Grace Chairez Email and Phone Number

Sociologist with real world experience in program delivery, client analytics, instruction and training, with extensive verbal and written communication. Has 15 years experience in program development and management in non-profit organizations and education institutions with emphasis on client relations and strengthening operations. Twelve years fundraising experience as grant writer, grants writing supervisor, and strategist. Frequent reports to funding agents, public, and targeted audiences in written and verbal formats. All employment and consultant positions have been with entities committed to making a better world.Throughout 37 year career has advocated for interests and needs of under-served populations in terms of gender, age groups, race/ethnicity, spirituality/religion, geographical origins, sexuality, economic status, and unorthodox lifestyles. While public policy and news stories have changed over the decades from affirmative action to diversity, equity, and inclusion, this Sociologist has remained focused on the foundations of American teaching and beliefs.Research roles have ranged from simple data collection to analysis and report development; development of instruments for improved data collection, program and policy implementation; and participation in team design of studies of program implementation. My interest in under-served and under-represented populations has been key to my role in teams and on projects studying work settings, education programs, school administration structures, and issues of school change and improvement.Passion for teaching Sociology to college students with particular interest in first-generation and non-traditional college students. Has taught courses for nine years including introductory courses, social problems, theory, research methods, statistics, addictions, and social work applications.Recent years have included focus on creativity and inspired expression with particular interest in creative writing both fiction and non-fiction. Named a finalist in non-fiction category of Writer League of Texas contest in 2020 for memoir titled Tender the Dark. Current interest is developing guide and resources for people who are searching for a spiritual path after unsatisfying experiences in formal religion or no experience in formal religion. The intent is to help people find meaningful direction that will deepen connections to community and society in positive ways.