Management Achievements
- Grant writing and development for a non-profit organization with diverse departments, including Mental Health Services, Family Services, Immigration Services, Interpreting Services, Social Case Management, among other programs.
- Successful filing of humanitarian cases, employment-based cases, and family based cases.
- Design, implement, and manage multi-disciplinary network for a consulting firm focusing on immigration and international employment issues.
- Design and implementation of International Student Office at LDS Business College based on a“one stop shopping” perspective along with an open-systems theory foundation.
- Plan and oversee Immigration Program at the Refugee and Immigrant Center for approval of EOIR-31 Application.
- Implementation of E-filing processes and procedures of Immigration cases within a diverse Immigration Practice.
- Immigration Case Management set up and programming
- Successful implementation and supervision of organizational software.
- Mentored and trained recently graduated attorneys as well as Senior partners with regards to new regulatory changes and filing procedures.
- Automatic case tracking portfolio for pending immigration cases.
- Streamlined Schedule A Nurse application for corporate client.
- Facilitated cultural adjustment to students from over 60 different countries
- Effective coordination with US embassies and consulates abroad for application and petition approval.
Consulting Achievements
- Rebranding of non-profit organization
- Grant-writting and contract development
- Developed assertive public relations strategy for non profit organization
- Created both Office and Student manuals at LDS Business College to help operate office effectively and educate students regarding their rights and responsibilities
- Involved with accreditation process at LDS Business College before US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Translation of “I am Super Hero” in 5 different languages
- Coordinated with local law and federal law enforcement to manage crimes with immigration consequences.
- Liaised between international students and federal authorities.
Work History
Management and Consulting Experience
Utah Center for Educational and Immigration Services, Salt Lake City, UT
Senior Consultant 2011 to Present
Coordinate services for immigration and educational services. Coordinate network of professional partnerships. Perform assessments and consultations for potential individual and corporate clients. Coordinate paralegal services to complete and file immigration cases. Lead outsourced paralegal services to law firms and professional entities. Present workshops and community education. Liaise with local attorneys, other non-profits, state government departments, USCIS local field office, and other entities as necessary. Stay abreast of immigration law. Educate families and assist with plans for immigration-related emergencies and removals. Lead pro-bono efforts.
Refugee and Immigrant Center at Asian Association of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
Immigration Program Coordinator 2010 to 2011
Design, implement, and oversee immigration program. Prepare, file, and oversee application for
recognition and accreditation from Board of Immigration Appeals. Supervise case manager and other
employees assisting with program. Consult with resources to assist with case development and progress.Liaise with local attorneys, other non-profits, state government departments, USCIS local field office, and other entities as necessary. Stay abreast of immigration law. Conduct one-on-one educational sessionswith clients regarding their needs. Identify community resources and make appropriate referrals.Administer immigration case software. Prepare immigration cases, as necessary. Other administrative duties as assigned.
Refugee and Immigrant Center at Asian Association of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
Grant Writer / Development Coordinator July 2009 to May 2010
Develop internal structures to promote organizational growth. Establish and maintain effective working
relationships with government officials, and media representatives. Develop new business opportunities.
Write interesting and effective press releases, prepare information for media kits. Develop and maintain
company internet or intranet web page. Conduct fundraising activities. Lead presentations about
organization and needs.Study requests for proposal. Gather data for agency proposal. Coordinate data collection. Program design. Write proposal text, including narratives for program, budget narrative, prepare presentation of statistical data, and participate in preparation and presentation of "best and final offer" and "oral presentations". Submit proposals using electronic, web-based systems such as eGov and BidSync. Other related tasks as necessary.
Senior Consultant 2006 to 2009
International Issues Consulting
Coordinate network of professionals focused on academic translations, credentials evaluation,
international relations/diplomatic issues, and immigration consulting. Conduct intake consultations.
Prepare and monitor family-based and employment-based residency cases, and some nonimmigrant visa applications. Refer individuals to community organizations.
Organizational Consulting
Offer counsel to organizations regarding organizational structures and growth, public relations,
fundraising strategies and activities, and community cooperation strategies. Evaluate existing structure to identify underdeveloped as well as unfruitful programs. Assist in identifying organizational needs to
improve efficiency. Research data for grants and other projects. Write grants as needed. Coordinate public relations activities. Assist with organizational branding.
General Duties
Administer finances, including monthly expenses and income reports as well as budget monitoring.
Design and implement public and client relations. Direct and supervise outsourced tasks. Keep abreast of legal regulations regarding business administration and taxation. Other administrative duties as needed.
LDS Business College Salt Lake City, UT
International Student Office Director 2002 to 2005
Manage approximately 400 cases of students from 68 different countries. Facilitate transition and
adjustment to the United States. Promote cultural exchanges among the College population (students,
faculty and staff). Responsible for F1 and F2 visa-holders. Administer the Student and Exchange Visitor
System and serve as the Principal Designated School Official. Counsel students on issues related to their
nonimmigrant status. Act as a liaison between staff and faculty members, US Citizenship and
Immigration Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, local law enforcement, and students. Track
student academic progress, update College record system, transcript and/or credit audits. Counsel
students regarding career alternatives. Advised students on financial alternatives to finance studies as
well as private and public resources available to students. Solve problems related to visa processing and
required documentation as well as help students with visa renewals. Adjust office’s organizational
structure according to changes within the institution and/or federal regulations. Assisted Director of
Career Services Center as needed with student’s resumes and job search. Perform other administrative
tasks and procedures as needed.
Types Cases Managed and Consultations
Liaising
Public Relations for non-profits
Marketing materials
Memorandums of Understanding
Organizational re-structuring to improve effectiveness
Internal and external organizational referral design
Employment-Based Immigration
PERM Petitions and Adjustment of Status
H-1B Visa Petitions
H-2B Visa Petitions
Schedule A Nurse Petitions
L Visa Applications
E Visa Applications
Premium Processing of Visa Applications
Family Based Immigration
Fiancé Petitions
Relative Petitions and adjustment of status
Consular processing of immigration benefits
Humanitarian
Family Unity Benefits
Refugee adjustment of status
Application for “T” Nonimmigrant Status and accompanying Schedules
Temporary Protected Status
Asylum Applications
Refugee and Asylee’s family applications
Other
Freedom of Information Act Requests
Motion to Reconsider/Reopen Cases
Special Immigrant Petitions
Orphan Classification
International Adoptions
Changes of Nonimmigrant Status
Applications to Waive Inadmissibility
Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residency
Employment Authorizations
Application to act on approved petitions
Naturalization
Request for a hearing regarding citizenship denial
Request for accommodations for citizenship testing
Medical certifications of disability
Minor’s request for certificate of citizenship
Skills
• Languages: Fluent speaking and advanced writing in Spanish, English, and Portuguese; Basic
knowledge of German, French, and Italian languages.
• Excellent research/data gathering, analytical, and writing skills;
• Legal research using electronic tools as well as published authorities and references;
• Problem-solver;
• Assertive decision-making;
• Ability to work under stress with a good attitude;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently with minimum instructions;
• Good initiative;
• Ability to work as part of a team or individually;
• Ability to lead others successfully;
• Excellent computer skills: typing, Excel, Word, Power Point; and
• Basic computer networking, hardware, and programming.
Education
Master of Arts in International and Area Studies, Brigham Young University, Provo 2000-2001
Study Area: International Relations and International Political Economy
Bachelor of Arts in Political Sciences, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico 1994-1999
Minor: Natural Sciences (Pre-Med)
Other Experience
Kirton & McConkie Salt Lake City, UT
Immigration Case Manager/Paralegal 2005 to 2007
Prepare, file, and monitor Immigration cases within a diverse Immigration practice. Interview clients to
prepare affidavits and sworn statements. Work with both employment-based and family based
immigration cases as well as asylum, special immigrant petitions, human trafficking, international
adoptions, etc. Research legal authorities and cases to prepare cases.
Third District Court of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
Court Intern September 2009 to January 2010
Observed court proceedings. Assisted judge with legal research. Designed and implemented a new
electronic catalogue for legal reference materials.
Asian Association of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
Employment Specialist February 2009 to July 2009
Asses refugees’ eligibility for TANF program participation. Conduct intake interviews. Assist refugees with
job search, job application, and evaluation of previous work experience as well as international education.
Establish and maintain relationships with hiring managers to stay abreast of current and future hiring
and business needs.
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Qualitative Research Assistant August 2000 to October 2002
Research and evaluation of microlending activities in Latin America, including non-governmental
organizations, government efforts, and participant behavior. Research using university networks, internet,
databases such as Lexis-Nexis, and available catalogues. Interview specific groups using random samples
and snowball techniques among other Ethnographic techniques. Community development reconstruction
e.g. economic organization formation, use of natural resources, and public health issues, among others,
using newspaper accounts—newspaper study. Assist Dr. England in finding sources for his current
research program. Assist Dr. England in writing proposals for grants and extensions of research funding.
Redaction of abstracts, reviews, and reports.
Berlitz Language Centers, INC. Carolina, Puerto Rico
English/Spanish Instructor June 1997 to August 1998
Teach Spanish and English to children, adolescents, and adults at the basic, intermediate, and advanced
levels. Report progress, and evaluate. Administer placement tests to determine level of proficiency.
Written Works
• Master’s Thesis: The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and Puerto Rico, 2001(currently being
translated into Spanish)
• A Recipe for Success, Refugee Works Magazine, Vol. 3 Issue 23, pg10-11.
• Press Releases for Refugee and Immigrant Center, July 2009 to present
Presentations
• Workshops: SB 81 and its effects, May 2009 to July 2009, Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Recertification for Refugees Conference, “Basic steps to recertify refugees in the US”, June 2009,
East Landing, Michigan.
• Utah State Refugee Conference, “A summary of networking strategies for refugees”, Oct 2009, Salt
Lake City, Utah.
• Conferences for proposal evaluations and bid determination, 2009, Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Semi-annual Student Orientations, August 2002 to May 2005, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Training/Conferences
• E-learning Course: “Introduction to Family-Based Immigration”, September 2011-October 2011
• E-learning Course: “Grounds for Inadmissibility”, September 2011-October 2011
• E-learning “Course: Introduction to VAWA Applications”, November 2011-December 2011
• Webinar: “The Future of Secure Communities”, July 2011
• Webinar: “USCIS’ New Fee Waiver Form What You Need to Know” , July 2011
• Webinar: “Planning Effective Know your Rights Presentations”, August 2011
• Webinar: “All About Admissions”, June 2011
• Webinar: “state and Local Immigration Laws”, June 2011
• Webinar: Immigration Conseq2uences of Delinquency”, June 2011
• Webinar: “What to do Before, During, and After you Apply for BIA Recognition and Accreditation”,
June 2011
• Monthly training sessions, Kirton &McConkie, May 2005-March 2007, Salt Lake City, UT
• Recertification for Refugees Conference, June 2009, East Lansing, Michigan.
• Refugee Conference, October 2009, Salt Lake City, Utah.
• American Immigration Lawyers Association, Utah Chapter Conference, 2006
• American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, 2005, Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Nebraska Service Center Open House, 2005, Lincoln, Nebraska
• NAFSA Annual Conference, 2004, Baltimore, Maryland.
• NAFSA Annual Conference, 2003, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Community Service
Workshop Instructor October 2008 to Present
Prepare and present workshops with regards to social issues, employment, immigration, job readiness,
and English language to Latino adults. Liaise between individuals and community resources.
Part Time Volunteer (Community Women’s Group Leader) October 2008 to January2010
Assisted women ages 18+ with educational goals, social adjustment, and personal enrichment projects.
Plan and oversee workshops for the group. Assisted with welfare needs.
Part Time Volunteer (Community Girls Group Leader) Ap ril 2007 to September 2008
Worked with girls 12-18 years of age from different countries. Facilitate adjustment to changes in
personal life. Help plan social and cultural activities to help girls develop into productive citizens. Oversee
“Personal Progress” program. Help supervise outings, such as camps and other trips.
Part Time Volunteer December 2004 to March 2005
Worked with Globus Relief Fund in research and development of strategic plans for new vitamin
distribution project. Recruited other volunteers to execute research outline.
Interpreter August 2004 to Present
Interpret events for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spanish. Events are broadcast to
all parts of Latin America or recorded for distribution. Simultaneous and side-by-side interpretation of
meetings and conferences on a weekly basis.
Part Time Volunteer July 2004 to February 2005
Worked with Help International in field operations and development of public relations strategies.
Prepared team for field experience—plan strategy and cultural background. During field operations,
taught English and Hygiene lessons in Guatemala. Distributed school and hygiene kits to families.
Participated in leadership seminars and small business consulting.
Part Time Volunteer June 2004 to June 2005
Worked at the Perpetual Education Fund Service Center on a weekly basis. Made calls to follow up on
educational progress, provide support, and record information in database. Program participants are from
Central and South America and the Philippines. The program focuses on promoting higher education
among young adults.
Translation Coordinator June 2003 to June 2005
Participated in the establishment of the Daxton Wilde Foundations’ establishment as 501© (3) status.
Find translators for the book “I am a Super Hero” for the Daxton Wilde Foundation. Conduct Focus
groups with native speakers to evaluate book’s translation.
