Elijah Valdeolivar

About Elijah Valdeolivar

Deeply passionate about creating meaningful connections between students, employers, and community partners to help diverse graduates succeed in the workforce. With 10+ years in the nonprofit sector, I focus on driving workforce development initiatives and improving career outcomes for underserved students. My professional and volunteer experience highlights my commitment to holistically supporting diverse identities, populations, and communities; with a strong foundation in education, training, and awareness.Growing up in San Francisco, my journey has shaped my personal story and professional work, earning national recognition through two different prestigious awards and several regional accolades. I strive to leave every place I enter a little better than when I arrived. Whether through the people I mentor, the programs I lead, or the organizations I support. Outside of my professional life, I’m a nature enthusiast, home chef, athlete, geek, caregiver, travel advocate, and a never ending list of hobbies that round out my eclectic personality.

Experience

1. Associate Director of Career Services & Employer Relations

   Menlo College

   Jan 2025 — Present · Atherton, CA, US

   I lead and execute recruiting events, including job fairs, company info sessions, and industry treks, to foster employer partnerships and drive job opportunities for students. By aligning these initiatives with DEI goals, I support HSI and AANAPISI efforts and collaborate with faculty to boost employer involvement in flagship programs like Meet The Firms and Career Connect Day.I manage social media campaigns, increasing student followers by 12%, and boost Career Fair engagement by 20%, while raising event revenue by 50%. I utilize platforms like Handshake, Hiration, and Interstride to analyze data and continuously improve program effectiveness.To increase student engagement, I launch a Peer Advisor initiative that boosts office traffic by 15% and develop a career readiness model for Student Workers, focusing on training and performance goals. I also conduct 150+ coaching sessions per semester, guiding students on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview prep.Additionally, I manage a for-credit internship program supporting 150-200 students annually and work with the Advancement Office to create sponsorship packages to fund Career Services initiatives, ensuring long-term office sustainability. Lastly, I design a four-year career readiness model with tailored engagement strategies for each class year.

Education

• San José State University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology

  2013 — 2016