Eric Penniston's Email

Pursuing a dual degree program in law and social work (JD/MSW) at the University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine University. Areas of present interest include addressing intergenerational poverty, criminal law, grassroots organizing, charitable giving, non-profit administration and development, and the nature of resilience. I have several years' experience in customer service and sales, achieving leadership positions in those areas. After obtaining my BA in psychology in 2005, I attended grad school at NYU, studying social theory and media. I have two years' experience in human services, counseling primarily. I particularly enjoy helping people achieve their dreams, solving complex problems, and writing. I thrive in roles that draw on my diversity of professional and life experiences, and that place me among creative and passionate individuals. Specialties: leadership, written and verbal communication, research, customer service, counseling, volunteer coordination, training StrengthsFinder top 5: strategic, ideation, command, input, individualization Lennick Values Exercise: integrity, meaningful work, challenges, independence, leadership

Social Work Administrator @ Separate from my work as a Social Work Intern, in which I am learning to be a social worker; in this role I support the Social Work Department overall. From October 2015 to Present (1 month) Minneapolis, MinnesotaSocial Work Intern @ From August 2015 to Present (3 months) Minneapolis, MinnesotaCommissioner @ Responsible for interpreting the city's governing document, hearing community concerns, and recommending any amendments as needed. From January 2015 to Present (10 months) Columbia Heights, MNBoard Member @ This board supports the work of the Springbrook Nature Center in multiple ways. Currently, we are implementing a public-private partnership to build a new $7.6M Interpretive Center and several new outdoor amenities. Involved in ongoing fundraising necessary to this project's completion. From September 2014 to Present (1 year 2 months) Fridley, MNLaw Clerk/Intern @ From June 2015 to September 2015 (4 months) Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul AreaLaw Clerk @ Daily experience in court, interviewing defendants, drafting legal documents, and with legal research. I gained exposure to Northwestern Law's Bluhm Legal Clinic and the Center on Wrongful Convictions, and also a local working group that focuses on the "one-strike rule" and criminal activity evictions. Worked closely with Assistant Public Defender Jeanne Bishop, author of "A Change of Heart," her memoir and meditation on the virtue of reconciliation. Ms. Bishop was also influential in repealing the death penalty in Illinois. From May 2015 to June 2015 (2 months) Greater Chicago AreaIntern @ Tracked the course of a piece of legislation through a substantial portion of the process, from working group through to committee hearings. From January 2015 to March 2015 (3 months) St. Paul, MNFinancial Advisor @ An incredible growth experience. I learned not only the principles of personal finance, but how to lead and advocate within a large organization. As a member of several teams, I demonstrated how sales targets could be met while still utilizing an unwaveringly ethical approach. I changed clients' lives by hearing and acknowledging their concerns, and helping them to find a way forward. I was committed to empowering clients to make choices in their own best interest, even if it sometimes meant less results for me. Working primarily by phone, I developed relationships and provided actionable advice regarding investments, risk management, and proper estate planning. I wrote comprehensive financial plans with a keen eye for detail. I was frequently a leader in sales results. I also played a key role during a major restructuring of this business unit, focusing on individual development plans and fostering a positive work culture and morale. From March 2011 to June 2014 (3 years 4 months) Minneapolis, MNCustomer Service Representative @ Matched individuals to specific assignments, coordinated a population of workers, often with behavioral and other issues, to fulfill the labor needs of our customer base. Negotiated rates and performed basic HR duties. From May 2009 to February 2011 (1 year 10 months) Richfield, MNCounselor/Case Manager @ Coached individuals in recovery from substance abuse in this methadone clinic, developed treatment plans, performed assessments, engaged in case consultation. From November 2007 to August 2008 (10 months) Santa Barbara, California AreaOptical Team Member, Optical Team Lead and Retail Manager @ Responsible for all optical store operations at Target Optical and Lenscrafters locations. This included inventory management, human resources, training, coaching, marketing, merchandising, meeting sales targets, and providing outstanding and accountable customer service. Also practiced opticianry. From September 2003 to November 2006 (3 years 3 months) Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Juris Doctor (J.D.), Law @ University of St. Thomas From 2014 to 2018 Master of Social Work (MSW), Social Work @ St. Catherine University From 2014 to 2017 Media, Culture and Communications @ New York University From 2006 to 2007 B.A., Psychology @ University of Minnesota-Twin Cities From 1999 to 2005 Apollo High School From 1991 to 1995 Eric Penniston is skilled in: Leadership, Training, Volunteer Management, Nonprofits, Customer Service, Event Planning, Research, Leadership Development, Case Managment, Strategic Financial..., Conflict Resolution, Non-profits, Coaching, Human Resources, Fundraising, Writing, counseling, Public Speaking, Management, Community Outreach, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Community Organizing, Networking