COURSE TITLE:Service Learning: Community-based Project ManagementCOURSE DESCRIPTION:This course will focus on using basic project management methodology to work towards community change. Through project-based learning, students will investigate a Milwaukee neighborhood and pitch an art/design proposal to address a problem the neighborhood is facing. Students will learn how to diagnose community challenges, identify problems, and select and plan art/design interventions. Students will be able to take the community-based project management skills developed throughout the course and apply them to future project work.

COURSE TITLE: Service Learning: Communities & Public GoodCOURSE DESCRIPTION:How exactly do political decisions play out in our neighborhoods and communities? In this course, we will utilize Dr. Martin Luther King’s idea of the Beloved Community in order to examine how public health and economic decisions are made and whose interests they serve. Students will strengthen their understanding of the political process and the connections between the national government, the local government, and the needs and interests of the community. We will learn to recognize that no matter how outsiders may view a community as poor or neglected, we can always find strengths and capacities for change within it. Identifying community capacities and resources is the first step in facilitating community change. We will examine the concept of participation in an effort to see how different levels of involvement may affect the sustainability of community change efforts. Students will apply this knowledge to both their service placement through research and practice.

Designed, implemented, and iteratively improved portfolio management system to manage up to 300 short- and long-term projects annually. Managed accountability, efficiency, transparency, and process improvement projects including management of project budget, schedule, risk, and scope; tracked and reported project statuses and variances. Monitored and controlled execution and completion of department and project portfolio goals; examined the prioritization of project and departmental work based on need, urgency, and return on investment. Managed, planned, and organized office strategic planning and operations including budget preparation, forecasting/projections, contracts and purchasing, position management, employee onboarding and system access, and employee professional development. Recruited, onboarded, and supervised a team of professional data analysts.

Managed school turnaround project to transition a low performing, traditional middle school to an instrumentality middle/high charter school. Orchestrated cross-departmental teams to achieve charter authorization, technology and facility upgrades, staff hiring, student recruitment, and school programming. Secured and administered $750,625 federal charter school implementation grant. Designed data analysis and professional development plans and composed standard operating procedures, handbooks, and other documents to ensure effective operations. Led governance board development efforts including recruiting founding board members, drafting bylaws, completing articles of incorporation, managing partnership development efforts, and clerking meetings.

Managed analytical, investigative, and regulatory processes to resolve public complaints and respond to information requests. Led major projects including customer relationship management system integration and Beyond the Board Room constituent relations strategy development and implementation. Analyzed annual district budget, provided budget briefings to Board members, and drafted budget amendments. Developed policies, procedures, and programs by conducting research, analyzing data, utilizing technical expertise, and communicating information. Served as the Board’s advocate and liaison for MPS contracted schools and oversaw proposal review, public hearing scheduling, and contract negotiations in accordance with policy, procedures, and statutory requirements. Coordinated office activities including project prioritization, monitoring, and reporting. Trained and supervised office staff.

Directed all program, finance, operation, and strategic planning efforts of the Holton Youth + Family Center (HYFC). Orchestrated a multi-agency collaborative team in direction, oversight, and evaluation of the HYFC, led data-driven, community prevention projects in collaboration with the Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee District Attorney’s Office, and conducted community-based participatory research. Administered $1.2 million annual program budget including developing budget priorities, approving expenditures, and negotiating contracts with program providers. Directed major projects including $250,000 facility renovation, city-wide anti-violence march, database migration, and website development. Hired, trained, and supervised staff of 13 and served as field instructor for associate, bachelor, and master level interns.

Coordinated daily program and facility operations. Collaborated with internal departments to ensure site program progression and full continuum of services. Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with community partners to provide program support and enhancement. Hired, trained, and supervised staff of six and served as field instructor for service learners and volunteers.

Coordinated program and facility operations of the Grand Avenue Middle School Community Learning Center (CLC). Developed and delivered after school programs for children ages 4 – 18. Managed discipline situations and established regular communication with parents and families. Served as liaison between Boys & Girls Club personnel and Grand Avenue Middle School leadership. Maintained payroll, attendance records, accident and incident reports, permission forms, and other written documents. Implemented grants to ensure outcomes were achieved; prepared grant reports.