Oana Zayic PhD she/her/hers

Oana Zayic has a diverse work experience. Oana is currently serving as the Diaspora Community Development Director at Romanian United Fund. Prior to this, they were the owner of Mures Valley Girl LLC, where they created jewelry collections inspired by traditional Romanian stitching and LEGO designs. Oana also worked as a Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Chaska, where they advised the city council on human rights matters. Oana has also served as the Executive Director of the Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota and as a Co-Owner of Delicatese a la Nina, a home baking business promoting Romanian and Eastern European cuisine. Oana has worked at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College in various roles, including Director of the Accessibility Resource Center, Accessibility Specialist, Academic Advisor, and Financial Aid Officer. Before that, they worked at Rasmussen College as an Online Adjunct Instructor, Senior Student Finance Officer, and Campus Leader. Oana also gained experience as a Senior Financial Aid Officer at Prospect Education, LLC, and as a Student Services Officer at Charter College. Oana started their career as an Assistant Professor of English at Universitatea "Aurel Vlaicu", Arad, where they taught courses in Business English, Literature, and Journalism, and co-directed the development of the first English Language Library in Arad, Romania.

Oana Zayic, PhD, she/her/hers, has an extensive education history. Oana obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English and American 20th Century Literature from Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania, where they studied from 2003 to 2008. Prior to that, they earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) in English Literature from Lucian Blaga University in Romania, completing their studies in 2003.

In 2009, Oana pursued further education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, earning a Graduate Certificate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Organizational Effectiveness. This program lasted from 2009 to 2010.

Later, in 2014, they attended the University of Minnesota, where they received a Financial Educator Certificate. Following this, they obtained additional certifications to further expand their knowledge. Oana became an ADA Certified Professional in 2021 through the University of Missouri- College of Human and Environmental Sciences, School of Architectural Studies. In 2020, Oana completed the Partners in Policy Making program, a Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disability Program. In 2019, they became a Make it OK Ambassador and obtained the Mental Health First Aid Certificate. In 2017, Oana achieved the Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator certification, and in the same year, they obtained the Autism Direct Support Certificate. Finally, in 2014, they became a financial educator through the Four Cornerstones of Financial Literacy program offered by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.

Overall, Oana Zayic's educational journey encompasses a diverse range of fields and certifications, showcasing their commitment to continuous learning and professional development.