Dedicated college advising professional with history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Motivational individual committed to maximizing learning opportunities in diverse academic settings. Recognized for providing necessary student resources to aid academic success. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Hi, I’m
Claire E. Powell
International Educator
Port Elizabeth
Summary
Overview
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Protea Owl Foundation
Founder
04.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Work with stakeholders in the non-profit space to drive access to global education opportunities for high-achieving, low-income youth in South Africa.
- Execute a cooperative agreement of $90,000/year with the U.S. Embassy to manage the recruitment, virtual advising, and logistics of disadvantaged high school and tertiary students in South Africa to apply and succeed in the United States for higher education purposes (June 2019 to Present)
- Consult on the university application process for potential students looking to pursue bachelor, master, and doctoral level degrees in the United States
- Handle delicate relationships between parents, students, and educators in guidance throughout U.S. university application process
- Maintain/Build local and U.S. contacts and individuals engaged in higher education in understanding multiple secondary education systems
The Consulate General of the United States of America
EducationUSA Adviser
03.2012 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Developed an annual strategic plan that addresses advising goals, budget, marketing, and outreach for EducationUSA program for the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General’s jurisdictions (5 South African provinces)
- Facilitated the university application process for both existing and potential students looking to pursue bachelor, master, and doctoral-level degrees in the United States
- Managed the recruitment, presentations, and outreach travel to find underserved and disadvantaged high school and tertiary students in Gauteng and outlying provinces, in person
- Presented at U.S. Based conferences on the U.S and International Higher Education as a Level III Education Adviser
- Marketed, recruited, and selected high achieving Grade 11 students, at both government & independent schools, for the EducationUSA Scholar Program (a rigorous and competitive 18-month cohort advising program aimed at preparing students for applying to and succeeding at bachelor level studies in the U.S.)
- Handled delicate relationships between parents, students, and educators in guidance throughout U.S University application process
- Maintained/Built local and U.S contacts and individuals engaged in higher education in understanding multiple secondary education systems including IEB, CAPS, Cambridge, and International Baccalaureate curriculums
- Facilitated partnership introductions between U.S and South African higher education institutions
- Assisted U.S. higher education institutions in planning in-country visits and virtual presentations to meet prospective students and applicants
- Supervised “Summer Hire” Consulate Interns and educate permanent American Space Coordinators on EducationUSA programming throughout 5 South African provinces of responsibility
- Created and conduct standardized test preparation (SAT/GRE/GMAT) courses for members of EducationUSA Program
- Planned and coordinate education and youth outreach with other Public Affairs staff at U.S. Embassy and Consulate General
- Assisted with identifying candidates for other U.S. government exchange programs (i.e Fulbright, Young African Leaders Initiative- YALI)
Deloitte & Touche
Immigration Consultant
07.2010 - 03.2012
Job overview
- Obtained work permits and visas for Foreign Nationals and their families for South Africa
- Liaised with the Department of Home Affairs on statuses of permits
- Managed client expectations during a period of severe backlog with Home Affairs
- Assisted clients in obtaining visas for various outbound locations
- Managed, advise and assist clients with other African offices or 3rd Parties to obtain work permits
- Researched for various projects and solutions for clients expansion into Africa
- Advised relocation team of requests for assistance in international moves
- Geographic areas included sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the U.S
JTI
Visa Administrator
08.2009 - 03.2010
Job overview
Ernst & Young, LLP
Outbound Visa & Immigration Coordinator
06.2008 - 06.2009
Job overview
Ernst & Young LLP
International Human Resource Intern
01.2008 - 06.2008
Job overview
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Student Advisor
09.2007 - 05.2008
Job overview
Education
Ramapo College of New JerseyMahwah, New Jersey, USA
Bachelor of Arts from International Business
05.2008
University Overview
Concentrations in Global Studies & Business Management
Kingston UniversityLondon, United Kingdom
Study Abroad Year from International Business
06.2007
University Overview
1 year study abroad program as a requirement of the International Business majors at Ramapo College
Park Ridge High SchoolPark Ridge, New Jersey, USA
High School Diploma
2004
University Overview
Skills
- Proficient in MS Office/Teams
- Google Apps & Canva
- Financial Management
- Planning and Coordination
- Database Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- College Preparation
- Zoom (Video Conferencing Tool)
Certification
Pepperdine University- Malibu, California, USA (May 2017)
School of Law- Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Negotiation & Mediation Workshop
U.S. Foreign Service Institute- LearnCenter (Online Courses)
PY224 Federal Assistance and the Office of Management and Budget Guidance
PY222 Monitoring Grants and Cooperative Agreements
PY220 Introduction to Grants and Cooperative Agreements
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- Meritorious Honor Award (June 2017) - Performance: Outstanding & creative leadership promoting U.S. higher education opportunities to underserved South African youth
- 5 year service Award (March 2017) - Long term service award
- Meritorious Honor Award (July 2015) - Performance: Reaching new audiences & sharing expertise with region
- Meritorious Honor Award (June 2013) - Performance: Reviving the EducationUSA Program
U.S. Embassy Awards
Affiliations
Affiliations
- Phi Beta Delta, 2008 (International and Intercultural Honour Society)
- International Association of College Admissions Counseling (IACAC), Individual Member, 2019
Interests
Interests
Family, Youth Development & Engagement, International Education, Swimming (Coaching and Fitness), Travelling, and
Painting
Additional Information
Additional Information
- Dual U.S. and South African Citizen that is looking for remote work
- Residential affiliations to Montana, New Jersey, & New Hampshire in the U.S. though currently residing in South Africa.
- References available on request
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Quote
“The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation.”
Timeline
Founder
Protea Owl Foundation
04.2019 - Current
EducationUSA Adviser
The Consulate General of the United States of America
03.2012 - 12.2018
Immigration Consultant
Deloitte & Touche
07.2010 - 03.2012
Visa Administrator
JTI
08.2009 - 03.2010
Outbound Visa & Immigration Coordinator
Ernst & Young, LLP
06.2008 - 06.2009
International Human Resource Intern
Ernst & Young LLP
01.2008 - 06.2008
Student Advisor
Ramapo College of New Jersey
09.2007 - 05.2008
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Bachelor of Arts from International Business
Kingston University
Study Abroad Year from International Business
Park Ridge High School
High School Diploma
Pepperdine University- Malibu, California, USA (May 2017)
School of Law- Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Negotiation & Mediation Workshop
U.S. Foreign Service Institute- LearnCenter (Online Courses)
PY224 Federal Assistance and the Office of Management and Budget Guidance
PY222 Monitoring Grants and Cooperative Agreements
PY220 Introduction to Grants and Cooperative Agreements
Similar Profiles
DIANNA WATKINSDIANNA WATKINS
Counselor at Protea BHCCounselor at Protea BHC
Sisanda MtsiSisanda Mtsi
Front Office Manager at Protea Hotels By MarriottFront Office Manager at Protea Hotels By Marriott
Melisizwe Trevor MbuyaneMelisizwe Trevor Mbuyane
Field Meter Technician at Protea MeteringField Meter Technician at Protea Metering