Meena Naik

Meena Naik has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. Meena'smost recent role is as the Director of Skills First Design at Jobs for the Future (JFF), where they are responsible for overseeing the design of skill-based learning programs. Prior to this, they served as the Associate Director for Skills-Based Learning at JFF.

Before joining JFF, Meena worked as an Independent Consultant, specializing in instructional design. Meena developed training programs and instructional materials for various clients.

In 2014, they joined the University of North Texas as the Program Director for Career Connect. In this role, they collaborated with national partners to implement high-impact practices and led the development of a skills-based comprehensive learner record. Meena also served as the Faculty & Staff Development Coordinator, where they developed training programs and supported the integration of e-Portfolio practices into curricula.

Prior to their role at the University of North Texas, Meena worked at UC San Diego in various positions. Meena served as the Interim Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator for the Math and Science Tutorial Program, providing leadership and support to student staff and overseeing program initiatives. Meena also worked as a Program Assistant and held various roles in student services and orientation programs.

Meena's early work experience includes serving as a Student Activities Assistant at Skyline College and working as an Emergency Trauma Technician and Summer Dean's Intern at UC San Diego.

Overall, Meena Naik has a strong background in instructional design, program management, and skills-based learning, with experience in both academic and non-profit sectors.

Meena Naik has an extensive education history. Meena started their academic journey by obtaining a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Physiology & Neuroscience from UC San Diego, which they successfully completed from 2006 to 2010.

Following their undergraduate studies, Meena pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Higher Education Administration & Student Development and Affairs at Drexel University. Meena completed this program between 2012 and 2014, furthering their knowledge in the field.

Continuing their pursuit of higher education, Meena enrolled in the University of North Texas to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Psychology, which they successfully completed from 2016 to 2022. This program allowed their to deepen their understanding of educational psychology and expand their research skills.

Throughout their academic journey, Meena also obtained several certifications to enhance their qualifications. In 2008, they received the Virginia EMT-Basic certification from the Virginia Department of Health. In 2011, they completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program offered by LivingWorks. Meena also obtained the C.A.R.E.E.R. Certificate from the University of North Texas in January 2015. Additionally, they completed the Supervisory Building Blocks program from the University of North Texas in September 2016.