Marika Strauss Email & Phone Number

Santa Cruz, California, United States

Global

Led global leadership development strategies for over 1,500 stakeholders across 60+ countries, driving organizational alignment and operational efficiency.Managed and developed facilitation teams, enhancing their performance and growth through strategic planning, coaching, and feedback.Spearheaded DEI initiatives, embedding inclusive practices into leadership programs and fostering a culture of belonging across the AFS Network.Collaborated cross-functionally with internal teams to support decision-making around resource planning, capacity utilization, and project execution.

Global

Strategic consulting with international partners, specifically around volunteer strategy development and alignment.Skills: strategic consulting. Facilitator of the AFS Communities of Practice, an online learning community with participants from around the globe. Skills: facilitation, group dynamics management, training, intercultural communication.Designer and trainer of Training for multicultural audiences, both in English and Spanish.Skills: training, experiential learning, intercultural communication.Writer of internal communication shared with the global AFS Network.Skills: writing, communication.Editor and designer of the Volunteer Journey project, a volunteer program inspired by customer journey models.Skills: research, communication, editing, website development and visual design.Project Manager of a Co-creation team comprised of international partners to develop a a new volunteer model incorporating advocacy, fundraising and global competence.Skills: Fundraising, Project Management, Virtual and In-person meeting coordination.

Global

California

Identify, recruit, orient and train newly hired Team Development Specialists (TDS) including providing on-going mentoring and support beyond the initial training period.Provide coaching and feedback to a team of 22 Team Development Specialists based on organizational trends. Plan and implement training programs and conferences for staff and volunteers. Provide coverage for TDS staff for absences, vacation or resignation.

Regional manager for volunteer affairs and program delivery for study abroad programs around the San Francisco Bay area; support 100+ member volunteer base with 85 inbound/outbound students.Support and empower volunteer and student community. Design and deliver workshops, trainings for volunteers, and implement community-building events. Monitor and manage AFS compliance with United States government standards for foreign exchange students.Supervise part-time community organizer/recruiter.Develop and maintain relationships with schools, community-based organizations and the press. Lead on all local marketing efforts – print, digital, web content and grass-roots efforts.

Portland, Oregon

• Facilitated leadership and organizational development support to AFS volunteer teams so that they may provide positive intercultural educational experiences compliant with CSIET Guidelines, U.S. State Department Regulations, and AFS International Standards.• Assisted in the registration and re-registration of nearly 2000 regional volunteers annually and train staff and volunteer colleagues to use and understand the registration process. • Implement and monitor required volunteer training in conjunction with State Department regulations and manage a technical support inbox. • Collaborate on special projects with staff and volunteers to promote organizational priorities in recruiting, training, integrating, and recognizing volunteers including designing a new, more effective volunteer lead management system.

Mammoth Lakes, Ca

Design and produce a monthly newsletterOversee all aspects of marketing - social media and other forms of communicationFundraising and event planning responsibilities.

Greater Seattle Area

Connected families with community resources to ensure stability.Co-designed and supervised the mediation program serving King County families.Facilitated interdisciplinary meetings and served as the client’s advocate.

Roatan, Honduras

Led recreational divers around Roatan.Taught divers about reef preservation and general underwater education.

Bellevue, Wa

Mediated Disputes between parents and teens.Co-facilitated Mediation Training for interested mediators

Bs, Communication Studies - Interpersonal Communications

Activities and Societies: University of Texas Mediation

Fellow, Social Impact

Building initiatives to eliminate personal economic isolation and increase social good

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Communication Studies

Semester abroad in Valencia,Spain

Education record

Activities and Societies: Soccer team, Improvisation group,

Junior Year High School, Junior Year