James Elam
Chicago
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Criminal Justice graduate with a robust background in mentoring and community service. Eager to leverage my skills and experience as a student advocate, providing empathetic support and guidance to youth in need. Passionate about fostering positive development and contributing to a nurturing environment for at-risk youth.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Educational Support Professional
Harold Washington Elementary School
01.2025 - Current
- Supported classroom activities by assisting teachers in lesson implementation and student engagement.
- Collaborated with educators to develop individualized learning plans for diverse student needs.
- Strengthened school-community relations by actively participating in parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and other events.
- Aided teaching staff with various administrative tasks like grading papers or taking attendance which contributed towards an efficient learning environment.
- Promoted life-long learning habits among students by providing guidance on effective study skills, time management techniques, and self-advocacy strategies.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline alongside with Restorative Justice Coordinators.
School Based Therapeutic Mentor
Gro Community
09.2024 - 01.2025
- Offer 1:1 individualized guidance and emotional support to students, especially those with behavioral, social, or emotional challenges.
- Help students set and work towards personal, emotional, and academic goals.
- Help students develop positive social interactions, build friendships, and improve communication skills.
- Keep detailed notes of interactions, progress, setbacks, and any incidents that occur.
Primary Caregiver
New Age Elder Care
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Provided compassionate care to clients with diverse needs, ensuring comfort and safety in daily activities.
- Implemented efficient routines to enhance quality of life for clients while promoting independence.
- Advocated for clients' needs, facilitating communication between families and medical teams for comprehensive support.
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
Assistant Chief of Staff
Midwestern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Assist the MWRAVP with logistics and serve as the Chief Administrative officer of the collegiate staff.
- Assist the Regional Chief of Staff as necessary.
- Assist with the coordination of special events, projects, and partnerships.
- Monitor and support administration productivity and progress with objectives/initiatives.
- Provide support to College brothers experiencing issues within their chapters and/or navigating the fraternity.
- Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the MWRAVP & Chief of Staff.
Student Representative to the Board Trustees
Chicago State University
04.2023 - 06.2024
- Act as the voice of the student body in board meetings, representing their interests and concerns.
- Advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit the student body.
- Attend all public board meetings, standing committee meetings, and special board meetings.
- Attend and participate in school event, ceremonies, and functions as a representative of the board and the student body.
- Foster a positive relationship between the student body and the administration.
Tutor
Gillespie Elementary School
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Administered need assessments and designed individualized tutoring services according to student needs.
- Helped students enhance their mastery of concepts and academic skills in specific subject area.
- Monitored student progress and consulted with parents and guardians.
- Conducted 1:1 and group tutoring sessions for students.
Assistant District Director
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
04.2021 - 11.2023
- Company Overview: Company Overview: District of Illinois
- Coordinated and facilitated statewide events and initiatives, promoting fraternity values and community engagement amongst collegiate chapters.
- Served as a liaison between district leadership and local collegiate chapters, ensuring effective communication and alignment of organizational goals.
- Mentored and supported chapter leaders, providing guidance on fraternity operations, leadership development, and conflict resolution.
- Organized and led workshops to enhance leadership skills and fraternity knowledge amongst members.
Program Mentor
Betty Shabazz International Charter School
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Assisted in constructing and facilitated a culturally-responsive curriculum for 6th and 7th grade boys.
- Designed exercises and activities aimed at increasing self-esteem, cultural awareness, self-efficacy, and academic motivation of mentees.
- Participated in bi-weekly professional development meetings to increase effectiveness of mentoring initiatives.
CSU Outreach Ambassador
AmeriCorps
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Company Overview: Company Overview: Internship at Chicago State University
- Provided comprehensive educational and economics resources to young adults ages 16-24, equipping them with the tools needed for academic and career success.
- Empowered young adults to effect positive change within their communities through mentorship, support, and engagement in community-focused initiatives.
- Demonstrated unwavering dedication to student services, consistently going above and beyond to support students' personal, academic, and professional development.
Education
Bachelor's: B.S. - Criminal Justice
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL05.2024
High school or equivalent - General Education
CICS Longwood Academy
Chicago, IL06.2018
Skills
- Communication
- Organization
- Leadership
- Empathy
- Team Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Mentorship
Certification
Licensed Mandated Reporter
Timeline
Educational Support Professional
Harold Washington Elementary School
01.2025 - Current
School Based Therapeutic Mentor
Gro Community
09.2024 - 01.2025
Tutor
Gillespie Elementary School
01.2024 - 05.2024
Assistant Chief of Staff
Midwestern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
07.2023 - 07.2024
Student Representative to the Board Trustees
Chicago State University
04.2023 - 06.2024
Primary Caregiver
New Age Elder Care
01.2022 - 12.2024
Assistant District Director
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated
04.2021 - 11.2023
Program Mentor
Betty Shabazz International Charter School
01.2020 - 01.2021
CSU Outreach Ambassador
AmeriCorps
08.2019 - 08.2020
High school or equivalent - General Education
CICS Longwood Academy
Bachelor's: B.S. - Criminal Justice
Chicago State University
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