I lead government and external affairs initiatives, overseeing public-private partnerships, community outreach, policy, and grants.KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:► Introduced a minority-owned small business grant program and proactively provided an internal $25K grant to the restaurant owner. Obtained $28K in two external grants and made connections resulting in a $75K low-interest loan for the grocery store owner to help with funding in a volatile economy.► Led a community coalition to double the length of a bike route in Tempe, a $1.8M project, including sidewalks, bus shelters, ADA ramps, and lighting. Presented to the city council, earning unanimous approval with a $240K budget extension.► Sponsored the City of Tempe’s first asphalt art project with artist selection and installation at the public library. ► Earned the mayor’s City of Tempe Bike Hero award (May 2022) for hosting an eight-week bike camp for children and co-founding a local chapter for Cycling Without Age to take older and disabled adults on weekly bike rides.

I was hired to drive the business development efforts for securing commercial tenants and building a waitlist for 695 apartment units within the company’s first car-free development project. KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:► Constructed the leasing program for 695 apartments, creating the sales process through HubSpot CRM. ► Pre-leased the first phase one year ahead of opening. Secured 275+ apartment pre-deposits in six months. Conducted 750+ calls and instituted the pre-deposit program. The community currently has 500+ pre-deposits.► Built the commercial leasing program, establishing a grocery store, restaurant, coffee shop, and bicycle store presence within the community. Developed the lease funnel, obtained 17 LOIs, and negotiated and signed all leases within one year.

In this role, I drove the business development efforts to establish and manage commercial partnerships that provide funding for eligible members to lead unique community projects. ► Executed a rebranding initiative and built a pipeline of 10+ prospective funding partners. Rebuilt their marketing materials and pitch deck for all their partnership and business outreach efforts.► Bolstered the communication and outreach strategy for corporate and foundation leaders by authoring blog posts for social impact reporting of successful project leaders in the Phoenix Microsoft Challenge.

As an independent consultant, I led a variety of projects including serving as a facilitator, speaker, and trainer. I also attended a professional farm-to-table culinary program and acted as a line cook as part of the founding team at Nobu in Palo Alto.KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:► Developed curriculum on Managing Social Impact Organizations for the Amani Institute, teaching courses in Brazil, India, and Kenya. Served as a keynote speaker and facilitator on technology, innovation, development, and gender justice for partnership with Oxfam USA.► Led project management for Arizona State University digital healthcare solutions conference and the Health Innovation Exhibition with over 700 attendees.► Supported teachers as social entrepreneurs to help improve their classrooms and the community, serving as a coach for the Teach for America (TFA) Graduate Fellows Program through a partnership with Delta State University in Mississippi.

I joined the team to build the Ashoka U program, a global university network for social innovation education. Developed a sustainable business model resulting in a $1.5M annual budget and managed a team of 10 across three countries. KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:► Co-founded Ashoka U within Ashoka, leading all aspects of the program from concept to execution, the first education program of its kind at the higher education level. ► Built accreditation partnerships with senior leaders at 40 academic institutions. Enabled institutions to introduce entrepreneurship classes, centers, and community impact initiatives across three programs. ► Created and launched the annual conference, growing it from three participating universities to over 400 with 700 attendees.► Raised $5M+ in funding by partnering with high-wealth entrepreneurs. Secured a $1.5M grant from the Moxie Foundation.

I co-directed the startup of the U.S. office to the Escuela Nueva Foundation, securing $1.1M in grants. I also implemented teacher training in Guyana supporting disadvantaged youth and spearheaded the Entrepreneuring Peace campaign for high conflict situations.

I was tasked with conducting an impact evaluation on a community needs survey in the favela of Morro dos Macacos in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I also supported partnership strategy with corporations, including Johnson and Johnson and Unilever, for market research in underserved communities.