Manage the Governor’s briefing process, including the creation and solicitation of all briefing materials, and the formation and delivery of the Governor’s daily briefing book. Review and approve all the Governor’s briefing documents. Prepare the Governor for external events, meetings, and calls, communicate and coordinate across departments to ensure the Governor’s feedback is incorporated into briefing materials and that briefing materials are current and updated in real time. Supervise a team of seven people across New York State, delegate assignments, set deadlines, enforce standards, and style guidance, foster intra-office communication and collaboration, provide structure and administrative support, and coordinate training and professional development opportunities. Responsible for setting department goals, directing long-term projects, and preparing weekly reports.

Responsible for managing advocacy campaigns and strategic projects for Met Council, including the emergency food, family violence, elder abuse, and workforce development programs. Oversee policy research, prepare testimony for government hearings, and meet with legislators at the City, State, and Federal level, including the White House, to advocate for anti-poverty policy initiatives. Work in collaboration with Met Council policy, governmental affairs, and development staff to build out Met Council’s policy and legislative priorities and provide support for government and philanthropic funding goals. Cultivate grass roots, government and donor support through outreach, education, and engagement campaigns.

Brief the Comptroller for all external meetings and events, work across departments to finalize all briefing materials including advance documents, talking points, speeches, policy memos, and background information. Draft and maintain a library of more than 150 policy papers, memos, and messaging documents on every issue for the Comptroller’s review. Work with department heads to prepare for editorial board meetings, interviews, speeches, and hearings. Design and oversee the “Rent and Credit” pilot program, which allows residents at two housing developments in NYC to have their rent counted towards their credit score. Foster relationships with all program partners. Work with our press and digital teams to re-design marketing materials and our community affairs and policy teams to set targeted outreach strategies and programmatic goals. Manage the “Take it To The Bank” initiative, develop relationships with banks across the tri-state area. Supervise and coordinate the CUNY Fellowship program and summer internship program. Determine all enrichment programming and training. Support department supervisors and 21 full-time fellows and 75 interns. Update and maintain the agency Wellness Portal, researching content to feature and drafting a weekly newsletter. Support Assistant Comptroller for Public Affairs by drafting and editing interagency correspondence and proofreading policy papers. Assist the Audit and Investigations Department with document review, timeline creation, and drafting of reports.

Oversee political and press strategy, draft all policy platforms. Support fundraising, events management, research, and day-to-day operations including, hiring and management of staff and ongoing coordination with the candidate.

FWD.us, is an immigration advocacy organization founded by tech and business leaders to mobilize the community around issues that will keep the U.S. competitive in the 21st century economy beginning with commonsense immigration reform and continuing with criminal justice reform. Dara originated the industry program and as the director, determines FWD.us’ strategy for developing and supporting relationships with industry leaders in strategic verticals including Fashion, Real Estate, Hospitality, Agriculture, Healthcare, Finance and Tech.

As the Northeast Director Dara oversaw FWD.us’ strategy for New York, Massachusetts and the surrounding states, including planning events, recruiting surrogates, and engaging elected officials and press.

The New York Regional Director managed all grassroots and grasstops relationships, congressional advocacy, and media outreach in New York and New Jersey.

Hired as the New York organizer, quickly promoted to New York Manager- drafting and executing the strategic plan for congressional and grassroots engagement in NY.

Gilda's Club is an award winning non-profit organization offering free social and emotional support to anyone impacted by cancer; family members, care givers, friends, teens, and children. All Associate Board Members commit to:• Raise or donate at least $1,000 annually • Organize fundraisers, award shows, happy hours and other events for members and supporters • Promote awareness through volunteer opportunities, community gatherings, and social mediaIf you'd like to learn more about how you can support this amazing organization- visit http://www.gildasclubnyc.org/

Collaborate with Loyal to design a press strategy and media training for their client, Bus Federation. Prepare and lead a 3 hour media and spokesperson workshop for Bus Federation organizers including: -Messaging guidance -Interviewing basics -Interviewing strategies-Developing FAQs and practice scenarios to take home.

As a member of the SAS State and Local Government team, Dara: • Worked with local agencies in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island to help them adopt business intelligence and analytics solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness • Educated stakeholders on SAS and our commitment to local government through meetings, events, public hearings, policy briefings and social media.• Organized presentations and demonstrations for clients and prospects• Supported clients by coordinating trainings, product overviews, and expediting technical support questions or issues.

Dara was honored to run for New York City Council to represent the 4th District. Regrettably the race ended when the incumbent Councilman chose to run for a third term in office rather than continue his campaign for city-wide office. As a first time candidate for public office Dara:• Engaged supporters, political groups, women’s organizations, unions, elected officials, and community leaders on local issues such as education, zoning, and economic development• Prepared all correspondence to supporters including thank you notes and fundraising appeals • Oversaw all website content and social media accounts• Organized fundraisers and supporter events

• Coordinated communications and correspondence between the Department and elected officials • Relayed and helped craft all external communications • Briefed Chancellor Walcott and Deputies for meetings with elected officials and town halls• Helped organize and manage public hearings and Panel for Education Policy meetings• Represented the Department at community forums and fairs

• Interned in June 2007, hired as a Casework/District Rep in June 2008.• Sept 2009 promoted to Dir. of Community Outreach• Drafted speeches and talking points for press conferences and speaking engagements• Responsible for all casework involving immigration, unemployment, workers comp, and education• Hired, trained and supervised all interns and volunteers• Represented and delivered remarks and testimony at meetings and public hearings • Organized town hall meetings and community forums • Advised Congresswoman on community concerns including, school overcrowding, East River waterfront development, rent stabilization, hydro-fracking, and transportation projects

• Drafted press releases and fielded press inquiries. • Updated and created press lists and quote logs • Screened tapes and distributed press clippings to producers, executives, and relevant stakeholders

• Founding member of non profit organization with mission to bring Jewish and Arab Israeli youths together through music and arts instruction • Drafted press releases and spoke to local media

• Researched all rights related questions and advised on information found. • Processed licenses and ensured that licensors got paid on time.• Produced bi-weekly department magazine composed of articles from various trades.• Contributed research used in the Google-Viacom law suit.

• Helped with coordination and operation of major events and fundraisers.• phone banked for upcoming events• Assisted with updating and maintaining contact lists• Answered and directed incoming calls