Sports, Investing, Anthropology and Psychology
Desmond Lewis
Organizational Operations Managment And Strategic Initiatives
Clayton,MO
Summary
A dynamic leader with over 14 years of experience in community development and non-profit management. Currently serving as a key leader at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC), through grant writing and new program operations successfully maintaining an average of $35M in annual grants.
Leadership philosophy:
Honoring my core values and cultivating positive work environments through team empowerment and shared vision development, with a particular focus on serving underrepresented, vulnerable and low-income communities.
Having a finger on the pulse of all things going on within the organizations I have been a part of and patience, allows me to shift criterion of "issues" into opportunities.
Ten plus years’ experience in devising/managing multiple projects and initiatives in a high-volume work place while emphasizing family stabilization through wellness integration.
What sets me apart:
Is My commitment to centered approaches that treat every individual with respect regardless of past experiences or current life circumstances; My first hand understanding of community needs and challenges, bringing both professional expertise and personal insight to my work. I approach decision-making through a lens of empathy and understanding, making me effective in developing sustainable systems for individual and community growth. I have a track record of creating effective career pathways and support systems that promote economic self-sufficiency and community advancement.
Experienced event producer:
Led over 20 community engagement initiatives, including festivals, workshops, panel discussions, and community service programs.
Conference Presenter, Experienced Facilitator professional developments, workshops Strategic implementation of programming.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Lead Technical Grant Writer (Remote)
WLCAC
03.2024 - Current
- Lead program design for workforce development initiatives across Healthcare, Unhoused, Construction, and Media Arts sectors, creating accessible career pathways for vulnerable populations including Domestic Violence Survivors, Single Parents, and the Transgender Community
- Development of tailored interventions and assessment tools to identify and address population-specific barriers, adjusting program timelines based on individual participant needs (transportation, mentoring, medical services, substance abuse and mental health services)
- Collaboration with WIOA mandatory partners, FSC, Business Source Centers and other stakeholders to maximize services and minimize costs
- Successfully developed reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, achieving significant employment outcomes and reducing recidivism
- Enhanced overall fundraising strategy through participation in annual events, individual donor cultivation efforts, and corporate sponsorship proposals.
- Obtained pertinent organizational financial reports and other data to support grant applications and funding proposals.
- Facilitated growth of grant writing team, mentoring junior grant writers in effective research, writing, and project management techniques.
- Improved grant reporting efficiency, creating standardized templates for narrative and financial reporting that aligned with funder specifications.
- Secured $15 million in grant money for multiple projects.
Technical Grant Writer and Program Associate
Service and Development, Watts Labor Community Action
04.2022 - Current
- Research of eligible grant opportunities, preparation of proposal packages and writing captivating narratives that abide by strict guidelines to secure capital for organization
- Create and maintain department workflow calendar to ensure all grant reporting requirements are fulfilled in comprehensive and timely manner
- Identify opportunities, researches, and evaluates data sources and background information in specialty area(s)
- Research funding sources, prepare and submit letters of intent and full grant proposals and budgets to secure new funders and renew existing funders
- Coordinates, prepares, and writes highly competitive, technical and complex research grant proposals/applications
- Resolves complex, technical and administrative problems, associated with developing proposals
- Work proactively with faculty and staff to identify fundable programmatic initiatives increased funding by 75%
- Assisted director with entire grant portfolio process from brainstorming to submission
- Identified new program opportunities in Watts community through careful research and networking
- Organized events for Getty 25 festival for community and invited appropriate performers, vendors, guests and speakers
- Authored business documents to organize and emphasize information quickly and effectively
Project Manager (Contracted)
Community Based Public Saftey Collective
03.2023 - 11.2023
- Facilitated meetings between community stake holders and government officials.
- Managed and trained approximately 6 organizations, on Federal grant and contract reporting with the Department of Justice.
- Helped mission driven non-profits grow their capacity and realize full potential.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
- Fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes.
- Achieved high levels of team engagement and morale by promoting collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Program Analyst
Service and Development, Watts Labor Community Action
07.2019 - 04.2022
- Grant Preparation and Compliance
- Lead of Request for Proposal (RFP) Request for Quotes (RFQ) Response team
- Contract management of over 30 government and private funding
- Company tracking of invoices and deliverables
- Created template and review of monthly reports from Directors
- Created and implement strategic plans for outcomes with Directors and Deputy Directors
- Grant system tracking
- Knowledge of Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS)
- Performed quality assurance to meet appropriate standards and facilitate improvement of processes
- Compiled research data and gave professional presentations highlighting finds and recommended optimizations
Project Manager
Champions for Change, Youth Policy Institute
04.2019 - 08.2019
- Organizational/Leadership Strategic Alignment
- Managed staff of 5 enrichment instructors
- Prepares quarterly reports and monitor’s budget
- Conducts bi-weekly meetings with staff and monthly meetings with stakeholders and partners
- Develops and maintains partnerships with donors, vendors, community advocates, and other stakeholders
- Leads social media campaign to raise awareness on importance of various health care subjects raised visibility by 40%
- Develop systematic educational efforts with primary goal of increasing identified learner's knowledge of and/or skills with measurable outcomes such as civic engagement, Trauma Informed Care and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies.
Nutrition and Physical Education Coordinator
Champions, YPI
05.2017 - 04.2019
- Developed, implemented and coordinated obesity prevention programs to promote wellness in students and community members
- Assisted schools and community organizations in determining community needs through windshield surveys, focus groups, questionnaires
- Oversaw day to day operations of health education programming, data collection and health educators
- Increased school community nutrition awareness and physical activity by 72%
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment
Health & Wellness Coordinator
Taking Shape Health Education Program, YPI
11.2014 - 05.2017
- Developed budget to implement physical activity programming in school communities
- Coordinated collection and input of pre and post surveys to measure quantitative and qualitative data and ongoing program effectiveness
- Implemented and facilitated drug prevention, food-borne disease, waterborne disease, vaccination, communicable and non-communicable disease classes for youth ages 14-18 in partnership with school staff in accordance to California Health Education Standards
- Used “Train the Trainer” model to help create sustainability with health education programming by training school staff and health educators in community.
- Taught health education classes for community workers and members of public
- Gave public talks on importance of health education and specific disease prevention and treatment strategies
- Partnered with agencies and organizations driving improvements in community health
Advocate
Exceptional Children’s Foundation
02.2014 - 11.2014
- Supervised staff of 13 constituents with developmental disabilities assisted them in navigating company policy and work production
- Provided individualized vocational training to consumers /Development and implementation of vocational plan
- Motivational Interviewing for client program placement
- Created business correspondence to foster clear and precise communication with external parties
- Maintained positive relationships with community to build and nurture dynamic partnerships
Treatment Assistant
Case Adult Probation and Parole, Nueces County
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Assisted Counseling staff with structuring of Client’s Recovery Program
- Created and implemented recreational activities for development and recovery for over 50 residents per month
- Assisted patients with therapy exercises as specified by care team
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Natural Resources Management
Lincoln University of Missouri
Jefferson City, MO 01.2003 - 1 2007
Skills
Program records management
Proposal development
Compliance
Letters of interest
Teamwork and collaboration
Team building
Analytical thinking
Relationship building
Certification
Suicide Prevention
Interests
Timeline
Lead Technical Grant Writer (Remote)
WLCAC
03.2024 - Current
Project Manager (Contracted)
Community Based Public Saftey Collective
03.2023 - 11.2023
Technical Grant Writer and Program Associate
Service and Development, Watts Labor Community Action
04.2022 - Current
Program Analyst
Service and Development, Watts Labor Community Action
07.2019 - 04.2022
Project Manager
Champions for Change, Youth Policy Institute
04.2019 - 08.2019
Nutrition and Physical Education Coordinator
Champions, YPI
05.2017 - 04.2019
Health & Wellness Coordinator
Taking Shape Health Education Program, YPI
11.2014 - 05.2017
Advocate
Exceptional Children’s Foundation
02.2014 - 11.2014
Treatment Assistant
Case Adult Probation and Parole, Nueces County
01.2011 - 01.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Natural Resources Management
Lincoln University of Missouri
01.2003 - 1 2007
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