Project Lead - Special Projects and Strategic Partnerships

• Feb 2020 - Present

Ideation and incubation, program building, and implementation planning cross-sectoral role, with a focus on scalable strategic partnerships. •Led end-to-end strategic planning and implementation of 5+ projects from concept to launch, most notably: Parent-friendly Label: developed assessment and awarding program to incentivise private sector players to create flexibility in the workplace, aiming to establish policies across 12 dimensions Social Impact Bonds: initiated first-of-its kind impact investment program to address an identified social challenge, and secured over 5million AED in funding •Established strategic partnerships with 15+ entities, locally and globally, across all sectors, resulting in the mobilization of multi-million-dirham projects •Supported leadership with rapid COVID response by developing detailed contingency plans to address impact on project timelines •Developed tailored targeting plans, engaging 20+ organization for data collection and knowledge sharing •Set-up operational framework and developed 20+ procedures and processes for ECA Partnerships department •Spearheaded partnership and sponsorship strategy, including an ambitious plan to establish 50+ local and international partnerships for ECA’s flagship program, a first-of-its-kind global knowledge stage Show less

Section Head, International Affairs (Program Manager)

• Jan 2018 - May 2019

Role encompasses strategic planning, incubation of a first-of-its kind program and implementation of the most impactful program within the Special Olympics – Abu Dhabi, the largest event in the Special Olympics World Games’ history, delivered within a tight timeframe of 8 months. Established 36 independent Special Olympics bodies globally to allow participation of first-time countries in the Special Olympic Games, resulting in creating new international cooperation ties with the UAE • Secured program funding of over 5million AED from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide assistance to help establish new Special Olympics bodies for developing countries • Co-led joint UAE mission to Fiji and conducted training, to develop program directors across 7+ South Pacific Islands in all aspects of program building from budgets and funding to training and guidance • Established relations with key stakeholders, including management figures and culturally diverse partners globally, as well as all embassies, international organizations, local and foreign representatives • Delivered this first-of-its kind cross-sectoral program within an extremely tight timeframe of 8 months • Planned and delivered the Special Olympics MENA Athletes Families’ Program for the Middle East and Africa Regional Games for 1000+ visiting family members • Managed all aspects of the Family Program, from initial conception to execution, including on-site operations, budgets and milestones, operational plans and relationship management, achieving high customer satisfaction Show less

Founder | Owner | Managing Partner

• Oct 2016 - Mar 2018

Sole founder of this business, from concept to inception and operation, securing and controlling a budget of AED4.1m. • Visualised and created concept and brand, with strategic, sustainable growth plans • Managed project design and construction, resulting in an on time, on budget opening • Created and pitched investor proposals, to secure an initial 3.5million dirhams in funding • Established marketing strategy, business development and client targeting plans, resulting in successfully hitting break-even due to pivoting into a supply operation • Developed transition strategy and managed to pivot business model towards external catering/b2b/events, restructuring and streamlining operations, resulting in 10+ new contracts signed within 4 months Show less

Co-Founder & Managing Partner

• Mar 2014 - Mar 2018

Visionary and operational role, creating a unique community hub within Abu Dhabi, that has becomine a pioneer in the local café scene. • Awarded ‘Best Indie Restaurant’ award and the Time Out ‘Best Café’ award in second year of operation • Designed and developed all aspects of the business, including concept, operations and financial planning to successfully secure 2.5million dirhams in funding • Recruited, trained and managed an operational team that grew from 8 to 17 within 2 years • Generated profit from 2nd year of operation, resulting in successfully meeting a 5 year ROI plan • Generated additional revenue through minimal cost expansion plans and reinvestment in the business, achieving lean operations and ensuring ‘business as usual’ • Nominated for the ALDAR accelerator program run by StartAD • Led community outreach, events and partnership program, resulting in strategic ties with 20+ organizations Show less

Adjunct Faculty Instructor

• Mar 2015 - Jun 2015

As well as the Course Instructor for Design Studio Architecture, I also performed the role of Assistant Professor. I was responsible for creating and preparing presentations and lectures for 3rd and 4th year architectural students. This included providing support and guidance through all stages, from initial project concept to completion. As well as the Course Instructor for Design Studio Architecture, I also performed the role of Assistant Professor. I was responsible for creating and preparing presentations and lectures for 3rd and 4th year architectural students. This included providing support and guidance through all stages, from initial project concept to completion.

Assistant Project Manager

• Jan 2013 - Jan 2015

Worked on design and concept for a diverse range of architectural projects, I reported directly to the MD in this role. I provided project coordination and client focal point, working on multiple projects simultaneously which included Utility Plot Design Manual, Ritz Carlton Grand Canal, Central Market Revitalization, and Tourist Club Area Revitalization. I led a team of 8 across 3 countries, facilitating smooth communication and submission procedures, as well as providing effective coordination between stakeholders to achieve challenging timeframes, while balancing conflicting priorities. I analysed and implemented organisational changes which improved business efficiency and reduced costs. I played a key role in development of the Semi-Government Manual – which is now used as a reference for the whole of Abu Dhabi. I also achieved LEED Green Associate and Estidama Pearl Qualified Professional (PQP) - PCRS certifications, whilst in this role. Show less

Junior Architect | Project Coordinator

• Nov 2010 - Dec 2011