About me
I was born and raised in Pilsen and have seen the struggles of an immigrant single mother first hand. The experiences I had led me to the current work I do and loving every moment of it.
What is your current career title or dream job?
Currently I am the Community Relations Manager at PODER. I oversee all community interactions, everything from prospective student enrollment to cultivating and strengthening partnerships with community based organizations and businesses.
LinkedIn Page -or- Company website ( for Entrepreneurs)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/griselda-piedra-b5825073/
Background/Education/Experience
I have 20+ years of customer service experience developed through working in the education, medical, and social service sectors and over six years’ experience in call center supervision and quality assurance. I pride myself in my ability to teach customer service skills and provide customized support and services to existing clients.
I also spent ten years as an English as a Second Language instructor and Customer Service trainer. I have extensive experience teaching English to native Spanish-speakers and have played an important role in implementing a range of strategic initiatives – from updating program models, writing curriculum, and designing workforce development training courses. As PODER’s lead Customer Service trainer, my students averaged a 94% student retention rate and a 95% Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) certification rate. Before the pandemic, I updated PODER’s Customer Service training curriculum to leverage a blended learning training model and more strategically integrate workplace technology exposure and training. During the pandemic, I shifted everything to virtual learning within days.
Organizations & clubs
I am an active member of the community and have served on the DFSS Workforce Leadership Board, St. Procopius Parish Council, Adult Literacy and Technology Integration Project with the Chicago Citywide Literacy Coalition, and the System of Care Community Advisory Board. Currently I serve on the Catholic Charities Southwest Regional Advisory Board, NBC 5 & Telemundo Community Action Board, and Metropolitan Family Services Midway Advisory Committee Board. I also enjoy sharing best practices and have facilitated multiple workshops, presented poster sessions and participated in panel discussions at the UnidosUS Workforce Development Forum throughout the years.
What languages do you speak?
English and Spanish
Hobbies & interests
I enjoy and cherish every moment I spend with my husband and three children, who are always on the move.
