Marissa Hallo Tafura
Senior Communications Organizer at Center for Health Progress- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Renee Morgan
Marissa and I have worked together on many anti racist campaigns, and for years doing community organizing. There is no one more dedicated and willing to take on whatever role is necessary to pull off a successful event. While she is capable of fulfilling almost every role, she shines in communication and building coalitions or community. Her communication skills are superior all the way around; messaging, media, and educational content. She has co created campaigns to change curriculum in schools and libraries, effectively navigating teachers, administrators, parents and kids with education and a clear message of justice and equity. Similarly she has organized events to educate and motivate the public towards racial justice ranging from classes to civic protests. She is tireless in understanding the details and needs of any event from supplies and logistics to messaging and media. Along with her depth of knowledge and skill coordinating programs and events, she is able to translate that into ongoing working relationships and community building. Marissa is also deeply skilled in connecting people to work together for effective outcomes. She has an understanding of who the right people are to do the work required and leads in way that allows each person to shine. It is imperative in creating community and trust which are the two words that most come to mind in describing Marissa. Marissa’s passion, or calling, is to racial justice. Her knowledge and heart beat with a desire for racial freedom and equity. I know no one more dedicated to doing this work within herself and in the world. I unequivocally recommend Marissa for any anti racist, equity or justice work. Further, I would recommend Marissa for any work.
Renee Morgan
Marissa and I have worked together on many anti racist campaigns, and for years doing community organizing. There is no one more dedicated and willing to take on whatever role is necessary to pull off a successful event. While she is capable of fulfilling almost every role, she shines in communication and building coalitions or community. Her communication skills are superior all the way around; messaging, media, and educational content. She has co created campaigns to change curriculum in schools and libraries, effectively navigating teachers, administrators, parents and kids with education and a clear message of justice and equity. Similarly she has organized events to educate and motivate the public towards racial justice ranging from classes to civic protests. She is tireless in understanding the details and needs of any event from supplies and logistics to messaging and media. Along with her depth of knowledge and skill coordinating programs and events, she is able to translate that into ongoing working relationships and community building. Marissa is also deeply skilled in connecting people to work together for effective outcomes. She has an understanding of who the right people are to do the work required and leads in way that allows each person to shine. It is imperative in creating community and trust which are the two words that most come to mind in describing Marissa. Marissa’s passion, or calling, is to racial justice. Her knowledge and heart beat with a desire for racial freedom and equity. I know no one more dedicated to doing this work within herself and in the world. I unequivocally recommend Marissa for any anti racist, equity or justice work. Further, I would recommend Marissa for any work.
Renee Morgan
Marissa and I have worked together on many anti racist campaigns, and for years doing community organizing. There is no one more dedicated and willing to take on whatever role is necessary to pull off a successful event. While she is capable of fulfilling almost every role, she shines in communication and building coalitions or community. Her communication skills are superior all the way around; messaging, media, and educational content. She has co created campaigns to change curriculum in schools and libraries, effectively navigating teachers, administrators, parents and kids with education and a clear message of justice and equity. Similarly she has organized events to educate and motivate the public towards racial justice ranging from classes to civic protests. She is tireless in understanding the details and needs of any event from supplies and logistics to messaging and media. Along with her depth of knowledge and skill coordinating programs and events, she is able to translate that into ongoing working relationships and community building. Marissa is also deeply skilled in connecting people to work together for effective outcomes. She has an understanding of who the right people are to do the work required and leads in way that allows each person to shine. It is imperative in creating community and trust which are the two words that most come to mind in describing Marissa. Marissa’s passion, or calling, is to racial justice. Her knowledge and heart beat with a desire for racial freedom and equity. I know no one more dedicated to doing this work within herself and in the world. I unequivocally recommend Marissa for any anti racist, equity or justice work. Further, I would recommend Marissa for any work.
Renee Morgan
Marissa and I have worked together on many anti racist campaigns, and for years doing community organizing. There is no one more dedicated and willing to take on whatever role is necessary to pull off a successful event. While she is capable of fulfilling almost every role, she shines in communication and building coalitions or community. Her communication skills are superior all the way around; messaging, media, and educational content. She has co created campaigns to change curriculum in schools and libraries, effectively navigating teachers, administrators, parents and kids with education and a clear message of justice and equity. Similarly she has organized events to educate and motivate the public towards racial justice ranging from classes to civic protests. She is tireless in understanding the details and needs of any event from supplies and logistics to messaging and media. Along with her depth of knowledge and skill coordinating programs and events, she is able to translate that into ongoing working relationships and community building. Marissa is also deeply skilled in connecting people to work together for effective outcomes. She has an understanding of who the right people are to do the work required and leads in way that allows each person to shine. It is imperative in creating community and trust which are the two words that most come to mind in describing Marissa. Marissa’s passion, or calling, is to racial justice. Her knowledge and heart beat with a desire for racial freedom and equity. I know no one more dedicated to doing this work within herself and in the world. I unequivocally recommend Marissa for any anti racist, equity or justice work. Further, I would recommend Marissa for any work.
Experience
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Center for Health Progress
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United States
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Public Policy Offices
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Communications Organizer
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Nov 2021 - Present
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Equity Trainer
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Jan 2016 - Present
• Designed and facilitated dynamic, interactive trainings focused on foundational and complex understandings of personal and systemic racism. • Mobilized white people to act for racial justice, driven by an understanding of mutual interest. • Collaborated with trainers of Color on co-facilitation and implement processes for feedback and accountability. • Designed and facilitated dynamic, interactive trainings focused on foundational and complex understandings of personal and systemic racism. • Mobilized white people to act for racial justice, driven by an understanding of mutual interest. • Collaborated with trainers of Color on co-facilitation and implement processes for feedback and accountability.
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University of Colorado Boulder
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Lecturer
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Aug 2007 - Present
• Developed curricula and instruct courses on dance and culture, focusing on a critical awareness of race, gender, and sexuality, and dance and culture from an anthropological perspective. • Assessed student academic work and provided ongoing feedback and guidance. Supported culturally diverse student community in Global Studies Residential Academic Program in navigating educational and cultural challenges while acclimating to U.S. university setting. • Cultivated community engagement between students, campus, and program. Collaborated with Residential Academic Program faculty, student employees, and guests to implement co-curricular activities, including evening-length event on the cultural origins and development of hip hop. Show less
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Showing Up for Racial Justice - Boulder
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Boulder, CO
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Co-Lead / Community Organizer
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Jan 2015 - Jun 2023
• Collaborated with community organizers, and local and state organizations, to mobilize white people as part of a multi-racial movement to undermine support for White Supremacy and to help build a racially just community in Boulder County. • Provided leadership on organizational strategy and specific campaigns, including racial bias in policing, diversifying racial representation children's books in public libraries, and race-consciousness in curriculum in public schools. • Created and facilitated monthly educational workshops and community meetings, met with community stakeholders to identify mutual interest and opportunities for collaboration, planned direct actions including marches and rallies. • Established and strengthened accountability relationships with organizations led by People of Color. • Utilized social media to share educational resources and workshop opportunities, mobilize people through calls to action, and promote community dialogue. • Ensured that values of the national SURJ organization are reflected in chapter's analysis and actionable steps. • Established relationships with organizations across the Front Range and Denver Metro area. • Led mutual aid efforts, raising an average of $1,500 a month to meet urgent needs of Black, Indigenous, and Latinx neighbors. Show less
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Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families
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United States
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Individual and Family Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director of Marketing and Development
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May 2017 - Nov 2021
• Developed and implemented organization's first strategic marketing, communications, and fundraising plans. • Produced direct appeals, newsletters, blog posts, and press releases, motivating stakeholders and expanding donor base despite decline in adoption. • Strengthened organization's brand through website redesign, branding standards, and core messaging. Built brand through social media and website, community outreach, and media coverage. • Advanced organization’s reputation as expert on adoption, using data and storytelling, and developing partnerships with experts on identity development. • Implemented educational webinar series to engage clients outside of peak programming season. Show less
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Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA)
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United States
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Philanthropic Fundraising Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director of Communications
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Oct 2013 - Sep 2014
• Developed and implemented comprehensive 3-year communications plan to support fundraising campaigns, with a focus on donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. • Rapidly advanced from contract/seasonal Events Coordinator to Director of Communications by consistently demonstrating problem solving abilities, innovation, and scrappiness. • Worked closely with design vendors to create collateral in accordance with branding standards. Produced quarterly newsletter and annual report, managed production deadlines, generated content. Effectively managed communications projects from concept to completion.• Supervised communications coordinator and managed 20 volunteers on gala planning committee, providing constructive feedback and cultivating a teamwork-oriented and collaborative approach. Show less
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Associate Director of Marketing and Development
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Mar 2013 - Oct 2013
• Redesigned website to effectively communicate brand and mission of the organization, including creation of new copy and images. Maintain website using Wordpress platform. • Coordinated agenda and tasks of Fundraising Committee. Supervised Development Assistant and Intern, providing mentorship and feedback. • Coordinated major donor recognition, corporate partner events, and annual gala with 400 guests in attendance, raising $400k (net). • Directed print and online advertising; created press releases and public service announcements; produced newsletters and annual reports in coordination with design firm; developed and implemented social media strategy. Show less
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Marketing and Event Coordinator
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Dec 2011 - Mar 2013
• Directed print and online advertising; created press releases and public service announcements; crafted newsletters and annual reports; developed and implemented social media strategy. • Organized major annual fundraising event that raised $400k+ (net). Managed sponsor recognition, event collateral, silent and live auctions, and raffle. Coordinated logistics with venue, including catering, A/V support, and decorations.
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Education
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2004 - 2007
University of Colorado Boulder
Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Dance -
1998 - 2003
State University of New York College at Brockport
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Dance
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