Jet Fuel Resource Center

Scaling Basic Needs Support Through Systems, Strategy, and Student-Centered Design.

The Jet Fuel Resource Center at San Diego Miramar College provides essential basic needs support—including food security services, resource navigation, and financial assistance—to help students thrive academically and personally. In my role with the Center, I expanded operational capacity, developed dignity-centered service models, and strengthened how basic needs were communicated to students, staff, and external stakeholders.

This page highlights select projects—spanning program design, strategic systems building, and community-facing outreach—that reflect my commitment to removing barriers, improving institutional support structures, and advancing student dignity through practical, thoughtful solutions.

Systems Design

Building sustainable infrastructure for basic needs services.

In my time as program analyst for the Jet Fuel Resource Center, I contributed not only to direct student services but also to the creation of internal systems that enhanced program efficiency, staff training, and reporting. My systems design work focused on building practical, sustainable frameworks that would support the center even after my departure.

Key contributions included:

Training Resources: Developed modular, scalable staff training materials (including a trauma-informed service model) to standardize student-facing support practices.
Operational Workflows: Designed and documented service workflows such as the Pantry Use Intake System leveraging Microsoft Forms and a CRM platform called Soxbox, event planning and attendance reporting dashboards, and procedures for the Pantry Pickup program to ensure seamless hand-offs, accountability, and consistent student experiences.
Impact Tracking: Created internal tracking tools to capture service utilization, identify gaps, and generate data visualizations for leadership reporting and program evaluation.

Rather than one-off fixes, my focus was on embedding systems that were adaptable, clear, and easily updatable by future teams—helping Jet Fuel remain a responsive, student-centered resource as needs evolve.

Pantry Pickup Program

Innovating basic needs access through student-centered service design.

Faced with limited pantry hours, class conflicts, and transportation challenges, many Miramar College students struggled to access basic needs resources. To address this, I designed and launched the Pantry Pickup Program: a flexible, web-based system that allows students to pre-order food, hygiene products, and other essentials for self-service 24-hour pickup.

From building the workflow architecture and staff-facing program materials to developing evaluation systems and conducting data-driven program improvements, I led the initiative to streamline access while centering dignity, efficiency, and student choice.

From concept to rollout, I designed the user experience, built the operational workflows, and collaborated with campus stakeholders to integrate the system into broader student support services. The Pantry Pickup Program not only expanded access but also redefined how dignity, choice, and convenience could shape basic needs services.

Program Design & Implementation

Built from the ground up, the Pantry Pickup Program was structured to meet real student needs without overburdening limited staff resources.

Key contributions included:

Workflow Design: Created a digital ordering system using Microsoft Forms linked to the college’s SharePoint infrastructure, allowing students to securely request food and supplies with minimal barriers.
Logistics and Fulfillment: Integrated Parcel Pending lockers as a self-service distribution point, enabling flexible pickup outside regular pantry hours.
Standard Operating Procedures: Authored detailed SOPs to ensure program consistency, guide new staff, and formalize fulfillment timelines, inventory tracking, and communications.
Training and Launch: Trained staff and student workers to manage orders, locker assignments, and follow-up communications encouraging feedback from all levels to inform process improvement.

Why It Matters

The Pantry Pickup Program represents more than operational efficiency—it’s a case study in designing student services with accessibility, dignity, and practical outcomes at the forefront. By combining systems thinking, user-centered design, and continuous evaluation, I helped expand basic needs access at Miramar College, ensuring that logistical barriers never stood between students and support.

Impact Snapshot

Analysis of program launch (February – April 2025):

166 total orders fulfilled
282 individuals served (including dependents and family members)
34% of orders picked up via lockers, offering critical access flexibility
Top-requested packs:
- Hygiene Kits (30% of orders)
- Household Items (29% of orders)
- Pantry Packs (food items; 17% of orders)
Program Adaptations: Based on usage patterns and feedback, my team revised ordering limits and expanded available pack types to better meet demand without depleting pantry stock

Learning Modules

Building knowledge, confidence, and capacity through practical training and professional development.

Designing trainings isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about empowering others to act with empathy, effectiveness, and impact. These projects reflect my ability to translate complex needs into accessible, action-oriented learning experiences that support student success and foster inclusive environments.

Staff Training Module

Trauma-Informed Customer Service (TICS) for Basic Needs Services

Created to equip front-line staff and volunteers with the tools to engage students compassionately and effectively, this training introduced trauma-informed principles tailored to basic needs services in a community college setting.

I researched, developed, and delivered a full training package—including an interactive slide deck, workbook, and assessment materials—grounded in best practices for working with vulnerable populations. Sessions were adapted for small group and one-on-one formats, ensuring that every team member felt confident and prepared to support students with empathy and dignity.

Practical frameworks made actionable: empowering every interaction with care and confidence.

Professional Development Resource

Supporting Student Success through Basic Needs Services

This professional development package was designed to help faculty and staff recognize signs of basic needs insecurity among students and respond with empathetic, effective referrals.

I developed a comprehensive slide deck, facilitator guide, and best practices materials drawing from national research and Miramar-specific data. Materials focused on building awareness without stigma—positioning faculty as crucial partners in connecting students to life-sustaining resources.

The session emphasized actionable strategies: how to spot early indicators, how to frame conversations with dignity, and how to weave resource referrals seamlessly into academic and advising settings.

Explore the deck below.

Building bridges between classrooms and campus resources to strengthen student success.

Outreach Materials: Visibility, Access, and Impact

To ensure students were aware of available basic needs resources, I developed a suite of outreach materials designed to meet students where they are—both physically on campus and digitally through email and social media channels. From visually accessible flyers to targeted event graphics, each piece prioritized clarity, dignity, and direct action.

These efforts helped increase student engagement with the Jet Fuel Resource Center and normalized conversations around basic needs support as part of student success. Outreach wasn't just about marketing—it was about helping students recognize that asking for help is normal, and that accessing basic needs services is a fundamental right, not a last resort.

Below are examples of public-facing outreach materials I developed to promote Jet Fuel Resource Center services and resources across campus.