Alan Soto
Montebello
Summary
Student-Focused Counselor and Advisor experienced in equity-driven academic advising, crisis intervention, and inclusive internship coordination for underserved populations. Managed budgets exceeding $100K and supervised multiple interns, significantly increasing applicant pools by up to 250% while authoring DEI handbooks adopted by over 600 affiliates. Delivered culturally responsive support to students, collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance academic planning and career readiness initiatives.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Professional Advisor
California State University, Los Angeles
02.2024 - Current
- Advised 65+ historically underserved students weekly (first-gen, undocumented, system-impacted) through in-person/online sessions, outreach campaigns, and group workshops, improving retention and narrowing graduation gaps.
- Led culturally responsive advising integrating mental health and career strategies, increasing student engagement and persistence.
- Partnered with faculty and administrators to develop academic plans tied to equity outcomes, supporting real-world career readiness.
- Served on equity task forces across departments to eliminate access barriers and revise protocols, aligning practices with inclusive goals.
- Facilitated conflict resolution and offered crisis intervention strategies to help students navigate difficulties.
- Employed advising software to systematically log student interactions, ensuring comprehensive support.
- Conducted data analysis on survey and interview responses to identify and address student needs.
- Supported student success by providing relevant referrals and resources tailored to individual needs.
Internship Coordinator
NAMI
Westside Los Angeles
11.2023 - 01.2026
- Supervised 6-10 college interns per semester in mental health advocacy, community healing, and leadership development, providing hands-on training that enhanced skills and program delivery.
- Coordinated internship programs aligning with NAMI's mission and goals.
- Provided guidance and support to interns throughout their placement duration.
- Assisted in creating training materials tailored for interns' professional development.
- Created and maintained an online database for tracking internship applications and placements.
- Promoted available internships at local universities through participation in career fairs, expanding outreach to potential candidates.
- Evaluated intern performance and reported feedback to the management team.
- Monitored intern progress throughout their placement and addressed issues promptly.
- Managed budgets related to intern programs and expenses.
- Managed $100K budget to broaden equitable internship access and professional development for BIPOC and first-generation students, increasing diverse participation in mental health services.
- Authored DEI-focused internship handbook for 600+ NAMI affiliates nationwide, standardizing inclusive models and embedding student-centered principles.
- Expanded internship program to community colleges and universities, recruiting diverse talent and integrating equity into design, resulting in 175%growth in applicant pool.
- Designed and facilitated training workshops on mental health advocacy and cultural competency for interns, improving retention and impact in community outreach.Supervise 6-10 college interns per semester in mental health advocacy, community healing, and leadership.
- Created a DEI-focused handbook used by 600+ NAMI affiliates nationwide to implement inclusive internship models.
- Expanded the Internship Program to community colleges and universities and recruited diverse interns and embed racial equity principles in program design.
Business Development Advisor
LHi
02.2022 - 06.2023
- Produced reports for executives on business development initiatives and technology trends, enhancing recruitment strategies and promoting diversity.
- Advised on resume development, interview preparation, and labor market trends to improve access to early career opportunities.
- Ensured clients had access to qualified candidates through resume reviews and interview support.
- Facilitated tech internships for junior software engineers and underrepresented college students through targeted support.
Sales Development Representative
BAIConnect
11.2020 - 02.2022
- Surpassed sales quotas while revising onboarding materials to improve DEI, team cohesion, and retention.
- Managed communications with 200+ clients, improving customer satisfaction and retention through inclusive service strategies.
- Collaborated with management to develop and implement tactics that strengthened customer retention and loyalty programs.
Transfer Services Educator
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
09.2018 - 10.2020
- Identified and addressed systemic barriers for undocumented, transfer, and non-traditional students, enhancing access to housing, work, and academic resources.
- Developed student leadership pipelines and peer mentoring initiatives in collaboration with equity-focused campus organizations.
- Co-led peer mentoring initiatives and culturally relevant programming, fostering belonging and improving retention among students.
- Partnered with student organizations to co-host dialogues and events addressing racial equity in higher education.
Transfer Advisor, Educational Opportunity Program
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
09.2018 - 06.2019
- Planned and facilitated academic and social transition programs for 300+ income-eligible, first-generation students.
- Facilitated seamless transitions for students from community colleges to 4-year universities through weekly programming and campus collaborations.
- Represented institution at on-campus events and recruited prospective students at equity-focused conferences and outreach events.
- Guided students in culturally affirming spaces to foster identity development, community building, and academic success.
Career and Guidance Counselor Assistant, Student Services
East Los Angeles College
East Los Angeles
07.2016 - 09.2018
- Advised over 1,000 students on academic and financial planning, with an emphasis on supporting at-risk and underserved populations.
- Supervised peer advisors and facilitated orientations for BIPOC and low-income students and parents.
- Coordinated pathway programs with LAUSD and local high schools to increase access to higher education.
- Implemented LA College Promise Program, enhancing graduation and transfer rates.
Education
Associate of Arts - Political Science
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA06-2017
M.S. - Student Development in Higher Education
Cal State University
Long BeachB.A. - Political Science
University of California
Santa BarbaraSkills
- Advising strategies
- Career services
- Academic counseling
- Career exploration
- Diversity recruitment
- Equity initiatives
- Program coordination
- Data analysis
- Team management
- Cultural competency
- Spanish Fluency
- Student development
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Professional Advisor
California State University, Los Angeles
02.2024 - Current
Internship Coordinator
NAMI
11.2023 - 01.2026
Business Development Advisor
LHi
02.2022 - 06.2023
Sales Development Representative
BAIConnect
11.2020 - 02.2022
Transfer Services Educator
University of California, Santa Barbara
09.2018 - 10.2020
Transfer Advisor, Educational Opportunity Program
University of California, Santa Barbara
09.2018 - 06.2019
Career and Guidance Counselor Assistant, Student Services
East Los Angeles College
07.2016 - 09.2018
Associate of Arts - Political Science
East Los Angeles College
M.S. - Student Development in Higher Education
Cal State University
B.A. - Political Science
University of California