Cecilia Montesdeoca, MS

Cecilia Montesdeoca, MS has a diverse range of work experience. Cecilia currently works as the Learning & Development Manager | People Operations at MOVE Texas, where they assess organizational developmental needs and supports learning and development initiatives. Cecilia is responsible for needs assessment, instructional design, learning delivery, evaluation, project management, and research. Additionally, they drive training initiatives and ensures the staff development curriculum aligns with organizational priorities. Prior to this role, they served as the Education Director at MOVE Texas, where they focused on civic education, leadership development, and progressive issue advocacy for underrepresented youth communities.

In 2020, Cecilia worked as a Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor at Mental Health First Aid Trainings. Cecilia'srole involved teaching adults how to help adolescents experiencing mental health challenges. Cecilia covered common mental health issues, adolescent development, and a 5-step action plan.

Cecilia also has experience as a Diversity Advocacy Specialist at Illinois State University, where they advised and supported student organizations representing marginalized populations. Cecilia acted as the fiscal agent for the Association of Latin American Students and coached student leaders in developing educational and social programming. Additionally, they served as a Speaker at TEDxNormal, delivering a speech on the experiences of people of color in the U.S.

Earlier in their career, Cecilia worked as a Farm Hand at Cook Farm, gaining knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices. Cecilia was involved in various aspects of the farm, from seeding and transplanting to harvesting and marketing. Cecilia also worked as a Training & Member Engagement Coordinator at Dakota Resource Council, where they organized community engagement efforts for responsible energy development.

Cecilia's work history includes roles as a Pioneer Anthropology Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) Fellow at The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development, a Team Leader at AmeriCorps NCCC, and a Public Health Emergency Planning and Response Member at Illinois Public Health Association AmeriCorps. Cecilia also interned at the U.S Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions as an Education Policy Intern.

Throughout their career, Cecilia has demonstrated a commitment to advocacy, community development, and education. Cecilia'svarious roles have allowed their to develop skills in program management, leadership development, training, and community engagement.

Cecilia Montesdeoca, MS has a strong educational background in anthropology and community health education. Cecilia obtained an Associates in Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology from Heartland Community College in 2010, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology & Community Health Education from Illinois State University in 2013. Cecilia further pursued their studies at Illinois State University and earned a Master of Science degree in Cultural Anthropology in 2017.

Throughout their academic journey, Cecilia also obtained various certifications. In 2019, they completed the Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification from the ACCESS Initiative. Additionally, in 2020, they became a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor through Mental Health First Aid Trainings. Cecilia continued to enhance their skills and knowledge by obtaining a certification in Learning & Development from McLean & Company in August 2022.

Overall, Cecilia Montesdeoca, MS has a well-rounded education history with a focus on anthropology and community health education, along with additional certifications in mental health and learning & development.