Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Publications
Languages
Timeline
Generic

José A Vargas-Figueroa

Carolina

Summary

Results-driven educational leader with over 30 years of experience in designing, managing, and evaluating federally funded programs, including TRIO initiatives such as Talent Search and Upward Bound. Holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, bringing extensive expertise in strategic planning, program development, fundraising, and institutional advancement. Proven track record securing over $8 million in grants and leading high-impact initiatives that promote equity and access for underserved communities. Adept at building cross-functional teams, fostering school-university partnerships, and applying both qualitative and quantitative research methods to guide data-informed decision-making. Committed to educational innovation, community engagement, and the development of sustainable structures that empower students and institutions alike.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Talent Search Program

University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
01.2021 - Current
  • Managed and facilitated daily program operations.
  • Coordinated, developed, and evaluated activities and services (training, workshops, lectures, classes, tutoring, field trips, cultural enrichment activities, social activities, etc.).
  • Budget control.
  • Facilitated group services (lectures, workshops, counseling and orientation) for participants, parents and school community.
  • Gathered and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data for summative and formative evaluation processes.
  • Prepared and submitted reports to the US Department of Education on time.
  • Reported to the General Studies Faculty’s Dean
  • Accomplishments: Awarded with TS new grant; approval of new initiatives; complied with performance measures, win students competitions.

Director of the Institutional Development Office

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.2014 - 01.2021
  • Lead the Institutional Development Office team.
  • Writing proposals.
  • Design and develop programs and systems.
  • Design and implement qualitative and quantitative research.
  • Lead the institutional fundraising effort.
  • Manage social networks.
  • Reported to the Executive Director.
  • Accomplishments: Implemented the new institutional development office at ASPIRA Puerto Rico (12 proposals approved with over $8,000,000.00); designed and implemented social media strategy; carried out multitudinous institutional activities such as 45 ASPIRA Aniversary, Sun Day, Cardi Day; developed a Case Statement.

Director of Upward Bound Program

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.1991 - 01.2014
  • Managed and facilitated daily program operations.
  • Coordinated, developed and evaluated activities and services (training, workshops, lectures, classes, tutoring, field trips, cultural enrichment activities, social activities, etc.).
  • Budget control (up to $477,000.00).
  • Facilitated group services (lectures, workshops, counseling and orientation) for participants, parents and school community.
  • Gathered and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data for summative and formative evaluation processes.
  • Prepared and submitted reports to the US Department of Education on time.
  • Assisted ASPIRA Executive Director in new projects development.
  • Reported to the Executive Director.
  • Accomplishments: Awarded with multiples UB grants; approval of new initiatives; implemented a database management software to prepare the Annual Performance Report; complied with performance measures, win multiple student competitions.

Focus Group Moderator

Aguirre Division of JBS International, Inc.
01.2011 - 01.2011
  • Facilitated focus group aimed to explore ethnicity perception.

Program Evaluator: Towards a learning community in the preschool classroom: children, teachers and parents Program

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.2008 - 01.2009
  • Designed and developed program evaluation for this training program targeted at school teachers, parents and school community.
  • Gathered and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data using focus groups, observation, interviews with center staff, school teachers, parents, and collaborators and document review.
  • Prepared and submitted requested reports on time.

Program Evaluator: Youth Schools Coalition Program

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.2008 - 01.2009
  • Designed and developed program evaluation.
  • Gathered and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data using focus groups, observation, interviews with center staff, school teachers, parents, and collaborators and document review.
  • Prepared and submitted requested reports on time.

Internal Evaluator: Towards a Resilient School Culture Program

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.2007 - 01.2009
  • Developed evaluation for this training program directed to school teachers, parents and school community.
  • Gathered and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data using focus groups, observation, interviews with center staff, school teachers, parents, and collaborators and document review.
  • Prepared and submitted requested reports on time.

Evaluator: Work Environment Violence Control & Prevention Program

Promoviendo Alternativas Saludables, Inc.
01.2008 - 01.2008
  • Developed evaluation for this training program directed to school teachers, parents and school community.
  • Gathered and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data using focus groups, observation, interviews with center staff, school teachers, parents, and collaborators and document review.
  • Prepared and submitted requested reports on time.

Professor

Puerto Rico Hotel School: Tourism Company of Puerto Rico
01.1996 - 01.1997
  • Offered Human Relations, Psychology, and Supervision courses.

Coordinator/Counselor for Talent Search Program

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.1989 - 01.1990
  • Hired staff.
  • Recruited, evaluated and selected participants.
  • Planned, scheduled, developed and evaluated workshop.
  • Provided lectures for students, parents and school teachers.
  • Provided academic, personal and career planning counseling.
  • Coordinated tutoring services.
  • Accomplishments: Implemented the new middle school program component.

Special Education Teacher Assistant

Puerto Rico Department of Education
01.1987 - 01.1989
  • Assisted the Special Education Teacher in all the facets of daily classroom management.

Spanish Class Teacher Assistant

Puerto Rico Department of Education
01.1985 - 01.1987
  • Assisted an elementary school Spanish Teacher in the daily classroom management.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Universidad Carlos Albizu
09.2005

Master of Science - Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies
12.1988

Bachelor of Sciences - Psychology

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
05.1984

Skills

  • Collaborative partnership development
  • Organizational strategy development
  • Strong written communication skills
  • Collaborative decision-making
  • Staff development
  • Team leadership
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Strategic planning

Certification

Psychologist: # 1216

Accomplishments

  • Outstanding TRiO Professional (2015) Caribbean Association of Educational Opportunities Programs
  • Revision of CAEOP regulations (2013) Caribbean Association of Educational Opportunities Programs
  • Development of CATP’s strategic plan which implied change of name to Caribbean Association of Educational Opportunities Programs
  • Fair Share MVP Recognition (2010) Council for Opportunity in Education
  • Ph.D. Distinguished Student (2005) Carlos Albizu University
  • 10 Years of Outstanding Service Recognition (2000) US Department of Education
  • All American Scholar Collegiate Award (2000) US Achievement Academy, Ltd.
  • Distinguished Student (1988) Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies
  • Dean’s List (1981-1984) Pontifical Catholic University

Affiliations

  • 2017-Present Association of Fundraising Professionals (Puerto Rico Chapter) San Juan, Puerto Rico Secretary
  • 2015-2017 Association of Fundraising Professionals (Puerto Rico Chapter) San Juan, Puerto Rico Treasurer
  • 2007-2012 Council for Opportunity in Education Washington, DC
  • Budget & Finance Committee, Member (2008-2009, 2010-2012)
  • Strategic Planning Committee, Member (2011-2012)
  • Personnel Committee, Member (2011-2012)
  • Governmental Relations Committee, Member (2007-2012)
  • By-Laws Committee, Member (2009-2011)
  • Resource Development Committee, Member (2008-2011)
  • Professional Standards Committee, Member (2007-2010)
  • National TRIO Day Committee, Member (2007-2009)
  • 2007 ASPIRA Puerto Rico Assessment Committee Member
  • 2000-2013 Caribbean Association of TRIO Programs San Juan, PR
  • President (2009-2013)
  • Vice-President (2008-2009)
  • President Elect (2007-2008)
  • Fair Share Committee Coordinator (2011-2012)
  • Strategic Planning Process Coordinator (2010-2011)
  • Instituto de Líderes Emergentes Founding member (2010)
  • Student Affairs Committee Coordinator (2006-2007)
  • Upward Bound Programs Coordinator (2005-2006)
  • Treasurer (2000-2001)
  • 2009 Instituto de Política Educativa para el Desarrollo Comunitario Student Profile Design Committee, Member

Publications

  • Martínez, M.E.; Rodríguez, M. H.; Vargas, J.; Sánchez, E. (2003). Estudio Exploratorio de un grupo de miembros de la generación de los Baby Boomer y de la Generación X en el lugar de trabajo en Puerto Rico. Revista Puertorriqueña de Psicología, 14, 181-209.
  • Martínez-Lugo, M.E.; Torres, C.; Vargas, J.; Sánchez, E. (1987). Imagen percibida del psicólogo industrial organizacional por un grupo de administradores en Puerto Rico. Revista Puertorriqueña de Psicología; 4, 27-40.

Languages

Spanish
Advanced (C1)
English
Upper intermediate (B2)

Timeline

Director of Talent Search Program

University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
01.2021 - Current

Director of the Institutional Development Office

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.2014 - 01.2021

Focus Group Moderator

Aguirre Division of JBS International, Inc.
01.2011 - 01.2011

Program Evaluator: Towards a learning community in the preschool classroom: children, teachers and parents Program

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.2008 - 01.2009

Program Evaluator: Youth Schools Coalition Program

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.2008 - 01.2009

Evaluator: Work Environment Violence Control & Prevention Program

Promoviendo Alternativas Saludables, Inc.
01.2008 - 01.2008

Internal Evaluator: Towards a Resilient School Culture Program

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.2007 - 01.2009

Professor

Puerto Rico Hotel School: Tourism Company of Puerto Rico
01.1996 - 01.1997

Director of Upward Bound Program

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.1991 - 01.2014

Coordinator/Counselor for Talent Search Program

ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, Carolina, Puerto Rico
01.1989 - 01.1990

Special Education Teacher Assistant

Puerto Rico Department of Education
01.1987 - 01.1989

Spanish Class Teacher Assistant

Puerto Rico Department of Education
01.1985 - 01.1987

Master of Science - Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies

Bachelor of Sciences - Psychology

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Universidad Carlos Albizu

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José A Vargas-Figueroa