I have extensive experience in community building and public service, with an emphasis on advocacy, communications, education, culture and public affairs; serving diverse constituents of all ages and interests in many different capacities. My strong communications and organizational skills coupled with my customer service “people” skills are among my strongest assets. I have worked with and managed diverse staffs as well as large teams of volunteers. 

 

I have been involved in community-based initiatives for most of my professional career, working with non-profit organizations in staff and board positions; as a reviewer of programs for funders at the local, state and national levels; and as part of national collaborations involving education, youth development, and human services. I have both evaluated and operated programs that address pressing local needs, and have been involved with leading nationally recognized, award-winning initiatives that took innovative approaches to serious community problems. 

 

As a former Executive Director of a highly effective yet underfunded organization addressing childhood literacy, obesity and character development, I have first-hand understanding of what it takes to be successful in an environment where needs outpace resources and where accountability is more critical than ever. As a board member of the statewide Florida Association of Museums and in my role as Director of Education for several successful cultural organizations, I have experience in developing programs, workshops and conferences for a variety of participants, as well as years of presenting in front of audiences of all ages and sizes. I have been the president of a board for a national collaboration involving science centers all across the United States, which has given me experience at bringing many different organizations, people and interests together for common goals. 

 

I maintain strong community ties in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties through my volunteer and professional work experience. Testament to this commitment to the South Florida community, I've been fortunate to have been honored recently with two awards I am particularly proud of: YMCA of Broward County's Youth Advocacy Center Volunteer of the Year for 2010, and the Haitian Heritage Museum’s Cultural Achiever Award for 2009.

 

Recently, I’ve become very involved in spearheading community initiatives and developing messages to influence referendums and public policy. I am well versed in dealing with highly politically charged issues and finding thoughtful consensus solutions. In 2014, I helped repeal "Controlled Choice" an antiquated, ineffective school registration policy that had been in place for decades in the Miami-Dade Public Schools System for the City of Coral Gables. Our group, the "Controlled Choice Citizen’s Committee", help lead the charge to reform an outdated system, working closely with elected officials, school district personnel, attorneys, and the opposition. The success of our efforts led to my appointment on a major citizens’ board for the City of Coral Gables, for which I was elected chair.

 

My knowledge of fundraising and the non-profit community, my numerous years of management experience and my familiarity with grassroots advocacy and community building give me a keen insight that I believe could be of value to you and your project.

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My goal is to take all the experience and wisdom I've gained through my life's work to help you successfully achieve your goals. I look forward to hearing from you today to discuss your exciting project and how working together we can make it a success!