Manahat Thomas, CSPO, CSM

Director of Events at Flawless Events (Ethiopia)
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
Arlington, Virginia, United States, US
Languages
  • English Native or bilingual proficiency
  • Amharic Native or bilingual proficiency
  • French Limited working proficiency

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Zekarias Amsalu Dubale, FCCA

Africa Fintech Summit and I, as a Co-Founder, are extremely pleased with and grateful for the exceptionally phenomenal and professional end-to-end event management services Manahat has delivered for us in our global summits held across the globe including Cairo, Washington DC, Cape Town in the last 3 years. Manahat handled high level Government relationships with regards to bids/tenders for the event, spearheaded venue/vendor selection and relationships, mapped out budgeting as well as flawlessly executed day of events including VIP Dinners, summits logistics and streaming virtual events as well as ecosystem tours. Thank you!

Adrienne Harding

I have had the pleasure of working with Manahat for over two years at AHRI, where she expertly filled the roles of Business Solutions Manager and Certification Operations Manager. I have worked with her as a manager and a colleague on several projects where I observed her ability to research, analyze, plan, and complete projects in a constantly changing environment. She increased the productivity of her team and the department while overcoming various obstacles. As a team member or a leader, Manahat has earned my highest recommendation.

Gurminder Sidhu, MBA, MSISA, CSM

Manahat is a person you want managing your team, she’s absolutely amazing. If there is something she doesn’t know, she will do her research and make sure she knows as much as possible about the topic before she presents solutions to you. I haven’t met a person like her in my career. She is passionate, loves to work with team members, collaborates well with teams, meets her deadlines and makes sure she goes above and beyond.

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Credentials

  • HBX Core
    Harvard Business School
    Sep, 2018
    - Nov, 2024
  • Power Speaking
    Fred Pryor Seminars/CareerTrack, divisions of Pryor Learning Solutions
    Dec, 2016
    - Nov, 2024
  • Strategic Problem Solving for Better Decision Making
    Fred Pryor Seminars/CareerTrack, divisions of Pryor Learning Solutions
    Dec, 2016
    - Nov, 2024
  • Teams That Work
    Fred Pryor Seminars/CareerTrack, divisions of Pryor Learning Solutions
    Dec, 2016
    - Nov, 2024
  • Certified Scrum Master
    BeardedEagle
    Apr, 2017
    - Nov, 2024
  • Certified Scrum Product Owner
    BeardedEagle
    Apr, 2017
    - Nov, 2024
  • Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid
    American Heart Association | American Stroke Association
    Mar, 2016
    - Nov, 2024

Experience

    • Ethiopia
    • Events Services
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Director of Events
      • Dec 2019 - Present

      • Created Covid-19 response plan for event planning, developing virtual event planning strategy, marketing plan, and stakeholder engagement strategy leading to Flawless Events being the first company to offer hybrid and virtual events in the region • Managed full cycle project delivery including project scoping, requirements gathering, project scheduling, risk assessment and mitigation, training, stakeholder communication, process improvement, and final project delivery for 20+ projects with a 100% on-time delivery rate • Developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure department operational effectiveness and knowledge transfer with a 98% staff satisfaction rate post implementation • Created automation process utilized by entire organization for operational planning which increased efficiency by 62% • Led organizational strategy planning for annual retention and growth goals to reach quarterly and annual revenue and margin targets• Managed team onboarding and training by developing training materials and new-hire onboarding process • Planned and executed multiple events for C-suite executive clients, international organizational, and government entities managing event logistics including vendor management, venue selection, decoration, attendee management, catering planning

    • Principal, Events / Project Manager
      • Jan 2017 - Dec 2020

      • Orchestrated all aspects of event management including design, signage, collateral, vendors, shipments, invoices, budgeting, schedules and timelines and onsite activations for 14 business meetings, 6 large conferences, 2 trade shows and 30+ social events• Served as trusted client advisor leading weekly project risks and tasks review meetings, and developed internal communications with cross-functional partners to inform key stakeholders of event project milestones• Planned and oversaw logistics for local and international events with 500+ participants • Developed client engagement strategy and event planning guides that supported vendor management and client communication • Received 100% client satisfaction rate on post event surveys with multiple clients repurchasing event packages

    • United States
    • Non-profit Organization Management
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Certification Operations Manager
      • Jun 2017 - Jan 2020

      • Oversaw the management of a $30 million operations department with up to 14 direct reports and 160 contracts• Streamlined project collaboration process to an automated system which increased productivity by 98%, saved $90k in annual budget, and provided enhanced cross-functional collaboration opportunities • Served as change management specialist leading change readiness strategy, stakeholder engagement, training development, and communication strategy for changes related to technology and product implementation, process improvement, and documentation procedures • Created and executed 70+ client meetings and events from initiation and planning to execution, leading logistics, planning, execution, and the procurement of venue, décor, entertainment, audio visual, food and beverage, branding, etc.• Led project management office (PMO) for three cross functional teams leading project planning, risk assessment, and working group session facilitation with a 100% on-time project delivery rate• Managed stakeholder engagement through communications development, working group sessions, and engagement assessment to evaluate stakeholder satisfaction • Increased efficiency by introducing new methodologies for tracking and auditing data that aligned the company’s expenditures to recover $4 million from annual budget• Developed and led daily operational scrum with cross-functional teams to review project milestones, risks, mitigation strategies, and timelines • Led recruitment and retention strategy and implementation by developing onboarding, career path opportunities, mentorship program, and communication forums leading to 15 technical new hires and a 47% increase in staff morale and retention survey• Increased member engagement initiatives that yielded data integrity for 1400+ clients resulting in the reduction of non-compliance with the U.S. Regulatory bodies (DOE, NRCan, CEC)

    • Business Solutions Manager
      • Apr 2017 - Sep 2018

      Drive and contribute to delivery of project schedules and milestones for existing projects and programs under the purview of the Chief Operating Officer.Lead meetings with decision makers, business process owners, business solutions resources, and end users to define functional requirements for new initiatives and to identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively.Manage business process mapping and functional design sessions for the purpose of enhancing business operations and information flow Review and analyze the effectiveness of existing processes and develop strategies for improving or further leveraging other processes and/or technologies.Identify and assess options for the implementation of new or improved business processes. Recommend optimization, automation or cessation of process. Lead resources on defining functional and possible technical needs, prioritizing those needs and providing recommendations to support those needs.Manage communication strategies among all business areas to facilitate knowledgeable decision making for business solutions.Report progress on initiatives, including weekly status reporting to key stakeholders and management.Lead and manage business process assessment activities, identify any possible enterprise wide cross dependencies on other business areas, and recommend efficient and effect cost-saving solutions.Conduct analysis and deliver recommendations or alternatives that address existing and potential trouble areas and/or gaps.Establish process to track quality and ensure escalations of issues to necessary bodies.Collaborate with all business solutions resources, other business area resources, Executive Management, and functional support areas to provide recommendations on the best solutions based on assessed functional and technical needs.Provide oversight and guidance to project team members and other support resources to ensure all business and enterprise objectives are being met.

    • Project Coordinator, Business Operations
      • Nov 2016 - Apr 2017

      Program Management Develop, complete and finalize all project deliverables per the timeline. Responsible for overseeing projects’ milestones, developing draft schedules based on project requirements, assisting Senior Management and Department heads to develop an integrated project schedule, milestone definition, and critical path formulation. Consolidate schedules with multiple projects to provide an integrated view of project timelines.Lead project teams and facilitate the communication and interaction among the functional representatives.Develop briefings and dashboards to depict project schedules within the department including upward reporting of schedule performance, including rationale and corrective action.Responsible for tracking the progress of the projects, status reporting and determining and taking corrective actions. Supervise temporary staff and/ or contractors. Change ManagementDevelop strategic partnerships to identify and intervene on change management initiatives that foster organizational learning and address corporate strategic goals and needs.Respond to organizational development issues by bringing key stakeholders together to assess root causes and performance gaps, implement and support the implementation of appropriate interventions, including strategic planning, tactical and project planning, facilitation, instruction, program design, materials development and performance analysis.Collaborate cross-functionally by providing recommendations and guidance on change management principles, techniques, and tools to implement organizational changes. Develops, implements, and evaluates change management strategies to determine change readiness, barrier points, and effectiveness or organizational change. Deploys change management plans to ensure successful implementation of change initiatives for all levels of the organization.

    • Meetings Specialist
      • Feb 2016 - Nov 2016

      Developed and enhanced the Internal Meetings department by setting standards of operation, protocols and diversifying the services that it can provide to clients. Increased service demands by 60%. Create and implement meetings and/ or event proposals and/or contracts based on client’s request through vendor outreach and partnerships. Execute meeting and event logistics.Oversee the planning, implementation, and tracking of multiple small projects throughout the Finance and Administration, and the Engineer Departments.

    • Social Media Program Assistant
      • Jan 2016 - May 2017

      Produce monthly e-newsletter, including soliciting monthly feature articles from an expert in the field of gender and conflict. Researches opportunities for publishing, careers and conference participations for students to include in the monthly newsletter. Assist Dean’s Fellow and Program Officer with communication and outreach for on-campus programming and events. Responsible for promoting all events through social media and on-campus media. Monitoring global news sources and posting relevant news-related content on Center for Gender and Conflict’s social media pages for the purposes of raising awareness and facilitating dialogue.

    • United States
    • Events Services
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • Project & Sales Coordinator
      • Mar 2015 - Jan 2016

      • Managed $570k budget for large scale events with 10k+ attendees developing sales strategy, vendor marketing, and stakeholder engagement • Developed 130+ event proposals based on client’s vision and RFP through product research and development, vendor outreach, venue coordination and event production. • Led corporate sales strategy executive meetings to assess sales progression, outreach, risks, and upcoming target strategies leading to a 34% decrease in sales risks • Planned and facilitated executive meetings, fundraising events strategy, and managed vendor relationships

    • Refugee Resettlement Intern
      • Oct 2013 - Jun 2014

      Documented and tracked integration process and results for incoming refugees.Assisted in dispensing material and placement aid.Provided support and administrative assistance to program managers.Compiled dossiers and informational documents on various opportunities and state regulations in support of migrant integration process. Documented and tracked integration process and results for incoming refugees.Assisted in dispensing material and placement aid.Provided support and administrative assistance to program managers.Compiled dossiers and informational documents on various opportunities and state regulations in support of migrant integration process.

    • Hospitality
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Front Desk Supervisor
      • Nov 2011 - Aug 2013

      • Promoted to supervisor within 6 months in front desk role and received the highest performance rating • Managed front desk operations, customer service, staff scheduling, and check, cash, and card transactions with 100 % accuracy • Provided excellent customer service by fulfilling customer requests and partnering with staff members to ensure seamless guest check in and departure process • Trained and onboarded front desk associates by modeling process, developing standard operating procedures, and creating weekly action plans • Scheduled events and conferences, triaged customer inquiries and developed project overview for sales team

    • Front Desk Staff
      • Jun 2011 - Nov 2011

    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Project Administrator
      • Aug 2010 - Jun 2011

      Ensuring projects are run in compliance with the Organization and State's requirements. Serving as subject matter expert on state's CNA and RN program qualifications and regulations. Providing guidance for project teams. Maintaining and integrating project plans. Monitoring and evaluating overall program progress, resource utilization and performing quality reviews. Planning & scheduling resources for a group of projects. Establishing and maintaining the project documentation library.

    • United States
    • Entertainment
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Event Coordinator
      • Mar 2010 - Jun 2011

      Coordinated and managed special events in the City Walk section of restaurants and clubs Recommended themes, entertainment, décor and menu choicesBudgeted and documented expendituresHired and directed vendors and suppliersOrganized and supervised event staffProvided on-site event supervisionConducted after event follow-up with clients to determine customer satisfaction levels Coordinated and managed special events in the City Walk section of restaurants and clubs Recommended themes, entertainment, décor and menu choicesBudgeted and documented expendituresHired and directed vendors and suppliersOrganized and supervised event staffProvided on-site event supervisionConducted after event follow-up with clients to determine customer satisfaction levels

Education

  • George Mason University
    Master of Science - MS, Conflict Analysis & Resolution
    2013 - 2015
  • L-Università ta' Malta
    Master of Arts (MA), Conflict and Mediterranean Security
    2013 - 2014
  • George Mason University
    Bachelor of Arts, English Language with a Cultural Studies Concentration
    2011 - 2013

Community

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