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Lidia, Project Director III, Upward Bound at Education Non-Profit: Advize Career Interview

A career in youth development at an education non-profit offers incredible rewards, as evidenced by a Project Director III's journey.

This individual's path began with mentoring and student projects, building a foundation of experience that led to a fulfilling career focused on supporting underserved students.

The role involves managing budgets, staff, and grant compliance while fostering student success and community partnerships. A typical day balances administrative tasks with direct student and staff interaction.

Success requires strong communication, collaboration, and resourcefulness, particularly in maximizing limited resources to create impactful programs.

The most fulfilling aspect is empowering students and witnessing their growth, alongside staff development, within a community similar to the one this individual grew up in.

Entry-level positions such as coordinator, advisor, or instructor roles, coupled with volunteer work, provide invaluable experience.

The key to success is a passionate commitment, the ability to think creatively, and a belief in one's abilities, overcoming any initial challenges to achieve significant personal and professional growth.

The first-generation college graduate experience deeply shaped this career path, demonstrating the power of leveraging available resources and paying it forward to future generations.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Lidia Alfaro Chavez

Project Director III, Upward Bound

Education Non-Profit

UCLA, 2014

Pepperdine University, MA Social Entrepreneurship & Change, 2017

Anthropology, Sociology

Nonprofit

Operations and Project Management

Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student

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Career Path of an Upward Bound Project Director at an Education Non-Profit

Lidia's career path began with "my first real experience working with youth" as a mentor intern during college, followed by involvement in a student-run project at UCLA. This early experience with youth development and education, coupled with volunteer research and relevant coursework, directly led to Lidia's first post-graduate position working with youth, establishing a consistent focus on this area throughout their career trajectory.

Career Path of an Upward Bound Project Director at an Education Non-Profit

Main Responsibilities of an Upward Bound Project Director at an Education Non-Profit

Lidia, a Project Director III, manages a federally funded project, overseeing "day-to-day operations," budget, staff, grant compliance, student success, and community partnerships. The role demands ensuring smooth operations aligned with grant objectives while supporting staff growth and fostering strong collaborations.

Main Responsibilities of an Upward Bound Project Director at an Education Non-Profit

A Day In The Life Of An Upward Bound Project Director At An Education Nonprofit

A Project Director III at an education non-profit spends each day juggling administrative tasks like budget management and staff compliance, while also focusing on "ensuring that the students have submitted all their documentation" and monitoring their progress. The ideal day includes opportunities for direct interaction with staff and students at the program site, allowing for a balance between oversight and hands-on engagement.

A Day In The Life Of An Upward Bound Project Director At An Education Nonprofit

Most Important Skills For A Project Director Upward Bound At An Education Nonprofit

Lidia, a Project Director III, emphasizes the critical importance of "people skills" in her role, highlighting the need for strong communication and collaboration with staff, community partners, students, and families to effectively manage resources and create impactful programs. The ability to facilitate trainings and connect with individuals on both one-to-one and group levels is vital for success and making a positive impact.

Most Important Skills For A Project Director Upward Bound At An Education Nonprofit

Favorite Parts of Being an Upward Bound Director at an Education Nonprofit

Lidia, a Project Director III at an education non-profit, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role is "giving back to a community very similar to the one that I grew up in," having benefited from similar support as a first-generation college graduate. The opportunity to witness "the growth in staff and in the students" is a true privilege, both daily and over the years they participate in the program.

Favorite Parts of Being an Upward Bound Director at an Education Nonprofit

Biggest Challenges Faced by an Upward Bound Project Director in Education

Lidia, a Project Director III at an education non-profit, identifies "making the most out of the limited resources" as the biggest challenge in her role, a common issue for grant-funded projects. The goal is to provide a "fantastic and holistic experience" for students from under-resourced communities without compromising the quality of the program, requiring creativity and careful budgeting to ensure students feel supported and prepared for college.

Biggest Challenges Faced by an Upward Bound Project Director in Education

Favorite Parts of Working in Education as an Upward Bound Project Director

Lidia, a Project Director III at an education non-profit, finds the greatest fulfillment in connecting with "other folks that are just as passionate about working with youth," sharing their dedication to community service and witnessing the growth of the young scholars under their care. This shared passion, fostered through professional networks, sustains Lidia's commitment to the field.

Favorite Parts of Working in Education as an Upward Bound Project Director

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry, According To An Upward Bound Director At An Education Non-Profit

Success in the education non-profit sector requires a passionate individual who can "get creative and stretch the budget," making the most of limited resources; this passion fuels perseverance through challenges and allows one to experience the rewarding moments of seeing growth in those served.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry, According To An Upward Bound Director At An Education Non-Profit

What an Upward Bound Project Director at Education Nonprofit Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry

The Project Director III found the role "a lot more draining than I would have imagined," requiring significantly more energy than initially perceived to effectively engage with students and staff. This experience, however, led to personal and professional growth, ultimately proving "worth it" despite the initial challenges.

What an Upward Bound Project Director at Education Nonprofit Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Youth Development Professionals

Entry-level positions in youth development programs at educational nonprofits include "coordinator, advisor, and instructor roles," and volunteering offers valuable experience to help undergraduates explore career paths and "get an understanding of where you would like to go."

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Youth Development Professionals

Significant Career Lesson From A Project Director At Education Non-Profit

Lidia, a Project Director III, learned that "never underestimating yourself" is crucial for career success. This realization, born from overcoming initial shyness and pushing past comfort zones in various roles, ultimately propelled their advancement from a teaching assistant to a director, demonstrating the power of self-belief and embracing challenges.

Significant Career Lesson From A Project Director At Education Non-Profit

College Experiences That Helped an Upward Bound Project Director at an Education Non Profit Succeed

To prepare for a career in nonprofit education and youth development, Lidia "tried a little bit of everything," including mentoring students of various ages, volunteering, and working as a teaching assistant. This approach, combined with proactive research and networking, allowed Lidia to gain experience and determine their career path before committing to a specific role after graduation.

College Experiences That Helped an Upward Bound Project Director at an Education Non Profit Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced A Project Director Upward Bound At Education Non Profit's Career

Lidia's first-generation college graduate identity deeply shaped career navigation, leading to a project director role helping future first-gen students; accessing "cultural capital and social capital" during college proved crucial, informing Lidia's current work where they "help others do the same thing".

How Identity Has Influenced A Project Director Upward Bound At Education Non Profit's Career
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