Maria Pantoja
Chicago,IL
Summary
Seeking to leverage expertise as Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the Greater Chicago Food Depository to drive systemic change in food security and poverty alleviation. Committed to developing and executing impactful policy and advocacy strategies that empower communities, mobilize grassroots networks, and influence local, state, and federal policies to end hunger. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, building multi-organizational partnerships, and advocating for policies that support low-income families and individuals. Ready to collaborate with senior leadership to shape policy priorities, elevate public awareness, and drive long-term systemic solutions.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Attendance Coordinator
Southwest Highschool Network
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Oversaw more than11 schools on the southwest side
- With Leadership input and oversight I analyzed data, created and manage attendance plans for all of South Westside High School Network schools
- Legal and Policy Compliance
- Held monthly attendance coordinator trainings
- Weekly visits to high schools to provide direct support to school attendance coordinators, students, and families
- Collaborated with local politicians, organizations, and health clinics to support student-community needs
- Increased student attendance at Southwest Network High Schools by more than20 points by supporting school attendance coordinators, addressing student mental, health, housing and food needs
Operation Manager Director
Chicago Public Schools
01.2012 - Current
- Student in Temporary Living Situation Coordinator - Supporting students facing homelessness or housing instability, as well as food insecurity
- Worked with stakeholders and advocated for additional resources to support our low income, migrant, and LGTBQ plus community
- Coordinated for the past10 yrs
- Thanksgiving food and coat drive to support not only our student and parents but also our community
- Advocated for additional district funds and donations with local government as well as district leaders to ensure every student and parent receives quality education and support not only in school but also at home
- Build community partnership with Lurie's Children Hospital, Metropolitan Services as well as Ferney Ramirez to support our students and community mental and health needs
- Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to align the school with district objectives
- Organized, managed, prioritized, and monitored the execution of the school's strategy, ensuring effective budget planning and resource utilization to ensure all students
- Effectively in collaboration with leadership team managed a budget of more than ten million dollars
- As well as develop and supported several fundraisers
- Attendance at every Board of Governors Meeting and representation in cross-functional meetings to advocate and communicate student needs as well as leaderships mission
- Successfully managed day-to-day operations and facilities, ensuring that all students have access to a safe, supportive environment, resources, and essential services
- Successfully increased student attendance within our students in temporary living situation as well as our migrant students
- Oversee-Collaborate with more than70 personnel
- Collaborate and communicate with various teams
Attendance Coordinator
Farragut Highschool
01.2002 - 01.2010
- Intervention and Support Strategies
- Collaboration with Educators, Administrators, students and Parents
- Collaborated with Lawndale Christian Health center to address student needs
- Oversaw more than 800 student attendance
- On average conducted more than 50 homevisits per year
- Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving
- Data Analysis and Reporting
- Legal and Policy Compliance
- Strong Written and Verbal Communication
- Time Management and Organizational Skills
Education
Professional Education License -
Concordia University
Master's in Business Administration -
Concordia University
River Forest, IL01.2019
Bachelors in Business management -
National Louis University
Chicago, IL01.2012
Highschool - Highschool
Farragut Highschool
Chicago, IL01.2000
Skills
- Deep Knowledge of Food Insecurity and Anti-Poverty Issues
- Leadership and team management
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Policy Analysis
- Coalition Building and Partnership Development
- Advocacy and Community Mobilization
- Public Speaking and Presentation
- Budget and Grant Management
- Staff training and development
- Operations management
- Cross-functional team coordination
- Organizational development
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Operation Manager Director
Chicago Public Schools
01.2012 - Current
Attendance Coordinator
Southwest Highschool Network
01.2010 - 01.2012
Attendance Coordinator
Farragut Highschool
01.2002 - 01.2010
Professional Education License -
Concordia University
Master's in Business Administration -
Concordia University
Bachelors in Business management -
National Louis University
Highschool - Highschool
Farragut Highschool
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