Karen Tshimanga
NY Metro Area
Summary
In a world full of "wanna-bes" Karen Tshimanga (KT) is a passionate problem solver, innovator and champion of equality - who approaches each project and initiatives with a positive can-do attitude
A proactive and versatile professional with a dedication to quickly adapting to new challenges, she has proven track record of fostering strong relationships with clients and team members.
Her work is a testament of pushing culture and crafting campaigns.
Bi-lingual French & English.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Global DEI Director and Brand Partnership
DROGA5
NY
01.2020 - Current
- In charge of multiple accounts from campaign scoping to delivery, including briefing, forecast, staffing, contract negotiations, business development, production, and launch.
- Provide multicultural research and data points to amplify external and internal work
- Directed all aspects of the creative process from concept ideation through final delivery of deliverables.
- Conducted market research, competitor analysis, and customer segmentation studies to identify growth opportunities.
- Created project roadmaps outlining key milestones and deliverables for successful strategy execution.
- Built relationships with influencers who could help promote the brand's message online.
- Developed strategic vision and objectives to increase business efficiency and profitability.
- Directed financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and investment planning activities.
- Developed and implemented successful grassroots campaigns to raise awareness of key campaigns.
- Analyzed trends in media coverage of the campaign to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Established policies and procedures that improved operational efficiency across multiple departments.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change by managing transitions effectively.
- Resolved conflicts between employees in a timely manner while fostering an atmosphere of collaboration.
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies.
Solution Delivery Senior Project Manager
VMLY&R
NY
02.2018 - 12.2019
- Directed business development initiatives, including acquisitions and joint venture agreements.
- Managed financial operations, overseeing budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis activities.
- Organized special projects such as corporate events or marketing campaigns.
- Cultivated a culture of collaboration among department heads to facilitate cross-functional project execution.
- Managed project scope, timeline and budget in alignment with company objectives.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop realistic expectations for deliverables.
- Gathered and analyzed data to identify areas for improvement in operations and processes.
Digital Senior Project Manager
MOVING IMAGE AND CONTENT
NYC
- 09.2017
- Advise Account Management in managing project planning, designing, and delivery.
- Facilitate clients' expectations and ensure strong relationships with partners.
- Recruit and manage third-party partnerships with vendors, photographers, influencers, and talents.
- Develop launch schedules, direct and indirect marketing campaign calendars, i.e., promotions, sales, and events.
- Align work with Creative Leads during creative development in relation to briefs and strategy execution.
- Direct and own project's scoping, including budgets, team resourcing, and timelines.
Project Manager - Digital Focus
MRM-MCCANN
NY
11.2015 - 05.2017
- Orchestrate Verizon's new rebranding marketing initiatives across all lines of business for all agencies.
- Develop and implement demand creation campaigns to promote new and established products to targeted markets.
- Produce development of schedules, resource projection, and team expectations.
- Direct budgets and invoices related to special projects.
- Work with UX and Tech Leads from asset's creation to delivery in-house and/or to vendors.
Fashion Consultant and Marketing Coordinator
WINK
NY
04.2014 - 08.2015
- Provide efficient and personalized styling sessions for strong client telling and target audiences.
- Develop and create various marketing campaigns and culturally driven initiatives to drive sales.
- Assist in creating, managing, and measuring digital media campaigns, including social media.
- Assist in planning and coordinating private events with various vendors and key fashion influencers.
- Liaising with the company's vendors and private labels regarding business and press inquiries.
Media and Project Manager
BEAUTY WITHIN TV
NY
02.2012 - 09.2013
- Support PR director in the development of strategic PR, marketing, and social media plans.
- Management of conference calls, issuing emails on behalf of CEO, and executive scheduling.
- Create and maintain a media outlet's database, and supervise ongoing relationships for the CEO.
- Monitor and maintain social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Prepare daily reports to media outlets and third-party vendors.
Sales and Fashion Marketing Assistant
COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS
NY
09.2011 - 05.2012
- Support senior staff to create and implement effective marketing strategies to boost store's sales.
- Operate communication with vendors and talents for photo shoots and press-related materials - local and international.
- Main contact with headquarters in France to collect all marketing correspondence and distribute it to the NYC team.
- Produce sales data, sales progress reports, and other sales-related records for my superiors.
- Identify clients' and celebrities' needs to provide efficient fashion styling sessions and personalized client telling.
- Complete schedules and coordinate private events.
PR & Media Assistant
FIFA WORLD CUP MatchWorld
, SOUTH AFRICA
- 08.2010
- Complete marketing and advertising campaigns for principal stakeholders for the German and Ghana teams.
- Organize local events with sponsors and teams for community outreach.
- Head of international journalists at the Media Centre.
- Fulfill clients' needs through planning and managing events on site.
- Maintain and update Fan Fest's Social Network, such as Twitter and Facebook.
Education
Post-Graduate Degree - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Cornell University
New York09-2023
Digital Marketing MBA & Management Certificate -
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (NYU)
New York01.2015
B.A IN JOURNALISM PUBLIC RELATION & B.A IN COMMUNICATION -
Donald W. Reynolds's School of Journalism, University of Nevada
Reno, NVSkills
- Human Resources Management
- Media Relations
- Financial Management & Budget Control
- International business
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Strategies and goals
- Organizational Development
- Business Planning and Development
- Non-profit management
- Team Management
- Competitive Analysis
- Advertising Campaigns
- Content Strategy
- Creative Direction
- Social Media Marketing
Affiliations
ACHIEVEMENT & BUSINESSES
- Co - Founder and President of DreamGirls International Outreach and Mentoring Program
- Founder and President of A Dope Femme
“Founded in late 2019 & est. in 2021, A Dope Femme (ADF) is a 501(c3) non-profit group, that focuses on empowering and elevating Women of Color & their communities, via fellowship & career building in the NY Metro area. We provide various tools and resources for members to grow their magic and reach the top; As well as programs designed to support our communities, in breaking socioeconomic challenges. Our mission is to empower the sisterhood of today, to shape the sisterhood of tomorrow. One Dope Femme at a time. We’ve worked with top NYC Metro businesses and NGOs such as The Female Quotient, Nike, Reveal Beauty, She Designs and recently Bronx high schools.
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Native/ Bilingual
Websites
MY STORY
Karen Tshimanga is a seasoned PR, Marketing, and Communications professional with over a decade of experience working on global campaigns across industries. Born and raised in Paris, France, to Congolese parents, Karen's journey has been marked by resilience, creativity, and a passion for empowering others.
After graduating from the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, Karen moved to New York City to pursue her career. Her early experiences as a celebrity stylist and marketing campaign developer ignited her interest in the world of advertising and led her to earn a degree in digital marketing from New York University's Stern School of Business.
Throughout her career, Karen has worked on high-profile projects for leading brands such as New Balance, Accenture Interactive, Meta, and Karl Lagerfeld. Her innovative and culturally-relevant approach to storytelling has consistently driven results and earned recognition in the industry.
A dedicated advocate for women's empowerment and diversity in the workplace, Karen founded A Dope Femme in 2019. This initiative aims to provide resources, mentorship, and support to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them navigate the corporate landscape and achieve their professional goals.
Key Highlights:
- Global experience working on high-profile campaigns
- Strong background in PR, marketing, and communications
- Passionate advocate for women's empowerment and diversity
- Proven track record of driving results through innovative storytelling
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Global DEI Director and Brand Partnership
DROGA5
01.2020 - Current
Solution Delivery Senior Project Manager
VMLY&R
02.2018 - 12.2019
Project Manager - Digital Focus
MRM-MCCANN
11.2015 - 05.2017
Fashion Consultant and Marketing Coordinator
WINK
04.2014 - 08.2015
Media and Project Manager
BEAUTY WITHIN TV
02.2012 - 09.2013
Sales and Fashion Marketing Assistant
COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS
09.2011 - 05.2012
Digital Senior Project Manager
MOVING IMAGE AND CONTENT
- 09.2017
PR & Media Assistant
FIFA WORLD CUP MatchWorld
- 08.2010
Post-Graduate Degree - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Cornell University
Digital Marketing MBA & Management Certificate -
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (NYU)
B.A IN JOURNALISM PUBLIC RELATION & B.A IN COMMUNICATION -
Donald W. Reynolds's School of Journalism, University of Nevada
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