Dalayna Gardner Email & Phone Number

North Carolina, United States

•Providing expert guidance to students and families throughout the college admissions process, from college selection to final decisions.•Instructor for college and career readiness courses preparing students for post-secondary education and future careers.•Leveraging admissions experience to craft compelling application strategies tailored to each student’s strengths, goals, and aspirations.•Advising on standardized testing strategies, extracurricular profiles, recommendation letters, and financial aid applications.•Conducting workshops, webinars, and information sessions for students and parents.•Coordinating college tours and career pathway site visits for students seeking various opportunities.

•Responsible for the daily operation and administration of an identity-based Living-Learning Program (LLP); including student support services, project management, and engagement with campus partners.•Coordinated programmatic and co-curricular opportunities that promote the holistic development of students in the areas of leadership development, academic success, cultural identity development, and professional development. •Managed the LLP programming budget, fundraising initiatives, and transaction accounts.•Coordinated ongoing collaborations, partnerships, and strategic initiatives with both campus partners and the greater Montgomery County community.•Managed the recruitment and selection process by evaluating applications from prospective students, overseeing the design, production, and distribution of promotional materials, and operating all social media and outreach platforms.•Chaired the LLP Advisory Board, Stakeholders Committee, and Student Leadership Council.•Facilitated training and development for peer mentors.•Conducted annual evaluations and assessments to continually improve student retention and the quality of the LLP experience.

Mandalay, Myanmar

•Successfully executed an international college tour for 35 students: balanced a 6-figure budget, managed 13 college tours, conducted college readiness seminars, and developed partnerships with universities. •Created and implemented the first school wide college and career readiness program structure.•Developed the first school-wide social-emotional learning curriculum following American School Counselor Association (ASCA) guidelines.•Created the curriculum for the College & Career Preparation class and served as the instructor for 12th grade students. •Oversaw all areas related to college placement; student advising, arranging college fairs/visits, communicating with admission representatives, as well as coordinating SAT and TOEFL exams. •Retrieved and assessed the data from previous graduates and implemented initiatives to improve student outcomes.

Rochester, New York Area

•Facilitated programs that provide academic support, professional development, and mental health resources for African American students residing in the Douglass Leadership House. •Developed initiatives that addressed the social issues confronting first-generation African American students and provided adequate support.•Initiated the first Black Male Leadership Conference at the university.•Successfully executed the Black History tour of Rochester featuring the legacy of Frederick Douglass: applied for city grants, managed media and advertisement, arranged transportation, and conducted a debriefing session for healing. •Communicated and enforced all university, Office of the Dean of Students, and Residential Life policies.•Maintained a safe and supportive environment that fostered growth and facilitated the development of greater independence.

•Supervised over 200 domestic and international students during various social activities, field trips, and residential programs.•Developed educational and social activities that fostered cultural exchange.•Supervised a team of 15 undergraduate students and provided them with adequate training to successfully fulfill their duties. •Managed staff scheduling to ensure proper coverage of the residence hall at all times. •Managed check-in and check-out services, including pre and post-program residence hall inspections, damage assessment, keys, and roommate assignments.

Rochester, New York Area

• Partnered with outside school agencies to execute a 5-part College Prep Workshop series for first-generation students.• Initiated and facilitated the first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seminar informingschool personnel and athletes how to qualify for Division I and Division II colleges.• Developed individual counseling and intervention plans for students.

●Developed outreach strategies to increase representation of both students with disabilities and African American students studying abroad. ●Initiated and developed a study abroad recruitment fair that reached over 500 African American students. ●Facilitated various seminars that informed underrepresented students about the benefits of studying abroad as well as financial resources available. ●Executed successful print advertising and media to increase the visual representation of students with disabilities abroad.

University Of California, Riverside

•Managed student recruitment for low-income youth in the Inland Empire. •Provided front desk coverage by taking phone calls, managing appointments, walk-ins, and providing information for students and parents interested in the program.•Handled confidential documents and updated student records of incoming and graduating participants.•Assisted clients by effectively listening and identifying their problem or concern followed by guiding them to the correct department or resource.•Helping with special projects & various tasks for community outreach events as assigned

University Of California, Riverside

●Assisted at-risk, first-generation, African American students in their transition from high school to college by developing programs centered around cultural awareness, intercultural exchange, and personal growth. ●Incorporated academic and social-emotional services to address the needs of the community. ●Supervised the Student Housing Academic Resource Center (SHARC) and facilitated large monthly academic programs for the greater community.●Provided tutoring and facilitated academic workshops to ensure that students maintained good academic standing. ●Responded to after-hours concerns, questions, and emergencies and referred students to campus resources when necessary. ●Ensured that students were safe by enforcing the student code of conduct as well as housing policies and procedures.

Pune, India

•Collected enrolment and retention data from school records in order to assess how gender applies to the curriculum in India. •Assessed the benefits of computers being incorporated into the classrooms of a third world country. •Evaluated how technology can improve the education of students who are hearing-impaired or deaf. •Suggested modifications and refinement for moving forward with their new curriculum.

Student Life, University Of California, Riverside

• Provided tours for students and families of the general UCR campus as well as campus resources. • Served as a UCR representative, positive campus leader and role model throughout the program by maintaining a positive working attitude when interacting with all students, family members, staff and faculty.• Guided students and family members through their Orientation programs by providing academic advising, campus tours of campus resources, and supporting students while registering for courses.• Served as an Orientation Leader for 10 Student Orientation and Family Orientation sessions and assisted over 4,000 students and provided resources to approximately 2,500 family members• Facilitated interactive activities and discussions for large and small scale groups.• Created a positive, inclusive atmosphere for incoming students by hosting spirit events and community building activities.• Helped transfer students adapt to UCR by assisting students in registration for courses, providing campus tours, and keeping transfer students aware of campus resources available to assist them in their transition.

M.S. Counseling & Human Development

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Cultural Anthropology

Elementary Education And Teaching

I participated in a summer abroad research program studying the education curriculum for deaf children in secondary education.