Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Elizabeth Cusma

Elizabeth Cusma

Cleveland

Summary

Results-oriented, bilingual (Spanish<>English) leader with 10+ years designing, implementing, and scaling programs across diverse stakeholder groups. Proven expertise in cross-functional collaboration, and a natural leader with a track record of growing mission-driven organizations. Perpetually curious to expand skills, areas of knowledge, and expertise. Skilled in strategic planning, problem-solving, and communication with good understanding of business principles, project management and team leadership. Collaborative with relentless work ethic.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Co-Founder

Sauna Cleveland
02.2025 - Current
  • Generate a B2B and B2C pipeline for maximum market capture that includes an average of 5 bookings/month in the first 6 months of operation.
  • Developed strategic business plans to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Analyzed customer feedback to refine services and create tailored experiences for clients.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with health regulations and safety standards.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing costs while maintaining product availability.
  • Evaluated market trends to identify emerging opportunities and inform strategic decision making.
  • Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
  • Grew the customer base through targeted outreach and networking events.
  • Established foundational processes for business operations.
  • Networked with other businesses and customers to increase sales opportunities and contacts.

Co-Founder

Lane3
02.2025 - 02.2026
  • Built relationships with 15+ prospective investors and ecosystem partners contributing to early-stage fundraising conversations and collaborative opportunities ahead of launch.
  • Developed white paper, investor materials, and partnership outreach strategies to boost investor engagement.
  • Pitched to Bufficorn Ventures in 2026 which led to ongoing conversation with 4 investors.

Chief of Staff

ChartHouse Labs
08.2024 - 01.2025
  • Provide strategic counsel to early stage start-up Co-Directors on organizational priorities, operational initiatives, and resource allocation.
  • Manage end-to-end project delivery from conception to completion, ensuring alignment across teams and timely execution.
  • Lead internal communications strategy to streamline information flow and improve team effectiveness.
  • Oversee hiring processes including candidate screening, job description development, and onboarding programs to effectively scale the company.
  • Led cross-functional teams to align project goals with organizational strategy.
  • Streamlined communication processes between departments to enhance collaboration and efficiency.
  • Facilitated executive meetings to drive agenda, capture insights, and track action items.
  • Supervised staff and participated in hiring, training and performance evaluations to establish and enforce policies and procedures for business functions.
  • Provided comprehensive support to the CEO, enabling them to focus on critical decision-making and leadership tasks.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to ensure smooth collaboration and completion of high-priority projects.

Program Manager and Co-Director

EducationDAO
07.2023 - 01.2025
  • Led product development for web3 education platform, translating organizational strategy into executable initiatives.
  • Designed and managed governance frameworks, facilitating stakeholder alignment across core membership and community contributors.
  • Sourced and secured funding from major blockchain organizations such as Octant, Ethereum Foundation, and ArbitrumDAO.
  • Organized community engagement at industry events to recruit and activate contributors, editors, and translators.
  • Implemented and managed DAO operational tooling to optimize team workflows.
  • Led cross-functional teams to develop and execute educational programs aligned with organizational goals.
  • Streamlined project management processes, enhancing collaboration across departments and improving efficiency.

Copy Writer and Editor

Freelance
12.2023 - 08.2024

DAO Accelerationism | Content Curator, Facilitator

  • DAOcember: Produced and published expert-led educational content into structured playbooks, supporting DAO ecosystem development knowledge transfer
  • DAO Spring: Designed and executed 8-week accelerator program for 40 participants, including curriculum development, scheduling, facilitation, and resource coordination
  • DAO Rush: Planned and delivered intensive week-long training program for 15 DAOs, managing logistics across multiple time zones

SingularityNET | Taskforce Member, Lead Writer

  • Authored comprehensive Decentralization Blueprint, a technical document guiding progressive decentralization strategy
  • Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders including Supervisory Council, Chief Decentralization Lead, and community working groups to ensure alignment and adoption
  • Developed engaging copy for diverse clients, enhancing brand voice and messaging consistency.
  • Conducted in-depth research to inform content strategy and ensure accuracy across various topics.
  • Edited and proofread content, ensuring high standards of quality and adherence to client guidelines.
  • Collaborated with clients to refine project briefs, aligning objectives with target audience needs.
  • Ensured consistency in brand messaging across multiple channels by adhering to established style guides and tone standards.

Site Director

US Together
07.2022 - 12.2023
  • Led team of 10-15 staff, emphasizing employee development, retention, and performance management to meet evolving organizational goals.
  • Served as primary facilitator for conflict resolution across staff and 1,000+ clients, demonstrating strong interpersonal and mediation skills.
  • Developed and launched new programs including regional legal services office and peer support program, driving revenue growth and expanded service delivery.
  • Raised $800,000 in 8 months through relationship building with private foundations and strategic grant writing.
  • Planed and executed 10-12 annual community engagement events to build strategic partnerships and increase program visibility.
  • Managed social media strategy including content calendar, posts, and community engagement.
  • Managed operational budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and resource allocation.
  • Directed program development and implementation to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.

Program Director

Global Cleveland
11.2018 - 07.2022
  • Designed and delivered programs and events for diverse audiences (10-2,000 participants) including recruitment, outreach, marketing, and follow-up, and evaluation.
  • Led partnership development across multiple sectors to enhance and support strategic growth.
  • Created and scaled a public health language access program from 5 to 27 languages, demonstrating rapid response to emerging needs.
  • Owned full product development lifecycle for innovative Entrepreneur in Residence program from ideation through implementation.
  • Managed stakeholder mentorship program, facilitating matching and regular engagement between clients and local mentors.
  • Produce 50% of organization-wide marketing content across multiple channels.
  • Lead recruitment and training of 30-50 volunteers annually on specialized topics including integration policy and immigration preparedness.
  • Managed quarterly board meetings and communications with 40-member board.
  • Conducted research and authored publications on immigration policy to inform program strategy.
  • Led strategic initiatives to enhance community engagement and program outreach efforts.
  • Coordinated multi-stakeholder partnerships to support immigrant integration initiatives.
  • Analyzed program outcomes to drive continuous improvement and effectiveness in service delivery.
  • Facilitated workshops and events promoting cultural awareness and diversity within the community.
  • Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
  • Evaluated program impact through data collection and stakeholder feedback mechanisms.
  • Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans for long-term growth.
  • Delivered outstanding program results by setting clear objectives and proactively addressing potential challenges.
  • Advanced community outreach efforts by forging strong relationships with local partners.
  • Established strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders for collaborative problem solving.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional program outcomes within budget and time constraints.
  • Negotiated program contracts and agreements to obtain cost-effective pricing.
  • Increased stakeholder satisfaction with proactive communication and timely issue resolution.

Employment Specialist

Frontline Services
10.2017 - 11.2019
  • Established strong relationships with local employers to match clients with suitable job opportunities.
  • Analyzed labor market trends to inform strategic planning for employment programs and services.
  • Advocated for clients' rights and needs within local workforce development initiatives and policies.
  • Assisted clients with completing job applications and submitting resumes to improve interview chances.
  • Provided ongoing support and guidance for clients during their job search, leading to increased confidence and motivation.
  • Assessed individuals to identify skills, strengths and interests for job placement.
  • Collaborated with community partners to create job placement opportunities tailored to client needs.

Education

Program Manager Certification -

Baldwin Wallace University
01-2023

Master of Arts - Immigration Management

Universitat Pompeu Fabra
01-2015

Master of Arts - European-Mediterranean Relations

Universitat Rovira i Virgili
01-2014

Bachelor of Arts - Arabic Language and Culture, Minor in Economics

The Ohio State University
01-2011

Skills

  • Business development
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Strategic visioning
  • Customer relations
  • Operations management
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Fundraising
  • Partnership development
  • Staff management
  • Problem-solving
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Customer relationship management
  • Legal compliance
  • Adaptable and flexible
  • Analytical and critical thinker

Accomplishments

Secured new funding for, and developed new revenue streams for non-profit on the brink of closure, which resulted in them staying open and expanding service areas.

Expanded the adoption of language access programs across the region through advocacy and legal compliance pressure.

Started the first mobile sauna in the region, and only female-run mobile sauna.

Raised two humans.

Affiliations

  • InterReligious Task Force on Central America | Board Member 2023-2026
  • Freelance Spanish<>English Translator | 2018-present
  • Immigration Paralegal | Margaret W. Wong & Associates | 2016-2018

Certification

SheFi Cohort 7 graduate

Kernel Block 9 graduate

Languages

Spanish
Full Professional
English
Native or Bilingual
Arabic
Elementary

Timeline

Co-Founder

Sauna Cleveland
02.2025 - Current

Co-Founder

Lane3
02.2025 - 02.2026

Chief of Staff

ChartHouse Labs
08.2024 - 01.2025

Copy Writer and Editor

Freelance
12.2023 - 08.2024

Program Manager and Co-Director

EducationDAO
07.2023 - 01.2025

Site Director

US Together
07.2022 - 12.2023

Program Director

Global Cleveland
11.2018 - 07.2022

Employment Specialist

Frontline Services
10.2017 - 11.2019

Master of Arts - Immigration Management

Universitat Pompeu Fabra

Master of Arts - European-Mediterranean Relations

Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Bachelor of Arts - Arabic Language and Culture, Minor in Economics

The Ohio State University

Program Manager Certification -

Baldwin Wallace University
Elizabeth Cusma