Virginia Johnson Email & Phone Number

Indianapolis, In, Us

West Lafayette, In, Us

In my role as Associate Director I plan, prepare, and execute programs in support of the Orientation Programs mission of introducing and connecting all new undergraduate students to Purdue University. I primarily oversee the execution of our welcome programs, Boiler Gold Rush (BGR) for Purdue University in Indianapolis students after seven years of coordinating BGR in West Lafayette, Indiana.

West Lafayette, In, Us

In my role as Senior Assistant Director I planned, prepared, and executed programs in support of the Orientation Programs mission of introducing and connecting all new undergraduate students to Purdue University. I primarily oversaw the execution of our welcome programs, Boiler Gold Rush (BGR) and Boiler Gold Rush International (BGRi) for incoming students.

West Lafayette, In, Us

In my role as an Assistant Director of Orientation Programs I assist in the planning, preparing and executing of all programs designed to orient undergraduate students to their successful Purdue academic careers.

West Lafayette, In, Us

In my role as a Program Assistant I coordinate the new student orientation program for incoming International students, Boiler Gold Rush International. I also facilitate the intercultural competency development of over 100 student leaders through training activities and through the use of the Intercultural Development Inventory assessment.Coordinated two 4-hour orientation programs in Beijing and Shanghai, China for incoming Chinese international students.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, Us

Co-Chair the International Student Network, providing resources, webinar opportunities, and connections points for individuals serving international students.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, Us

Developed a 3-day conference for both professional staff and students from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada (totaling 300 individuals) to showcase best practices and discuss emerging trends in the areas of orientation, transition, and retention. Recruited and led committee chairs, co-chairs, and general members to oversee the areas of: Communication and Marketing; Educational Session and Awards; Educational Development; Event Management; and Professional Development.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, Us

Conference Presentations:Cabrera, V. & Dryer, M. (2021). Sensory overload: Attending to neurdiversity needs. Presentation, 2021 NODA Annual Conference. Orlando, FL.Cabrera, V., Gruska, L., & Aldoori, S. (2019). Pre-arrival communication options for international students. Presentation, 2019 NODA Annual Conference. Houston, TX.Braverman, T., Cabrera, V., & Vuillemot, T. (2019). Launching population-specific orientation programs. Presentation, 2019 NODA Annual Conference. Houston, TX.Cabrera, V. (2019). Assessing sense of belonging through a welcome week. Presentation, 2019 NODA Annual Conference. Houston, TX.Cabrera, V. & Oyarzun, L. (2019). International student roundtable. Presentation, 2019 NODA Region VII Conference. Saginaw, MI.Braverman, T., Cabrera, V., & Johnson, C. (2018). Once upon a time: The art of storytelling. Presentation, 2018 NODA Annual Conference. San Diego, CA.Cabrera, V. & Khadilkar, S., (2017). Supercharging leadership on your campus. Presentation, 2017 NODA Region VII Conference. Cleveland, OH.Cabrera, V. (2017). Culturally bound: Developing interculturally competent leaders. Presentation, 2017 NODA Annual Conference. Louisville, KY.

Washington, Dc, Us

Conference Presentations:Braverman, T., Cabrera, V., & Johnson, C. (2018). Once upon a time: The Art of Storytelling. Presentation, 2018 NASPA Annual Conference. Philadelphia, PA.Cabrera, V. (2018). Culturally bound: Developing interculturally competent leaders. Presentation. 2018 NASPA Live Briefing.

Storrs, Ct, Us

In my role as the Late Night Programs Coordinator Graduate Assistant, I coordinated weekly 4-hour Friday and Saturday Late Night programming series for the entire UConn student body through internal and external vendors and maintained operating budget of $300K and managed programmatic expenses that averaged $8K a week. I supervised 13 undergraduate student Late Night staff members and provided on-site event management to ensure staff accountability and trouble shoot problems.

Sydney, New South Wales (Nsw), Au

Selected to participate in a three-week assessment project abroad for the UNSW International Affairs Office to formulate research questions, review literature on international student mobility and factors affecting international student's decision to study abroad. Final assessment project was on the "Cost of Living in Sydney as Portrayed to International Students by University Offices."

Storrs, Ct, Us

In my role as a Graduate Assistant I facilitated Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) prevention/early intervention with UConn students through programs such as BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) and MAPP (Marijuana Abuse Prevention Program). I spread awareness through AOD publications including written documents, brochures, and flyers. I also maintained the 21st Birthday Campaign to promote safe alcohol consumption strategies. I also researched best practices in peer education and orientation programming of peer institutions AOD initiatives

New Brunswick, Nj, Us

In my role as a Global Ambassador I facilitated presentations on study abroad for different academic departments, New Student Orientation and Family Programs, and Involvement Fairs. I also advised prospective students in making program decisions and preparing for pre-departure orientation by spreading awareness about international opportunities.

New Brunswick, Nj, Us

In my role as a Library Assistant I assisted patrons, many undergraduate and graduate students, on research by use of microfilm and fiche machines. I reorganized the Bound Periodicals Room, where current periodicals are stored by implementing a new organizational system. I also trained new work study students on office duties and policies.

New Brunswick, Nj, Us

I was a nominated and selected Mark Leadership Conference speaker, tasked with giving a five minute presentation on my personal and professional passions using only 20 slides that auto advanced every 15 seconds. My presentation topic revolved around overcoming bullying.

New Brunswick, Nj, Us

As an Orientation Leader I welcomed approximately 12,000 incoming first year, international, transfer, LGBTQ, and non-traditional students and families in over the course of two summers to Rutgers University. In this role I underwent extensive leadership training through staff retreats, training, and a Relational Leadership credit bearing course focused on the Relational Leadership Model. I worked efficiently with a 50 person staff and developed team building skills. Additionally I guided students, parents, and families through campus tours that improved student’s knowledge of all campuses and resources. I facilitated academic success sessions for groups of 20-50 students to support their academic transition. I performed life on campus skits that boosted student confidence, knowledge, and motivation. I ran informative discussions on skits by SCREAM (Students Challenging Realities and Educating Against Myths) Theatre, detailing sexual assault experiences and intrapersonal conflict on campus.

Master Of Science In Education, Curriculum Studies

Master Of Arts In Higher Education And Student Affairs

Spanish

Bachelor'S Degree, Psychology, Spanish, Criminology

High School Degree