Yolanda Collins Consumer Complaint Mediator, State of Maryland, Office of the Attorney General
Location:
Atlanta ,
GA United States Joined:
May 26th, 2015
I was born in June 1961 in Baltimore, Maryland. Running away from home, my mother and her abusive live-in boyfriend, I accepted the first invitation of admission, starting my undergraduate studies at Wesleyan College in 1978 at the age of 16. During my junior year, my studies were interrupted by an on campus kidnapping ... http://www.news-record.com/night-of-terror-haunts-victims-killer-on-death-row/article_75178018-5b83-5891-be49-8a5c4cec0ca9.html, my personal story of survival. Worked a little while in the federal Stay-In-School Program at the Social Security Administration. Returned to finish my undergraduate studies at Goucher College, a women's college. I chose Goucher believing it could offer the sense of security while living on campus. I did not finish timely ... the foreign language requirement ... couldn't get pass intermediate French. In 1986, I completed this requirement successfully and walked across the stage with a son just a few days old. Worked several years at a case manager for the Dept. of Social Services working in the Income Maintenance Unit. While there I met with Teamsters and became a shop steward. By the time I left DSS in 1993, I had three more children. Two sets ... the older set in my 20's and the younger in my 30's. By this time, I had also purchased my first home ... the first home of my grandparents when they moved from the projects. Life was hard but I was blessed to have my family and have them in a family home. One of hugest blessings was my involvement with Head Start. The Head Start Program empowered me ask questions and to understand the "whys". It used words like self-sufficiency, sustainability and self-determination. I was encouraged to seek the positions of Policy Committee and Council Chairpersons. I transitioned from Head Start parent to staff in 1999. I created and presented trainings with the National Head Start Association on how to transition parents to staff positions at the local programs. In 2001, I began a Dual Master's Program with Coppin State University and University of Baltimore, achieving in 2004 a Master of Science from each institution in Human Service Administration and Negotiation and Conflict Management, respectively. The resume reflects the rest. I had a lot of personal struggles and barriers to overcome associated with being a single-parent but not sure if that should be included in this biography. Yet, without the struggles ... how did I get here?
Consumer Complaint Mediator|
State of Maryland, Office of the Attorney General
From March 2015 to Current • 11 year(s)
Mediate consumer complaints over the phone and by mail, negotiating with businesses and consumers to reach resolutions. Trained in state, local, and federal consumer protection laws and conflict resolution.
Ombudsman|
Mediators Beyond Borders
From February 2015 to Current • 11 year(s)
Partner with communities worldwide to build conflict resolution capacity for preventing, resolving and healing from conflict.
Assistant Front-End Manager|
The Fresh Market
From March 2014 to Current • 12 year(s)
Assistant Front-End Manager working 38-40 hours per week.
Large Group Facilitator|
Public Engagement Associates formerly AmericaSpeaks
From June 2005 to Current • 21 year(s)
Facilitator and mediator for citizen engagement projects on topics such as climate change and national budget. Demonstrate strong communication skills and ability to build consensus.
Customer Service Representative|
Aegis Communications Group, LLC
From September 2013 to February 2014 • 1 year(s)
Customer service representative working 40 hours per week.
Direct Care Worker|
South Mississippi Regional Center (SMRC)
From January 2013 to August 2013 • 0 year(s)
Direct care worker providing services at residential facility.
Senior Associate|
Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
From May 2011 to August 2013 • 2 year(s)
Senior associate working 16-20 hours per week at Camp Shelby National Guard Joint Training Facility.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Advisor|
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
From December 2005 to November 2009 • 4 year(s)
Pioneered first long-term CORE mediator embedded in disaster recovery operation. Managed program budget in excess of $100K and provided conflict resolution services.
Citizen Advocate|
The State of Maryland, City of Frederick Mayor's Office
From August 2004 to July 2007 • 3 year(s)
Successfully piloted Maryland's first municipal ombudsman program serving 60,000 residents and businesses. Investigated complaints and presented annual reports to elected officials.
Community Mediator/Intake Specialist|
Community Mediation Program
From May 2004 to June 2007 • 3 year(s)
Successfully mediated community-based disputes from various referral sources. Conducted case intake, screening, and scheduled mediation sessions.
EEOC Mediator|
State of Maryland Commission on Human Relations
From September 2004 to May 2006 • 2 year(s)
Provided mediation services for discrimination charges and assisted parties in reaching voluntary resolutions. Drafted settlement agreements.
Critiquer|
The Maryland Institute for continuing Professional Education of Lawyers, Inc.
From January 2005 to December 2005 • 0 year(s)
Evaluated mediation practices and techniques in role-play simulations for 40-Hour Basic Civil Mediation Training.
Senior Family Service Coordinator|
Emily Price Jones Head Start Program, YMCA of Central Maryland
From August 1999 to November 2003 • 4 year(s)
Developed tracking systems to monitor Title VI program goals and collaborated with families to identify their goals and challenges. Former Head Start Parent and Policy Council Chair.
