maria saona

* Effectively managed project milestones and budget * Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payrolls * Helped to organize and train employees for different sections of the project * Successfully presented project proposals * Managed customer databases and budget/financial templates

* Responsible and accountable for the coordinated management of the Afterschool Program and Summer Camp * Coach, mentor and lead over 40 part time staff * Manage students engagement and program improvement implementation * Help to launch, run and maintain different community projects - i.e. Somali Homework Club and the Service Learning Initiative - C.A.R.E. * Responsible for building rapport with different community partners such as Calgary Housing, Public Library, Public and Catholic Board of Education * Organize field trips for the 400+ students in our program * Participate in community info fairs and parent nights * Maintain confidential records, completed reports and evaluations * Develop and facilitate engaging training sessions to staff in the areas of leadership, classroom management, diversity, among others. * Develop Program Curriculum based on program mandates and desired outcomes * Develop, oversee and facilitate lesson plans that are culturally sensitive and effective in meeting the needs of immigrant youth

* Provided professional account management support to customers such as orientation sessions, workplace consultations, reporting, promotional material, and creating awareness of the program. * Actively participated in marketing initiatives -trade shows, conferences, etc- * Built and maintained excellent relationships with customers and other stakeholders – HR Managers at different companies, EAP Service Providers. * Brought a very positive and dynamic to the business team and had a positive impact on other members of the company.

Creative Design Practice: project application of design thinking stages of problem setting through discovery and interpretation, ideation, experimentation and the evolution of resolutions - Social Innovation and Human Centred Design: focuses on the theory and practice behind applying design thinking strategies and tactics for initiatives that benefit other people in the local, regional and global environments - Spatial Relationships and the Educational Environment: explores the development and application of design thinking principles in the visual and physical realms through skill building, spatial thinking and collaborative problem solving. - Design Thinking for Educational Practice: comprehensive application of design thinking methods and creative design practice to enhance professional educational practice and the broader educational environment

Activities and Societies: Volunteer at the University International Centre - Bridges Programs 2006-2008