TastemakersAfrica, is a venture-backed peer to peer experiences marketplace connecting local insiders to curious travelers looking to see Africa, beyond safaris. An end-to-end disruption, this mobile-first platform offers access to quality, exclusive, and authentic experiences hosted by the people charting Africa's future every day. Tastemakers Africa has hosted more than 3,000+ travelers across 6 countries and has built partnerships and campaigns with Uber, Radisson Blu, AFROPUNK, and South African Airways.

VC Funded ed-tech startup focused on educational tools for children affected with or by disease.

• Pioneered the development of new funding opportunities to the institution in the private and foundation sectors resulting in new relationships and visibility beyond bilateral donors.• Collaborated on a partnership model for an integrated mobile platform for agricultural development in Mexico for the telecommunications industry.• Steered organizational external communications from solely scientific publication to empathetic storytelling resulting in new donor contacts, inclusion in Clinton Global Initiative and World Economic Forum events, and closer coordination with USAID and other bilateral donors.• Created the “Smart Farmer” concept for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation illustrating how integrated agricultural technologies could create a new generation of highly productive, sustainable small farmers.• Spearheaded private sector engagement for the launch of the Borlaug Institute for South Asia connecting with CitiBank India, John Deere, Mosaic, and others in support of this $100 Million USD institution.

• Alleviated competing priorities among external relations units by managing the external events calendar and providing strategic direction on achieving organizational goals by working collaboratively.• Created events for partners, donors, supporters, and advocates in 6 key U.S. markets using events, celebrities, corporate partnerships, and relationship management to drive activities.• Coordinated live audience in-theatre engagement and promotion for the film adaption of “Half the Sky”.• Created “CARE on Tour” integrating global field staff into advocacy and fundraising activities resulting in nearly $1 Million in revenue for the organization.• Spearheaded CEO Engagement strategy to align organizational strategic interests with CEO appearances.

• Enlisted the Mayor of Atlanta, celebrities, and dignitaries in “Atlanta CAREs for Haiti” an initiative to mobilize support of Haiti after the earthquake.• Promoted CARE’s development work and advocacy initiatives through targeted outreach to top-tier national and international media outlets.• Authored and edited a wide range of written materials, including speeches/talking points, briefing papers, bylines, opinion editorials, and press releases. • Pitched CARE’s humanitarian response to the Gaza Crisis resulting in coverage on CNN, CNN International, BBC, CBS 45 Atlanta, and Fox news.

• Generated visibility for WINGS as a thought leader on women’s issues through media outreach.• Marketed WINGS resale shops as a socially responsible way to support victims of domestic violence.• Organized media advisories and press conferences around key legislation for domestic violence victims resulting in coverage the Chicago Tribune and local ABC, NBC, and FOX affiliates.• Spearheaded direct mail fundraising campaign raising $250,000 USD - a 20% increase over the prior year.• Revamped Annual Report to better highlight accomplishments and impact.

Enhance visibility for WHO Global Salm-Surv by raising the programs profile both at CDC and in international public health forums through presentations at conferences and forums on foodborne disease.• Authored content for e-communication to a 9,000 member global listserv.• Received editorial coverage in CDC Connects, reaching 10,000+ staff worldwide, with program news.• Established a partnership with the National Center for Health Marketing.• Conceptualized a 3-year strategic marketing plan resulting in the formation of a marketing subcommittee.• Co-chaired an international working group on determining the burden of foodborne disease using DALY’s. Proposal presented at European Union meeting on burden of illness in Utrecht, Netherlands.• Coordinated an international foodborne disease training course for 47 microbiologists and epidemiologists in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Assist the International Affairs team in identifying and defining best practices in policy and services for the 50+ population around the world through research and communications initiatives.• Generated editorial content for AARP International publications including Aging Advances, E-Health Today, and others.• Produced the Bi-Weekly Report on International Health which informed key stakeholders and board members on prescription drug, health IT, and healthcare financing news and policy developments.• Prepared briefing memorandums for senior-level officials and board members ahead of international meetings and embassy presentations.• Compiled country profiles in health and social care for the elderly by working with international ministries of health and pensions. Information used as background material for book on Global Health and Aging, published in 2007.