Emily Aguilar
Pico Rivera
Summary
Engaging Graduate Student in Criminology, Law and Society experienced in supporting justice-impacted communities through higher education, reentry services, and community advocacy. Advanced civil rights and expanded educational access by coordinating multidisciplinary projects and facilitating community engagement. Committed to addressing systemic inequities within criminal legal system while driving successful outcomes and fostering positive environments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Office Associate - Prison Corresponder
A New Way of Life Reentry Project
Los Angeles, CA
06.2024 - Current
- Coordinated administrative and operational support for nonprofit aiding formerly incarcerated women during reentry, enhancing service delivery.
- Managed confidential correspondence with incarcerated individuals and community partners, ensuring accurate participant records for effective case management.
- Coordinate administrative and operational support for a nonprofit serving formerly incarcerated women during reentry.
- Collaborated across departments to streamline referrals for education, employment, legal, and supportive services, improving access for participants.
- Schedule meetings, prepare organizational materials, and maintain documentation supporting program operations.
- Assist with community workshops, outreach events, and organizational initiatives promoting successful reentry and systems advocacy.
- Recommend process improvements that strengthen communication systems and organizational efficiency.
- Managed daily office operations, ensuring efficient workflow and resource allocation.
Program Intern | Student Leader
UCLA Prison Education Program
Los Angeles, CA
09.2022 - Current
- Collaborate with faculty, students, and community partners to expand access to higher education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students.
- Co-led editorial development of a published anthology featuring writing by incarcerated scholars, providing substantive editing and individualized feedback.
- Developed a comprehensive reentry resource guide connecting formerly incarcerated students with educational, housing, employment, and community resources.
- Coordinated educational programming, workshops, and public events highlighting the experiences and perspectives of incarcerated students.
- Supported research, outreach, and program initiatives advancing prison education and educational equity.
- Assisted in curriculum development for educational programs targeting incarcerated individuals.
- Coordinated logistics for workshops and classes, ensuring smooth operations and participant engagement.
Program Leader | Site Coordinator
Boys & Girls Club of America
- Designed and facilitated educational programming serving diverse youth populations.
- Coordinated daily program operations, community events, and family engagement initiatives.
- Developed lesson plans and supervised enrichment activities promoting academic success and social development.
- Maintained communication with families, educators, and administrators while managing attendance and program documentation.
Writing Tutor
The Tutoring Center
- Provided individualized academic coaching in writing, reading, and critical thinking.
- Developed customized learning plans that improved student confidence and academic performance.
- Communicated student progress through written assessments and ongoing family meetings.
Education
Master of Advanced Study - Criminology, Law and Society
University of California, Irvine (UCI)
06.2027
Bachelor of Arts - World Arts and Cultures
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
06.2024
Associate of Arts - Art History
East Los Angeles College
06.2022
Skills
- Criminal Justice Research
- Policy Analysis
- Research & Policy
- Mixed methods research
- Literature Reviews
- Survey Development
- Project Coordination
- Community Outreach
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Campaign support
- Academic and Report Writing
- Database Management
RESEARCH & ADVOCACY EXPERIENCE
- Conducted graduate research examining the relationship between societal labeling, mass incarceration, and recidivism using quantitative survey methods.
- Produced an ethnographic documentary exploring the lived experiences of families affected by incarceration.
- Conducted archival and qualitative research examining prison correspondence, media representation, and systems of incarceration.
- Designed arts-based storytelling projects amplifying community voices through collaborative exhibitions and public presentations.
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Prison Education Program Student Leadership
- Community Outreach & Workshop Facilitation
- Justice-Impacted Community Advocacy
- Cross-Organizational Collaboration
- Public Event Coordination
Timeline
Office Associate - Prison Corresponder
A New Way of Life Reentry Project
06.2024 - Current
Program Intern | Student Leader
UCLA Prison Education Program
09.2022 - Current
Associate of Arts - Art History
East Los Angeles College
Bachelor of Arts - World Arts and Cultures
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Writing Tutor
The Tutoring Center
Program Leader | Site Coordinator
Boys & Girls Club of America
Master of Advanced Study - Criminology, Law and Society
University of California, Irvine (UCI)