Experience

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  Noonday Collection

  • Farmington Hills, MI

  • Independent Brand Ambassador

    • Jan 2015 - Present
    • Farmington Hills, MI

    Work independently as a social entrepreneur on behalf of the Noonday Collection brand of handmade and fairly-traded accessories. • Network and build relationships to increase brand recognition locally. • Develop and track communications to customers utilizing provided branded collateral. • Provide excellent service to my customers and hostesses. • Consistently in the top sales tier of Ambassadors nationwide.• One of approximately 100 Ambassadors nationally invited to travel to meet Artisan Partners around the world in 2016 and 2017

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  YMCA of the USA

  • South Carolina / Michigan (multiple locations)

  • Group Fitness Instructor

    • Jun 2010 - Jun 2015
    • South Carolina / Michigan (multiple locations)

    Developed class material and choreography appropriate for gym clientele. Build relationships with members and maintain solid class participation. Specifically enjoyed motivating and encouraging participants that are not naturally comfortable in the group fitness environment. •Licensed to teach Zumba®, Zumba® Gold, and Zumba® Kids, Aqua Zumba®, and Zumba® Toning. •Served as a volunteer leader to coordinate Zumba®-focused fundraising events to benefit the YMCA Open Doors program in Greenville, SC, raising more than $3,300 in 2014. •Secured in-kind donations from vendors and raffle donors. •Marketed the event via social media and traditional outlets and worked in tandem with YMCA management to execute event logistics.

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  American Diabetes Association

  • Birmingham, Alabama

  • Associate Manager, Special Events

    • Dec 2004 - Nov 2006
    • Birmingham, Alabama

    Directly responsible for every aspect of all fundraising events in the Birmingham market. Chapter events included the Toast to a Cure gala, America’s Walk for Diabetes - the organization’s largest fundraising event, as well as three sidebar events related to the Walk. • Negotiated all contracts and agreements with event vendors, including permits, venue, catering, floral, audio/visual, rentals, linens, entertainment, printing, and guest giveaways. • Created and implemented logistical plans for each event, with designated duties for staff and volunteers. • Developed and managed event budgets to correspond with overall chapter budget. • Collaborated with media partners to establish a media and public relations plan for each event. • Developed proposals and made informational and sales presentations to current donors, potential donors, and event sponsors.

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  Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

  • Birmingham, Alabama

  • Special Event Manager

    • Feb 2004 - Nov 2004
    • Birmingham, Alabama

    Responsible for the effective management the Walk to Cure Diabetes, JDRF’s largest fundraising event, in three markets across Alabama – Huntsville, Birmingham, and Montgomery. • Oversaw all aspects of each event, including participant breakfast and lunch, children’s activities, sponsors, and course logistics. Accomplishments • Walk events under my direction raised more than $675,000 in 2004.

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  AIDS Foundation of Chicago

  • Chicago, Illinois

  • Development Coordinator

    • Feb 2001 - Feb 2004
    • Chicago, Illinois

    Served as part of a fundraising team, responsible for raising more than $2 million annually. Participated in the planning of several large-scale events each year, including a black-tie gala and headliner concert, a chocolate tasting, an outdoor 5K event, and a professional dance show. • Personally managed numerous small-scale events each year, including donor and volunteer receptions, appreciation dinners, and an art show, as well as third-party events. • Directed the design and production of print materials and served as organization liaison to event vendors. • Collaborated with the Director of Corporate Relations to prepare customized cause-related marketing proposals for corporate and individual sponsorship prospects. • Recruited and supervised all in-office Development Department support staff, interns, and volunteers. • Executed logistics for each event as needed. •Recruited and managed a database of more than 700 volunteers, a 425% gain after falling under my management. • Secured in-kind auction donations raising up to $92,000 annually.