Lashaunda Pickett-René, M.P.A. Email & Phone Number

New Orleans, La, Us

consulting services to organizations and individuals related to policy development and advocacy, training and facilitation, program development, management and auditing, leadership and management assessment and supplementary services as needed.

Texas, United States

Greater New Orleans And Baton Rouge Areas

Greater New Orleans Area

As the the Manager of Business Services and Program Development for TruFund Financial Services, LaShaunda is responsible for the development, management, and implementation of business service initiatives and programming, which includes the Restore Louisiana Small Business program. A focal-point for her work is growing and sustaining quality programs and services for Louisiana businesses. Relationship management and resource development are also critical components of her work with TruFund.

Jackson, Mississippi Area

I am responsible for Identifying and cultivating opportunities for funding and community partnerships to enhance membership and program development opportunities; as well as developing proposals for grant funding. I regularly represent the organization and speak publicly to the importance and benefits of adult and girl membership; in addition to the need for community, corporate and other organizational support. As well as, building relationships with community leaders and organizations to create and enhance Girl Scout programming and reach.I have in my role planned and Implemented training and development conferences for volunteers and other members. I have managed and developed a team of Specialists to recruit, support and lead volunteers in 45 Counties. Planned strategically and coordinated with multi-departmental managers to create a synergetic approach to the improvement of organizational impact, visibility and volunteer engagement. Standardized and streamlined the internal and external systems for membership support and communication. Developed Training Curriculum and a community based recruitment model that created buy-in for volunteer leaders and other potential members; to ensure quality programming and experiences are created for girl members. I have also, spearheaded programming, training and visibility efforts to support and create a quality GSLE for members and to raise and enhance the public profile of the organization.

Played a key role in the strategic cultural change within the organization; which includes leading the organization into compliance on 34 of 35 provisions outlined in Federal Court Orders, a Consent Decree, and a Memorandum of Agreement; heading policy development for the Division to embrace best practice and accepted standards, which lead to the approval, implementation and success of key policies and objectives; including the development, revision and modification of 138 policies and procedures; furthermore, forming the foundation for proper operational practices and employee development; leading and facilitating training sessions for line, supervisory, administrative and executive staff to ensure a practical understanding and application of organizational policies and procedures and quality of implementation; being an active member of the Quality Assurance Team, by developing and implementing audit standards and establishing compliance levels for internal audits, which are used to monitor, evaluate and improve staff performance and operational integrity; developing reports and tools to foster the achievement of compliance objectives with aforementioned policies, agreements, standards and orders; conducting and coordinating executive management meetings as well as policy briefings for executive level agency staff; collaborating and consulting with diverse individuals; and embracing a key role in strategic planning efforts.

Headed community development and outreach efforts, including the management of the Hurricane Katrina One-Stop Center, which successfully assisted citizens gravely affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in securing housing, food, utility and transportation subsidies and other essentials; and the planning, organization and implementation of a senior citizen housing improvement campaign, in addition to other community outreach efforts with the surrounding business community, which included the recruitment of potential employees. Identified funding sources and opportunities, through the development and revision of proposals and related budgets to funding sources for the solicitation of corporate and organizational sponsorships and donations. Recruited and managed volunteer staff for various community outreach and development activities and programs. Represented organization publicly in community organization meetings and in consultation with local businesses, which lead to higher visibility of the organization in the community as well as an improved awareness of programs and resources available through the organization

Managed grant writing process, identified funding sources and opportunities and established in writing objectives, standards and control measures for actual and proposed programs. Provided assistance and guidance in the development and expansion of programmatic activities, implementation of marketing strategies, provided technical support and established and implemented organizational goals and objectives. Collaborated with programmatic and project staff and as well as outside partner organizations to better serve community. Defined and refined strategic efforts to improve organizational visibility, position and influence in community, programmatic effectiveness. Represented organization publicly in community meetings. Collaborated and worked regularly with other staff and external sources to collect and organize relevant information and activities.

Played key role in changing the image of the City of New Orleans from that of a “play place” to a business friendly and focused environment, and in building community awareness; by being selected as 1 of 6 representatives to act as a liaison between the Mayor’s office and area businesses; actively worked to create a an atmosphere of accessibility for those interested in joining, retaining and growing the business community in New Orleans; worked collaboratively with team members to identify strategies to access the business community and to evaluate effectiveness of outreach efforts; developed expertise on local, State, and Federal economic development related policies, programs and incentives; initiated and maintained relationships with business owners throughout the city, by educating them on available and beneficial programs and incentives to retain and expand their business; identified and provided labor resources to fulfill the employment needs of area businesses; and maintained a database of area businesses and economic development needs.

Served as fundamental component for the development of marketing campaigns by assisting in the formulation and coordination of activities related to market research and information/data management; by tracking, analyzing and interpreting Nielson ratings, and assisting lead researcher with report writing and record management.

Lead the introduction of an innovative and exciting company’s attempt at penetrating a highly competitive and saturated t-shirt market; by provided fist class service and maintaining an environment where customers and employees enjoyed being, and consistently leading the team in sales; managing store operations, work activities and assigned tasks delegated to staff; assisting in the formulation and direction of marketing strategies; evaluated effectiveness of store operations and service; identifying training needs of staff and conducting appropriate trainings; and establishing standards, objectives and control measures for staff to implement and followed-up for quality control.

B.A., International Business And French Studies

Education record

M.P.A, Public Administration

Activities and Societies: ASPA