Natalee Benzing Email and Phone Number
I am a first-generation college graduate turned education leader with a mission to make education more equitable and accessible for all students. I believe that education is a powerful tool for amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. The challenges we face today are significant, and without leadership that reflects the diversity of our nation, we will never find solutions. My journey began as a participant in the TRIO Upward Bound program, where I experienced firsthand how education can be a pathway to opportunity. After graduating from the program, I found my professional calling as a staff member. My service with Upward Bound ultimately led to my selection as a Truman Scholar in 2018, a competitive national scholarship for public service leaders. I now serve as Interim Executive Director at Access Opportunity, a college and career access program serving high-potential students from low-income households in the Denver metro area. My work centers on creating sustainable, student-led programming that helps students achieve their college and career goals, connect with like-minded peers, and inspire change in their communities. I am proud to have guided the organization’s growth by building equity-centered systems and expanding our team’s capacity through strategic partnerships and professional development.In addition to my work with Access Opportunity, I’ve taken on leadership roles with the National College Attainment Network, Prosperity Denver Fund, and College Essay Guy’s Matchlighters Scholars Program. I also co-organized the #CollegeForAll Fair, a national virtual college fair focused on institutions committed to access and equity at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.My experiences in strategy, partnership development, and program design have prepared me to work collaboratively across sectors to create learner-centered systems that drive equity and innovation. 1w2 | INTJ | Strategic, Achiever, Futuristic, Intellection, Arranger
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Interim Executive DirectorAccess Opportunity Colorado Jul 2024 - PresentBoulder, Co, UsAccess Opportunity creates opportunities for high-potential students from low-income households to define their individual paths through high school, college, and career, ultimately benefiting the lives of others. I began in a student-facing role, but quickly progressed into senior leadership as I was recognized for contributions in process-building, strategy, and talent management.Some of my responsibilities and accomplishments throughout my tenure have been:• Partnering with the co-founders to set a long-term strategic vision for the organization• Spearheading the development and implementation of a comprehensive college and career advising curriculum, including the creation a 150-page manual detailing best practices• Managing the design and implementation of Salesforce CRM in partnership with an external consultant, automating processes and significantly increasing organizational efficiency• Developing our organizational Theory of Change• Standardizing metrics for student success and annual assessment processes • Supporting high school seniors with college list development, navigating college and financial aid applications, selecting the best fit college, and finalizing enrollment• Collaborating with college admissions staff, corporate sponsors, and community partners to develop impactful programming for students• Conducting presentations, distributing marketing materials, and guiding prospective students through the program application process• Coordinating application review and selection process among team members and volunteers• Leading the Student Advisory Group in order to incorporate the student voice into all that we do• Hiring, training, and supervising team members (including both program and development/operations staff) -
Co-Executive DirectorAccess Opportunity Colorado Jun 2023 - Jul 2024Boulder, Co, Us -
Program DirectorAccess Opportunity Colorado Aug 2020 - Jul 2023Boulder, Co, Us -
Program ManagerAccess Opportunity Colorado Jan 2020 - Jul 2020Boulder, Co, Us -
Program CoordinatorAccess Opportunity Colorado Aug 2019 - Jan 2020Boulder, Co, Us -
National Voices Fellow50Can: The 50-State Campaign For Achievement Now Feb 2024 - PresentWashington, D.C., Us50CAN’s National Voices Fellowship strengthens the leadership and public profiles of the next generation of commentators, correspondents and analysts across the education sector. Grounded in the collaborative pragmatism that created the contemporary education reform movement, the program offers mentorship and training by some of the sector’s most prolific thought leaders and gives fellows the opportunity to collaborate, connect, and debate with a diverse and passionate group of rising stars. -
Assessment & Planning Graduate AssistantUniversity Of Denver Aug 2022 - Jul 2023Denver, Colorado, UsStudent Affairs & Inclusive Excellence (SAIE) is the central student affairs division of the University of Denver. The Assessment & Planning team is responsible for collaborating with divisional and departmental leadership to measure, evaluate, and report on progress towards the goals and priorities outlined in SAIE’s strategic plan. In this role I have assisted with assessment design, execution, and analysis for several major institutional initiatives – including the DU's inaugural First Ascent Weekends at their newly acquired mountain campus. -
Assistant Director, Matchlighters Scholars ProgramCollege Essay Guy Jan 2022 - Jun 2022Everywhere, UsEthan Sawyer, the "College Essay Guy," is a nationally recognized college essay expert and the author of the Amazon bestsellers College Essay Essentials and College Admission Essentials. Each year he and his team reach more than one million students and counselors through the College Essay Guy blog, online courses, workshops, books, and one-on-one work. The CEG Matchlighters Scholarship offers free college application counseling for high-achieving, low-income students from experienced college counselors. While I began in a student-facing role, I later served as a thought partner and project manager for the Matchlighters Program Director, including developing a process to automate the administrative aspects of the scholar selection process. -
Scholars Coach, Matchlighters Scholars ProgramCollege Essay Guy Mar 2020 - Dec 2021Everywhere, UsAs a Scholars Coach, I completed an eight-week Counselor Training Program on “How to Write the Personal Statement” and “How to Write the College Application & Supplemental Essays,” learning proven strategies to bring more ease, joy, and purpose into the application process. I then provided free college advising to several Matchlighters students through virtual weekly meetings. -
Bridge AdvisorTrio, Upward Bound Program Jun 2020 - Jul 2020Washington, District Of Columbia, UsAt the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I reconnected with my Upward Bound program and offered to provide support. In this remote role, I advised students in the summer between high school graduation and college matriculation to reduce summer melt. -
Public Policy & Communications InternCouncil For Opportunity In Education May 2019 - Jul 2019Washington, Dc, UsThe Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, veterans, and students with disabilities. I worked with staff across the agency to assist in advocacy efforts and event planning. The highlight of this experience was supporting the National Student Leadership Congress, a gathering of first-generation high school students from TRIO programs across the United States and territories who participated in a mock Congress competition and a day of advocacy on Capitol Hill, among other leadership training. I had the pleasure of accompanying a team of students in meetings with their Congressional delegation, where they eloquently shared their stories and passionately advocated for the continued funding of TRIO programs. -
Teaching Assistant, Courage To KnowBoston College Jan 2019 - May 2019Chestnut Hill, Ma, UsCourage to Know is a seminar-style elective for first-year students at Boston College in which students explore the intellectual, social, and spiritual landscapes of their college experience through discussion and analysis of contemporary literature, current research, and social commentary. I served as a mentor for the 20 students in my class by holding weekly office hours and one-on-one meetings to give advice, assist with course assignments, and refer students to additional resources on campus. -
Senior Coordinator, Emerging Leader ProgramBoston College Apr 2018 - May 2019Chestnut Hill, Ma, UsThe Emerging Leader Program (ELP) is a leadership development program for 50 first-year students at Boston College, and is guided by the Social Change Model of Leadership Development. I worked alongside the Program Director and Graduate Assistant to comprehensively re-design the program to better reflect the values of the Social Change Model of Leadership. Throughout the year, I evaluated student engagement and collected program feedback through qualitative and quantitative data, continuously analyzing and adjusting program components to improve the student experience. In addition, I was responsible for advising and empowering 10 sophomore student leaders, as well as organizing and executing two major program events – “Differences That Make Us,” a daylong workshop exploring intersectionality and multiculturalism; and “Moments That Shape Us,” a powerful evening of shared personal narratives and reflection. -
House Manager, Robsham Theater Arts CenterBoston College Jan 2017 - May 2019Chestnut Hill, Ma, UsThe RTAC facilities are the primary venues for theatrical, dance, music, cultural and lecture presentations for the university community. I was responsible for leading the Front of House crew and collaborating with both the Stage Manager and Box Office staff to ensure all events were safe, timely, and enjoyable for all patrons.Past titles: Office Manager (2017), Usher (2017-2018) -
Residence Hall DirectorTrio, Upward Bound Program May 2016 - Jul 2018Washington, District Of Columbia, UsUpward Bound is a federally funded program with the mission of preparing low-income, first generation high school students for college entrance and success. As the Residence Hall Director, I was responsible for leading the summer staff and serving as the primary liaison between staff, faculty, students, parents, and campus personnel. Past titles: Teaching & Resident Assistant (2016) -
Program Services InternBig Brothers Big Sisters Of Massachusetts Bay Jan 2018 - Apr 2018Boston, Ma, UsBig Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is among the largest and most effective one-to-one youth mentoring agencies in the country. As the Program Services intern, I assisted in volunteer enrollment, youth enrollment, and match support for “Big/Little” relationships. -
U.S. College Counseling Office InternAnatolia College Sep 2017 - Dec 2017Pylaia, Thessaloniki, GrAnatolia College serves nearly 2,000 Greek and Balkan students in grades K-12, and has a long-standing reputation as one of the best schools in Greece. This internship was paired with a Service Learning Practicum course at the American College of Thessaloniki. -
Pulse InternAction For Boston Community Development, Inc. Sep 2016 - May 2017Boston, Massachusetts, UsPULSE is a service-learning program at Boston College with a mission of educating students about social injustice by putting them into direct contact with marginalized populations and social change organizations and by encouraging discussion on classic and contemporary works of philosophy and theology. This internship was 10 hours each week and was paired with a 6 credit course. -
CashierAce Hardware Sep 2014 - Aug 2015Kabul, Kabul, AfPoulin Lumber is a top provider of building materials, project solutions and hardware for customers ranging from leading construction firms to the do-it-yourself clients in Vermont.
Natalee Benzing Education Details
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The Morgridge College Of Education At The University Of DenverHigher Education -
Ucla ExtensionCollege Counseling -
Boston CollegeApplied Psychology And Human Development -
Act - American College Of ThessalonikiStudy Abroad -
North Country Senior Uhsd #22High School
Frequently Asked Questions about Natalee Benzing
What company does Natalee Benzing work for?
Natalee Benzing works for Access Opportunity Colorado
What is Natalee Benzing's role at the current company?
Natalee Benzing's current role is Social Impact Leader & First-Gen Professional.
What schools did Natalee Benzing attend?
Natalee Benzing attended The Morgridge College Of Education At The University Of Denver, Ucla Extension, Boston College, Act - American College Of Thessaloniki, North Country Senior Uhsd #22.
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