Shirin Jafari, Mta Email & Phone Number

United States

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Destination Strategic and Master Planning Lead

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Having consulted with 30+ global & North American clients, I directed NextFactor’s signature DestinationNEXT program and utilized external partnerships toward full program automation, leading to a client base expansion of 300+. I collaborated on 15+ organization strategic plans through facilitating stakeholder and board of directors engagement sessions, analyzing client data, recommending tailored strategies and tactics, and traveling to client locations for visioning workshops. I supported NextFactor's business development activities and streamlined the proposal creation process, acquiring projects from renowned North American destinations. As part of the master and strategic planning teams, I lead the development of in-depth destination situation assessments, leveraging stakeholder engagement and research to analyze and develop clear and implementable Organization Strategic Plans for North American clients.

San Francisco, California, United States

As one of the few employees in a small business, I fully designed, managed, and maintained NoveDentrix's website, providing a user-friendly interface for clients. I created targeted messaging and social media ads on various platforms generating 1000+ reach per week, along with a detailed virtual booking and appointment system for the company. I also liaised between clients and consultants to curate efficient personalized educational courses targeting clients' needs. I expanded program offerings and developed three hybrid educational plans with a projected ROI increase of 5%. Managing budgets and expenses, I developed and implemented a comprehensive strategy for the program team, including how different projects interlink and overlap.

San Francisco Bay Area

I spearheaded the development of a comprehensive and innovative citywide sustainable tourism plan, aligning it to the requirements of Visit California and training staff on sustainability. I managed information for 100+ leads and prospects on Salesforce, maintaining long-term relationships with stakeholders and providing account executives with sales opportunities. I also partnered cross-functionally with marketing and membership departments in managing 10 in-person and virtual partner development events for outreach to up to 250 partners. Throughout the pandemic crisis, I helped implement successful destination recovery strategies including airline marketing, itinerary design, and webinar management.

International Institute Of Tourism Studies- Washington, Dc

As a graduate research assistant and tourism consultant, I collaborated with GWU professors on various research and event projects alongside acclaimed tourism and international organizations such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Hosteling International, Organization of American States, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Destinations International. I collected and interpreted data for projects, developing surveys, producing deliverables and tracking KPIs, analyzing literature, and planning event logistics. Throughout the assignments, I analyzed 5000+ survey data, produced statistical analysis reports on 25+ destination data, and liaised with 20 stakeholders.

I worked on the development of a comprehensive guide for practical implementation of sustainability into the tourism industry and businesses of St. Kitts and Nevis, which was later on adjusted for universal applicability to all tourism businesses around the world that aim to become sustainable. I also conducted initial research and prepared a situation analysis report for the Caribbean-Pacific Alliance’s Blue Economy Challenge and created reports and analytical destination assessment deliverables on behalf of STI for Heart of St. Kitts Foundation.

Italy

I led the tourism governance team with five online and in-person consultants and delegated tasks to larger consulting team from project start to culmination with a final report, which provided the Abruzzo Region in Italy with a viable set of action plans for developing ecotourism and attracting international tourists.I managed and collaborated with 16 GW and Ud’A consultants alongside 2 peer leaders in leading delegation and cross-cultural communications through seven focus groups and 60 stakeholder and tourism official interviews across 24 site visits to national parks and local communities within five days for a thorough assessment of current tourism ecosystem in Abruzzo. In the final stage of the project, I stepped in as team lead and project task master to complete comprehensive final report with 100+ pages; delegated effectively for an increase in team efficiency by more than 50% and the on-time delivery to stakeholders. I also took part in organizing the well-received, final presentation covered by Italian media and created deliverables to communicate findings and action plans to clients, key stakeholders, and Italian tourism officials.During this time, I utilized problem-solving and conflict resolution skills during fieldwork and site visits to accomplish all goals by deadlines and unify the consultants's focus on project goals. Prior to the site visits in Italy, I completed initial and in-country research for destination sustainability assessment, including work methodology and progress.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

I monitored data and managed social media campaigns with 25k+ followers for UNESCO’s World Heritage Journeys of Europe. I also contributed to developing various types of content for Solimar's collateral and website as well as our destination management organization (DMO) partners.I was in charge of conducting research on various sustainable tourism and international development issues.

Tehran Province, Iran

I was in charge of marketing and managing international marketing via scalable digital marketing campaigns and engaging with 60+ embassies & and international relations' institutions.As a senior assistant for a bilingual journal, I researched current international relations' issues and edited and translated 10+ research papers and articles every month and partnered with the editor-in-chief to publish internationally acclaimed articles from various professionals around the world.I also remotely and successfully coordinated and remotely executed two week-long and community-wide Model UN workshops and trainings.

San Francisco, California

I served in Student Government as member of the Board of Directors, Finance, University Affairs, and Audit committees. I created and implemented policies for restructuring university-wide documents, regulations, and events benefiting students.Alongside peer leaders, I managed and analyzed a budget of more than $8M and efficiently allocated funding for a variety of university-wide events, programs, organizations, and extracurricular activities sponsored by the Associated Students.As the College of Business representative, I outreached to and represented the College by planning three college-wide forums, chairing the College of Business Assembly, documenting constituencies’ concerns, and proposing solutions to college deans.

San Francisco, California

I led the development and implementation of a viable internship program and helped 10+ students per week to find their desired internship. I updated more than 300 students and faculty in the IR Department through customized outgoing newsletters and website maintainance.

San Francisco, California

I worked with the Department Chair in conducting research on various subject-fields and coients, such as US Foreign Policy, Challenges in the Middle East, International Political Economy, and Human Rights. To do so, I collected, analyzed, ,and interpreted qualitative and quantitative data, designed strategies, and prepared reports. I was also a senior reviewer of scholarly articles written by the IR Department’s Professors.

San Francisco Bay Area

• Course Description: "The foreign policy process in American government. Analysis of the institutions in American society which determine our foreign policy."• Organized class schedule and the syllabus, and helped the Professor grade students’ presentations• Communicated with more than 30 students on a weekly basis, and responded to students’ questions and concerns• Moderated class discussions and strived to provide a neutral platform for the students to discuss sensitive topics

Washington D.C. Metro Area

I led a team of five interns and 6-10 volunteers on six international trade policy events ranging in attendance from 80 to 600 guests, including WITA’s largest annual fundraiser, with more than 600 guests from all government sectors including Senate and House of Representatives. One of my main tasks included communication with 17 foreign governments and coordinating more than $11,000 in donations from respective providers for the Annual Awards Dinner. I was also in charge of interacting and following up with 100 respondents and four vendors, resolving problems and thinking critically in times of surprise events.Alongside other interns, I oversaw the membership database of 16,000+ trade professionals, assisted in website and blog maintenance, updated members on current trade news, processed invoices, and managed surveys. I also completed research in a variety of fields, such as international relations, trade, business, and economics.

San Francisco, California

I advocated for local issues and campaigns in the 2016 election period: Americans for Cures, Vote Yes on Prop S, Voter Registration System in collaboration with NextGen. I organized a variety of events for the Yes on S campaign in order to attract more voters and donors, including a Flash Mob in front of the San Francisco City Hall.I contributed to crafting and implemented voter and volunteer engagement plan, managing a team of 50 canvassers and organizing them in groups with different scheduling to promote and advocate for voter registrationI also contacted and coordinated with potential voters and donors, and promoted the causes’ value. I received in-depth training in fundraising, campaign management, political and grassroots organizing, and Get Out The Vote (GOTV).

Master'S Degree, Mba In Tourism, 4.0

Activities and Societies: Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society (ΒΓΣ); Executive Board Member of Tourism For Tomorrow (TFT)• Winner of the Marsh.

Master'S Degree, Study Abroad- Tourism Studies, 4.0

Studied Abroad in Italy as part of GWU's Master of Tourism Administration program. Focused on Heritage Management and Entrepreneurship.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Major In International Relations - Minor In Economics, 4.0

Activities and Societies: -Member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society -Member of Sigma Iota Rho (International Relations) -Vice President.

Piano Performance, 4.00

Activities and Societies: Piano Accompaniment, Choir activitiesStudied 2 years of Piano Performance prior to immigrating to The United.