Dewana Little

• Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to strategically affect operational direction.
• Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
• Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
• Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
• Supervised writing of all grant applications and checked information for accuracy prior to submission.
• Recruited new members by networking at community events and distributing promotional materials to attendees.
• Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
• Cultivated strong corporate image and identity with clear branding.
• Built, leveraged and shared positive relationships and partnerships with various external and internal stakeholders.
• Marketed offerings and services to community.
• Recruited, hired and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
• Delivered business strategy and developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency
• Directed management meetings to enhance collaboration and maintain culture based on trust and group problem-solving.
• Coordinated leadership workshops to educate team members on best practices to optimize productivity.
• Supervised daily operations of multi-million dollar Building Renovation and Organizational operations.
• Developed and optimized organizational systems to boost efficiency and keep operations scalable and agile for changing demands.
• Increased operational budget by $1.5 million by establishing goals, overseeing performance and Program efficiency
• Surveyed 3000 community members to see what programs were needed
• Planned and organized special events, solicited corporate sponsorships and set up matching gift donations to reach financial targets.
• Attended events to develop professional network of potential donors.
• Researched and identified potential donors.
• Raised approximately $5.6 million in funds during my tenure.

• Oversaw preparation of calendar of events, timelines and financial goals.
• Approved and oversaw operating policies and procedures for financial, IT, human resources and facilities.
• Developed and monitored annual operating budget and fiscal management by maximizing resources.
• Assisted in recruitment, orientation and ongoing management.
• Maintained strategic alliances with partners, individuals and organizations that advocated and advanced vision.
• Attended events to develop professional network of potential donors.
• Researched and identified potential donors.
• Raised approximately $500K in funds during my tenure.
• Composed grant proposals and fundraising newsletters to raise capital for non-profit organizations.
• Funded College Readiness initiatives by cultivating strong partnerships and stockholder relationships.
• Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
• Organized and managed program development from conception through successful execution.
• Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
• Networked with local organizations, leaders and consumers, resulting in establishment of new and lasting partnerships and relationships.
• Conducted community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services.
• Connected individuals with available and relevant resources.

• Created Several Wealth Building focused programs impacting over 500 families
• Built, leveraged and shared positive relationships and partnerships with various external and internal stakeholders.
• Marketed offerings and services to community.
• Developed and executed quarterly rolling calendar of events.
• Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
• Established rapport with new clients to increase satisfaction and loyalty.
• Evaluated advertising and promotion programs for compatibility with Deposit raising efforts.
• Determined target demographics and devised strategic marketing initiatives to reach target audiences.
• Managed budgets for staff operations to keep costs low and maximize profits.
• Contacted corporate representatives, government officials or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes and activities.
• Oversaw and enhanced public relations and fundraising programs across entire WNC region.

• Developed classes and events fostering loyalty and educating groups about offerings, over 150 attendees
• Delivered high-level administrative support to board during regular operations and special meetings.
• Assisted with business communications via email, social media and mailings.
• Evaluated donation and sponsorship requests and made funding recommendations.
• Conducted analysis of community needs and resources to support strategic plans.
• Developed and created programs and monitored effectiveness against individual participant needs.
• Worked with local public and private sector partners to put recycling into lower income communities across City and County, supported by 1000's of people
• Conducted community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services.
• Assisted Executive Director with researching grants and grant writing tasks.
• Developed monthly schedules and assignments for volunteer staff.

Life Skills and Employability Training