Dione Smith

Background

About Dione Smith

I am a forward-thinking and results-focused professional currently working as an Internship Advisor for the University of California Washington Center. I currently collaborate with students to assist them with securing an internship in D.C. during their 10-week residency. I am also an Educational Consultant in higher education and in public/private education 9th-12th grade. I collaborate with students and parents to assist with college readiness, including college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship applications. The mission of my organization is to eliminate or significantly reduce the potential for student loan debt. I have experience in fundraising, federal grants management, project management, financial aid, donor relations and student services as well as having completed a bachelor’s degree in communications and a Graduate certificate in Leadership and Management. At this point I am looking for a position in the higher education or non-profit space. Additionally, I have reviewed and verified student financial aid documents to ensure completeness, regulatory compliance, and availability of adequate funding. My career has also included positions in student services, educational leadership, and collegiate and universities partnerships to streamline business processes. The key to my success besides detailed knowledge of federal, state, and private financial aid packages is an engaging style that helps students through the process and simplifies complex information to relieve any anxiety they may face. Also, building fruitful relationships with internal teams, and the surrounding community has been crucial in resolving issues and promoting collaboration. I can bring this approach to your team. Please connect with me if you are seeking someone with strong communication, public speaking, analytical, and problem-solving skills and is comfortable with diverse client/student populations. Specialties include Project Management, Educational Leadership, Transaction Processing, Needs Analysis, Financial Aid Program Compliance, Federal/State Regulations, Public Speaking, Community Outreach, Data Analysis, Client Relationships, Microsoft Office, Peoplesoft, and academic applications such as Ellucian Banner, Blackbaud, and Campus Vue.