CHIH YUN (Jessica ) LU
Oakland,CA
Summary
Born and raised in Taiwan , I moved to the United States after completing my college education. Passionate about interior design, I pursued further education in Boston to refine my skills. Since 2015, I have been based in Oakland, continuously honing my expertise as a commercial and residential interior designer. Throughout my earlier career, I have collaborated closely with diverse corporations, gaining invaluable experience. This experience has taught me that successful design involves capturing and expressing a company's unique culture to enhance branding efforts. Motivated by this realization, I actively sought a position at the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce as a Program Coordinator following the pandemic. Leveraging my bilingual and multicultural background, along with keen observation skills, my goal is to make a positive impact within my own community.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
Oakland Chinatown Chamber Of Commerce
2024.01 - Current
- Partnered with local business owners, government administrations, and elected officials to align priorities with business needs, resource capacity, and risk exposure.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure support for program initiatives.
- Established clear objectives and achievable milestones in strategic plans for alignment with multiple grants.
- Fostered strong relationships with key stakeholders, guaranteeing their support for program initiatives.
- Collaborated with team members and directors to effectively address technical, financial, and operational concerns.
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired employees as part of a successful initiative to foster engagement and productivity.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills, and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Devised creative solutions to address critical customer and user needs.
- Streamlined communication channels to facilitate efficient collaboration among team members and stakeholders.
Program Coordinator
Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
2022.12 - 2024.01
- Help small business members apply for the Facade and Tenant Improvement Program from the city of Oakland to qualify for $145,000 grant money.
- Established strategic partnerships with external organizations to expand program reach and impact.
- Maintained detailed records of program activities and participant data to ensure compliance with both internal policies and external regulations
- Planned and executed engaging events and workshops to enhance participant engagement and enrich their learning within the program parameters.
- Increased awareness and participation rates among target audiences through the development of marketing materials.
- Contributed to the development of grant proposals, ensuring funding for crucial program initiatives.
- Conducted community needs assessments to shape future program development based on identified requirements
- Customized program content to effectively engage participants from diverse communities.
- Achieved cost savings and maintained quality by negotiating with vendors for services and supplies.
- Expanded program offerings through collaborations with local organizations, increasing community reach.
- Led initiative to develop and implement a volunteer recognition program resulting in increased volunteer retention and engagement.
- Drove improvements in program's digital presence through the redesign of its website and social media platforms.
- Implemented innovative marketing strategies to improve community outreach efforts.
Funder
Soaring Steeds Consulting
2018.01 - 2022.12
- Managed residential remodeling projects including bathroom, kitchen, and full house renovations. Oversaw all aspects from design to construction administration. Coordinated with clients, contractors, and selected materials and furniture.
- Developed visually appealing presentations highlighting project outcomes for presentations with potential or existing funders.
- Provided expertise to Airbnb property owners for transforming their rentals into elegant and low-maintenance spaces that are both visually captivating and highly functional.
- Performed real estate staging for open houses.
- Strategically allocated resources in construction projects, focusing on prioritized areas for optimal budget utilization.
- Established and nurtured lasting connections with clients, driving an increase in repeat business and referrals.
- Provided consultations to customers, offering optimal solutions based on their requirements.
- Coordinated trade show presence and event attendance to highlight products, establish industry connections, and generate fresh customer leads.
- Realized significant cost savings through the successful implementation of energy-efficient solutions on multiple projects.
Chinese Teacher
Piedmont Language School
2019.01 - 2020.01
- Innovated and implemented digital teaching tools across multiple online platforms, ensuring continuous student engagement amid the pandemic.
- Motivated students to develop competency in speaking, reading and writing Chinese by hosting cultural activities.
- Utilized creative teaching methods such as assigning reading material and hands-on projects to enhance student comprehension in Chinese language, culture, and history for students between ages 7-10 years old. Developed engaging classroom materials for interactive learning experiences.
Volunteer Vice Principal
Shouren 守仁 Chinese School
2016.01 - 2018.01
- Assisted in forming a team of teachers and students to establish the school
- Utilized design skills to develop an attractive emblem for the school
- Connected school with local business and events to enhance marketing efforts
- Coordinated Chinese festivals and hosted school events to promote cultural learning, community building, and fundraising.
- Participated in events and discussions as part of the Northern California Chinese School Association, representing our school.
- Increased student engagement and achievement by collaborating with teachers on the development of curriculum enhancements.
- Fostered positive relationships with community stakeholders by participating in local events, connecting with business leaders, and collaborating with other schools within the district.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
Interior designer
CBT Architects
1996.01 - 2004.01
- Created construction documents using AutoCAD software for various types of commercial projects.
- Selected finishing materials and appropriate furniture to align with project objectives and design scheme, showcasing clients' brand identity and enhancing market presence.
- Collaborated with architects and contractors to ensure seamless integration of design elements.
- Collaborated closely with clients, delivering impactful presentations tailored to their specific requirements while ensuring design integrity and cost-effectiveness.
- Conducted site visits and meetings with clients to gather necessary information for successful project execution.
- Facilitated effective communication and problem-solving with contractors and vendors, resulting in resolution of issues and prevention of budget increase.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design
Suffolk University
Boston, MAAssociate of Science - Architecture Engineering
China University of Industry And Technology
Taipei TaiwanSkills
- AutoCAD
- Microsoft Words
- Excel
- Google Workspace
- Problem-Solving
- Interpersonal Skills
- Relationship Building
- Public Speaking
- Community Outreach
- Event Planning and Execution
- Sales and Marketing
Volunteer Experience
Vice Principal in Marketing, Shouren 守仁 Chinese School, Oakland, CA, 01/01/16, 01/01/18, Recruiting teachers and students to help establishing the school., Designed the school logo., Connecting the school with local business and events for marking purposes., Coordinate the Chinese festivals and hosting school events for students to learn the cultural, to build the communities and raising funds through the events., Represent the school attending Northern California Chinese School Association meetings.
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Program Manager
Oakland Chinatown Chamber Of Commerce
2024.01 - Current
Program Coordinator
Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
2022.12 - 2024.01
Chinese Teacher
Piedmont Language School
2019.01 - 2020.01
Funder
Soaring Steeds Consulting
2018.01 - 2022.12
Volunteer Vice Principal
Shouren 守仁 Chinese School
2016.01 - 2018.01
Interior designer
CBT Architects
1996.01 - 2004.01
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Design
Suffolk University
Associate of Science - Architecture Engineering
China University of Industry And Technology
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