Michele Benavidez

About Michele Benavidez

I am a Native New Mexican and I am proud to call Albuquerque my home. I have always been a highly organized, hard-working, responsible individual with a sense of family and pride for my community. I believe that my experiences through life and discipline, have paved a way in serving those in need at different levels and with different experiences. I have worked with both our youth and our aging adults through programs, projects and work opportunities. The skills and the knowledge I have acquired is because of these positions I have held on various levels with the diverse audiences I have served. I have many cherished stories from the places I have been and the people I have worked with in some capacity. These experiences have taught me that it is not just the courses you take along the way but the hands on to learning. Values: As a first-generation college graduate, I value my education and the doors it has opened. My work has been guided and formed by my beliefs and commitments in respecting others, valuing our diversity and my commitment to equality. I am committed to the tasks I oversee and can be counted on to see a project through. I value honesty and loyalty from others even when it can be something that requires change or need for improvement. Strengths. I find that my strengths revolve around being highly organized and finding ways to streamline a process. I have used these tools in scaling back our grant application process at The Catholic Foundation, updating scholarship processes, and the overall oversite of my programs. In my position, you must be able to prioritize projects, give great attention to detail, and communicate effectively. When working in a position where I manage both programs and events, I find that my organization and planning are qualities that go hand in hand. Challenges. Initially, I am one who takes on the role of observing. I am highly analytical and will make sure I am well versed before speaking on a subject, issue or addressing a question. I have taken on projects that were not always successful on the first try but I have worked with a team to problem solve and find ways to improve the program, process or project for the next cycle. I am a firm believer that education opens opportunity to the future. My experience, organizational skills and resourceful drive are assets to any position.

Experience

1. Program Director

   The Catholic Foundation

   Jul 2022 — Present · Albuquerque, NM, US

Education

• Webster University

  Master of Arts - MA

  1998 — 2000

• The University of New Mexico

  BA

  1989 — 1993