Felicia Chism
Little Elm, Texas ***** 469-***-**** **********@*****.***
Professional Summary
With over two decades of experience in senior leadership and management, I bring a strategic mindset and a proven ability to drive corporate growth and development. My expertise in corporate strategy, budget analysis, and criminal justice, combined with a commanding executive presence, allows me to effectively inspire and motivate teams, foster trust, and consistently deliver exceptional results. I am adept at translating complex operational concepts into actionable plans, making informed decisions, and solving problems with a comprehensive, strategic approach.
Key Skills
Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives, drive organizational growth, and lead teams to achieve business objectives.
Human Resources Management: Expertise in employee relations, policy development, workplace investigations, and compliance with employment laws. Proficient in HR software such as ADP Workforce Now, Workday, or BambooHR.
Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of EEO and ADA laws, Title IX, Title VII, and related regulations. Experience with compliance management systems and reporting tools.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Skilled in analyzing employment data, program performance metrics, and generating reports to inform decision-making. Proficient in Microsoft Excel, SPSS, or similar data analysis tools.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Expertise in resolving workplace conflicts, conducting investigations, and implementing dispute resolution strategies. Experienced with mediation software and conflict management techniques.
Curriculum Development and Program Management: Experience in designing and managing educational programs for juvenile offenders, including curriculum development and program evaluation. Familiar with educational software and learning management systems (LMS).
Training and Development: Skilled in conducting training sessions and workshops on EEO policies, ADA compliance, and other professional development topics. Experienced with learning management systems (LMS) and training tools.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, including school districts, juvenile justice agencies, and university departments, to coordinate services and support.
Crisis Management: Experience in managing student crises and implementing support systems, including participating in CARE Team processes, and responding to urgent needs.
Professional Experience
EEO Specialist II & Deputy ADA Coordinator
University of Texas-Dallas, Dallas, TX [Feb. 2024- Present]
Developed and implemented Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local EEO laws and regulations.
Conducted thorough investigations into complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, providing resolutions based on evidence.
Led training sessions on EEO policies, diversity, and inclusion to educate employees on their rights and responsibilities.
Analyzed employment data to identify trends in diversity and inclusion, preparing and submitting required EEO reports.
Served as Deputy ADA Coordinator, overseeing accessibility initiatives and managing accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Coordinated ADA compliance efforts, conducted training sessions on ADA requirements, and developed policies related to disability services.
Advocated for the rights of individuals with disabilities, promoting an inclusive environment at the university.
Employee Relations Manager
Tarrant County College, Fort Worth, TX [Oct. 2022-Feb. 2024]
Collaborated with HR leadership to develop and uphold equitable employment policies, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Conducted and oversaw investigations into workplace issues, including harassment, discrimination, and workplace violence.
Provided counseling on employee relations matters, emphasizing sensitivity, urgency, and legal considerations.
Analyzed patterns in employee concerns, proposed solutions to HR leadership, and maintained accurate records of incidents.
Reviewed, updated, and communicated college policies to ensure alignment with evolving laws and regulations.
Director of Employee Relations
[ResponsiveED Solutions, Lewisville, TX] [Dec.2021-Sept.2022]
Led the development and execution of employee grievance and workplace investigation processes, ensuring fair and thorough resolutions.
Managed employee terminations, onboarding processes, and compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws.
Provided guidance to staff and managers in resolving work-related issues, balancing employee needs with organizational goals.
Conducted exit surveys, analyzed data, and made recommendations to improve employee relations.
Collaborated with HR team and General Counsel to ensure legal sufficiency in fact-finding methods and policy adherence.
Assistant Director - Conduct Investigator
University of North Texas, Denton, TX [June 2018-Jan. 2022]
Managed student concerns, complaints, grievances, and rights adjustment situations, providing policy interpretation as needed.
Conducted investigations in line with the Code of Student Conduct, ensuring due process, fairness, and legality.
Provided counseling to students on personal, social, financial, academic, and organizational concerns.
Coordinated disciplinary programming initiatives and responded to students in crisis through the CARE Team process.
Conducted investigations related to Title IX and Title VII, collaborated with the Office of Equal Opportunity, and organized campus programming aligned with National Awareness Months.
Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program Coordinator
Collin County, McKinney, TX [Apr. 2005- May 2018]
Administered and enhanced the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP), overseeing daily operations and managing staff.
Developed and implemented a curriculum for juvenile offenders, combining academic instruction with behavioral and life skills training.
Provided individualized support to students, including counseling and mentoring, to address their unique academic and emotional needs.
Collaborated with school districts, juvenile justice agencies, probation officers, and community organizations to support student reintegration.
Ensured strict compliance with state and federal regulations, conducted audits, and prepared detailed reports on program performance.
Education
Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology
Specialization in Victimology (In Process)
GPA: 4.0
Amberton University, Garland, TX
Master of Business Administration: Strategic Leadership
GPA: 3.5
Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, TX
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
GPA: 3.2
Certifications
Alternative Dispute Resolution - University of North Texas Lifetime
Change Management- Amberton University Lifetime
Executive Leadership- Amberton University Lifetime
ATIXA Civil Rights Investigator Level One Certification- ATIXA Expires May 13, 2027
Civil Rights Investigator Level Two Certification - ATIXA Expires June 16, 2025
Investigation Report Writing- ATIXA Expires June 12, 2027
Violence Risk and Threat Assessment Certification- University of Texas at Dallas Lifetime
Professional Affiliations
Psi Chi Chapter International Honors Society- 2024 Lifetime Member
International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology
References
Available upon request.