Coordinator
City of Long Beach Health Department
Long Beach, CA
03.2023 - Current
- Coordinate Futures First, enrolling 200+ Opportunity Youth into mentorship, paid training, wellness events, and career pathways.
- Lead program development and partnerships with workforce, education, and community organizations to expand equity-centered opportunities for youth.
- Manage data systems, grant compliance, and reporting to funders, ensuring accurate tracking of enrollment, case management, and outcomes.
- Develop and execute MOUs with partner organizations to strengthen referral pathways, case management, and cross-sector collaboration.
- Create outreach and communication strategies to increase youth engagement.
Program Director
City of Long Beach - Parks, Recreation & Marine
Long Beach, CA
06.2014 - 03.2023
- Trained over 300 recreation staff across bureau, regional, and statewide levels on integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and DEIB practices into youth programming.
- Designed and delivered equity-focused initiatives that expanded access to recreational opportunities for historically underserved communities.
- Coordinated workforce readiness programs and youth leadership development activities that build pathways into employment and higher education.
- Partnered with schools to align recreational programming and curriculum LBUSD curriclum, with community wellness goals.
Shelter Supervisor
Project Roomkey
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Supervised daily operations in emergency shelters for high-risk residents during COVID-19, ensuring safe operations and trauma-informed care.
- Trained and supported shelter staff, maintained compliance logs, and coordinated with City departments and public health teams.
Peer Advising Counselor
Educational Opportunity Program
Davis, CA
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Developed holistic initiatives serving 300+ first-generation, low-income students, supporting academic guidance, financial resources, personal growth, and community engagement.
- Provided individualized support and resource navigation for 17 students over three years, strengthening belonging and persistence in higher education.
- Coordinated workshops, events, and community-building spaces that addressed the social, political, and educational issues shaping the student experience.
Recruitment Coordinator for ACE
Student Recruitment & Retention Center (SRRC)
Davis, CA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Designed and delivered college access programming for four Sacramento middle schools, introducing students to higher education pathways.
- Supported the 2.7% Black student population on campus through culturally affirming programming, mentorship, and community-building initiatives.
- Advanced retention of African Diaspora students by directly supporting the development of the Center for African Diaspora Student Success (CADDS).
- Partnered with 7 on-site culturally affirming recruitment and retention groups to administer a collective impact model for recruitment and retention across communities of color.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, African & African American Studies
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA01-2019
Skills
- Equity & Community Engagement
- Program Development & Evaluation
- Cross-Sector Partnerships & MOU's
- Training & Facilitation
- Youth Development
- Trauma-Informed & Culturally Responsive Practices
- Grant Management, Contract Management & Reporting
Timeline
Opportunity Youth Coordinator
City of Long Beach Health Department
03.2023 - Current
Shelter Supervisor
Project Roomkey
01.2020 - 01.2022
Peer Advising Counselor
Educational Opportunity Program
01.2017 - 01.2018
Recruitment Coordinator for ACE
Student Recruitment & Retention Center (SRRC)
01.2016 - 01.2017
Program Director
City of Long Beach - Parks, Recreation & Marine
06.2014 - 03.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, African & African American Studies
University of California, Davis
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