In this role, I manage all educational programs developed by Two Bit Circus and Two Bit Circus Foundation including the STEAM Carnival. I also handle staff and client and corporate relationships, strategic planning, mergers, and acquisitions. As a result of the first merger the name of the organization changed from T4T.org to Two Bit Circus Foundation in 2017, and I remained Executive Director. In 2013 I was offered a six-month contract as Executive Director of a small non-profit called Trash for Teaching (T4T). The challenge was to find ways to build and promote our educational services to schools and educators or help the Founders close down T4T.org. We began to offer Professional Development, educational experiences in our facility as well as in schools throughout Los Angeles County and as a result have experienced a 25 - 30% increase in our cash flow every year since 2013. In 2017 T4T became the Two Bit Circus Foundation (2BCF). In 2018 2BCF purchased the assets of two smaller non-profits bringing their educational programs under the big tent. LA Makerspace and Imagination.org became divisions of 2BCF and shortly after that, my role changed from Executive Director to CEO of the Two Bit Circus Foundation overseeing all divisions.

ExoDexa develops educational video games to enhance the educational experience of students. The approach of the organization is to encourage students to take agency over their education while building an entrepreneurial mindset and 21st century skills such as collaboration, problem solving, critical and creative thinking.

Leah is a leading freelance consultant and public speaker. As a consultant, Leah identifies and captures new markets. As a speaker, Leah deals with topics such as organizational ethics, failure as growth, and leadership opportunities in business and social endeavors. She is a natural at the development of markets and a strong voice in the search for effective educational reform. Equally comfortable with executive teams and crews, Leah is a troubleshooter with strong conflict resolution skills. She identifies problems, mediates issues, and implements appropriate solutions with grace and ease.

During my undergraduate and Masters studies (2007-10) at Antioch University Los Angeles, I worked as a teaching assistant to the Distinguished Professor Dr. Albert Erdynast, who was teaching Adult Developmental Theory in the context of a variety of subjects, ranging from ethical issues in business to human rights, and through the analysis of dramatic films. I progressed from teaching assistant to Adjunct Faculty at AULA in 2011 and Faculty at Ryokan College. I conducted research designed to test the validity of Kohlberg’s methods of measuring adult moral development. As an experienced interviewer, I effectively gather and analyze data, and review relevant research in all areas of adult development.

Responsibilities include organizational management, succession planning, volunteer training, fund raising and growth opportunities. The relationships with manufacturers and government officials is essential to the growth and development of T4T. This has been an area of keen focus that has garnered wide support and respect for the organization within the manufacturing community and in City and State government. The second chapter of T4T is opening in Fresno in the fall of 2015 and discussions are underway with a manufacturing and education community in Taiwan to explore the possibility of a T4T chapter in Taiwan in 2016.

Responsibilities include developing curriculum and lecturing. Courses are based on adult developmental issues through the lens of dramatic films, human rights issues, literature, and art. Some time is also spent advising and mentoring enrolled adult students.

General HR management included labor laws, policies, and overall procedures for the school. Supervised all activities, including the creation and implementation of training programs for the coaching team and career development for students. Designed curriculum, as well as marketing plans, oversaw hiring and firing, and developed compensation plans for staff.

Oversaw all issues pertaining to the Agency’s $20.6 million in annual billings. Responsible for all HR and business functions, including hiring and training, and the development of systems used for reporting and evaluating the effectiveness of agents and staff. Effectively solicited new clients and agents; developed and implemented training programs; negotiated contracts; and served as a liaison between studios and cinematographers’ and editors’ unions. Successfully increased the per-dollar-average of our client revenue base by 35%.

Established and marketed an entertainment and new media practice for the sixth largest international executive search firm. Focused on hiring and training research team members, and coached junior search consultants. Worked with Sony, Warner Bros., and Paramount, as well as other cable and entertainment companies/conglomerates. Represented our firm at film festivals, seminars, and events. Met and exceeded projected sales figures for my division.

Oversaw all business operations for this sports and event market company, including hiring and training a staff for sponsorship sales. DWA Canada was the agency of record for the National Hockey League. I was instrumental in establishing a team to build a long overdue, state-of-the-art Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, by successfully selling $60M in sponsorships.

LHEC was a television production and event marketing company. I oversaw all areas of sponsorship sales, new business development, and marketing. I was the liaison for both internal and external stakeholders. My responsibilities included negotiating contracts with stations, suppliers, sponsors, and community stakeholders. I approved budgets, marketing, and execution plans for a variety of productions and events. The Hanes Report was a feminist magazine show and LHEC's signature television series, running for five years. We produced 104 episodes, which aired on a variety of stations, including Global Television Network and many CTV affiliates. Sponsorships for the series included General Motors, Esso, Bank of Montreal, and Manufacturers Life. I developed budgets and storyboards for the series, edited stories, and performed as on-air talent--delivering the finished product on time and on budget.