Samantha Brown Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

The Sypher Productions is an interdisciplinary creative consultancy and event productioncompany that serves artists, changemakers, and creators from diverse identities andartistic backgrounds. We provide project management services and administrativeresources to artists that self-identify as creative entrepreneurs, community-builders,spacemakers, curators, social impact workers, nonprofit arts organizations, and more. Our approach is grounded in strategic relationship building, customer relationship management, andcollaboration. To honor how no artist’s process and working style is the same, all ofour services are thoughtfully tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. We serveas a thought partner for clients to turn to when they are feeling stuck about theircreative priorities, strategy, operations, and/or next big idea; ensuring successfulproject execution by helping clients prioritize their creative practices, dream projects,and long-term visions. We focus on the behind-the-scenes production componentsand administrative project support so that our collaborators are creatively free to seetheir most profound ideas come to life.2024 clients have inclued See Chicago Dance, Brooks Permissions Praize Productions, Inc. and Queen Herawin/Voice Voyagers.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

As the volunteer assistant to the executive director of civic leadership at the University of Chicago's Office of Civic Engagement, I work to strengthen existing administrative and operational systems and to develop new ones that ensure the sustainability of the Civic Actor Studio and its related programming. The Civic Actor Studio, a destination for renewal for civic leaders, serves as a retreat for civic leaders, a place for reflection, challenge, support, and growth. By offering a 4-day retreat, the Civic Actor Studio helps individuals working for the betterment of their communities with improving their own leadership by identifying, diversifying, and rehearsing a set of authentic characters. Leadership development, when viewed as a performance art, can be enhanced by a community of care that uses techniques from classic theater. I also collect participant impact story and data collection. in efforts to track and map the Civic Actor Studio network, and how it's been an influential incubator for relationship development, partnership cultivation, and trust acceleration.In September 2023, the Civic Actor Studio began partnering with the Cook County Justice Advisory Council on the "Community of Care" Initiative, which is providing support and coalition-building resources for 150 violence prevention organizations throughout Chicago until December 2024. This work involves overseeing logistics; as well as maintaining information for the different virtual and in-person humanities-based programming activities being offered to eight different cohorts of 15-20 participants each. My experience supporting this program and its efforts to build relationships rooted in trust across so many different organizations and their senior/executive leadership has been invaluable.

United States

Evolution Management Consultants (EMC) is a new consulting firm working to support the development of a non-profit sector that is increasingly healthy, inclusive, expansive, and forward-thinking. We offer search and strategic planning consulting services to help non-profits understand their past and examine their present in order to be intentional about their future. EMC places our clients as a top priority by providing a highly individualized and boutique experience throughout our process.

-FOH/logistics/hospitality coordinator for Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project photoshoots & performances -DanceConnect Worldwide production assistant and collaborator for special events, i.e., 2023 EPIC Conference-Manager and booking agent for LeftJones: six-piece R&B/Hip-Hop/Jazz Fusion band

-Collaborated with executive leadership on the development plans for Deeply Rooted’s future institutional home-Created PowerPoint and other promotional materials outlining the vision for and components of the space -Hosted meetings, fundraising events, and pitch presentations about the project with partner organizations -Served as a liaison between staff, capital campaign committee members, board of directors, and executive team

Greater Chicago Area

Executive Assistant-Served as Liaison to DRDT Board of Directors, and personal assistant to the Creative Director, Kevin Iega Jeff-Coordinated important calendar meetings, led weekly staff meetings, and worked directly with all management staff on special projects-Streamlined staff-wide communication and announcements

-Oversaw Dance Education Programs for Chicago's premier Dance Company, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, including Mature H.O.T Women, Men Moving, Summer Dance Intensive, and Youth Ensemble, along with special Community Outreach Workshops-Worked with the Dance Education Director to recruit students for all youth and adult education programs-Monitored and recorded tuition/class payments for all education programs in conjunction with Finance Director -Supervised administrative and intern personnel for all dance education programming and special performances -Organized and arranged all aspects of national Summer Dance Intensive Audition Tours each year -Wrote annual program budgets and tracked participant data according to strategic plan goals and projections

Greater Chicago Area

-Served as the Office/Administrative Coordinator for AileyCamp Chicago, a free 6-week summer day camp where young people ages 11-14 learn to dance and explore their creativity. This program helps youth develop their self-confidence in an atmosphere of warmth, respect, and trust. Campers take dance classes from experienced teaching artists in popular styles such as West African, jazz, ballet, and the Lester Horton technique. Campers also participate in workshops to build leadership and communication skills, and enjoy a variety of athletic and social activities.-Worked closely with Chicago Park District, LAMP Mentoring, and other West Side community partners -Recruited and interviewed prospective students one-on-one prior to camp-Provided hands-on assistance to other staff members in their classes when necessary-Supported the Camp Director in planning staff meetings, field trips, special events, and final performance-Monitored program budget by tracking line item and petty cash spending -Created manual and electronic filing systems to organize camper paperwork and medical records -Conducted camper evaluations to track their growth over the course of the camp session-Mediated arguments between campers and assisted with conflict resolution -Served as primary contact person for camp parents, guardians, AileyCamp alumni network, and volunteers

Greater Chicago Area

-Curated and Stage Managed the Monday night local talent night, "The Corner Series, spotlighting prominent up and coming performing artists in Chicago's young creative industry-Coordinated hospitality, day of show schedules, and marketing efforts for all performers -Ensured a positive experience with venue clientele by greeting and assisting patrons-Served as a box office attendant, usher, and production staff member

Philips Gym, Oberlin, Ohio

-Taught Hip Hop choreography classes to Oberlin college students and community members

Oberlin, Ohio

-Worked the Front Door at Oberlin’s campus venue and served customers -Assisted venue clientele with potential concerns, issues, and lost personal items -Maintained and cleaned the venue through mopping, sweeping, bar upkeep-Stocked the bar and performed inventory

The Dionysus Club

-Booked sold out concerts for the student body featuring Chance The Rapper, Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), Chuck D, Thundercat, and Kendrick Lamar-Hosted performances by the I Love Vinyl DJ Collective, Kids These Days, Oddisee, Brother Ali, and various student performers -Negotiated contracts, facilitated pre- and day-of-show logistics for on-campus concerts-Coordinated advertising and promotion efforts for upcoming events-Collaborated with staff and other student marketing organizations

Master Of Science - Ms, In Leadership For Creative Enterprises

Relevant Coursework: -Economics for Creative Enterprises -Business Models for Creative Enterprises -The Power of Strategic Storytelling.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), African-American/Black Studies Major, Dance Minor

Activities and Societies: Student Union Programming Committee, Chair and Treasurer Hip Hop 101 Committee, Chair and Treasurer Oberlin.

Education record

Activities and Societies: National Honor Society, Key Club, Color Guard/Winter Guard, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra