Johanna “Jo” Mercado
1631 Greenbriar Road (919) 406-4211
Durham, NC 27701 mercadojo96@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Master of Education | Higher Education Student Affairs August 2019 to Expected May 2021
Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, NC
Bachelor of Science | Healthcare Studies August 2015 to May 2019
Queens University of Charlotte | Charlotte, NC
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Graduate Assistant for Campus Programming Board | Department of Campus Activities July 2019 to Present
Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, NC
- Supervise nine undergraduate programming coordinators for the university programming board, Last
Minute Productions.
- Facilitate the guidance and direction for coordinators in creating the campus-wide programming schedule.
- Assist coordinators in negotiating and contracting artists, performers and partner companies.
- Lead campus-wide programming efforts during Welcome Week, Homecoming, and Student Appreciation
Week.
- Select, plan, and implement two to three programs per week during the academic semester.
- Facilitate fall training for student coordinators by meeting with partners and ensuring effective
communication and delegation of responsibilities.
- Facilitate team-building development opportunities for the programming board, including leadership and
skill development.
- Facilitate weekly team meetings to plan and debrief on current and future events.
Graduate Intern | Department of International Programs & Services January 2020 to May 2020
Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, NC
- Assisted with planning and executing tasks in preparation for: International Student Orientation,
International Festival, I-Cats Coffee Hour, and the K-12 Global Outreach Program.
- Collected content and edited the bi-monthly International Programs and Services (IPS) Newsletters.
- Assisted with tracking of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements, including but not limited to:
upcoming renewal dates, changes/edits, etc.
- Assisted with the planning and implementation of assessment strategies for student and campus
programming.
- Managed social media pages, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Orientation Intern | Department of Student Engagement January 2018 to September 2018
Queens University of Charlotte | Charlotte, NC
- Created and executed the summer orientation program for approximately 500 incoming students and
their guests.
- Hired and trained 18 orientation leaders, ensuring a diverse representation of our campus and providing
an inclusive environment for leading.
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- Implemented diversity and inclusion education amongst orientation leaders through training and
orientation programming.
- Managed a budget of $70,000+.
- Developed positive and close relationships with orientation leaders, professional staff, faculty, incoming
students, and guest.
- Provided knowledge on Student Life, Academic Affairs, and the college experience for both the incoming
students and their guests.
- Worked closely with the Assistant Dean of Student Engagement.
- Collaborated with various departments on campus, including Academic Advising, Conference & Events
Services, Admissions, Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Service, Campus Services, and Dining
Services.
- Planned and implemented programs and events for Welcome Back Week.
Camp Rex: Leadership Retreat Counselor | Office of Leadership Programming Fall 2017 & Fall 2018
Queens University of Charlotte | Charlotte, NC
- Encouraged growth of personal and leadership skills during a 3-day retreat for incoming first-year
students.
- Guided students to build strong connections and leadership skills in a fun environment, off-campus.
- Facilitated and promoted leadership activities with positivity and enthusiasm.
Co-Chair, Intercultural Committee | Campus Union Board (CUB) May 2010 to August 2012
Queens University of Charlotte | Charlotte, NC
- Led a committee of five students to plan, implement, and assess programs related to diverse cultures and
programs designed to educate and expand students’ experiences on campus.
- Coordinated cultural events for the campus to promote an inclusive environment and understanding of
diversity on campus.
- Researched the culture of seven chosen countries in order to educate students as well as host a multi-
cultural experience during the annual International Festival.
- Assisted with the planning and implementation of other CUB traditions, such as Midnight on Ice,
Homecoming, and Spring Carnival.
- Provided pertinent information to provide opportunities of growth during reflection processes of events and
programs.
VOLUNTEERING, AWARDS, & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Southeastern LatinX Student Leadership Conference | Cullowhee, NC October 2019 to Present
- Plan and implement conference programs and activities.
- Support student organizations through the development of creating and promoting the conference.
Latin American Coalition | Charlotte, NC January 2019 to May 2019
- Assisted staff with the translation of Spanish to English when working with clients as well as assisting clients
with the completion and understanding of N-400 citizenship applications.
Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award | Queens University of Charlotte 2018-2019 Academic Year
CUB Leader of the Year | Queens University of Charlotte 2016-2017 Academic Year
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