# Rashima S.

> Program & Systems Leader in Workforce Learning & Compliance | Education & Regulated Sectors

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/rashima

I’m a systems-minded leader with over 15 years of experience designing, governing, and scaling workforce learning and compliance programs across education, public sector, and highly regulated industries.

My career has lived at the intersection of learning, accountability, and execution. I’ve led quality and compliance initiatives, built training infrastructure from the ground up, and translated complex regulations into clear, usable systems that people can actually follow. Whether working with educators, frontline staff, or executive teams, my focus is always the same: build programs that are compliant, human-centered, and sustainable.

Over time, my work has evolved from operational leadership into education and workforce development—where I now design and deliver industry-aligned curriculum, lead program implementation, and support learners across K–14 and adult education environments. 

Currently, I’m focused on leadership roles where I can continue to bridge compliance, workforce learning, and program design to strengthen organizations and expand opportunity.

I’m always interested in thoughtful conversations about workforce development, education systems, and program leadership.

## Work Experience
### Adjunct Faculty – Business & Digital Marketing @ Merritt College
Jan 2024 – Present
Adjunct faculty and course author for Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) / OER Digital Marketing courses within a certificate pathway. Design and deliver career-connected, project-based learning experiences aligned to workforce and entrepreneurial outcomes. Partner with ESO Ventures and Workforce Innovation Labs to co-facilitate an 8-week entrepreneurial workshop supporting early-stage founders.

### Lead Course Designer & Curriculum Developer (CTE Dual Enrollment & Work-Based Learning) @ Leadership Public Schools
Jan 2023 – Present | Oakland, CA
Serve as the primary course creator and learning experience designer, responsible for translating program-level goals into fully implemented, project-based learning experiences aligned to college, career, and industry standards. Lead curriculum architecture, instructional design, and continuous improvement across interdisciplinary pathway including small business, e-commerce, UX/UI design, digital media, and entrepreneurship. Apply an effective approach to interdisciplinary project design, professional development, and industry engagement to advance equity, career readiness, and postsecondary access.

### California Department of Consumer Affairs Board Member @ California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
Jan 2023 – Present

### Founder | Creative Director | eCommerce Management @ SONSON®
Jan 2014 – Present | Oakland, CA
Founded and developed an award-winning start-up accessory brand’s presence across digital, events, web content, print, and traditional media. Featured in several high-profile media publications such as Forbes, GQ, Vogue, HuffPost, and Essence.  Responsible for driving the strategy and revenue growth to grow the overall DTC Omnichannel business.

Named National Retail Federation 2022 Retail champion, a finalist for Nike’s Designer Combine competition, selected as NPR’s First Class Fellow, recipient of the first ICON 360 award from Harlem’s Fashion Row, Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc (CFDA), and Vogue.

### Independent Quality and Compliance Consultant | Startups & Enterprises @ Independent Consultant
Jan 2018 – Jan 2023
Provided tailored solutions for startups and enterprises, ensuring seamless integration of quality management systems and compliance frameworks.  Developed and optimized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process improvement initiatives, regulatory compliance, and the creation of effective instructional design and training modules.

### Industrial Fabric Production Supervisor @ California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA)
Jan 2017 – Jan 2018
Led vocational manufacturing operations and workforce training within a correctional setting, supporting skill development, productivity, and reentry readiness in an industrial apparel environment.

### Quality Sourcing Strategist & Product Manager | Process Improvement | Program Management | Retail @ Gap Inc.
Jan 2010 – Jan 2016 | San Francisco Bay Area
Recouped 12MM by creating and managing the V.O.C. program, utilizing PLM and CRM systems to oversee non-apparel, apparel, and licensed product investigations/audits for 5 international brands. Received Gap Inc. Global Recognition Award for developing and facilitating best-in-class onboarding, and functional quality training material for the coveted Retail Management program resulting in 100% awareness of attendees/participants.

### Diversity & Inclusion Co-President | Innovation @ Gap Inc.
Jan 2014 – Jan 2016 | San Francisco Bay Area
Enabled the business by leading and guiding the planning, scheduling, and implementation of top-notch, quality activities and events. Bestowed Gap Inc. EXCEED award for creating an innovative diverse & inclusive product that yielded a 3025% ROI within the first quarter.


## Education
### AI Strategy
Cornell University

### Women's Entrepreneurship
Cornell University

### Career Technical Education
University of California, Berkeley

### Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
University of Phoenix

### Bachelor of Science (BS) in Apparel Design, Textile Science, and Merchandising
Louisiana State University


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rsonson

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Source: https://flows.cv/rashima
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/rashima/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-08