As the Director of Programs at LatinxEd, I am tasked with driving the expansion of our impactful initiatives in North Carolina's education equity landscape. I oversee and execute a diverse range of programs focused on leadership and identity development by collaborating with our team to achieve strategic goals and amplify Latinx student success. With a focus on strategic planning, team management, financial stewardship, and community engagement, I am able to champion positive identity development and promote equitable education practices across North Carolina.

Serving as one of the inaugural coaches for College y Consejos, a LatinxEd initiative, allowed me to serve Latinx students across the state of North Carolina during a time where supports were being challenged as a result of the pandemic. During my time serving as coach, we served over 400 students across the state and provided culturally affirming college access programming for juniors and seniors in North Carolina.

I was uniquely positioned to continue supporting my cohort of students at the Emily K Center in their transition to college and began serving as the College Persistence Manager following their graduation from high school. As a College Persistence Manager with Scholars on Campus, I spearheaded vital support for students who successfully completed the Emily K Center Scholars to College program, ensuring their seamless transition to college life, persistence, and eventual graduation. Through consistent communication via phone, email, and social media, I provided tailored guidance and support to empower students on their academic journey. Orchestrating impactful workshops and events, I facilitated skill development for college success and post-graduation career readiness. During my time in this role, I was able to: - Provide proactive, intrusive advising and direct support to 110 Scholars on Campus students and families in individual and group settings.- Create and execute virtual and in-person transition programming for the rising first-year classes to engage Scholars and prepare them for college-Spearhead virtual programming during COVID-19 Spring transition including virtual check-ins for current scholars and alumni, and professional development series.

As a dedicated College Readiness Counselor with Scholars to College, I empowered academically-focused, first-generation high school students from Durham County in North Carolina to excel and thrive in selective four-year colleges and universities. Through personalized one-on-one guidance and engaging weekly small group instruction, I provided holistic support in college planning, personal management, leadership, academic skill development, and career exploration.In addition to supporting my cohort of students, I was also responsible for: - Researching and facilitating application processes for summer and year-round enrichment opportunities, aiding interested students in accessing valuable growth experiences.- Orchestrating skill-building initiatives, including public speaking and college application support programs, fostering students' confidence and capabilities.- Leading the planning and execution of cultural events like Latinx Heritage Night, Black History Month Night, and Cultural Showcase, showcasing students' diverse backgrounds and fostering inclusivity.

By learning how to shape federal policy and amplify the voices of the students I served, the fellowship offered me an opportunity to deepen my impact in higher education. In addition to deepening my own understanding of policy and advocacy, I was able to coach two students who joined in on the advocacy conversations with legislators to drive change in college access, affordability, and attainment.

As a College Adviser with the Carolina College Advising Corps, I supported low-income, first-generation, and historically marginalized students through the college application process. My role entailed fostering connections through one-on-one and group sessions, organizing campus tours and visits, aiding with application submission, and providing caregivers with essential information. Through intensive training and ongoing professional development, I played a vital role in increasing college-going rates and promoting equitable access to higher education at Garinger High School. During my time as a college adviser, I was able to: - Organize admissions and financial aid informational events for parents in both English, Spanish and Nepali to meet the needs of the diverse student population. - Collaborate with teachers, staff, and administrators to provide innovative programming around college access topics like planning the first-ever College Night in collaboration with Cochrane Collegiate Academy and exposing over 100 attendees to the path to a higher education.- Present to several classrooms of approximately 30 students as well as grade level assemblies with over 500 attendees on the importance of performing well academically, getting involved in extracurricular activities, and pursuing higher education or the workforce upon high school graduation.