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The MANO Project

The MANO Project (My Access to Network Opportunities) is a transformative workforce development program designed to connect, build, and develop young leaders who are passionate about serving their communities. The MANO Project builds meaningful partnerships with organizations and federal agencies to offer tailored programs for college students or recent graduates. ​​​

My role and impact

As a Program Associate for the MANO Project, I played a key role in managing and expanding workforce development programs in collaboration with federal land management agencies. I oversaw program coordination, ensuring alignment with strategic goals while tracking progress and impact. A major part of my role involved supervising over 20 interns across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, handling their onboarding, training, and professional development. I provided mentorship and career coaching, equipping interns with the skills necessary to advance in environmental sciences and public land management. I also spearheaded partnership development, strengthening MANO’s relationships with federal agencies and corporate sponsors. By designing a new partnership strategy, I expanded funding opportunities and broadened program offerings. Additionally, I led event planning efforts, including organizing the Fall 2024 MANO Recruitment Tour, which engaged over 300 students from 16 universities. My role encompassed managing event logistics, coordinating federal partner conferences, and implementing recruitment strategies to attract top candidates. To enhance program efficiency, I developed new reporting protocols for intern tracking and recruitment efforts, ensuring consistency across operations. I conducted extensive data collection from 800 alumni and 100 interns (2014–2024), using statistical analysis to assess program effectiveness and inform future strategies. My contributions significantly improved program outcomes, increased intern engagement, and strengthened MANO’s position as a leading workforce development initiative.

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