Power a Clean Future Ohio empowers local governments and community members by providing tools and resources to implement climate action plans and clean energy policies that are achievable, measurable, equitable, and economical.As the Deputy Director of Power a Clean Future Ohio, my responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks. I oversee the implementation of programming initiatives, which involves designing and launching new programs, monitoring the effectiveness of current ones, and adjusting strategies as necessary. Additionally, I manage the organization's financial operations, including budget planning, financial reporting, and ensuring financial stability. Lastly, I handle the day-to-day operations of the organization, which includes staff management, setting operational goals, and ensuring these goals are achieved.

During my time as Community Resource Coordinator at Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, I played a key role in driving fundraising, strategic planning, technical support, and food systems planning and programming.In this role, I oversaw community gardens, the Warren Farmers Market, and the Mahoning Valley Farmers Market Network. I ensured the smooth functioning of these community assets, connecting local growers and consumers.One significant achievement was leading the creation and expansion of the Healthy Community Store Program. This initiative improved access to healthy and affordable food in underserved areas. By collaborating with store owners and community members, I ensured the program's sustainability and impact.I also engaged in evaluation, program communication, marketing, volunteer recruitment, community outreach, and coalition building. I believe in collaboration and collective resource fundraising to achieve our goals. I worked to strengthen partnerships and maximize our impact.This role showcased my ability to collaborate with stakeholders, including community members, businesses, government agencies, and non-profits. By leveraging collective resources, I supported food systems planning and programming, contributing to our community's well-being and resilience.

During my time as the GROW Program Manager in Warren I played a key role in managing TNP's Food Programming AmeriCorps VISTA and project. This involved overseeing program implementation, expansion, and fundraising efforts to surpass our goals.One notable achievement was leading the management and expansion of the Warren Farmers Market. By implementing strategic initiatives and fostering community partnerships, I increased sales and community engagement, benefiting local farmers, vendors, and the area's economy.To ensure long-term sustainability, I developed and completed the Warren Farmers Market Strategic Plan. This roadmap considered market trends, consumer preferences, and stakeholder feedback, guiding the market's growth for years to come.Additionally, I managed the GROW Community Garden Program, providing technical support to over ten gardens annually. Through guidance, workshops, and community events, I empowered gardeners to cultivate their own fresh produce.To maximize resources, I leveraged community partnerships and secured funding for program initiatives. These strategies enhanced program effectiveness and allowed us to continue delivering impactful programs and services to the community.

As the Market Coordinator at the Warren Farmers Market, I held a pivotal role in the management, vendor relations, and marketing of the market. With a deep understanding of the local agricultural landscape and a passion for promoting community engagement, I successfully oversaw all aspects of the weekly market, ensuring its smooth operation and growth.In terms of management, I took charge of coordinating and organizing the market activities. This involved meticulous planning and scheduling, ensuring that all vendors had allocated spaces, and that the market layout was optimized for a seamless customer experience. I also implemented efficient operational procedures, guaranteeing that the market ran smoothly from setup to teardown.Building strong relationships with vendors was a key aspect of my role. I actively engaged with local farmers, artisans, and producers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. By understanding their unique needs and requirements, I ensured that the market offered a diverse range of high-quality products, supporting and promoting local businesses.To drive awareness and foot traffic, I developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategies. Leveraging my exceptional communication skills, I effectively utilized various channels such as social media, email newsletters, and local advertising platforms to promote the Warren Farmers Market. I also collaborated with local media outlets to secure coverage and generate buzz around the market, further increasing its visibility within the community.

As a Lead Fry and Prep Cook at a large concession stand, I demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by supervising and guiding a team of employees. Through my 15+ years of expertise in the food service industry, I was able to make minor and easy-to-implement recommendations in product procurement that significantly increased efficiency and sales margins. By optimizing our procurement process, we were able to save money and increase profitability.

As a GIS Specialist at the Portage Park District, I created and managed a comprehensive database of GIS information, incorporating data from various state resources and conducting on-the-ground data collection. This included mapping topography and infrastructure to support park planning and management.In addition, I collaborated with the Portage Park District team to understand their unique research and service needs. I effectively communicated these requirements to the faculty at Kent State University, fostering the development of service learning coursework opportunities. These initiatives not only enhanced students' educational experiences but also provided valuable information and data to benefit the park district.I had the privilege of sharing my experiences as a panelist at the NCSCE's national symposium in Washington DC. Alongside other educators, I discussed the successful implementation of GIS methodologies and their impact on science and civic engagement. This event took place in September of 2014.Overall, my role as a GIS Specialist allowed me to contribute to the effective management and growth of the Portage Park District, leveraging my expertise in GIS technology and fostering collaborative partnerships with academic institutions.

As a Lead Line Cook at a restaurant specializing in American cuisine, I demonstrated exceptional management skills by overseeing kitchen operations and ensuring smooth workflow. In addition to my primary role as a line cook, I also took on responsibilities such as coordinating and delegating tasks, training and mentoring new staff members, and ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation standards. Through effective communication and organization, I successfully managed a team and maintained a high level of quality and efficiency in food preparation.