Erik Carlos Toren has over 20 years of experience working in non-profits and social service programs, including 7 years in management roles. He currently serves as the Program Director for the High School Equivalency Program at the University of Texas Pan American, where he coordinates staff and grant writing to provide educational services. Prior to this role, he worked as a recruiter, case manager, and loan officer for various organizations serving migrant workers and their families.

1. ERIK CARLOS TOREN
1008 El Campo, San Juan, TX 78589
956-460-0908 | 956-223-7627
ectoren@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/eriktoren
SUMMARY
Twenty years of experience working in non-profits, social service programs, and adult education programs, with seven of
those years in management. Worked and coordinated staff to bringtogether community assets and human capital in order
to strengthen and empower communities. Acquired the skillsto administer both stateand federally funded programs. Able
to meet deadlines, coordinate staff, administer funds day-to-day, achieve grant goals, and, more importantly, customer
focused. Proud University of Texas-Pan American alumnus with a BA degree in Government. Looking to secure a position in
program management, where I can bringmy commitment to the well-beingof the community, creativity, innovation,and
resourcefulness at the same time continue to develop my current skills.
NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 Coordinated grant writingprocess for the High School Equivalency with grant writer and succeeded in being funded at
$475,000 per year for a five-year grant from the Office of Migrant Education.
 Upgraded and introduced new software and technology to the High School Equivalency Program classrooms and
computer lab.
 Coordinated with the High School Equivalency Program RGV consortiumto organize a four-day workshop attended by
20 GED instructors and staff on the new 2014 GED test.
 Coordinated staff development to introduce Appreciative Inquiry to prepare staff to changes in program service
delivery by using innovative staff development tools.
 Initiated and maintained collaboration with Center of Excellence in STEM Education (UTPA) to introduce STEM
experience to our HEP participants.
 Elected in 2013 as HEP Central Representative for the National HEP CAMP Association Board of Directors.
EXPERIENCE
The University of Texas Pan American – High School Equivalency Program
Program Director • Edinburg, TX 04/01/2011 – Current
The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), is a Hispanic state-supported institution with a total student enrollment of
20,000 and 2,000 staff and staff faculty members. Partof a six-person team department that provide GED trainingservices,
counseling,and post-secondary services to qualifyingagricultural workers and their families in theLower Rio Grande Valley.
Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Coordinated grant writing process and succeed in being refunded by the Office of Migrant Education for a five year
cycle.
 Elected in 2013 as HEP Central Representative for the National HEP CAMP Association Board of Directors.
 Responsible for coordinating staff in meeting grant goals: a. recruiting eligible participants, b. GED training and
attainment, and c. post-Secondary Placement.
 Created and organized the first High School Equivalency Program Advisory Council.
 Upgraded and introduced new technology in the GED training classrooms.
 Elected as Central Stream HEP Representative in 2013 through the National HEP CAMP Association.
 Responsible for all phases of the assigned program.
 Supervise the personnel and day to day activities of a program or project.
 Coordinate the various activities of the program / project.
 Investigate grant opportunities and drafts proposals and applications.
 Represent program/project in official functions.
 Attend meetings, conferences, and seminars related to the program’s mission and goal.

2.  Supervise and organize seminars, conferences, and presentations.
 Develop, cultivate, and maintain working relationships with internal/external departments/agencies and other
organizations associated with and/or receiving benefit from the program.
 Prepare and submit required annual progress and budget reports to the Office of Migrant Education- U.S. Department
of Education.
 Prepare, manage, reconcile, and monitor program/project budget.
 Prepare and submit annual budget revisions and reports to the Office of Migrant Education - U.S. Department of
Education.
 Reports to the Student Support Services Executive Director; administers the project daily; hires, supervises, and
evaluates staff.
 Insures expenditures are allowable per state and federal regulations.
 Maintain internal program records.
 Assures participants meet properly documented eligibility requirements.
 Conduct continuous program evaluation.
Recruiter • Edinburg, TX 02/01/2007 – 04/01/2011
Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Met recruitment goal of recruiting and providing services to 125 students for four consecutive years.
 Inform the community aboutthe High School Equivalency Program’s servicesand programparticipation requirements.
 Qualifying potential participants to the program and working with the client step-by-step through the process/
Qualification processincluded assessingagricultural work history of the clientand administeringtheTest of Adult Basic
Education to measure comprehension skills.
 Develop partnerships with high school counselors and community stakeholders in order to identify youth requiring
program services.
 Network with community organizationsin order to identify farmworkers and their family members that would benefit
from program services.
 Provide presentations to the community to inform about the program.
 Maintain all data and files.
Creative RNP
Subject Matter Expert (SME) (independent consultant) • Dumfries, VA 05/15/2015 – 07/30/2015
Creative RNP is 8(a) and HUB-Zone certified by the SBA, in addition to being woman owned. Creative RNP has been
implementing technology solutions using its core organizational values since 2006. Our employees have extensive
experience in deliveringservices in thefollowingareas:Information Technology,EnterpriseContentManagement, Software
Development, and ConsultingServices to clients such as the Department of Education, Department of Homeland Security,
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Department of State. The main task of the consulting work was to
provide technical assistance to grantees in key areas related to instructional materials in education. As an independent
consultant,the position required to work in collaboration with CreativeRNP, National HEP CAMP Association Directors,and
the U.S. Department of Education,Officeof MigrantEducation (OME) staff.Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Draft and finalizea Listserv message to all HEP grantees requesting voluntary submissions of lessons and/or materials
and video hyperlinks focusing on the core subjects featured on the high school equivalency exams.
 Follow up with specific HEP grantees to ensure submissions are acceptable.
 Submit lessons and materials to OME for review.
 Submit the lessons and materials to the contractor to upload on the HEP Toolkit after OME’s approval of lessons and
materials.
 Draft and finalize a Listserv message to all HEP grantees providing location of the lessons and materials on the HEP
Toolkit.
Good Samaritan Community Services
WIA Youth Case Manager • McAllen, TX 10/02/2006 – 1/31/2007
Good Samaritan Community Services is a private, nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization and a United Way agency that pro vides
comprehensive services to more than 4,000 individuals and 1,800 families in seven (7) locations around South Texas. Part
of a ten-person team that provided GED training services, counseling, and post-secondary services to youths 16-21 years
old that qualified under Workforce Investment Act of 1998 regulations. Responsibilities and accomplishments included:

3.  Provide comprehensive case management services that address the unique strengths and needs of youth ages 14 to
21 in order to achieve their GED and then proceed to a post-secondary goal.
 Assist with outreach recruitment efforts.
 Answer calls for center and guide prospective clients through certification process.
 Provide case management services to participants.
 Coordinate Graduation events for GED classes.
 Train students in Life Skills Low Ropes.
 Provide basic mentoring to participants.
 Maintain a list of any and all referrals.
Family Forward
WIA Youth Case Manager • Weslaco, TX 11/24/2003 – July 28, 2006
Family Forward is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen families and promote family stability
in order to prevent child abuseand neglect, school-related problems such as truancy and drop out, domestic violenceand
juvenile delinquency, including gang involvement. Agency programs and services are provided through a diverse network
of direct service affiliates and community referral partners strategically located in communities of need throughout the
state. Partof a five-person team that GED trainingservices,counseling,and post-secondary services to youths 16-21 years
old that qualified under Workforce Investment Act of 1998 regulations. Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Refer program participants to WorkFORCE Solutions and community services.
 Oversee and manage GED instructors.
 Prepare monthly documentation for submission to WorkFORCE Solutions.
 Arrange for scheduling students to testing centers and provide transportation to participants taking the GED test.
 Carry out reach and recruitment efforts and maintain network of community stakeholders to service referrals.
 Meet and coordinate with Case Managers regarding referrals and services required by participants.
 Create and provide service reports to Director and CFO so that program met grant goals.
 Coordinate graduation events and other events for participants.
Azteca Community Loan Fund
Loan Officer/Assistant Director • San Juan, TX 10/01/2001 – 10/03/2003
Azteca Community Loan Fund provides low or no-interest loans for housing, micro-businesses, human development,
community development, and basic consumer needs to enable colonia families living in the Rio Grande Valley to become
full participants in American society.Partof a ten-person team that provided the financial and construction services to the
families. Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Assist Loan Fund Manager with managerial and administration duties.
 Assist Director in coordinating staff to meet grant goals of qualifying and delivering affordable homes to low-income
residents in Hidalgo County.
 Manage loan portfolios.
 Carry out accounting tasks such as maintaining the loan and accounting systems, general accounting, and payroll.
 Process and coordinate construction contract bid requests and awards.
 Draft and prepare legal and loan contracts.
 Assist construction manager/supervisor with purchasing of materials and paying vendors.
 Qualify clients and process forms to verify income and land ownership status.
Migrant Health Promotion
Information Specialist • Progreso, TX 11/22/2000 – 09/28/2001
Migrant Health Promotion (MHP) is a national non-profit organization whose programs provide peer health education,
increase access to health resources and bring community members together with health providers, employers and
policymakers to createpositivechanges.Community leaders,called Community Health Workers or Promotores(as), provide
the inspiration,direction and vision necessary to build stronger,healthier communities,fromwithin. Partof a three-person
department that managed the regional Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant funded services.
REACH is a national initiativevital to the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention’s (CDC) efforts to eliminateracial and
ethnic disparities in health. Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Assist the Evaluation Coordinator with data management and information systems in REACH Promotora Community
Coalition.

4.  Collect and abstract data from clinic files.
 Created and maintained database systems.
 Maintained computer and network systems in Migrant Health Promotion office.
 Maintain database.
Community Coalition Assistant • Progreso, TX 11/22/1999 – 11/22/2000
Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Assist Coalition Coordinator and Coalition partners and members with administrative tasks for the program.
 Maintain correspondence to partner organizations, coalition members, and other collaborators.
 Record minutes at Coalition meetings.
 Arrange and plan travel for Coalition Coordinator.
 Plan coalition meeting arrangements and maintain calendar of Coalition activities.
 Establish and maintain filing system.
 Maintain database.
South Texas Community College
Evaluator • McAllen, TX 1/18/1999 – 8/31/1999
South Texas College (STC) is a public community collegein the Rio Grande Valley. STC has an enrollment of approximately
31,000 students and a staff of 1,600 workingacrosssix campuses.Partof a six-person departmentthatworks collaboratively
with all work units throughout the College to ensure data-driven decision makingand continuous quality improvement by
facilitating and coordinating systematic, integrated, research-based institutional effectiveness planning and reporting.
Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Providedata for evaluatingthe effectiveness of Carl Perkins funded programs and generate basic statistical reports and
analysis for grant applications, state reports, and for improvements in student services.
Iniciativa Frontera
VISTA AmeriCorps Service Member • McAllen, TX 8/16/1996 – 8/16/1998
Iniciativa Frontera ("Border Initiative") a Rio Grande Valley nonprofit community-based service organization that enables
rural community groups to address the conditions thataffect their residents. Iniciativa Frontera believes colonias residents
don't lack will or ability to organize themselves, only information about how things work and awareness of, or connection
to, useful resources. The five-person staff provided technical help and leadership training to Iniciativa Frontera members
and to "colonias" (rural communities) residents. Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Assisted in launchingtheSi Se Puede ("yes, it can bedone") School IncentiveProgramto address the 80 percent colonia
drop-out rate.
 Organized and advocated for women to receive formal state licenses for their home day-care centers in the colonias.
 Created food pantries programs in Santa Maria and rural communities in Starr County by networking with the Rio
Grande Valley Food Bank.
 Set up an environmental educational program to inform children about proper disposal of trash.
 Trained on community asset building through AmeriCorps VISTA training program.
 Assist Field Director with community projects and organizing.
 Assist community members in organizing community programs and social services.
 Carry out basic office management.
 Maintaining correspondence between community organizations, governmental agencies, and private grant
foundations.
 Correspond and exchange data with foundation grant organizations.
 Train volunteers on the organization's social services and service delivery.
 Carry out basic accounting of organizational funds.
 Establish and maintain a community network in order to advance the organization's community work.
 Assist with organizing community events and workshops.
Farm Worker Health Project
Assistant Director • San Juan, TX 4/16/1995 – 7/18/1996
The Farm Worker Health Project is a non-profit organization with a contract from the State of Texas Department of
Agriculturethat sponsors and licenses rural families to become Registered Family Homes, offeringtechnical assistance,and

5. are lookingto participatein the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Registered Family Homes are reimbursed for
meals served to enrolled children that meet Federal nutritional guidelines.The three person staff license,monitored, and
provided technical assistance to the Registered Family Homes. Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Assisting the Director in overseeing all aspects of administration and management of program goal of licensing and
reimbursingrural family centers for partof the cost associated with servingapproved meals and snacks to children in
their communities.
 Supervision of program monitors and other program staff.
 Training providers on proper maintenance of Registered Family Homes.
 Assisting providers through the process of licensing.
 Inspecting menus to check if they met meal plans as specified under United States Department of Agriculture.
 Data input and maintenance of program participants and related data.
 Maintaining and updating program filing system.
 Maintain correspondence with Texas Department of Human Services.
 Basic accounting of program funds.
 Client intake.
Monitor • San Juan, TX 7/02/1994 – 4/13/1995
Responsibilities and accomplishments included:
 Inspect registered family homes of program participants.
 Ascertain if theparticipantwas compliantwith scheduled meals,sanitation,safety of children,maintenanceof daycare,
and certifies that programparticipantswere followingUnited States Department of Agricultureand Texas Department
of Human Services regulations and policy.
Centro 16 de Septiembre
Translator • San Juan, TX 1/1994 – 7/1994
Centro 16 de Septiembre is a nonprofit, community-based, member-owned and -operated organic farm in South Texas
formed by the United Farm Workers members in 1989.They seek to create markets for organic produceand empower farm
workers to run their own organic farms. Part of the three-person staff that provided technical assistance, training in
entrepreneurial skills, and best practices in organic and sustainable farming. Responsi bilities and accomplishments
included:
 Translatewritten materials fromEnglish to Spanish and to facilitatecommunication between Spanish-speakingCo-op
members and Centro 16 de Septiembre staff.
 Translate pamphlets and program forms from English to Spanish.
EDUCATION
University of Texas Pan American
Bachelor of Arts Government History May 1994
 G.P.A.: 3.208 (Overall) • Political Science Association – member
SKILLS
 Microsoft Word 2013
 Excel 2013
 Outlook Express
 QuickBooks
 Publisher 2013
 OneNote 2013
 Microsoft Access 2013
 Grant Research
 Community Networking
 Policy Study
 Public Speaking

6.  Bilingual - Spanish
PERSONAL INTERESTS
 Member, Kiwanis Club of Edinburg.
 Enjoy soccer and tennis.
 Have a passionate interest in cinema, film theory and film criticism.
 Keep abreast of changes in the tech industry and technology.