Educational Program Manager IPERS (Des Moines, Iowa) November 2024 -Present
Led the design and execution of IPERS’ first leadership initiative to fill critical executive roles, identifying organizational support gaps and implementing scalable solutions that aligned with strategic goals and workforce development priorities
Developed and executed complex work plans that integrated cross-departmental input, regulatory compliance, and performance metrics; impacting over 400,000 the public statewide
Directed vendor partnerships and procurement processes, including RFPs/RFIs, contract negotiations, and budget oversight up to $150,000, ensuring cost-effective delivery of high-impact programming and services
Advanced critical HR functions by aligning program strategies with talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement goals; strengthening organizational capacity and retention
Created targeted outreach campaigns that improved the public understanding of retirement benefits and financial planning, contributing to measurable increases in confidence and informed decision-making
Delivered data-driven performance reports and presentations to executive leadership, advisory committees, and elected officials, supporting transparent governance and informed decision-making
GEAR UP Iowa Facilitator (Program Planner II) Iowa Department of Education (Des Moines, Iowa) March 2019-November 2024
Directed complex, multi-year federal grant initiatives across 13 subgrantee school districts, serving over 9,000 students; oversaw compliance, budgeting, and implementation plans to ensure fiscal accountability of $24 million a year, ensuring alignment with state and federal regulations
Championed cross-sector collaboration, serving as the primary liaison between school districts, state agencies, and community organizations to align resources, resolve implementation challenges, and drive impact
Developed and enforced policies and procedures that supported grant integrity, operational consistency, and legal compliance, ensuring all participating districts met federal reporting and programmatic standards
Led collaborative stakeholder engagement, partnering with school leaders, state agencies, and community organizations to co-create educational resources and drive program impact across diverse communities; reported to the Iowa Board of Commissioners on program impact, budgets and other key information
Domestic Violence Advocate Children & Families of Iowa (Des Moines, Iowa) May 2015-March 2019
Led trauma-informed case management for survivors, providing housing support, legal system navigation, and crisis intervention with a focus on empathy, discretion, and emotional intelligence
Identified and addressed service gaps through a solutions-focused approach, developing and executing complex support plans that aligned with both client needs and regulatory requirements
Collaborated with state agencies, faith-based groups, schools, and community organizations to amplify awareness, coordinate resources, and strengthen cross-sector response efforts
Developed and delivered public education campaigns and presentations to audiences of up to 600, increasing community understanding of domestic violence indicators and available support systems
Designed and implemented policy-aligned training programs on DEI, human trafficking, and sexual abuse prevention, ensuring compliance with state and federal standards while building organizational capacity
Assistant Director, Student Involvement & Multicultural Services Saint Mary's College (Notre Dame, Indiana) January 2013-August 2014
Supervised a team of 20 staff and mentored 7 student organizations, fostering leadership development and operational accountability across a network of 150+ student leaders
Served as liaison to 75+ campus groups, ensuring transparent communication between students, departments, and administration while resolving issues with a calm, solutions-focused approach
Managed program budgets and logistical planning for monthly events, orientations, and pre-orientation programs; prioritizing inclusivity and equitable access for traditionally underrepresented students
Collaborated with internal departments and external community partners to design and implement initiatives that promoted civic engagement, cultural awareness, and strategic alignment with institutional goals
Applied emotionally intelligent leadership to guide diverse teams, mediate challenges, and build trust across stakeholder groups, contributing to a more inclusive and responsive campus environment
Administrative Assistant, Intercultural Life Central College (Pella, Iowa) July 2011-December 2012
Supervised and coached 4 staff, fostering professionalism and accountability in program execution
Mentored students on academic probation, resulting in 50% improvement in retention and academic standing
Developed and delivered policy-aligned programming on inclusivity, hate crimes, and social identity, supporting strategic planning and compliance with institutional standards.
Created and maintained training resources and assessments, ensuring consistent onboarding and procedural clarity for new student employees.
AmeriCorps VISTA Wartburg College (Waverly, Iowa) July 2010-June 2011
Led complex service-learning initiatives, coordinating partnerships with college departments, K–12 schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to deliver impactful programming aligned with institutional and community goals
Designed and executed evaluation frameworks for the Community Builders II course, producing the Service Learning Impact Report and related assessments to inform strategic planning and policy development
Developed and implemented procedures to ensure program consistency, compliance, and measurable outcomes across diverse service-learning projects
Mentored students in project execution, fostering professionalism, time management, and leadership while supporting residence hall operations and community engagement efforts
Administrative Assistant Upward Bound - Central College, (Pella, Iowa) May 2005-May 2010
Ensured accurate maintenance of grant documentation, aligning services with grant requirements, and supporting program compliance
Provided vital administrative assistance to senior leaders, handling email correspondence and creating and distributing letters, spreadsheets, forms, and faxes
Managed filing systems, contact databases, student lists, and inventory, facilitating efficient organization and access to essential information
Contributed to the research and development of grants, playing a role in securing funding for the continued operation of Upward Bound Programs
Coordinated events and programs that benefited 120 students, ensuring seamless execution and enhancing their Upward Bound experience
