Zorena Duffie
Zion,IL
Summary
Dedicated candidate eager to leverage knowledge in human resources, social services and program development. Skilled in running social services initiatives and developing policies and procedures. Collaborative and committed to addressing social issues to improve quality of life in marginalized communities. Highly self-motivated and successful results driven professional currently looking to expand skill set. Strong ability to partner and influence with uncompromising attention to detail while upholding superior communication skills, integrity, work ethic and business acumen.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
YWCA METROPOLITIAN CHICAGO
06.2022 - Current
- Performing duties as a liaison between families, childcare providers, and the systems and support services in the community with an emphasis on quality Education
- Act as an ambassador to the community on behalf of all YWCA programs, develop and implement recruitment strategies
- Project Development and Management
- Development of Head Start Recruitment Plans, Implementation and Monitoring
- Foster community partnership agreements on behalf of YWCA programs
- Act as a liaison between childcare facilities and formal education systems
- Act as the agent of the YWCA Early Childhood Services at community meetings, collaborations and events
- Acquire and review data to support program enrollment and expansion
- Develop strong relationships between families and support community services
- Oversee Childcare Resource and Referral services.
- Analyzed trends and data to inform decision-making and program development.
- Conducted outreach activities to engage local stakeholders in programs.
- Created and managed budgets, efficiently allocating resources for social and community service projects.
- Managed volunteer programs focused on providing community services to underserved populations.
- Conducted community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
- Managed budgets for community programs, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost-effective planning across all projects.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven metrics, continuously refining approaches to maximize community impact.
- Built strong community relationships by actively participating in local events and developing strategic partnerships.
HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Performed various human resources duties including ADP payroll, accounts payable, timekeeping, employee relations, worker’s compensation, full-life cycle recruiting of early childhood teachers, assistants, facilities staff, IT manager, family service manager, home-based coordinator, home visitors, process FMLA, new hire orientation and onboarding, performance evaluation, staff rewards, etc
- Schedule Usages of Building and Facilities
- Create Communication/ Correspondence letters
- Staff Meeting Scheduling/ Calendar Formation
- Assisted in transition of Head Start program staff from previous agency
- Trained staff on IT functions, i.e., Zoom: trained teachers on how to instruct remotely through Zoom, how to submit timecards remotely, etc
- Negotiated compensation merit project for current staff salaries
- Designed and implemented rewards and recognition program to enhance employee retention and appreciation
- Developed and facilitated staff training on professional communication, ethics, and effective work practices
- Developed new-hire orientation program impacting 25 plus employees
- Created and trained staff on Microsoft Suites programs
- Oversaw the administration of the performance evaluation program for 100 plus employees.
HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST/STAFF DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF LAKE COUNTY
10.2016 - 05.2020
- Performed various human resources duties including timekeeping, employee relations, full-life cycle recruiting of early childhood teachers, assistants, transportation staff, health manager, new hire orientation and onboarding, performance evaluation, staff rewards, etc
- Conducted on-site and virtual monitoring and assessments of staff for performance improvement support
- Created schedule calendars to reflect teaching and staff substitution assignment plans to maintain compliance regulations
- Trained staff on IT functions, i.e., Zoom, trained teachers on how to instruct remotely through Zoom, how to submit timecards remotely
- Created rewards and recognition program to control employee retention and appreciation
- Developed and facilitated monthly staff development training on professional communication, ethics, and effective work practices, etc
- Developed new-hire orientation program for adequate training and transition into role
- Served as a liaison between employees and management, addressing concerns or questions to promote open communication and maintain trust.
- Provided guidance to managers and employees on talent management, payroll, FMLA and benefits.
- Maintained up-to-date records of employee information in HRIS system ensuring accurate reporting and data-driven decisionmaking.
- Facilitated criminal background check process for new hires.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction by implementing effective communication strategies and open-door policies.
- Coordinated company-wide events such as town hall meetings or wellness activities, boosting employee morale and fostering a sense of community within the organization.
- Handled new-hire orientation and basic recruiting tasks for best-in-class talent identification.
- Met with staff to resolve difficult situations related to performance and conflict management.
- Conducted career fairs, screened resumes and interviewed applicants to build candidate pipelines and enhance company culture.
FAMILY/STAFF SERVICE MANAGER
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF LAKE COUNTY
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Managed family/child engagement program supervising family development/family advocate specialist
- Researched community partners to use as a resource for families for donations and services
- I.e., personal hygiene items for families; services such as anger management courses, psychological services for families
- Anger management and abuse courses for families
- Coordinated monthly parent meetings for family advocate members.
- Met with families to discuss service needs and offer available community resource solutions.
- Hired, trained and supervised team of service staff members to meet organizational goals.
- Monitored service staff performance and provided feedback for improvement.
CENTER DIRECTOR/ LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF LAKE COUNTY
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Center Director/Lead teacher in Head Start program
- Managed daily operations of childcare center, managed staff members and students daily; observed, documented, and tracked data; communicated with parents on child’s performance, conducted staff meetings
- Created weekly and monthly lesson plans
- Led students in daily tasks - educational and socially
- Assisted and supervised 90 children through entire school day.
COURTROOM CLERK
LAKE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Preformed various courtroom duties including administrative tasks, data entry of court-call minutes/exhibits, responding to inquiries from general public and attorneys regarding court appearance, trial dates, judicial procedures and fines
- Cross-Trained in multiple departments, traffic, civil (small claims and evictions), and probate
- Created professional court correspondence
- Coordinated docket calendar and database for Lake County court.
- Enhanced courtroom efficiency by accurately maintaining and organizing case files, transcripts, and other legal documents.
- Contributed to the integrity of the justice system through diligent execution of administrative duties, including case management, docketing, and recordkeeping.
- Increased accuracy of financial transactions within the court system by carefully reviewing invoices before submission for payment approval.
- Improved communication between court staff and attorneys by promptly distributing necessary paperwork and providing regular updates on case statuses.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education Administration
Ashford University
Phoenix, AZ09.2019
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ04.2009
Skills
- Talent Acquisition
- Performance/Project Management
- ADP Workplace Now
- FMLA
- Communications Skills
- Microsoft Office Suites
- Employee Relations
- Training/Development Facilitation
- Strategic Planning
- Adobe Suites
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Organizational Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Effective Communication
- Written and verbal communication
- Interviewing skills
- Professionalism
Affiliations
Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM)
Communityaffiliations
- Food Pantry Volunteer
- Early Childhood Community Coalition, Board Member
Professionaldevelopmentcertifications
- Human Resource Management Certificate, Ashworth College, 2021
- ELS (Substitute Teacher Licensure) Illinois State Board of Education, 2021
- ERSEA Certification ELS(PARA) Illinois State Board of Education, 2017
Timeline
FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
YWCA METROPOLITIAN CHICAGO
06.2022 - Current
HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
01.2020 - 01.2022
FAMILY/STAFF SERVICE MANAGER
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF LAKE COUNTY
01.2019 - 03.2020
HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST/STAFF DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF LAKE COUNTY
10.2016 - 05.2020
CENTER DIRECTOR/ LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF LAKE COUNTY
08.2015 - 08.2016
COURTROOM CLERK
LAKE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
01.2011 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education Administration
Ashford University
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
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