The Advancement Foundation

May, 2025 - Present  •  1 yr 4 mos  -  Full time

After graduating in May, I stepped into a role that required full ownership, adaptability, and constant problem-solving. I served as the primary project lead for building and operating a marketplace, café, and taproom from the ground up, transforming a 5,000-square-foot industrial space from an empty shell into a fully operational hub supporting more than 15 small businesses. From planning and logistics to coordination and execution, I managed every moving piece from concept through launch.

Working within a small nonprofit environment sharpened my ability to make things happen without ideal resources. When funding was not available to hire contractors for major build-outs, I found alternative solutions to keep projects moving forward. I recruited skilled volunteers with construction backgrounds, sourced donated and surplus materials from local lumber companies, and personally transported materials to the site as needed. I am highly versatile and not afraid to step beyond formal responsibilities to ensure events, spaces, and experiences are executed successfully.

In addition to development and operations, I regularly plan, coordinate, and execute on-site events. This includes organizing vendors and partners, managing schedules and staffing, creating event timelines, promoting events through targeted marketing efforts, and ensuring smooth execution on event days. I thrive in fast-paced environments where attention to detail, flexibility, and guest experience are essential.

My background in marketing and client relations further strengthens my effectiveness as an event coordinator. As an Account Manager and Content Creator, I served as a lead liaison between internal teams and clients, managing campaigns through meetings, email, and social media. This experience strengthened my communication skills and ability to keep people aligned, informed, and confident throughout the planning and execution process.

I am at my best in roles that require versatility, initiative, and follow-through—especially when success depends on adapting quickly and delivering results despite constraints.