Zari Mahoney-Johnson, M.A. Email & Phone Number

As a College Access Manager with Thrive Scholars, I offer personalized college guidance and admissions support to a caseload of approximately 50 high-achieving students of color from under-resourced backgrounds who are applying to highly selective colleges. I collaborate in designing and delivering enriching recreational programming centered around the college application and financial aid process, encompassing FAFSA, CSS Profile, and state financial aid forms. I provide comprehensive feedback to students and their families regarding college lists, extracurricular activities, high school courses, and student essays, ensuring alignment with factors influencing school choices. Additionally, I assist students in refining their applications to enhance competitiveness for admission to top 100 colleges. I apply my skills in program design and project management to support the planning and logistics of the six-week Summer Academy program, working alongside the Director of Summer Academy to cater to over 250 students. Additionally, I actively contribute by serving on a committee dedicated to curating and enriching the scholar curriculum, aligning it with the organization's goals and benchmarks, and ensuring its alignment with student development. Additionally, I am involved in another committee that promotes organizational culture by fostering affinity groups and spearheading diversity learning initiatives.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

I was tasked with overseeing a diverse cohort of 600+ middle and high school scholars drawn from the Ypsilanti Public School District, Southfield Public School District, and Detroit Public Schools Community District. My primary focus was on offering tailored support to more than 100 students, guiding their holistic development through personalized coaching and advisory sessions. I was dedicated to maintaining a continuous monitoring system for student behavior and academic progress while promptly addressing any family concerns. This role involved substantial engagement in staffing activities, including conducting resume evaluations, interviews, and training for incoming personnel. Overseeing a team of 100+ educators, interns, and staff members, I handled diverse responsibilities such as managing time approvals, coordinating meetings, workshops, and spearheading professional development sessions that encompassed community engagement, parental involvement, and student support strategies. Additionally, my role extended to conducting thorough program development research, actively contributing to curriculum refinement, policy formulation, and initiatives aimed at enhancing program offerings. I was committed to addressing systemic issues such as racism and classism, leading initiatives to foster developmental growth and bolster post-secondary preparedness among the scholars. I was accountable for the comprehensive logistical coordination of the program, overseeing planning procedures concerning locations, food arrangements, curriculum structuring, scheduling, roster management, and various other organizational aspects. Moreover, I meticulously gathered and analyzed data to ensure program efficiency, significantly amplifying the overall effectiveness and impact of the Wolverine Pathways program.

As the Dean of Student's Expect Respect Program Assistant, I played a pivotal role in enhancing campus inclusivity and fostering respectful relationships among students. I evaluated and refined existing programming while spearheading the creation and execution of innovative initiatives focusing on social identities, campus climate, and interpersonal relationships. Collaborating closely with key campus offices and organizations like the Spectrum Center, Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, and the Black Student Union, I contributed to cultivating an open, respectful, and inclusive campus environment. Additionally, I took charge of managing an $8000 programming budget per semester, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for impactful initiatives. Moreover, during major campus events, I provided freshmen with valuable resources such as tutoring support and information on Counseling and Psychological Services and University Health Services. This role allowed me to actively contribute to the enrichment of campus culture and the provision of vital resources for student well-being and success.

Master Of Arts - Ma, Educational Leadership Higher Education/Student Affairs

Bachelors Of Arts In Psychology, Psychology

Activities and Societies: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Iota Psi ChapterMinor: Community Action and Social Change

High School Diploma