Qualifications
Trinity College Dublin Dublin, Ireland. December 2015.
Master of Philosophy, International Peace Studies.
Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Dublin, Ireland. April 2015.
Certificate Course in Mediation.
Texas A&M University College Station, Texas, USA. May 2009.
Bachelor of Arts, International Studies and Spanish.
France Langue Paris, France. October 2009 – June 2010.
Intermediate French language and culture coursework.
Kukulcan Language Institute Cuernavaca, México. May – July 2008.
Advanced Spanish language and Mexican culture coursework.
Universidad de Ciencia y Tecnología de Latinoamérica San José, Costa Rica. May – August 2007.
Advanced Spanish language, Costa Rican culture, and Latin American literature coursework.
Professional Experience
Language Learning International, Inc. English Teacher: Dublin, Ireland.
July 2015.
Taught English to European high school students at Advanced and Intermediate levels during intensive language-learning programming. Developed dynamic lesson plans, engaged students in interactive learning, and implemented strategic conversational practices. This experience allowed me to lead in intercultural relations and fostering rapport in order to educate and engage students.
International Studies Abroad, Inc. Custom Program Manager: Austin, Texas, USA.
June 2011 – July 2014.
Managed 75+ international education programs from the initial phases of planning and development through implementation; for each program I created a program budget, wrote a formal proposal and legal contract, coordinated student admissions, reconciled expenses post-program, and conducted statistical analysis of evaluation research. Retained five large-scale accounts, developed rapport with three new returning clients to establish new, recurring business and managed many more new accounts. Represented the company at an international annual conference in May 2013; chair presenter at regional conference in November 2013 and at multiple seminars. Lead writer on formal Requests for Proposals and corporate blog. Wrote content and created site map for cp.studiesabroad.com; built and maintained websites through Drupal platform and internal content management systems.
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse Sales Associate: Plano, Texas, USA.
October 2010 – June 2011.
Managed customer relations from initial reception through final departure; operated cash register and multi-line telephones. Served guests on the floor, and utilized multi-lingual capabilities [Spanish and French] with diverse customer base. Accomplished monthly evaluation of stock and organizational relocation and maintenance projects requiring meticulous detail. Lead teams of three to five associates on short and longer-term projects to enhance store layout or overhaul relational and organizational procedure.
The Dalrymple-Roth Family Au Pair: Le Vésinet, France.
September 2009 – August 2010.
While pursuing coursework in the French language and immersion in French culture, was responsible for enhancing English language, life skills, and social skills for three young French-born children; coordinated with childrens’ schools and extracurricular activities. Managed household staff of five, directed domestic routine utilizing French language abilities; planned and shopped for, and executed two large family meals daily.
TAMU Study Abroad Programs Office Student Advisor: College Station, Texas, USA.
August 2007 – May 2009.
Advised TAMU students concerning their study, volunteer and intern abroad choices; organized interdepartmental academic procedures. Managed information packet production, utilized multi-media student information system, processed visas; organized student participation statistics and coordinated with faculty and administrative staff of supervisory departments. Front desk reception and operation of multi-line telephones. Public relations presentations for classes of 30 – 350 students.
Options for Young Parents Drop-out Prevention Intern: Bryan, Texas, USA.
January – May 2008.
Mentored and tutored four junior high and high school-aged mothers in budgeting and financial planning, school coursework, and time management; implemented community events for program participants to receive parenting education, children’s supplies, and support.
La Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica Intern: San José, Costa Rica.
June – August 2007.
Coordinated with members of the Assembly and El Centro des Amigos para la Paz to encourage public knowledge and communication concerning the Central American Free Trade Agreement [CAFTA]; translated research and presentations for the construction of the new historical museum for the Legislative Assembly.
Voluntary & NGO Experience
The ReWork Project Public Relations and Creative Coordinator: Austin, Texas, USA.
May 2012 – June 2014.
The ReWork Project is a relationally-driven, city-wide community response to homelessness in Austin, Texas. Developed and coordinated non-profit logistics including: workshop, production, and payment protocols; established a grant-issuing and fundraising database; and assisted with organization of non-profit status. Contributed to online and local presence via social media, blog writing, and sales booths at local festivals.
Strategized with directors to implement a five-product system and boost sales. Established and maintained a mentor relationship with a ReWorker participant with the goal of building soft skills and becoming housed.
Foyer de Grenelle, The American Church in Paris Volunteer: Paris, France.
October 2009 – June 2010.
Led workshops on search options, interview and soft skills, and French language practice to help homeless, refugee, and unemployed attendees find and apply for housing and jobs.
W – Empowering Women Executive Chair of Public Relations: College Station, Texas, USA.
August 2007 – May 2009.
Founding executive of 40-member women’s social service organization. Liaised with donors and community stakeholders for event coordination and public relations for multiple fundraising and awareness events, raising up to $10,000. Served locally with Twin City Mission’s Homeless Shelter, and globally empowered women by participating in lobbying efforts at national CARE conference in Washington D.C.
Aggie Muster Committee Family Welcome Coordinator: College Station, Texas, USA.
September 2006 – May 2007.
Texas A&M’s campus Muster, a memorial ceremony, hosts 7,000 students, former students and friends of the University on April 21st. Planned and managed hotel and meal arrangements for and memorial gifts to the 190 families of those on the Honored Roll Call. Reception of families required supervision and assignment of 200 hosting student volunteers.
Aggie Fish Club Public Relations Committee: College Station, Texas, USA.
August 2005 – May 2006.
Organized and advertised for a service workday for the Bryan/College Station community benefiting 120 local homes and businesses, utilizing the service of 700 student volunteers. Met fundraising goals of $15,000 to benefit the 200 children of Project Sunshine in Goldthwaite, Texas with the 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament.
Skills
• Strategic organization and planning
• Customer service relations and audience engagement
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Project management and oversight of moving parts
• Advising and consulting
• Interpersonal communication skills with colleagues and clients
• Attention to detail and self-motivated
• Networking and public relations
• Creative fundraising
• Budgeting and account reconciliation
• Teamwork and independence
• Drafting itineraries and scheduling logistics
• Technical and creative writing
• Public speaking and presenting
• Advocation for and empowerment of marginalized groups
• Intercultural and multilingual communication
• Problem-solving and resourcefulness
• Collaboration and political savvy within bureaucracy
References
Available on request