Maria Jose Melendrez

Experience

• 

  Claremont Graduate University

  Nov 2011 - Apr 2016

  Research Assistant

  • Assisted with studies about higher education access for undocumented students, deported immigrant youth in Mexico, and indigenous Mexican youth in U.S. public schools• Managed survey data collection and recruitment of research participants• Transcribed, translated (Spanish-to-English), and coded in-depth interviews

• 

  The IRIS Center

  Jun 2012 - Aug 2012

  Office Assistant

  • Provided technical assistance and training services to faculty and professional development providers• Prepared materials for annual conferences on special education for K-12 teachers and higher education faculty

• 

  Pitzer College

  Sept 2014 - Jul 2016

  • Co-founded Pitzer’s First-Gen program that assists with the transition, development, and retention of first- generation students• Developed an initiative outreaching to first-year students and building relationships with campus constituencies • Co-wrote a Campus Life Community grant in the amount of $4,550 for the third year of institutional funding • Mentored first-year students and served as a liaison to the First-Gen mentor program• Coordinated First-Gen events such as a family welcome reception during move-in day, a financial aid workshop, a scholarship/fellowship workshop, a gingerbread house decorating study break, and a senior recognition dinner Show less • Promoted the college through phone, email, and face-to-face interactions with prospective students, families, guidance counselors, and academic outreach personnel• Conducted prospective high school and transfer student interviews and wrote detailed evaluations for review by the admission committee • Coordinated visits with community-based organizations, facilitated information sessions, directed college admission workshops, attended parent and counselor lunches, and counseled families on the application process• Produced admission print and web publications aimed at first-generation college students Show less

  • First-Generation Intern

    Jan 2016 - Jul 2016

  • Admission Fellow

    Aug 2015 - May 2016

  • Office of Student Affairs Student Intern

    Aug 2012 - May 2016

  • Career Services Office Assistant

    Sept 2014 - Jan 2014
• 

  Pomona College

  Jul 2016 - Sept 2018

  First-Generation and Undocumented Student Coordinator

  • Served as the primary contact and support for First-Generation (First-Gen), undocumented, low-income, and international students.

• 

  Loyola Marymount University

  Oct 2018 - now

  • Programs and Partnerships Specialist | Office of Global-Local Affairs

    Jun 2020 - now

  • Assistant Director for Global-Local Affairs

    Oct 2022 - Dec 2024

  • Administrative Specialist | Office of Global-Local Affairs

    Oct 2018 - Jun 2020