Serpil Rivas
Arlington
Summary
Multilingual researcher and educator with 3+ years of teaching and research experience and 3 years in communications and project management. Skilled in research, data collection, and analysis, as well as translating complex information into clear reports and presentations. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Cybersecurity Analytics and holding a Master’s in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance, developing advanced expertise in governance, risk, and digital security. Recognized for attention to detail, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2027
2027
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
ADJUNCT LANGUAGE PROFESSOR
American University
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Designed and delivered Elementary and Intermediate German courses, ensuring a 100% student success rate.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop and refine curriculum, aligning course content with institutional standards.
- Created and implemented engaging lesson plans and assessments, integrating technology and diverse instructional methods.
- Maintained accurate data records on student performance, analyzing results to adapt instruction and improve outcomes.
- Provided individualized coaching and mentoring, helping students strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Facilitated discussions and projects that enhanced cross-cultural understanding and communication.
LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR
International Center for Language Studies (ICA)
05.2022 - 07.2024
- Delivered German instruction to U.S. Department of State personnel across multiple proficiency levels each term, adapting content to specific professional requirements.
- Developed and implemented 20+ lesson plans and interactive activities per course cycle, resulting in higher learner participation and retention.
- Coordinated and managed course activities, maintaining 100% on-time delivery and smooth execution of class schedules.
- Conducted analysis of weekly student assessments, adjusting instruction to close learning gaps and improve outcomes.
- Evaluated and documented performance results, with over 90% of students meeting or exceeding program proficiency benchmarks.
LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR
Berlitz
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Delivered German and Turkish instruction to learners from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, achieving a 100% course completion and satisfaction rate.
- Designed and implemented customized lesson plans aligned with program objectives and learner needs.
- Collaborated in the planning, development, and evaluation of curriculum, ensuring instructional quality and relevance.
- Conducted performance analysis through assessments, documenting outcomes and adjusting teaching methods to improve results.
- Maintained accurate student records and progress reports, supporting program evaluation and accountability.
- Engaged in team collaboration through staff meetings and curriculum review discussions.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Arlington Public Schools APS
10.2021 - 01.2022
- Delivered short- and long-term instruction across multiple K–12 subjects, adapting quickly to diverse classroom needs.
- Recognized for strong classroom management, consistently requested by staff for reliability and effectiveness.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze lesson plans on short notice and translate them into engaging instruction.
- Maintained a professional, prepared presence to ensure continuity of learning and student engagement.
COMMUNICATION MANAGER
Coolspot AG
10.2011 - 10.2018
- Directed strategic communications projects, training and supervising a marketing team to deliver consistent outputs.
- Led the development of brand identity and communication frameworks, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Conducted customer and stakeholder interviews to gather qualitative data on business processes and user requirements.
- Evaluated communication performance, providing recommendations that boosted digital engagement by over 60% across platforms
- Performed market research and data analysis, producing reports that informed executive decision-making and policy development.
- Drafted and translated policy documents, legal materials, and web content, using technical skills in Python, JavaScript, and HTML to support digital communications, ensuring 100% compliance with cross-border regulatory standards.
- Coordinated community and media relations, serving as first point of contact for press inquiries and community events.
- Formulated policies and procedures for public information programs, collaborating with executives and public relations staff.
- Maintained company archives and records to ensure organizational knowledge retention and compliance.
Education
DOCTORATE - CYBERSECURITY ANALYTICS CANDIDATE
George Washington University
Washington DCM.ENG - CYBERSECURITY POLICY & COMPLIANCE
George Washington University
Washington DCM.A - INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD, USB.A - GRAPHIC DESIGN
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD, USB.A - CIVIL ENGINEERING
University of Essen
Essen, GermanySkills
Research & Data Analysis
Certification
Real Estate Licence
Languages
German
Native or Bilingual
Turkish
Native or Bilingual
Awards
Yellow Rose of Texas Honorary Commission – Awarded by Governor Abbott in recognition of outstanding contributions to community service, education, and the preservation of history.
Timeline
ADJUNCT LANGUAGE PROFESSOR
American University
01.2023 - 12.2023
LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR
International Center for Language Studies (ICA)
05.2022 - 07.2024
LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR
Berlitz
10.2021 - 04.2022
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Arlington Public Schools APS
10.2021 - 01.2022
COMMUNICATION MANAGER
Coolspot AG
10.2011 - 10.2018
M.ENG - CYBERSECURITY POLICY & COMPLIANCE
George Washington University
M.A - INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
University of Maryland Baltimore County
B.A - GRAPHIC DESIGN
University of Maryland Baltimore County
B.A - CIVIL ENGINEERING
University of Essen
DOCTORATE - CYBERSECURITY ANALYTICS CANDIDATE
George Washington University