Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Work Availability
Affiliations
Work Preference
Websites
Interests
Timeline
Blanche Barajas

Blanche Barajas

Pasco,WA

Summary

Outreach and Public relations specialist, offering over 10 years of expertise in building partnerships, retaining key accounts and enhancing profit channels. Strong leader with proficiency in growing professional network, influencing decision-makers. Collaborative and strategic team leader with robust background in customer relationship management.

Work History

City Councilwoman

City Of Pasco
Pasco, WA
01.2018 - Current
  • Established and interpreted rules governing council proceedings.
  • Set policies and enforced fair and equitable application of ordinances.
  • Reviewed, approved and managed budgets for annual operations and capital improvement projects.
  • Coordinated committees planning and executing public events.
  • Used public gatherings, community events and direct relations to keep constituents happy and informed.
  • Developed and strengthened political partnerships to further agendas.
  • Drafted legislation and amendments, wrote government policies and established budgets.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Participate in deliberations on matters before the city council including city budgets and local zoning as well as all actions pertaining to improvements, ordinances, billion-dollar projects and initiatives as needed.

Executive Director of Operations

Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
05.2022 - 04.2025
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
  • Managed budget allocations to prioritize spending on high-impact projects, optimizing resource utilization.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
  • Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
  • Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
  • Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Advocated for policy changes at both local and national levels to further support the organization''s goals and objectives.
  • Presented regularly at conferences or industry events showcasing the accomplishments of the organization.
  • Led organization through significant transition period, maintaining stability and focus on strategic goals.
  • Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
  • Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
  • Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.

Account Manager

Community Health Plan Of Washington
Pasco, WA
04.2016 - 05.2022
  • Boosted sales numbers with proactive account servicing and diligent relationship-building.
  • Identified key entry points to enhance market penetration and effectively analyzed data to optimize customer satisfaction and increase profitability.
  • Educated clients on new health benefits and updated account information to maintain high standards of client service.
  • Oversaw new business development and customer servicing, including cold calling, networking, marketing, lead generation and account servicing.
  • Built and strengthened long-lasting client relationships based on accurate growth data and customer-centric terms.
  • Researched emerging industry trends, new applications, concepts and procedures for clients to update current training curriculum.
  • Liaised between account holders and various departments, communicating effectively to maintain customer satisfaction and uphold company protocols.
  • Elevated account management by predicting potential competitive threats and outlining proactive solutions.
  • Secured high-value accounts through consultative selling, effective customer solutions and promoting compelling business opportunities.
  • Maintained high client retention rate by providing exceptional customer service and anticipating client needs.
  • Collaborated with sales team to identify potential upsell opportunities and expand client base.

Public Relations Representative

Amerigroup Of Washington
Seattle, WA
07.2014 - 04.2016
  • Collaborated with media to encourage company and product coverage and promote brand mission and values.
  • Collaborated with external PR firms, as well as internal sales and marketing managers, to determine branding, product positioning and media messages.
  • Designed and implemented strategic business plan objectives.
  • Created messages, position statements and other corporate communications based on company's objectives.
  • Conducted market and public opinion research related to company's reputation and positioning among key stakeholder audiences.
  • Coordinated and managed sponsorships and sponsorship activation.
  • Collaborated with production team to coordinate advertisements and promotions.
  • Planned and organized seminars, meetings and retreats.
  • Identified customer needs through market research and analysis.
  • Conducted market analysis and monitored competitive activity.
  • Developed innovative marketing and PR strategies.
  • Raised brand awareness through consistent marketing efforts and product campaign launches.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice

Columbia Basin College, Pasco, WA
06.2013

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

CET Tech Institute, Mexico
06.1994
  • Thesis: NAFTA benefits for Mexico
  • Minored in Sociology

Skills

Intergovernmental relations

Community engagement

Nonprofit partnerships

Community relations

Social services

Event coordination

Policy development

Education advocacy

Fundraising strategies

Small business support

Relationship building

Administrative support

Account management

Fundraising

Marketing

Financial management

Human resources management

Contract management

Outreach programs

Event Planning

Accomplishments

  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce-Public Servant of the Year Award recipient
  • Mid Columbia Libraries-Inspiring Latinos Award recipient
  • LULAC- Outstanding Latina of the Year Award recipient
  • LULAC- Most Influential Award recipient

Certification

  • Certified Community Health Worker by DOH
  • Certified Producer/Broker by OIC
  • Certified Municipal Leader by AWC
  • Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership by AWC

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations

  • Latinos of Action Rotary, Secretary
  • Three River's Community Foundation, Boardmember
  • Community Action Connection, Boardmember
  • NAACP, Member

Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimeContract WorkPart Time

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid time offTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid sick leave401k match4-day work weekCareer advancement

Interests

Volunteering

Mentoring

Timeline

Executive Director of Operations - Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
05.2022 - 04.2025
City Councilwoman - City Of Pasco
01.2018 - Current
Account Manager - Community Health Plan Of Washington
04.2016 - 05.2022
Public Relations Representative - Amerigroup Of Washington
07.2014 - 04.2016
Columbia Basin College - Associate of Applied Science, Criminal Justice
CET Tech Institute - Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration

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