Heaven Berhane
New York,USA
Summary
Connector and strategic networker with 7+ years of experience in building relationships and partnerships that promote equity for Black and Brown communities. Successfully raised and secured over $1.5 million in funding while managing operations and leading impactful campaigns. Expertise in enhancing organizational visibility and social impact through strategic initiatives and events.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder and Principal Consultant
HeavenBerhane LLC
01.2023 - Current
- Crafted comprehensive strategic proposal aligning Paddle of the Sexes with Fanatics Fest, detailing digital and on-site brand activations.
- Managed strategic outreach to boost event’s cultural significance and market reach.
- Cultivated relationships to enhance visibility of Heritage Link Brands' wines at community events.
- Created tailored engagement opportunities, effectively positioning brand within niche markets.
- Designed workforce development strategies through partnerships with Chase Bank and local businesses, connecting mothers to employment opportunities.
- Aligned NMPP’s mission with institutional objectives, enhancing capacity for meaningful impact.
- Developed partnership strategies with churches and nonprofits to advance educational initiatives.
- Bridged grassroots initiatives and institutional partners, aligning nonprofit goals with funder interests.
Project Director, RISE
Center For Justice Innovation
New York, USA
09.2022 - 11.2025
- Secured additional funding of $1.4 million, increasing budget from $1.6 million to $3 million.
- Oversaw interdisciplinary team of 10, implementing impactful initiatives and enhancing capacity.
- Established Crisis Survivor Fund, providing immediate relief to domestic violence survivors.
- Fostered relationships with city officials and stakeholders, boosting organizational visibility and support.
- Co-authored peer-reviewed article in SAGE Journals on addressing intimate partner and gun violence.
- Increased events and activations across five boroughs, raising awareness on IPV and gun violence.
- Managed grant funding totaling $600,000 from OVW and MacArthur Foundation through effective writing.
- Provided clinical supervision, ensuring high-quality program delivery and promoting staff development.
Project Manager (Contract)
UNITED WAY OF NEW YORK
New York, USA
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Spearheaded management of grantee partners, facilitating operational support and cross-team collaboration for community engagement strategies.
- Oversaw 120 Black Church grantees nationwide through nine-million-dollar HRSA grant, aiding over 7,233,000 individuals with COVID relief, including 17,000 tested and 50,000 vaccinated.
- Executed new contracts in partnership with in-house counsel, managed invoicing processes for grantee partners.
- Cultivated relationships with partner agencies and funding organizations, including Bennet Midland and Quest Diagnostics.
- Provided comprehensive consultation and training support to 120 Black Church grantees on the Choose Healthy Life Initiative deliverables.
- Collaborated with PR and communications teams to develop messaging and advertising aligned with Choose Healthy Life Program mission.
Cultural Strategist Consultant
PINK CORNROWS
New York, USA
11.2021 - 03.2022
- Spearheaded development and execution of Equity First Vaccination Initiative funded by Rockefeller Foundation to establish digital relational playbook addressing health inequities for Black & Brown communities through interview conduction and playbook production.
Director of Programming and Community Engagement
FIRST CORINTHIAN BAPTIST CHURCH
New York, USA
12.2018 - 10.2021
- Spearheaded fundraising, event planning, and community engagement, managing operations for diverse initiatives.
- Secured over $175K in grants and sponsorships for community events and programs.
- Directed FCBC food pantry operations, overseeing a $35K budget and 100 volunteers while serving over 3,000 individuals during pandemic.
- Developed Hope for Harlem event with State Senator Brian Benjamin, raising $150K for community support.
- Established partnerships with organizations like Planet Fitness and Harlem Hospital through innovative strategies.
- Fostered media relationships with CBS and NY1 to enhance coverage of major events.
- Leveraged social work background to lead health campaigns, including vaccination sites and workshops.
- Provided strategic consultation to government leaders, influencing local policy development.
Education
Master in Divinity -
YALE UNIVERSITY
New Haven, CT05.2018
Master in Social Work - Licensed Graduate Social Worker
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Washington, DC05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Minor: African American Studies
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Richmond, VA05.2011
Skills
- Leadership and operations management
- Community engagement
- Grant management and writing
- Event planning and strategy
- Strategic outreach
- Public relations and media
- Cross-functional project management
- Public speaking and presentations
- Relationship management
- Community outreach
- Fundraising strategies
- Event management
- Partnership development
- Consulting
- Client engagement
- Crisis management
- Cultural competency
- Relationship building
- Project management
- Advocacy skills
Degrees
- MSW
- M.Div
Websites
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with local and state politicians on key policy initiatives related to marijuana legalization, criminal justice reforms, and event planning; featured in multiple news outlets.
- Secured over $1 million through grant writing, corporate sponsorships, and donations, funding community-driven initiatives and events.
- Member of the Harlem Community Police Task Force, awarded the NY State Commendation Award in 2020.
- Serves on the Yale Alumni Fund Board of Directors and recognized on the City & State Manhattan Power 100 list (2021).
- Co-authored a peer-reviewed journal article in SAGE Journals highlighting innovative approaches to addressing intimate partner violence and gun violence.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Founder and Principal Consultant
HeavenBerhane LLC
01.2023 - Current
Project Director, RISE
Center For Justice Innovation
09.2022 - 11.2025
Cultural Strategist Consultant
PINK CORNROWS
11.2021 - 03.2022
Project Manager (Contract)
UNITED WAY OF NEW YORK
10.2021 - 06.2022
Director of Programming and Community Engagement
FIRST CORINTHIAN BAPTIST CHURCH
12.2018 - 10.2021
Master in Divinity -
YALE UNIVERSITY
Master in Social Work - Licensed Graduate Social Worker
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Minor: African American Studies
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
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