Shayla Walker, M.A. Email & Phone Number

Stockton, Ca, Us

SDW Consulting & Training 2020–PresentFOUNDER | CONSULTANTFounded boutique agency providing tailored workshops on conflict management, team building, interpersonal communication, and employee engagement. Lead initiatives to uplift and connect Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities through networking, education, and custom solution design. Conceptualized annual Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer which convened 100+ Black women to build Connections, be inspired through shared cultural experiences, and advance self-agency to enhance professional networking. - Secured sponsorships from local businesses, educational institutions, and service providers. - Designed and facilitated custom workshops for clients including the Fresno City Unified District, American River College, Sierra College, and CSU Sacramento.

Stockton, Ca, Us

PROGRAM DIRECTOR—LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (2018–Present)Promoted into executive management role overseeing leadership, engagement, and basic needs services for an 18K+ community of diverse learners. Hire, develop, and lead team of 4 full-time staff and 12 student employees. Cultivate and nurture alliance with cross-organizational stakeholders, community partners, and student leaders to advance shared objectives and improve resource utilization. Manage $800K.- Spearheaded strategic planning and vision development, led staff through co-creation of department goals, and garnered executive-level buy-in for innovative, student-centric programming. - Infused center with spirit of intentionality and inclusion, architected systems and processes to enable a seamless customer experience, and marshaled cross-functional resources to measure and evaluate outcomes. - Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies; established student leadership community of practice and workshop series with 100+ participants; and increased representation of BIPOC students in leadership roles. - Transformed underutilized food pantry into a centerpiece of the organization’s basic needs program and orchestrated project to double facility size and vault number of students served 2500%+. - Co-authored proposal that won $1M in funding for housing, transportation, and food supports; launched dedicated advisory committee; spurred initiative to establish a one-stop center; and led creation of a newly funded position to oversee activities.- Invited to deliver presentation on food insecurity to the Delta College Foundation Board. - Hand-selected to direct planning and execution of an annual statewide conference attending by 600+ student leaders as co-chair of the California Community College Student Affairs Association’s conference committee. - Reduced expenses 30% through effective financial management while continually expanding services and retaining exceptional quality

Stockton, Ca, Us

PROGRAM DIRECTOR—ADULT LEARNING (2016–2018)Pivoted to newly created grant-funded role serving 400 adult learners annually. Designed programs and events to improve learner outcomes, expand workforce development programs, and boost student success. Managed and led 5 staff.- Developed and launched The Village, a program to increase retention and persistence of Black students through cultural workshops and mentorship which yielded 98% satisfaction from participants. - Partnered with steering committee and college staff to create and implement procedures and service models.- Facilitated orientations for 700+ adult learners engaged in career exploration, job training, English language, and high school equivalency programs.

Stockton, Ca, Us

PROGRAM MANAGER—LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (2014–2016)Planned and administered programs to enhance engagement in the learning community and support a diverse student body in cultivating leadership skills and aid faculty in increasing cultural competency. Managed $100K annual budget. - Developed and executed school’s first-ever Welcome Week and raised participation 50% in 1 year. - Played key role in implementing OrgSync, a technology platform providing 24/7 access to event schedules. - Awarded Student Equity Innovation Fund grant and co-facilitated 1-day conference attended by 400 students and faculty and featuring Dr. Joy DeGruy (author of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, a work exploring the lasting legacy of past injustice on the experience of healing from trauma for modern-day Black Americans). - Expanded scope of role during director’s leave and served as primary contact with key stakeholders.

Sacramento, California, Us

California State University, Sacramento 2008–2014PROGRAM MANAGER—CAREER COUNSELING (2012–2014)Earned promotion into newly created role as the Academic Advising & Career Center expanded services. Designed and facilitated career exploration, job search strategy, and interviewing skills workshops for 500+ students. - Launched highly successful volunteer program and built partnerships with Sutter Health, a nonprofit integrated health delivery system to place 150+ students and increase program engagement 50%. - Planned and executed large-scale Health Career Fair and Educator Expo attended by 1K+ students. - Coached and mentored graduate interns to provide career development and assessment services.

Sacramento, California, Us

RECRUITER—DIVERSITY & INCLUSION (2008–2012)Hired by alma mater to lead outreach and recruitment efforts within the Black and Latino communities. Planned and managed events to increase visibility, educate and inform participants, and build a welcoming educational culture. - Expanded Black and Latino applicant pool 40% via partnerships with schools and community organizations. - Supported Black student retention as a mentor with Cooper-Woodson College Enhancement Program. - Nearly doubled number of students matriculating as first-generation college attendees.

Master Of Arts Degree, Higher Education Leadership

Bachelor'S Degree, Communications