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Cathy has guided individuals and groups to answer...

​• In the next 5 years, what are the most effective ways the staff can intentionally build a more inclusive Center?​​ 

• How might we work differently to achieve the goals of the CSU system's Graduation Initiative 2025, and support students' advancement and graduation? ​

​• How can we develop mutually beneficial relationships with community organizations to engage university students in transformative educational experiences grounded in the Jesuit values of respect for human dignity and the quest for social justice?

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Sample Projects

1 

Coached individual leaders and managers in the ​development of competencies and behaviors, grounded in the context of their work environments and responsibilities or transitions. Provided check-ins as needed. 

2

Consulted with organizations on how-to create more inclusive teams. Trainings and discussions focused on values; understanding of oppression in the workplace, the community and the world; considered frameworks for creating change;  action planning; and follow up throughout implementation to provide support. 

3

Provided ongoing coaching sessions with supervisor/supervisee pairs to open up communication, facilitate feedback, strengthen work relationships, and create action plans to focus on areas for improvement.

4

Designed and facilitated a yearlong systemwide professional development curriculum for STEM educators committed to recognizing and acting on their understandings of oppression, social justice, equity, and cross-cultural understanding. Now, in its' seventh year, Cathy continues to serve as a consultant  facilitator, and professional development specialist for the CSU STEM VISTA program.

5

​Guided and facilitated activities to ​​strengthen staff capacity including the implementation of a five-year strategic plan, staff development workshops, monthly meetings, and overall team development.

6

Designed and implemented​ an​ ​intensive, multi-year leadership development initiative for professionals of color in the field of community engagement across California dedicated to issues of social justice, equity, and multiculturalism. Provided long-term one-on-one coaching to program participants. ​

More About Cathy's Work

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Take a Look at Cathy's Clients

• American Council on Education (ACE), Carnegie Elective Classifications, Washington, DC
• Associated Students, Inc., San José State University
• Associated Students Cesar Chavez Community Action Center, San José State University
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago - in partnership with Covey Group
• Cal Corps Public Service Center, University of California, Berkeley
• California Campus Compact
• California Volunteers’ Disability Inclusion Taskforce
• The Center for Civic Reflection
• Center for Community Engagement, California State University, East Bay 
• Center for Community Engagement, California State University, Long Beach
• Center for Service & Action, Loyola Marymount University
• Center for Service in Action, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 
• Division of Student Life, Earlham College
• ​Department of Human Resources, Santa Clara University
• Ernst & Young, LLP
• Haas Center for Public Service, Stanford University
• Immaculate Conception School, Los Angeles, California
• Institute for Civic and Community Engagement, San Francisco State University
• Irwin W. Steans Center, De Paul University
• Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and Common Ground, University of San Francisco
• Lucas College of Business, San José State University
• National Campus Compact 
• National Youth Leadership Council
• Project Islas, California State University, Channel Islands​
• County of Santa Clara's Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Offices - Cultural Competency for Children's Services; Immigration Relations; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Affairs; and Women's Policy
• Office of the Chancellor, California State University System – Center for Community Engagement 
• Office of the Chancellor, California State University System – STEM VISTA Program
• Office of the Chancellor, California State University System – Alumni Council
• Office of Public Engagement, University of Minnesota
• Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Stanford University
• Pepperdine Volunteer Center, Pepperdine University
• Public Allies Silicon Valley
• Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Girls Varsity Basketball, San Francisco, California
• Santa Clara Law, Santa Clara University
• Santa Clara University Housing, Santa Clara University
• Smart Museum of Art, The University of Chicago - in partnership with Covey Group

Learn More

​Cathy Avila-Linn is an exemplary facilitator who is exceptional in creating democratic spaces of dialogue, drawing out the diversity of ideas from participants, and providing links that help the participants in reaching collective outcomes.

Jose Zapata Calderon
Emeritus Professor of Sociology and Chicano Studies
Pitzer College