Operations Manager

• Jun 2023 - Present

Founder

• Mar 2023 - Present

Vanessa founded Hood Smart, a website dedicated to reducing educational barriers and the digital divide. Her work is centered around understanding the student experience through research, including Black studies, disability studies, indigenous studies, criminal justice, immigration, professional communications, media, and digital literacy. Vanessa founded Hood Smart, a website dedicated to reducing educational barriers and the digital divide. Her work is centered around understanding the student experience through research, including Black studies, disability studies, indigenous studies, criminal justice, immigration, professional communications, media, and digital literacy.

Youth Manager for Settlement and Education

• Aug 2021 - May 2023

Directly manage a team of 5 full-time staff and oversee a team of 10+ staff (including full-time staff, placement students, and volunteers) to ensure the success of the education and settlement program, with a focus on EDI practices and principles. Develop, implement, and facilitate innovative program and curriculum development strategies that prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion, and ensure that Education, Accessibility, and Black Studies are at the forefront of all program activities. Foster strong community partnerships, particularly with underrepresented and Black, racialized, and newcomer communities, to drive program success, and build relationships with external stakeholders to ensure that FYI remains at the forefront of advocacy and educational equity in the education and settlement sector. Manage and oversee frontline operations, including case management, coordinating with partners, outreach, and program administrative requirements. Provide day-to-day supervision of the education and settlement program team, ensuring that staff are supported and empowered to apply an EDI lens to all aspects of their work and to meet the needs of program participants from diverse backgrounds. Support youth and staff with conflict prevention, intervention, mediation, and resolution on a day-to-day basis. Drive program reporting and evaluation, overseeing data collection and analysis through an EDI lens to inform program improvements and enhance overall outcomes for program participants from historically underrepresented and Black, racialized, and newcomer communities. Assist the Executive Director and Operations Director with funding and grant proposals, providing critical support to ensure the continued success and growth of the education and settlement program with a strong focus on EDI. Developed, and implemented training, workshops, and programs that support youth in developing strong leadership and advocacy skills . Show less

Founder

• Aug 2017 - Mar 2023

This movement seeks to raise awareness about economic inequalities within Canadian society. Our mission is to provide children with opportunities despite their economic status. Location is in London ON, with hopes of expanding to Toronto ON. This movement seeks to raise awareness about economic inequalities within Canadian society. Our mission is to provide children with opportunities despite their economic status. Location is in London ON, with hopes of expanding to Toronto ON.

Director Of Education

• Aug 2020 - Aug 2021

Managed a team of 15 to 20 part-time teachers, providing direction and support to ensure that program goals were met, and students received the highest quality educational experience possible. Led day-to-day operations, including administrative duties such as creating staff schedules, student programs, and summer camp programming, and coordinating with teachers and support staff to ensure program success. Conducted cognitive and academic assessments, providing students and their families with valuable insights into their learning needs and strengths, and developing individualized learning plans to support student success. Facilitated team meetings, fostering an environment of collaboration, creativity, and shared learning to continuously improve program offerings and ensure that students received the best possible educational experience. Organized and operated virtual learning platforms and in-person classes, leveraging the latest educational products and tools to deliver engaging and effective programming. Built and fostered a network of referrals, developing strong relationships with clients and teachers and providing exceptional customer service to ensure satisfaction and retention. Stayed consistently up to date with new educational products and tools, staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry and bringing the latest and best ideas to the program. Show less

President

• May 2019 - Apr 2020

Led a team of 5 to 40 direct reports with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and fostered a collaborative, inclusive and equitable workplace culture that prioritized respect, communication, and accountability. Established and chaired the hiring committee for every part-time and full-time employee hired for the 2019/2020 term, ensuring a fair, inclusive, and equitable recruitment process that aligned with the TMSU's values and human rights approach to hiring. Spearheaded the establishment of the TMSU Wellness Centre (SHIFT Centre), a flagship initiative designed to provide accessible, safe, and inclusive wellness services and support to marginalized and underserved communities on campus. Oversaw the development, construction, and operation of the SHIFT Centre, including developing project plans, budgets, and timelines, managing external contractors and consultants, and securing necessary approvals and permits. Spearheaded a legal battle with the University to maintain student rights to self-government, receiving commendation from the judge for the good work done on behalf of the organization. Served as a signing officer for the TMSU, approving the organization's expenses and ensuring that expenditures were aligned with the TMSU's budget and financial policies. Developed and implemented a sponsorship strategy in the 2019/2020 term, ensuring that the partnerships were aligned with the TMSU's values and human rights approach to partnership and sponsorship. Organized and executed several successful special events, including fundraising events, public forums, and speaker series, that promoted human rights, social justice, and equity, and provided opportunities for community engagement and dialogue. Developed and maintained positive relationships with various stakeholders, including external collaborators, government officials, and community organizations, ensuring effective communication and coordination with these stakeholders on key initiatives and projects. Show less

Student Experience Research Assistant

• Apr 2018 - May 2019

Conducted qualitative research and analysis to explore the experiences and challenges faced by Ryerson students, with a particular focus on students with disabilities seeking employment. Led structured focus groups to gather data and insights. Completed comprehensive literature reviews and analyzed findings to support evidence-based recommendations for student support programs and services. Successfully completed the application for Research Ethics Review to ensure compliance with ethical research practices. Collaborated with faculty members and external partners to facilitate data collection and analysis, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines. Spearheaded initiatives to ensure the inclusion of diverse voices in research, including developing recruitment strategies to engage underrepresented communities in the research process. Show less

Hostess

• Oct 2018 - Apr 2019

As a part-time hostess at The Carbon Bar, I gained valuable experience in customer service and hospitality. My responsibilities included greeting and seating guests, managing reservations, and answering phone calls. I developed excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure during busy shifts. I took pride in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all of our guests, and I was always willing to go above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction. Through my time at The Carbon Bar, I learned the importance of attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which have proven to be valuable assets in my professional career. Show less

Assessment Assistant

• May 2018 - Sep 2018

Conducted research to investigate the challenges faced by students with disabilities seeking employment and facilitated structured focus groups using qualitative research methods to explore the inquiry. Analyzed the resulting data, completed literature reviews, and prepared the application for Research Ethics Review. Transcribed focus groups and utilized the method of interrelated reliability to code information into a collection of data. Prepared final assessment reports to support the Student Affairs team in their storytelling efforts. Utilized interrelated reliability method to ensure consistent and valid data coding. Prepared and presented final assessment reports to senior management, providing insights and recommendations on areas for improvement and potential impact on student experiences. Collaborated with team members to develop and implement storytelling initiatives that effectively conveyed student experiences and perspectives. Conducted literature reviews and analyzed qualitative data to support the development and implementation of effective storytelling and assessment strategies. Demonstrated proficiency in various data analysis software and tools, including NVivo and Excel, to facilitate efficient and accurate data analysis. Show less

Sales Stock Associate

• Dec 2017 - May 2018

During my time as a sales and stock associate at Banana Republic, I gained valuable experience in customer service and inventory management. As a sales associate, I was responsible for greeting and assisting customers, providing them with product information and styling advice, and ensuring they had a positive shopping experience. Additionally, I was in charge of maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the store, restocking merchandise, and processing transactions. In my role as a stock associate, I was responsible for receiving and processing shipments, ensuring that merchandise was properly tagged and labeled, and organizing and replenishing inventory on the sales floor. I was also in charge of conducting regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy and minimize shrinkage. Throughout my time at Banana Republic, I developed strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to work efficiently under pressure. I also honed my attention to detail and organizational skills, which proved invaluable in ensuring that our store was well-stocked and organized at all times. Overall, my experience as a sales and stock associate at Banana Republic allowed me to develop a wide range of skills that I can apply in any future retail or customer service role. Show less

Health Care Compliance Intern

• May 2017 - Sep 2017

As a Johnson & Johnson/Health Compliance Intern, I had the opportunity to develop and enhance a variety of skills related to compliance, research, and project management. My primary responsibility was investigating and researching compliance methods and policies, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory landscape and develop insights into how to ensure compliance with various regulations. Additionally, I was tasked with testing a developing app to ensure accessibility and functionality, which honed my attention to detail and analytical skills. Finally, I edited project documents, improving my ability to communicate clearly and concisely. Overall, this internship allowed me to gain valuable experience in a corporate compliance environment and develop a range of transferable skills. Show less

Hostess Server

• Dec 2014 - Aug 2017

As an esteemed member of the Ukrainian Country Club's hospitality team, I provided exceptional customer service by efficiently handling guest inquiries and requests. I assisted the hostess by skillfully answering phones to take reservations and warmly greeted, seated, and thanked guests upon their arrival. With my extensive knowledge of the dinner menu, I was able to provide detailed information to guests who had questions. Additionally, I adeptly memorized orders and manually recorded them for the kitchen. I demonstrated my exceptional organizational skills by properly storing food in designated containers and storage areas, which helped prevent spoilage and increase shelf life. I also ensured that all alcoholic beverages were served in accordance with the standards set forth by the club's regulations. My experience working large events such as weddings and parties in a fast-paced environment required me to serve multiple tables simultaneously, while remaining attentive to the needs of each individual guest. This required great memorization skills, patience, and the ability to move quickly while maintaining a professional demeanor. Show less

Front Desk Receptionist & Kids Klub Attendant

• Feb 2016 - May 2017

As a front desk receptionist, my main responsibility is to manage the flow of visitors and clients in the organization. I possess excellent communication, customer service, and multitasking skills, which are crucial in performing my job. When clients and visitors arrive, I greet them warmly and make them feel comfortable. I also answer phone calls and manage appointments, among other tasks. In addition, I handle administrative duties such as managing files, distributing mail, and coordinating office supplies. On the other hand, as a part-time coordinator at La Fitness Kids Klub, my job is to ensure the safety and entertainment of the children while their parents work out. I am organized, creative, and an excellent communicator. I supervise and engage children in fun activities and ensure that they are safe at all times. I also maintain a clean and organized play area. I communicate with parents, provide updates on their children's activities, and assist with administrative tasks such as registration and payment processing. Show less

Team Member

• Jul 2014 - Sep 2016

As a Tim Hortons team member, I am responsible for providing excellent customer service, maintaining a clean and organized work environment, and preparing food and beverages in a timely manner. Working collaboratively with my team, I ensure that customers receive accurate orders and prompt service. Additionally, I am proficient in handling cash transactions accurately and efficiently. This position requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Throughout my experience as a Tim Hortons team member, I have developed excellent customer service skills, including handling customer complaints and concerns in a professional manner. I am also experienced in cash handling, accurately balancing cash drawers and maintaining accurate records. My ability to quickly learn and work efficiently under pressure has helped me consistently meet and exceed performance expectations. Additionally, I have great interpersonal skills and work well in a team environment, making me a valuable asset to any Tim Hortons location. Show less