Jakarya Branch-Mills
Fort Washington,MD
Summary
Persistent leader eager to lead and grow organizations. 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
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
President/CEO
Next Level Business Solutions, LLC
01.2016 - Current
- Foster strong relationships with clients to identify their unique business challenges and opportunities, ensuring tailored solutions that align with their strategic goals.
- Successfully managed the procurement of over $7.5 million in grants and contracts small businesses and non-profit organizations, enhancing their operational capabilities and sustainability.
- Supported over 350 businesses in the registration process and navigating complex regulatory affairs, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
- Conduct comprehensive research and data analysis to evaluate business performance, identifying critical weaknesses and areas for improvement to boost client effectiveness.
- Implement systems for monitoring and assessing employee performance across projects and daily operations, ensuring that team objectives are met while fostering professional growth.
- Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency by automating manual tasks and reducing paperwork.
- Coordinated internal promotions processes allowing career advancement opportunities within the organization.
- Monitor employee performance on projects and daily work routine departments to carry out operations successfully
- Provide expert guidance to management on the process of changes and problem-solving.
- Coordinated schedules and communicated changes to customers.
- Facilitated employee training programs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the transportation department.
Managing Partner / Business Developer
Urban Strategies & Solutions, LLC
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Develop and implement records management program for filing, protection, and retrieval of records, and assure compliance with government
- Interpret government regulations and applicable codes to ensure compliance
- Identify opportunities for strategic improvement or mitigation of business interruption and other risks caused by business, regulatory, or industry-specific change initiatives
- Meet with prospective tenants to show properties, explain terms of occupancy, and provide information about local areas
- Inspect grounds, facilities, and equipment routinely to determine necessity of repairs or maintenance
- Maintain records of sales, rental or usage activity, special permits issued, maintenance and operating costs, or property availability
- Read source documents such as canceled checks, sales reports, or bills, and enter data in specific data fields or onto tapes or disks for subsequent entry, using keyboards or scanners.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with clients, securing profitable partnerships for the company.
- Established and implemented business procedures and process improvements.
- Mentored junior staff members, resulting in a more cohesive team and increased overall performance.
- Spearheaded successful client engagements resulting in repeat business and positive referrals from satisfied clients.
Business Development Specialist
Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corp
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
- Served as a liaison between the organization and key stakeholders, fostering trust through open communication and transparent decision-making processes.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of best practices in community outreach, regularly attending professional development workshops and networking events to stay informed about new strategies or tools that could enhance program impact.
- Drove process improvements within the organization by assessing current systems and recommending enhancements where needed.
- Expanded client base by identifying and targeting new business opportunities through market research and analysis.
- Used SalesForce to handle current portfolio and prospective leads.
- Secured high-value accounts through building rapport with key decision-makers, understanding their needs, and presenting customized solutions tailored to their requirements.
- Established long-term partnerships with key stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration for mutual success.
- Developed long-lasting partnerships with local leaders, management team and peers with active engagement, exemplary communication and consistent issue resolution.
General Manager, Retail Store
Visual Eyes
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Manage retail store and staff of nine retail employees
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Set goals and deadlines for the employees and explain policies and procedures to staff members
- Monitor the facility to ensure that it remains safe, secure, and well-maintained
- Prepare and review operational reports and schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency
- Perform payroll functions, such as maintaining timekeeping information and processing and submitting payroll
- Collect and deposit money into accounts, disburse funds from cash accounts to pay bills or invoices, keep records of collections and disbursements, and ensure accounts are balanced
- Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage
- Correspond with insured or agent to obtain information or inform them account status or changes
- Provide customer service by greeting and assisting customers, and responding to customer inquiries and complaints
- Direct and supervise employees engaged in sales, inventory-taking, reconciling cash receipts, or in performing services for customers
- Hire and terminate clerical and administrative personnel
- Maintain a participant database up-to-date and accurate.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
Education
BBA -
University of Maryland - University College
Hyattsville, MD2026
Business Management -
Prince George's Community College
Largo, MD05.2018
Computer Science -
Tesst College of Technology
Beltsville, MD07.2011
High School Diploma/ General Studies -
Surrattsville High School
Clinton, MD05.2007
Skills
- Leadership Team Building
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Operational Excellence
- Operations Management
- Business Development
- Contract Negotiation
- Contract Management
- Partnership Development
- Program Management
- Community Outreach
- Innovative and Visionary
- Project Oversight
Affiliations
- Alabama Avenue Community Development Corporation- Board Member
- Higher Learning- Business Committee
- New Beginning Foundation, Inc - Board Treasurer
- Fresh Start , Inc - Advisory Board
- Rodney Red Grant for Mayor of DC- Campaign Advisor
Timeline
President/CEO
Next Level Business Solutions, LLC
01.2016 - Current
Managing Partner / Business Developer
Urban Strategies & Solutions, LLC
01.2015 - 01.2020
Business Development Specialist
Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corp
01.2015 - 01.2017
General Manager, Retail Store
Visual Eyes
01.2011 - 01.2014
BBA -
University of Maryland - University College
Business Management -
Prince George's Community College
Computer Science -
Tesst College of Technology
High School Diploma/ General Studies -
Surrattsville High School
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