Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Timeline

Aja W. Talarico

Southampton,MA

Summary

Helping to strengthen connections in the food and farming economy in the Pioneer Valley. Experience in event planning, community outreach, office administration, and project coordination. Intense passion for environmental justice and advocacy.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Advancement Coordinator for Alumni Engagement / Annual Giving

Williston Northampton School

Easthampton, MA

02.2022 - 01.2025

Worked collaboratively to support and strengthen alumni engagement and annual giving functions of Williston Northampton School’s Advancement office through marketing of events, programs, and networking opportunities to alumni.

Event Manager

Wheelhouse

Amherst, MA

05.2021 - 12.2021

Managed a team of chefs and servers to execute high end community events and weddings for clients valuing the importance of sourcing menus locally. This was a short-term, seasonal position that relied upon the highest levels of organization and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment where thinking on our feet was crucial.

Event Coordinator

Black Birch Vineyard

Hatfield, MA

06.2018 - 06.2020

Assisted in the planning and implementation of community events such as Farm to Table dinners as well as private parties and functions. Strong focus in recruiting local musicians and artists, juggling client needs, attention to detail, customer service and community building.

Local Hero Program Associate

CISA

South Deerfield, MA

05.2015 - 05.2018

Worked to increase membership in the Local Hero Program through community outreach with local farmers, restaurants, and craftspeople. Designed networking events to connect farmers with restaurants. Organized Restaurant Days, a region-wide event that highlighted our member restaurants who showed a commitment to supporting local farmers and building the local food economy.

Sales Manager

Element Brewing Company

Millers Falls, MA

06.2013 - 05.2015

Managed sales across the state while opening new bottle and draft accounts. Trained and supervised sales reps in different geographic locations. Took a lead role in social media and marketing.

Community Outreach Coordinator

Mount Grace Land Trust

Athol, MA

09.2011 - 08.2012

Worked to increase local support for and participation in land protection and to foster an ethic of community service and civic engagement among community groups and volunteers. This was a 1 year term of service through the Americorp program.

Office and Programs Coordinator/Assistant to the Directors

Global Justice Ecology Project

Hinesburg, VT

11.2009 - 04.2011

Assisted with several international environmental justice campaigns focusing on Indigenous rights, forest conservation, and climate change. Took a lead role in general office management and coordination.