Cristina Blumenkron
Regional Volunteer Coordinator (Leeds, Wakefield, York) at Refugee Council- Claim this Profile
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Inglés Full professional proficiency
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Español Native or bilingual proficiency
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Árabe Elementary proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Credentials
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Refugees in the 21st Century
University of LondonSep, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Diploma in Psychological First Aid for Migrants, Refugees and Displaced Persons
UC Berkeley School of Public HealthJan, 2018- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Refugee Council
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United Kingdom
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Non-profit Organizations
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200 - 300 Employee
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Regional Volunteer Coordinator (Leeds, Wakefield, York)
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Jan 2022 - Present
• Work with the managers and advisors within the Resettlement team to identify the potential need for volunteers and the necessary skills required.• Provide information about the work of the Refugee Council to potential volunteers and maintain regular contact with the refugee community and other organisations which might provide a potential source of volunteers for the Refugee Council.• Recruit, induct and train volunteers so that they can be deployed and matched effectively within the regional programme.• Promote volunteering (internally and externally) through recruitment and publicity strategies.• Develop partnerships and liaise with external agencies with a view to maximising volunteer opportunities, and exploring opportunities to develop their skills and recognise their contribution.• Assist the budget holder in processing volunteer expenses and related payments. Show less
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Indefinite Leave to Remain Project Officer
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Sep 2022 - Sep 2022
The Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) project supports refugees on the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) and the Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme (VCRS) with their applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the lead-up to the expiry of their 5 year’s refugee status.
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Resettlement Worker
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Jun 2022 - Jul 2022
• Worked on the closure of one of the Afghan bridging hotels, for families who were evacuated from Afghanistan during 2021/2022.• Built and maintained effective working relationships with Social Services, Home Office and DWP personnel.• Provided a safe and welcoming environment for refugees, ensuring that standards were maintained and monitored and that the service met all statutory and contractual requirements.• Provided advice and support in line with individual client support plans in relation to accessing statutory, voluntary and mainstream services. This included education (schools and colleges), welfare benefits, housing and health services.• Assisted refugees who were in a confused or distressed state by providing guidance and first-hand psychosocial support, and referring onto specialist support if necessary.• Delivered first-tier advice, supported, signposted and referred through various means of communication, including in-person, group briefings, in writing, phone and video calls.• Supported refugees with information about refugee community organisations and localagencies that can assist with longer-term support and promote activities that enableintegration and engagement with their local community. Show less
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The University of Sheffield
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Community Researcher
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Sep 2021 - Sep 2022
MIMY (EMpowerment through liquid Integration of Migrant Youth in vulnerable conditions) is an EU-funded migration research project involving 12 international partners, aiming to improve the situation of young migrants throughout Europe by providing evidence-based policy recommendations. • Designed and implemented a recruitment strategy to engage seldom heard communities in interviews and focus-groups. • Co-designed research participatory instruments (e.g. visual methods for intergenerational focus groups). Conducted focus-groups and face-to-face interviews. • Conducted the research as planned and ensured procedures were followed in all areas of work, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Data Protection, Inclusion and Ethical Research. • Carried out participatory qualitative research data analysis with Nvivo together with a team of community researchers. • Co-designed the research dissemination and impact strategy. • Created communications outputs such as blogs and short articles and shared findings with key stakeholders. • Contributed to the evaluation of the community research approach in the project. Show less
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Rise With Us Consultancy Ltd
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Reino Unido
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Research Consultant
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Jan 2022 - Mar 2022
Identified and collated relevant literature on topics of migration, social movements and lived experience leadership to inform the development of a wider programme of learning, research and convening taking place throughout 2022. Identified and collated relevant literature on topics of migration, social movements and lived experience leadership to inform the development of a wider programme of learning, research and convening taking place throughout 2022.
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Migration Matters Festival
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United Kingdom
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Performing Arts
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1 - 100 Employee
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Community Engagement Officer
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May 2021 - Jul 2021
• Identified and supported asylum seekers, refugees, migrants, minority individuals, community groups and charities in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley to engage with the festival. • Ensured digital inclusion through the delivery of data packs for those who were unable to attend the festival´s in-person events and supported them in the use and management of devices and online systems. • Provided support to volunteers with direct oversight of their assigned activities. • Welcomed individuals and groups sent by charities to the in-person events. Show less
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Diálogo Intercultural Mexicano
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Mexico
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International Affairs
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1 - 100 Employee
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Project Manager of Habesha Americas
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Jan 2020 - Jul 2020
Habesha Americas is a joint initiative between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Habesha Project that aims to guarantee refugees, asylum seekers and others entitled to complementary protection the right to a high-quality education. It does so by offering a comprehensive program of support to allow vulnerable young people in Mexico to continue their studies.• Contributed to the development of operation and strategy plans within the country. • Designed the selection criteria of beneficiaries and selection process procedures, as well as led participation in candidate interviews.• Liaised and coordinated with the National Durable Solutions Officer and Protection Associates from UNHCR Mexico. • Ensured the access to full higher education scholarships for programme beneficiaries through national-level liaison and advocacy work. • Wrote up weekly financial and impact reports to UNHCR and third-party donors. • Built and strengthened support from local actors to support the integration of beneficiaries. • Participated in programme training for partners and UNHCR staff. Show less
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Refugee Support Casework Coordinator
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Jan 2017 - Jan 2020
• Designed and implemented a comprehensive system of support for the beneficiaries which included advice and assistance on a range of migratory, medical, psychosocial and academic issues. • Responsible for reporting, monitoring and evaluating the migratory, medical, psychosocial and academic status of beneficiaries.• Responsible for coordinating the reception of Syrian beneficiaries and formalising their migratory status in Mexico.• Responsible for coordinating the year-long course of intensive Spanish language and academic regularization, which formed an essential part of their integration phase. • Responsible for the scheduled and emergency contact with beneficiaries.• Facilitated the academic and professional success of beneficiaries through scheduled contact with academic authorities and potential employers.• Identified and prevented situations that put the academic, legal, physical and/or psychological integrity of beneficiaries at risk.• Designed and implemented a series of talks and workshops for Project beneficiaries with the two-fold aim of acquiring new skills and cultural awareness, as well as developing their linguistic abilities. Show less
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Communications Coordinator
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Apr 2015 - Dec 2016
• Liaised with national, international, government and civil society organisations, as well as high-profile individuals with the aim of expanding the Project’s network and contributing to national-level advocacy.• Obtained high-profile national and international media coverage of Habesha Project and its mission. • Organised public and high-level awareness-raising events and forums in national universities, companies and various European embassies across the capital.
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Research Team Coordinator
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Jan 2016 - Dec 2016
• Conducted the research as planned. • Compiled initial literature review, guided by the Center Director.• Ensured and facilitated the training of the research team. • Co-designed interview protocol for the purpose of the study.• Ensured Best Practices and high research standards in terms of confidentiality and identity protection.
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Research Assistant
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Aug 2014 - Dec 2015
• Conducted face-to-face interviews for the research project.• Identified relevant interviewees for the research project. • Carried out qualitative research data analysis with ATLAS.ti.• Writing up minutes for the teams’ meetings.
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Education
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2012 - 2017
Universidad Iberoamericana, Ciudad de México
Bachelor's Degree in International Relations
Community
