Experience

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  Icon Media Direct

  • Sherman Oaks, CA

  • Director, Administrative Operations

    • Nov 2016 - Feb 2024
    • Sherman Oaks, CA

    • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.• Provided employees with mentorship opportunities and guidance for professional growth.• Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.• Organized trainings for Strengths Finders, DISC and Working Genius assessments and used these tools in team collaboration and communication.• Planned all corporate events including retreats, employee and family fun days, and end of year holiday celebration.• Facilitated interdepartmental training and collaboration for improved decision-making processes and knowledge sharing within the organization.• Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.• Managed all building and grounds administration for a corporate campus in Sherman Oaks, CA which houses over 100 employees.• Negotiated all contracts with the city of Los Angeles, construction crews, vendors, legal and financial advisors.• Planned all point-to-point travel and logistics for every employee in the company.

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  Antioch Community Therapy Services

  • Culver City, California, United States

  • Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

    • Jan 2023 - Dec 2023
    • Culver City, California, United States

    • Conducted weekly therapy sessions with adults, couples, and youth using CBT, mindfulness techniques, and empathetic reflection. Ensured a strong therapeutic alliance to promote mental wellness and resolve relational challenges. • Performed intake interviews, administered standardized psychological assessments, and documented client progress in accordance with clinical policies and procedures. • Created individualized treatment plans tailored to clients' needs and goals, continuously monitoring and adjusting these plans based on client progress and feedback. • Educated clients and their families about mental health conditions, therapeutic processes, coping strategies, and resources to support informed decision-making and active participation in their treatment. • Maintained and regularly updated client progress notes using the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) format. • Attended weekly professional development seminars, and engaged in ongoing research activities or stayed informed about current research to apply evidence-based practices in therapy sessions, contributing to improved client outcomes. • Participated in both group and triadic supervision, discussed personal caseloads, received constructive input from supervisors and trainees, and provided feedback to colleagues. • Provided immediate support and intervention during client crises, ensuring safety while formulating short-term plans for resolution and follow-up care. • Managed administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, and maintaining client records in compliance with legal and organizational standards. • Demonstrated cultural competence by recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and values of clients, integrating this understanding into therapeutic practice. • Monitored and evaluated therapy outcomes to assess the effectiveness of interventions, making necessary adjustments to treatment approaches based on client feedback and progress data.

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  Kore Infrastructure (Utility Company Sales)

  • Greater Los Angeles Area

  • Senior Manager, Business Operations

    • 2014 - 2016
    • Greater Los Angeles Area

    Oversee business logistics and multi-million dollar budget related to IT, HR, VOIP service, employee-benefit package, facilities, health and safety, training, and corporate events for start-up organization that delivers technology solutions to transform carbon-based waste into energy products. Perform facility management for three locations. Conduct staffing duties, such as talent recruitment, new-employee on-boarding, and personnel-file development. Develop company, department, and employee objectives and key results. Lead event / logistics coordination and marketing support for domestic and international-industry exhibitions, which include budgeting, team planning, and customer relations. Liaise with Procurement and Legal Departments to draft, negotiate, and maintain vendor and subcontractor contracts.- Determined crucial IT strategies and direction while overseeing IT consultants and systems, which included evaluating detailed system recommendations, improving network security, and comparing security measures for mobile devices while ensuring that costs stay within budget.- Ensured smooth transition of IT systems from server-based to Cloud Remote Desk Top while partnering with IT consulting organization in managing each task.- Saved $50K+ as Project Manager by comparing and contrasting design firm capabilities, conducting cost analysis, leading design & architectural firms, contractor, construction crew, IT consultants, and permit-acquisition process during expansion of office into 5,000 sq. ft. in 6 months. Negotiated building lease.- Drove transition of employees to new location while containing / avoiding operational interruption.- Played integral role in development of Employee Performance Management Program through training on SMART-goal writing and employee-performance evaluation.- Designed and administered employee benefits package.- Developed brand for organization in collaboration with Marketing Team and design firm.

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  Wolf Consultancy

  • Los Angeles, CA

  • Owner/Account Executive/Operations Manager

    • Jan 2013 - Dec 2014
    • Los Angeles, CA

    Built and maintained solid relationships with start-up, small, and mid-sized companies. Prepared budgets; reconciled month-end bank and credit card statements as well as expense reports; administered payroll.- Improved workflow within small organizations by providing strategies for streamlining procedures and automating systems.- Delivered HR consultation and trained administrative teams, which included guidance on hiring, terminating, and conducting employee reviews.

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  United States Peace Corps

  • Republic of Azerbaijan

  • Business Development Manager and Economic Development Advisor

    • Sep 2010 - Dec 2012
    • Republic of Azerbaijan

    Trained host-country nationals on business development, professional development, and team building.- Started Community Based Tourism Azerbaijan (CBTAZ) business with partners.- Managed employee teams and volunteers across 13 regions of Azerbaijan; marketing; relationship development with local government, tourist agencies, and other eco-tourism groups abroad; customer service; Web development; grant writing; trainer development; site development; finance; investing.- Launched Tote Bag Project: trained adults with developmental disabilities to hand sew and paint bags and their care providers to develop business strategies for nation-wide distribution of bags.- Surpassed goals of initiating cultural exchange and enabling beneficiaries to generate up to 42% more income per year.

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  Nazarian Enterprises

  • Century City, CA

  • Senior Executive Assistant

    • Nov 2004 - Sep 2010
    • Century City, CA

    Served as Chief of Staff and Communications Liaison between Lead Principal, his staff, and public for Venture Capital firm. Managed financial records. Managed investor accounts.- Negotiated favorable terms for nationwide and international travel, contracts, and itineraries.- Researched leading companies in clean energy and hospitality industries to compile detailed reports and develop presentations.- Provided event planning for large-scale corporate business and personal events.

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  Tobaccofree.org

  • Los Angeles, CA

  • Sales and Operations Manager (Commercial)

    • Aug 1995 - Nov 2004
    • Los Angeles, CA

    Built anti-smoking lecture bureau and managed its office and employees in partnership with Patrick Reynolds. Managed HR and payroll. Created education literature, pamphlets, and videos for youth.- Helped develop and perform research for tobacco education programs and secured funding.- Developed marketing strategies for videos and lectures and press kits to support fundraising efforts.- Cultivated relationship with American Heart Association, which led to receipt of grant money.