Karen Vanessa Valdez
Houston
Summary
Results-driven professional with experience in program coordination, client engagement, and cross-cultural communication. Fluent in English and Spanish, with a proven ability to foster relationships, manage projects, and adapt strategies to meet client needs.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
ESL Instructor
Daechi Poly Magnet
02.2024 - Current
- Managed and built strong relationships with a diverse group of 3-7-year-olds, achieving 100% retention and satisfaction through personalized lesson plans and proactive support for students with behavioral challenges, including ADHD.
- Developed and led various classes (English, writing, science, phonics) while creating customized activities and quizzes to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Took on additional responsibilities, including curriculum development, grading, and organizing cultural events, showcasing strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Recognized for problem-solving and resilience in managing classroom dynamics, leading to significant improvements in student behavior and fostering respect from both students and parents.
Project Coordinator
Rockwood Shutters
01.2022 - 02.2024
- Successfully managed 60+ projects daily, ensuring documentation accuracy and resolving errors to maintain seamless project flow.
- Utilized Quickbase CRM to track customer interactions and projects, particularly focusing on repeat customers, ensuring that all relevant data and project histories were well-documented and accessible.
- Managed Home Depot's CRM with payment tracking functionality to monitor payments, generate reports, and ensure smooth project progression and financial accuracy.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with multiple departments to resolve conflicts and optimize workflows, improving overall project efficiency.
- Led and oversaw 91 consultants, ensuring timely project progression and high-quality deliverables.
Business Development and Community Manager
ORT University
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Mentored and advised 5 student entrepreneurs in launching products for the US market, successfully exceeding their crowdfunding goal by 251%.
- Hosted weekly seminars in English and Spanish, guiding startups in cross-cultural digital content creation to engage diverse audiences and drive sales.
- Leveraged strategic communication and relationship-building skills to help entrepreneurs understand market dynamics, boost product visibility, and enhance customer engagement.
- Applied international business development expertise to advise on marketing strategies and optimize outreach efforts across cultural boundaries.
Web Strategist and Client Solutions Intern
TPM Science
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Conducted market research to identify competitive strategies, enhancing website positioning and aligning with market trends to attract and engage prospects.
- Optimized website content and user experience, improving the online presence to drive customer acquisition and retention.
- Researched and developed a personalized scholarship database tailored to client needs, delivering targeted recommendations that strengthened client relationships and satisfaction.
International Research & Reporting Intern
Kids Empowerment NGO
05.2022 - 07.2022
- Conducted in-depth research on international social issues and children’s rights, developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Compiled and organized comprehensive law databases, streamlining access to crucial information and improving efficiency in data management.
- Stayed current on relevant regulations, demonstrating a proactive approach to understanding complex issues and adapting to new information.
- Collaborated with teams to align research with organizational goals, showcasing strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Program Advisor & Coordinator
UHD Office of Study Abroad
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Over 2 years of experience in program advising, outreach, and relationship management, with a focus on building partnerships and providing strategic guidance for study abroad programs.
- Coordinated and hosted 7 cultural and educational workshops per semester, increasing attendance by over 300% through targeted outreach and social media campaigns.
- Utilized CRM tools to track participant engagement, manage outreach, and execute strategic campaigns that boosted program visibility and student participation.
- Demonstrated ability to handle objections and adjust strategies to meet audience needs, contributing to high retention rates and successful program outcomes.
- Collaborated across departments to streamline processes and ensure smooth transitions, including mentoring new hires and managing changes within leadership.
Business English Instructor
Worldwide Education Fund
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Designed and delivered a customized business English curriculum based on the Cambridge IGCSE textbook, including lessons, tests, and assessments, for adult students in Mauritania and Pakistan.
- Conducted two-hour remote lectures to two classrooms simultaneously, ensuring engagement with quizzes and assessments that drove strong learning outcomes.
- Adapted content for non-native English speakers, guiding all students to pass exams and earn U.S. Embassy certificates for career advancement.
- Managed course development and implementation to meet students' goals for improved job prospects.
Education
BBA - Business Management
University of Houston Downtown
Houston, TexasSkills
- Client Engagement & Relationship Building
- Program Coordination & Project Management
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Communication & Teaching
Timeline
ESL Instructor
Daechi Poly Magnet
02.2024 - Current
Business Development and Community Manager
ORT University
09.2023 - 12.2023
Web Strategist and Client Solutions Intern
TPM Science
08.2022 - 12.2022
International Research & Reporting Intern
Kids Empowerment NGO
05.2022 - 07.2022
Project Coordinator
Rockwood Shutters
01.2022 - 02.2024
Program Advisor & Coordinator
UHD Office of Study Abroad
12.2021 - 05.2022
Business English Instructor
Worldwide Education Fund
06.2020 - 12.2020
BBA - Business Management
University of Houston Downtown
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