Raina Abesteh

Background

About Raina Abesteh

Hi, I'm Raina! Welcome to my profile :) I have over 9 years of experience in program management in the education sector. I have led and assisted in operations, program management, budgeting, DEI initiatives, including hiring, onboarding and policy changes/creation, leading a team of +9 direct reports, and managing one of the largest undergraduate programs in Canada. I love: 1. Operational Efficiency I have created streamlined processes to support departmental operations, overseen +$1 million budgets, reviewed and approved hiring contracts for unionized and non-unionized employees, and led interviews and onboarded new staff. I have spearheaded numerous initiatives which resulted in maximizing efficiency, including, but not limited to, hiring processes, budgeting improvements and policy development. Collaboration I have a keen eye for identifying operational gaps and collaborating with various teams and departments to fill those gaps. I have collaborated with internal and external stakeholders, including government entities, vendors, consultants, and more. I believe we can all learn from each other. Time Management Meetings should be structured, efficient and necessary. With +9 direct reports in my previous role, I led structured team and 1:1 meetings, being mindful of mental health, productivity, and creating a collegial dynamic. Continuous Learning Whether its enrolling in a new course, certificate or learning a new language, continuous learning keeps the mind current and active. Prior to enrolling in the MBA program, I enrolled in Farsi classes and learned how to read and write in under 6 weeks. This is one of my top (and favourite) accomplishments! As a leader in the workplace, I always encouraged my team to attend as many professional development workshops. I have experience sourcing vendors and speakers to assist in the creation of tailored professional development programs for staff and leadership.