Headline

HESA Graduate Assistant | Aspiring Administrator | Strategic Program Designer | Employer Relations | Community Engagement | Creative Problem-Solver | UB

About

I’m a higher education professional in training, currently pursuing my Master’s in Higher Education & Student Affairs at the University at Buffalo, with a passion for creating programs and partnerships that help students thrive. Building on a strong foundation in leadership and community building from Queens College, I am committed to enriching student life and fostering inclusive environments. In my current role as a Graduate Assistant in Experiential Learning & Employer Relations, I bridge campus and community by designing impactful programming, strengthening employer partnerships, and expanding access to professional opportunities. My experience spans conference participation, student leadership, cross-cultural engagement, and data-informed program development, blending strategy with creativity. I approach every project with a focus on collaboration, clarity, and long-term results. I’m eager to work with organizations in higher education and beyond that value inclusive leadership, strategic program design, and innovative problem-solving. Let’s connect and explore how we can build opportunities together. Let's connect! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sristhi/ Portfolio:studiosristhi.com

Location

New York City Metropolitan Area

Work experience

Experiential Learning & Employer Relations GA-Career Design Center at University at Buffalo, Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos, New York, United States, • Provide operational support for student employment and experiential learning programs, including the Here to Career+ program, promoting opportunities via Bullseye powered by Handshake. • Utilize tools like Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Bullseye powered by Handshake, Asana, Zoom, UB Box, and Career Design Studio to coordinate projects, manage data, and facilitate communication with campus and employer partners. • Research industry, market, and hiring trends using insights to conduct outreach to campus partners, establishing a network of experiential learning liaisons to expand program offerings and resources. • Identify target companies and employers using Handshake data on job postings and employer activity, leading marketing efforts for campus events such as career fairs and info sessions. • Coordinate professional development opportunities and promote the use of Handshake by campus employers, increasing campus engagement. • Manage multiple projects with deadlines, including organizing meetings with internal stakeholders (students, faculty, staff) and external partners (employers and alumni). • Develop marketing strategies and content, writing industry and employer-related posts for Career Design Studio.

Academic Performance Specialist-Office of Student Athlete Success at University at Buffalo, Aug 2024 - Mar 2025 · 8 mos, • Provide academic support and mentorship to a diverse cohort of student-athletes, including those who are academically at-risk, first-year transfers, and international students with cumulative GPAs below 2.5. • Implement individualized learning strategies focused on skill enrichment, time management, and assignment completion to promote independent learning. • Conduct one-on-one sessions to monitor student progress, assist with coursework, and foster academic and personal growth. • Developed an Excel grade tracking system that consolidates course progress, allowing students to visualize the "bigger picture" and manage multiple class expectations effectively. • Leverage Teamworks to schedule and coordinate meetings with student-athletes while documenting session notes and academic progress updates, which are shared with advisors and administrators for enhanced collaboration and support. • Collaborate with Athletic Academic Affairs staff to document student performance, summarize meetings, and ensure consistent communication on academic progress. • Assist students with transitions during schedule changes and provide ongoing academic coaching to prepare for exams, assignments, and other course milestones. • Lead weekly mentoring sessions to foster accountability, facilitate learning growth, and motivate students toward achieving both academic and personal goals.

Program Coordinator at Ace Virtual Events, Aug 2020 - Aug 2025 · 5 yrs 1 mo, • Recruited 45+ junior technical support specialists and conducted trainings on customer onboardings, customer service, policies and procedures, communication skills, and event management, leading to 5-star ratings from 20+ clients. • Developed new and improved training programs for technical support specialists, reducing onboarding times by 50%. • Assisted and troubleshooted technical issues for events with 50-1000+ attendees during 90+ virtual conferences. • Trained 10 online event specialists and hosts on hosting, presentation, client management, and problem solving. • Set up 20 client events and led 40 speaker onboardings for keynote speakers, moderators, and panelists. • Hosted and managed 3-5 lead techs during 2-5 concurrent events with 500+ attendees, achieving 100% client satisfaction.

Founder at DesiNova.co, Mar 2021 - Aug 2024 · 3 yrs 6 mos, United States, • Built Shopify website, edited 300+ product photos on Photoshop, and designed promotional banners, increasing jewelry/accessory sales by 25-30% and boosting return customers by 10%. • Researched 20+ vendors to source, import, and ship jewelry, accessories, and apparel, reducing import costs by 60%. • Trained assistant on quality control and product repairs, reducing quality issues by 75% and enhancing customer feedback. • Managed social media presence, created video content, and partnered with UGC creators, resulting in 10 partnerships and a 30% increase in sales. • Increased sales by 75% as an Amazon, Etsy, and Ebay vendor

Legal Assistant Paralegal at Tayeh Immigration, Jun 2023 - Mar 2024 · 10 mos, New York City Metropolitan Area, • Demonstrated proficiency in drafting & handling various legal documents, like diverse motions & forms (e.g. I-589, OCFS 3909, & EOIR-33). • Contributed to a 25% growth in client retainment for the startup law practice, fostering lasting relationships. • Leveraged multilingual proficiency to translate affidavits & effectively communicate with clients, enhancing existing client satisfaction. •Independently executed the transition to a 98% paperless office, improving case management by 60% followed by reduced operational costs. • Guided clients with limited English proficiency through the ACIS and permit processes, fostering transparency & continued support.

President at Queens College Student Government, Jan 2023 - Jun 2023 · 6 mos, On-site, • Led an organization comprising 14 committees and 10 campus board committees, serving a student body of 16,500 students. • Initiated and implemented improvements to the student game recreational center within the first 24 hours of taking office in addition to securing a $12K budget allocation for furniture and office renovations. • Managed a $5M budget, overseeing 14 stipends, programming, awards, and contingency funds while maintaining financial resources for professional and organizational development among team members. • Advocated for campus vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion by incorporating student perspectives from non-traditional, residential, veteran, and international students. • Trained incoming team members for 3 months to fill roles left vacant or transitioned, ensuring a smooth transition and fostering long-term connections while maintaining my role as president. • Addressed and resolved all backlogged payments, bringing financial affairs into order and ensuring fiscal responsibility. • Developed a detailed spreadsheet for budget tracking, which was used for financial planning in the succeeding academic year. • Enforced monthly committee reports to ensure accountability and document the dedication of campus leaders. • Independently initiated and published the monthly Campus Connection Newsletter, highlighting the successes and contributions of team members. • Created a comprehensive manual for future presidential leaders, providing guidance on managing boards, chairs, and student responsibilities while promoting self-care. • Facilitated discussions with non-traditional, residential, and veteran students, particularly in the food committee, to ensure their voices were heard and needs addressed.

Programming Chair at Queens College Student Government, Nov 2022 - Apr 2023 · 6 mos, New York, NY, • Programmed, hosted, and collaborated on 32+ campus-wide events annually, coordinating with 5+ departmental offices to enhance campus engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration throughout the academic year • Managed a $100K budget, ensuring timely payment of all purchase orders, securing vendor bids that served the best interests of students and the organization, and maintaining contingency funds to address unforeseen challenges. • Facilitated vendor arrangements, resulting in high-quality services and long-term partnerships beneficial to campus events. • Led a team of 20+ members, delegating roles effectively for each event, prioritizing accountability, and maintaining clear communication. • Trained the incoming Programming Chair for 3 months, ensuring a smooth transition as I assumed the role of Student Body President, while maintaining ongoing mentorship and support leading to a long term connection • Collaborated with the public relations team to enhance audience engagement and increase event attendance. • Sent consistent monthly communications of gratitude and post-event success celebrations to administrators, stakeholders, and team members, fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition. • Created detailed spreadsheets and calendars listing all academic and chair board meetings, as well as academic and religious holiday observances, to minimize scheduling conflicts and maximize event turnout.

Campus Affairs Chair at Queens College Student Government, Jun 2022 - Apr 2023 · 11 mos, New York, NY, • Ensured compliance of 120+ campus clubs with policies and procedures, fostering a well-organized and accountable campus environment. • Independently created a comprehensive 40-page manual for student leaders, consolidating numerous resources and policies into one accessible document through 20+ outreach communications and revisions with current administrators. • Planned, coordinated, and hosted 3+ club days for the entire student body while serving as the club leader Liaison for the welcome day, enhancing student engagement and community spirit • Developed and distributed resources for both traditional and Non-traditional students to access club events and resources at all times, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. • Held Daily Office Hours for students to communicate concerns, hurdles, or questions, facilitating a network for stronger leadership connections and support. • Assisted in training sessions and collaborated with the CCP chair to organize Monthly club leader development and networking events, promoting leadership growth and collaboration. • Allocated 25 club rooms to deserving organizations and conducted Bi-Weekly check-ins to ensure compliance with room allocations, Maintaining an orderly and fair system for club spaces.

Education

Master of Education - MEd, Higher Education & Student Affairs, University at Buffalo

Bachelor's degree-Cum Laude, Multi.Interdisciplinary Studies- Commerce Design;Minor in BALA, Queens College