For over 30 years the Festival Center has served as a hub for activists, artists, people of faith and no faith, seekers, and mission-driven groups. A landmark in the Adams Morgan neighborhood in Washington DC, the Center is home to numerous organizations and a generative source for movements for justice.

FARE’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, and to provide them hope through the promise of new treatments.Led patient education programs and community engagement strategy throughout the U.S. for people living with food allergies. Directed food allergy training program for early childcare and K-12 administrators and staff. Planned major event, FARECon Featuring Teen Summit. Managed $2M budget and team of nine in-house and remote staff.► Oversaw creation of learning management system to train industries that serve food to those with allergies, including restaurants and schools.► Developed programs for key audiences encouraging allergy-friendly policies. Audiences include colleges, schools, restaurants, primary/secondary educational institutions, and parents.► Launched community engagement initiatives by empowering volunteers to be active in their communities.► Influenced FDA action by demonstrating difficulty in filling prescriptions for those who live with food allergies. Created and distributed survey, gathered findings, and distributed press release highlighting issues.

GRACE is a nonprofit organization that was developed as a means of improving the overall medical care for cancer patients by democratizing cutting edge information on optimal cancer management and providing it directly to patients. Served as first executive director for startup nonprofit, after six years of volunteer management. Tasked with developing long-term sustainable success through strategic planning, fundraising, and budget management. Managed board of 12 comprised of doctors, scientists, and cancer caregivers; led staff and board through development and execution of strategic plan.► More than doubled revenue between 2013 and 2017 through grant writing for patient programs and direct mail fundraising campaigns.► Planned and executed nine in-person patient education forums with up to 140 attendees; moved to online events.► Expanded patient education programs to additional cancer types and languages (Spanish and Mandarin).► Directed planning and production of 600 patient education videos and webinars.► Masterminded and executed lung cancer awareness initiative, reaching 100,000+ patients and caregivers.

Nonprofit organization advocating for policies, research, education, and awareness for those affected by the disease. As organization’s first president, laid foundation by establishing operations and generating funds. Recruited and managed staff. Led grassroots advocacy initiatives, social media campaigns, and communications efforts. Began with staff of two and grew to 10 employees over seven-year period; managed multiple vendors and consultants.► Grew income from $350K to $1.3M over seven-year period by obtaining grants from pharmaceutical companies and by direct mail fundraising campaigns.► Recruited and managed board of business/community leaders, activists, and philanthropists.► Established strategic planning process that included yearly retreats and quarterly staff and board reviews.► Advocated for improved policies for those affected by colorectal cancer by engaging political leaders.► Spearheaded rebranding process to develop clearer name and logo to clarify and elevate the mission.

Nonprofit organization that educates public about diabetes and helps those affected by it through funding research initiatives.Generated media exposure for Washington, DC office events and programs. Coverage of nationwide programs ran on more than 50 affiliate stations nationwide. Planned and executed advocacy initiatives in support of menu labeling legislation targeted at the Washington, DC City Council. Key roles included public relations, community outreach, speechwriting, fundraising, health policy, grassroots training, and strategic planning.► Assisted office in raising $10M through events and programs by generating media exposure.► Enabled Diabetes Expo to attain 5,000 people in attendance, the largest turnout in the event’s history, by developing a relationship and sponsorship with local radio station.

Nonprofit organization that educates public about diabetes and helps those affected by it through funding research initiatives.Served as liaison between national policy staff and grassroots volunteer advocates nationwide. Key roles included grassroots training/lobbying, speechwriting, youth outreach, marketing/communications, fundraising, and teambuilding.► Impacted legislation on Capitol Hill and in the United Nations by leading fax, email and phone campaigns in support of, or in opposition to, policies of importance to those with diabetes. ► Facilitated in-person lobbying for volunteer advocates. Organized fly-in events for 300+ volunteers to meet in-person with congressional representatives. Coordinated state-wide event in state capitol with 100+ volunteers, resulting in eventual passage of bill. Educated professional lobbyists regarding needs of diabetes population.