Experience

WEPOWER

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President Of Development

  • Jul 2022 - Present

  United States - Pioneered the launch of WEPOWER Weekend, a unique 3-day event, overseeing logistics, fundraising, and event plannning for both inaugural and second annual weekends. - Contributed to the right-sizing, strategic planning, and organizational restructuring during a critical phase. - Cultivated strong internal team relationships and organized development plans, raising $2 million in operating funds.



My Block, My Hood, My City

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director Of Donor Relations

  • Jan 2021 - Jul 2022

  Chicago, Illinois, United States - Developed a robust development infrastructure and funding strategy, raising $5 million in donations. - Oversaw the application, review, and equitable distribution of over $1 million in grants to nearly 200 grantees. - Pioneered donor engagement strategies and best practices, strengthening donor acknowledgment and retention including associate board management



Perspectives Charter Schools

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Director of Marketing and Communications

  • Sep 2017 - Dec 2020

  Chicago, Illinois, United States - Nominated for an Executive Producer EMMY for a video highlighting the impact of the "Perspectives and A Disciplined Life" educational model. Key responsibilities included finding and coordinating videographers, scripting, training students and directors for on-camera readiness, and contributing to storyboard development and edits. The resulting video became the official representation of the organization, showcased to funders, and played a vital role in recruitment efforts. - Generated… Show more - Nominated for an Executive Producer EMMY for a video highlighting the impact of the "Perspectives and A Disciplined Life" educational model. Key responsibilities included finding and coordinating videographers, scripting, training students and directors for on-camera readiness, and contributing to storyboard development and edits. The resulting video became the official representation of the organization, showcased to funders, and played a vital role in recruitment efforts. - Generated over $1 million for a new campus campaign by creating compelling marketing collateral and videos. Contributions included producing an updated fundraising brochure, solicitation requests, and videos highlighting the new campus. Additionally, played a key role in designing email and website layouts to engage donors effectively. - Significantly enhanced student recruitment by 400 students through innovative marketing and advertising efforts, which included designing and managing the production of billboards, digital ads, postcards, brochures, flyers, print ads, banners, and flag poles. - Achieved a remarkable 50%+ increase in digital engagement by spearheading the launch of a new website and updating social media channels. This initiative effectively expanded the organization's online presence and reach. - Created and managed all external, internal, media, and crisis communications to streamline procedures and reinforce the network's voice to all stakeholders. - Led the development and oversight of content for a brand refresh, website redesign, annual reports, and video/photo shoots, effectively announcing the rebrand and elevating brand awareness. - Increased support, recruitment, and visibility by designing captivating digital content and advertising/marketing collateral. Show less



AUSL (Academy for Urban School Leadership)

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Development Manager

  • Nov 2016 - Sep 2017

  Chicago, Illinois, United States -Developed, wrote, and edited grant proposals. -Stewarded current donors and created relationships with new donors. -Gathered and distributed pertinent information and highlights from AUSL’s 31 network schools to donor community. - Helped generate ~$100K to meet team fundraising goal by writing grant proposals individually and in collaboration with development team. - Updated organizational language, effectively reflecting and communicating organization’s current mission and… Show more -Developed, wrote, and edited grant proposals. -Stewarded current donors and created relationships with new donors. -Gathered and distributed pertinent information and highlights from AUSL’s 31 network schools to donor community. - Helped generate ~$100K to meet team fundraising goal by writing grant proposals individually and in collaboration with development team. - Updated organizational language, effectively reflecting and communicating organization’s current mission and values. - Project managed and trained staff to appear as part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation “Student ready schools” video which was shared nationally and was a major highlight for AUSL donors, contributing to more awareness of the organization. Show less



Focused Community Strategies (FCS)

• Marketing & Communications Coordinator

  • Jul 2015 - Dec 2016

  Atlanta, GA Marketing & Communications Coordinator July 2016 - December 2016 - Managed multiple projects simultaneously, including website creations, social media outreach, media relations, and event planning. - Provided professional marketing and creative support to four distinct divisions, enhancing marketing materials and communications. - Designed app interfaces and an instructional leader's guide for the "Seeking Shalom" eCourse, facilitating small group leadership. Development… Show more Marketing & Communications Coordinator July 2016 - December 2016 - Managed multiple projects simultaneously, including website creations, social media outreach, media relations, and event planning. - Provided professional marketing and creative support to four distinct divisions, enhancing marketing materials and communications. - Designed app interfaces and an instructional leader's guide for the "Seeking Shalom" eCourse, facilitating small group leadership. Development Coordinator July 2015 - July 2016 - Managed grant writing, individual solicitation plans, and donation processing for multiple organizations. - Collaborated with the development team and funders, raising over $800,000 for operational and program support. - Developed a comprehensive short- and long-term fundraising strategy, segmenting donors and improving team efficiency. Show less



Blue Monarch - Residential Recovery Center serving women & their children struggling with abuse

• Executive & Development Assistant

  • Jun 2013 - Jun 2015

  Monteagle, TN - Managed fundraising, donor relations, development, volunteer coordination, and administrative duties simultaneously. - Strategized with the Founder/Executive Director to raise over $300,000 through various communication channels. - Established enduring systems and procedures for development and marketing, which are still in use.



Northern Illinois University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Student Administrative Assistant

  • Jun 2010 - Dec 2011

  DeKalb, IL Reviewed new hire packets such as W-2, I-9, and Affirmative Action forms to make sure each document was filled out correctly to meet Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission requirements; recorded employee beginning and termination dates, pay raises, and disciplinary actions for five departments on several databases like Microsoft Access, Excel, and Word; answered phones, made copies, and filed paperwork