Environmental Urban Planner/Space Designer

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE

Remarkably astute, versatile and tenacious professional experienced in urban planning, community development and consensus building. Possess stellar reputation in coordinating federally funded human services program coupled with proven effectiveness in marketing campaigns, writing grants and securing funds. Recognized as a well-respected and active community leader with proven positive results in directing various civic projects as well as in implementing quality assurance and systems improvement measures. Competent in managing simultaneous, large-scale projects while juggling multiple priorities in fiercely competitive, fast-paced environment.

CORE COMPETENCIES

- Strategic Visioning and Planning

- Program Management and Development

- Outstanding Public Relations

- Fundraising and Special Events Coordination

- Time Management and Prioritization

- Budget Control and Cost Reduction

- Leadership, Training and Team Building

- Organized with Strong Analytical Abilities

- Problem Resolution and Decision Making

- Superior Interpersonal and Presentation Skills

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

DIRECTOR FOR THE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE 2004–2009

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - HARRISBURG, PA

Directed and coordinated daily operational aspects of the office focused on providing citizens with information regarding Department of Environmental Protection policies and procedures. Effectively led the statewide staff to address and resolve environmental issues within low income and minority communities of Pennsylvania in an equitable and expeditious manner. Facilitated extensive research on climate change along with its impact on disenfranchised communities. Orchestrated quarterly meetings and prepared weekly reports for the Secretary and the executive staff. Participated in the selection of Environmental Justice Advisory board members. Fostered open, honest communications between DEP staff, citizens and advocacy groups.

Notable Accomplishments:

- Planned, raised fund and instituted conference program for Pennsylvania’s 1st Statewide Environmental Justice Conference held in April 2009

- Received EPA's State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement

- Conceptualized the Environmental Justice Education Curriculum for Teachers

- Implemented an Environmental Justice points on the Pennsylvania Growing Greener II grant application

- Conducted Environmental Justice Trainings to six regions, which increased awareness in Pennsylvania by 50 %

- Expanded partnerships with Governor’s Commissions: Women, Latino, Asian, and African American; Department of Health Equity Office and Environmental Tracking Project; Pennsylvania Human Relation Commission; Department of Education–International Education; and Welfare’s Disability Council

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-FOUNDER / CONSULTANT 2001–2004

PITTSBURGH TRANSPORTATION EQUITY PROJECT (PTEP) - PITTSBURGH, PA

Displayed unsurpassed leadership and expertise in building an infrastructure for a pilot program to support transportation equity in the urban communities. Solidified long-term quality relationships with legislators, academicians, constituents, organizations, and the public to educate them about the importance of public transportation. Assumed full responsibility in preparing and presenting policy papers and advocacy letters for legislators. Forged a highly motivated staff of research political analysts / trainers and community organizers. Utilized out-of-the box techniques to promote program awareness and participated in several community initiatives to empower current community conditions.

Notable Accomplishments:

- Successfully built a strong core transportation equity network among African Americans and provided opportunities for collaboration and networking among Pittsburgh area grassroots groups, community organizations, academic institutions, churches and voluntary associations

- Ensured that the $1,000,000 to be shifted from highway dollars to close a public transit-funding gap

- Played a vital role in raising more than $600,000 program funds within a two-year period

FOUNDER 2003–2004

PITTSBURGH TRANSPORTATION EQUITY PROJECT (PTEP) YOUTH POLICY INSTITUTE (YPI) - PITTSBURGH, PA

Conceptualized a youth advocacy program designed to educate urban youth about the importance of accessing the political structure from the federal, state, and local levels. Facilitated training to students to become “change agents” and to increase awareness regarding social and political issues that currently affecting their communities; students created civic engagement projects whereas they presented their outcomes to more than 150 regional experts on transportation, youth development, regionalism, and equity.

Notable Accomplishments:

- Generated a successful model, addressing the difference of urban youth understanding policy and how to access the system in an accurate manner

- Introduced, organized and acquired financial support for Youth Policy Institute, which accumulated and secured annual funding worth $80,000

CEO / PRESIDENT 2001–2004

AYANNA’S CONSULTING & CONCEPTS - PITTSBURGH, PA

Singlehandedly managed day-to-day facets of the business focused on organizational strategic planning retreats for nonprofit boards. Provided expert advice for clients concerning marketing, PR scheduling, and development of press releases.

Notable Accomplishments:

- Implemented tools, strategic plans, evaluations, and reports that helped organizations with their future expansion

- Formulated innovative outreach plans for national and local conferences that addressed issues such as fatherhood, community development, regionalism, and smart growth

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR 1997–2001

HILL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC) - PITTSBURGH, PA

Presided over the economic development projects for the Hill CDC designed conducive to the emergence of a lively, pedestrian-friendly urban neighborhood. Rendered technical assistance for community-based projects and coordinated initiatives with various consultants. Spearheaded the Centre Avenue Master Plan and collaborated with developers, community members and other nonprofit organizations on economic projects.

Notable Accomplishments:

- Appointed to represent the organization at numerous national and local conferences

- Responsible for managing community outreach and meetings for a 30,000 sq. ft. economic development project

- Earned more than $500,000 for operational budget and community development projects through grants and community partners collaborations

- Secured seed money to develop a neighborhood business chamber of commerce to support the needs of the Hill District businesses

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE

PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR / FACILITATOR - Urban Youth Action (UYA), Inc., Pittsburgh, PA: 1996–1999

STUDENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST - Community College of Allegheny County, Braddock, PA: 1995–1996

EDUCATION and CREDENTIALS

MASTER OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING, Specializing in Local and Regional Development

- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fellowship

CERTIFICATE IN NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN LEGAL STUDIES, GPA: 3.85

Graduated magna cum laude, Dean’s List, Who’s Who in American Universities

- Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation

Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Civil Tension Taskforce

Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Diversity Chair

Big Brothers & Sisters School Mentor & Volunteer

Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz | International Education Advisory Board

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