LESLEY GARATE
San Diego
Summary
I believe the best ideas come from listening to people and finding creative ways to make their lives easier. My passion is building community, creating systems that simplify complex processes, and bringing people together through collaboration and innovation. With experience in leadership, communications, training development, and public service, I strive to create inclusive solutions that have a lasting impact.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Supervisor of Social Services
LifeSTEPS
San Diego, CA
05.2025 - Current
- Supervise and mentor social service staff across the Inland-Pacific region, fostering collaboration and inclusive, resident-centered services.
- Pioneered the organization's first comprehensive training guide and step-by-step onboarding resources, simplifying complex processes and helping staff better understand their roles and build stronger communities.
- Collaborate with HR and executive leadership to enhance services, strengthen staff development, and improve organizational processes.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for community partnerships throughout the San Diego region, building relationships with nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies.
- Identify service gaps and develop innovative programs and practical solutions that improve accessibility, engagement, and service delivery.
- Lead strategic initiatives and create tools, resources, and systems that improve staff efficiency and expand equitable access to community services.
Lead Intern
County of San Diego
San Diego
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Led team in implementing community engagement initiatives and outreach programs.
- Developed training materials for new interns to enhance onboarding experience.
- Coordinated project timelines and deliverables, ensuring alignment with departmental goals.
- Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making and improve service delivery efficiency.
- Researched and created policy drafts for team.
Director of Social Services
LifeSTEPS
San Diego, CA
01.2023 - 04.2025
- Led case management and connected residents with housing, financial, and community resources.
- Built strategic partnerships with local agencies and organizations to expand resident services.
- Collaborated with property management to strengthen resident engagement and support.
- Created educational workshops, activities, and community programs to improve quality of life.
- Identified service gaps and developed creative solutions to increase access and participation.
Education
Bachelor’s - Media Studies/Communication
San Diego State University
San Diego05-2025
Associate’s - Journalism
Southwestern College
San Diego05-2022
Master of Arts - Public Administration
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA05-2027
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 Suite, including Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and OneDrive, with experience creating training materials, slides, presentations, reports, and collaborative resources
- Pioneered the organization's first comprehensive training and onboarding guide, transforming complex processes into accessible, step-by-step resources that improved staff understanding, consistency, and community impact
- Leveraged a background in media and strategic communication to create engaging marketing materials, comprehensive training guides, and educational resources that simplified complex processes, strengthened staff development, and enhanced community engagement
- Led cross-functional initiatives that fostered collaboration, streamlined communication, and created more inclusive and accessible experiences for staff and the communities served
- Led program meetings both virtually through Microsoft Teams and in person, fostering collaboration, clear communication, and cross-functional problem-solving across staff and leadership teams
Accomplishments
- First Place, National ACP Profile Writing Competition (2023)
- Honor Roll, San Diego State University
- Honor Roll, Southwestern College
- Vice President, Associated Student Organization, Southwestern College
- President of Outreach, Associated Student Organization
- Student Representative on Faculty Hiring Committee
- Lead Intern, County of San Diego
- Created the organization's first comprehensive training and onboarding guide at LifeSTEPS
- Developed standardized training materials and communication resources to improve staff onboarding and engagement
- Established strategic community partnerships throughout San Diego to expand access to resident services and resources
- Led virtual and in-person staff trainings, strengthening collaboration and operational consistency
- Applied media and communications expertise to create educational campaigns, presentations, newsletters, and outreach materials that increased community engagement
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Regional Supervisor of Social Services
LifeSTEPS
05.2025 - Current
Lead Intern
County of San Diego
01.2025 - 05.2025
Director of Social Services
LifeSTEPS
01.2023 - 04.2025
Bachelor’s - Media Studies/Communication
San Diego State University
Associate’s - Journalism
Southwestern College
Master of Arts - Public Administration
San Diego State University
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Tech-savvy and highly adaptable professional with a passion for using technology to improve communication, training, and community engagement. Experienced in Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, and digital content creation, with a proven ability to develop user-friendly training guides, marketing materials, and streamlined systems that make complex processes easier to understand and implement. Quick to learn new technologies and committed to leveraging innovation to create meaningful impact.