Talent Acquisition · People Operations · Storyteller · Social Impact
Autumn
Alaniz-
Wiggins
Recruiting and people operations professional with 2+ years across corporate, nonprofit, and higher education environments — currently building AI tools that close the gap between inclusive hiring intent and hiring practice. From chairing a Governor's search committee to sourcing underrepresented talent in tech, I bring rigor, equity, and field-tested judgment to every stage of the talent lifecycle. I'm also a storyteller: translating complex systems, data, and lived experience into narratives that move people and drive action. Targeting Talent Acquisition and People Ops roles where equity is operationalized, not just aspirational.
What I bring to the table
AI-Augmented Talent Workflows & Tool Building
Equity-Centered Sourcing, By Design
Systems Thinking Across the Full Talent Lifecycle
Executive & Cross-Functional Stakeholder Navigation
Data Fluency · ATS · CRM · AI Tooling
$24M
Budget Managed
2K+
Volunteers Engaged
Gov.
Search Committee Chair
PAN
Legal-Approved DEI Guide
01
Focus Areas
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Talent Acquisition & Recruiting
Recruiting coordination experience spanning corporate tech (Palo Alto Networks) and high-volume nonprofit programs. Skilled in ATS management, structured interviewing, pipeline strategy, candidate experience, and inclusive sourcing — with a track record of building first-of-kind resources that stick.
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Equity-Centered Sourcing
Originated a legal-approved Native American tech talent sourcing guide at Palo Alto Networks — the first of its kind at the company — and presented it company-wide to Talent Acquisition teams. Brings a practitioner's eye to DEI pipeline strategy, rooted in both research and lived community experience.
◎
People & Volunteer Operations
Currently managing recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and lifecycle systems for 2,000+ volunteers annually at Alameda County Community Food Bank. Uses Salesforce and Neon CRM to track engagement, run reports, and drive data-informed coordination across community partners.
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Social Impact Program Design
Designed and coordinated high-visibility community programs — from Eid al-Fitr and International Festival to food justice curriculum for BIPOC youth at Camp Mendocino. Specializes in translating mission into structured, scalable programming that centers the communities being served.
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Executive Stakeholder Engagement
Chaired the CSU Student Trustee Search Committee delivering recommendations to Governor Newsom's office. Led cross-institutional advocacy for AB 2407, 2458, and 2608. Brings boardroom-tested communication skills and the ability to navigate political complexity while maintaining community accountability.
○
Communications & Content Strategy
Produced 10+ social media assets, 2 long-form articles, and 20+ promotional campaigns across Global Peace Foundation and Eradicate Hate Global Summit. Translates complex policy and research into accessible, audience-ready narratives — print, digital, and live.
02
Achievements
A snapshot of the numbers, firsts, and milestones that define the scope and impact of my work — across recruiting, operations, advocacy, and community organizing.
$24M
Budget Stewarded
Managed the Associated Students' $24M organizational budget as Student Body President — overseeing audits, quarterly reports, and financial planning through declining enrollment pressures.
2,000+
Volunteers Coordinated
Manages end-to-end recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and lifecycle coordination for 2,000+ annual volunteers at Alameda County Community Food Bank using Salesforce CRM.
4×
Executive Search Committee Chair
Chaired four high-stakes search committees including the CSSA Student Trustee Search delivering recommendations to Governor Newsom's office — coordinating candidate vetting, stakeholder alignment, and formal reporting.
1st
Legal-Approved DEI Guide at PAN
Originated the first-of-its-kind Native American tech talent sourcing guide at Palo Alto Networks — approved by HR and Legal, presented company-wide to Talent Acquisition teams.
$25K
Clorox Award Won
Produced short-form campaign media for ACCFB's corporate giving vote that resulted in a $25,000 award from Clorox — combining storytelling, social impact messaging, and community mobilization.
600+
Summit Attendees — T4P2026
Major organizer for the Tech for Palestine 2026 Summit — designed all event collateral and served as primary point of contact for volunteers, speakers, and exhibitors.
Press
In the News
5+
Policies Implemented
Implemented 5+ student welfare policies through shared governance as Student Body President, including a campus safety technology pilot that activated faster than existing SMS alert systems.
50K+
Campaign Impressions
Designed 20+ promotional materials for the Eradicate Hate Global Summit reaching 50K+ impressions — tracked via Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google Analytics.
03
AI Literacy Projects
Applying generative AI as a practical tool for social impact — building accessible resources that bridge emerging technology with the communities and practitioners who need it most.
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OutreachOS — AI Job Search Command Center
Built OutreachOS, an AI-powered job search command center designed for candidates competing in a market where recruiters use AI to source, screen, and rank talent before a human ever reads your name. Combines 8 tools: cold email & LinkedIn InMail generator, ATS scanner, LinkedIn profile optimizer, application pipeline tracker, lead tracker, and Boolean string builder.
View Desktop Version → View iOS Version →
View Desktop Version → View iOS Version →
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Generative AI for Regenerative Agriculture — South Sinai
Created a bilingual (English/Arabic) Generative AI educational guide on cover crop use for reversing desertification in South Sinai, Egypt. Synthesized indigenous farming knowledge with modern AI tools in direct consultation with local farmers and translators. Designed for practical field use in arid climates.
◫
JD Audit — Inclusive Language Job Description Tool
Built an AI-powered job description auditing tool that scans JD language for exclusionary, biased, or unnecessarily gatekeeping phrasing — and suggests more inclusive alternatives. Designed for talent acquisition teams and hiring managers who want to expand their candidate pipeline without sacrificing quality standards. Applies DEI sourcing expertise from Palo Alto Networks to a scalable, self-serve format.
Launch JD Audit Tool →
Launch JD Audit Tool →
04
Professional Experience
Ten roles across nonprofit, corporate, government, and international contexts — spanning talent acquisition, volunteer operations, communications, student leadership, and field research.
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator & Food Drive Assistant
- Manages end-to-end recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and lifecycle coordination for 2,000+ annual volunteers across food distribution programs serving hundreds of thousands of Alameda County residents.
- Partners with representatives from schools, businesses, corporations, religious organizations, and community groups to maximize food drive outcomes and exceed goals.
- Processes new food drive sign-ups, records all communications with participants, schedules deliveries, and runs performance reports using Salesforce CRM.
- Collaborates cross-functionally with operations, community programs, and communications teams on high-visibility events including Iftar community dinners.
Communications & Marketing Intern
- Designed 20+ promotional materials (newsletters, Instagram Reels) for anti-hate initiatives reaching 50K+ impressions.
- Built a comprehensive national directory of crisis response teams across all 50 states to strengthen the Prevention Practitioners Network (PPN).
- Developed UI prototypes for the PPN digital platform, optimizing practitioner connectivity for users in crisis and new registrants.
- Drafted reports synthesizing webinar data for Executive and Targeted Violence & Terrorism Prevention goals of Homeland Security.
Communication Intern
- Researched, drafted, and contributed to 6+ global religious freedom curricula adopted for training interfaith leaders, educators, and nonprofit directors worldwide.
- Conducted literature reviews on global issues: North Korea, China, Iran, Nigeria.
- Produced 10+ social media assets (carousels, infographics) amplifying engagement across international audiences.
- Authored 2 long-form articles exploring how food rituals facilitate cross-cultural understanding between faith communities.
Student Body President & CSSA Board Member
- Chaired the Student Trustee Search Committee at the California State Student Association, delivering candidate recommendations directly to Governor Gavin Newsom's office.
- Managed a $24M organizational budget and led a 17-member team; implemented 5+ student welfare policies through shared governance.
- Advocated for higher education equity bills AB 2407, 2458, and 2608 with policy change recommendations before the California legislature.
- Maintained zero incidents of violence or hate during periods of global tension through proactive stakeholder engagement.
- Co-coordinated 20+ events including International Festival, Eid al-Fitr, Trans Week of Resilience, and Queer Prom, engaging 600+ students monthly.
Inclusive Recruiting Programs Intern
- Originated a legal-approved resource on inclusive recruiting and sourcing for Native American tech talent in cybersecurity — the first of its kind at the company, developed in partnership with HR and Legal.
- Presented company-wide to Sourcers & Recruiters on Native American tech talent sourcing strategies; led 2 formal training sessions with Talent Acquisition teams.
- Researched underrepresented talent pipelines, tribal colleges, Indigenous professional networks, and culturally competent outreach strategies to build a replicable sourcing framework.
- Supported broader EDI initiatives including corporate event planning, speech editing, and diversity programming logistics.
Director of Social Justice & Equity
- Chaired the Social Justice & Equity Committee managing a $16,000 budget and overseeing shared governance and event coordination.
- Spearheaded 20+ collaborations designed to increase belonging, diversity, and culturally competent practices across the Associated Students.
- Successfully advocated for maintenance of funding for key contract programs at risk of significant cuts.
Garden Program Specialist → Coordinator
- Coordinated with camp leadership and external partners to secure funding and build the first-ever professional outdoor kitchen at the camp.
- Designed a 44-page curriculum integrating food justice, nutrition, and gardening for underrepresented BIPOC youth through permaculture activities and farmers market simulations.
- Mentored youth in job-readiness, leadership, and teamwork through structured daily programming.
Involvement Coordinator
- Maintained records for 100+ student clubs and fraternities; managed event scheduling, inquiries, and office administration.
- Coordinated student organization logistics and communications across a large, decentralized campus ecosystem.
06
Global Volunteer Experience
Field immersions across four countries through Workaway and WWOOF — combining agricultural research, community integration, and cross-cultural learning with hands-on production work.
International Farm & Research Volunteer
- Egypt (Nuweiba, South Sinai): Volunteered on a regenerative farm in the South Sinai desert. Created a bilingual Generative AI guide on cover crop use for reversing desertification — developed in collaboration with local farmers and translators.
- Türkiye (Muğla Mountains): Farm caretaker on a saffron, truffle, and lavender farm. Developed and implemented veterinary-independent holistic poultry management practices.
- Pakistan (Islamabad): Creative producer assistant on Pakistani-French documentary projects exploring women, gender identity, and transportation systems.
Farm Volunteer
- Oregon: Assisted with saffron harvest on America's largest saffron farm across two seasons (2021, 2022).
- California & Florida: Participated in organic farming rotations, supporting soil health, crop cultivation, and farm operations.
07
Events
Organizer, speaker, panelist, moderator, and delegate across human rights, higher education, food justice, and social impact spaces.
Organizer
2025–26
Major Event OrganizerTech for Palestine 2026 (T4P2026) Summit
Bay Area, CA
Speaker & Keynote
2024
SpeakerCollege Opportunity Campaign — CSU, UC & CCC Presidents/Chancellors
Sacramento, LA & Virtual
2024
SpeakerBlack Student Success Conference
CSU Chico
2024
SpeakerWomen Like You Conference
CSU Chico
2024
Guest SpeakerPresident's Address & University Convocation
CSU Chico
2023
SpeakerFuture of Technology in Higher Education
CSU Chico
2023
SpeakerEOP Summer Bridge Exhibit
CSU Chico
2019
SpeakerThe Guardsmen Silent Wine Auction — Camp Mendocino
San Francisco, CA
Panelist & Moderator
2024
PanelistUPend Hate Virtual Showcase — Student Leader Showcase
Remote
2023
PanelistWomen's 50th Conference
CSU Chico
Delegate
2023
CSU DelegateCSU at the State Capitol
Sacramento, CA
2024
Student DelegateCalifornia State Student Association (CSSA) Conferences
Statewide
2023–24
Legislative AdvocateCSSA Legislative Visit — Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C.
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In the Field
Speaking, organizing, building, and showing up — across campuses, communities, and countries.
Speaker: College Opportunity Campaign
Field Work, Pakistan
Speaker: Future of Technology in Higher Ed
Speaker: EOP Exhibit, Chico State
Graduation, CSU Chico
Student Philanthropy Council Alumni Event
Speaker: Women's 50th Conference, Chico State
Guest Speaker, President's Address
Camp Mendocino Garden Program
Legislative Visit, Washington D.C.
Speaker: Black Student Success
Saffron Harvest, 2021 & 2022
Speaker, College Opportunity Campaign with CSU, UC, and CCC Presidents and Chancellors
08
Publications & Policy Resolutions
Written work, press features, and policy resolutions authored or co-authored across student government, advocacy, and field contexts.
Article
"Breaking Bread to Build Peace: Ensuring Food Inclusivity at Global Festivals and Events"
Global Peace Foundation, 2025
Article
"What I Learned Working at America's Largest Saffron Farm"
LinkedIn, 2024
Article
"Trading Textbooks for Toolkits: My Introduction to WWOOFing"
LinkedIn, 2024
Media
Expert Spotlight: Autumn Alaniz-Wiggins
Campaign for College Opportunity, 2024
Resolution
Reaffirming Commitment to Academic Freedom & First Amendment Protections; Condemning Human Rights Violations; Calling for a Bilateral Ceasefire in Gaza
Second Author · Chico State Academic Senate, 2024
Resolution
Calling for a Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip; Condemning Human Rights Violations, War Crimes, and Reaffirming Freedom of Speech
Second Author · California State Student Association, 2024
Resolution
Call for Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip Resolution + Regarding the Gaza & Israel Crisis Statement
Author · Chico State AS Government Affairs Committee, 2023–2024
Media
Indigenous Peoples Day at Chico State & From the AS President's Desk: Proposed Tuition Increase
Associated Students Media, 2023
09
Awards & Honors
2025
Inaugural Student Hall of Fame Inductee
Office of Student Affairs, CSU Chico
2024
Student Advocate of the Year
California State Student Association (CSSA)
2024
Billie Jackson Outstanding Award
Chico State Black Faculty & Staff Association
2024
Outstanding Student Leader
College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
2024
Glenn Kendall Community Impact — Honorable Mention
CSU Chico
2023
T. Williams Humanitarian Scholarship
CSU Chico
2023
Teach Back Award
Conversation on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
10
Education, Tools & Certifications
Degrees & Certifications
B.A. Sociology + B.A. Multicultural & Gender Studies
California State University, Chico · GPA 3.3 cumulative / 3.6 final two years · EOP Graduate
Education for Leadership in Public Service
Panetta Institute for Public Policy
Foundational Restorative Justice for Higher Education
University of San Diego
CITI Program — Social/Behavioral Research, Conflict of Interest, Biomedical Research
Certified Research Ethics Training
Tools & Languages
Recruiting & Operations
Research & Design
Languages
Let's build
systems
that matter.
Open to talent acquisition, recruiting coordination, people operations, and social impact programming roles. Available for hybrid and in-person — Bay Area and beyond.