Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Kwanza Smith

East Stroudsburg

Summary

Proven leader and well-rounded expert in federal and state grant programs and organizational development. Recognized and sought-after leader in field and motivational manager of professional colleagues. Thoroughly understands donor development, local government planning, grant writing and how to create unique strategies to meet specific funding needs.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Grants Writer/Manager

Monroe County Commissioners
01.2023 - Current
  • Oversaw and enhanced Grant programs across entire tri-county region of Northeast PA.
  • Established goals and procedures for solicitation, funds management, and disbursement for the Monroe County Office of Fiscal Affairs and Grants
  • Conducted research to identify goals, net worth and history related to potential state and federal grantors, potential investors or general funding markets.
  • Created and implemented funding goals, collections policies, uniform guidance, standards and disbursement plans.
  • Directed activities of external agencies, establishments or departments developing and implementing fundraising strategies and programs.
  • Contacted federal and state representatives, government officials or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes and activities.
  • Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.

Store Manager

Dollar General Market
01.2019 - 12.2021
  • Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
  • Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
  • Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
  • Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
  • Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.

Store Manager

Gymboree Outlet
01.2017 - 12.2019
  • Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
  • Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
  • Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
  • Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
  • Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.

Associate Team Leader

Whole Food Market
01.2015 - 12.2017
  • Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
  • Assisted in recruitment to build team of top performers.
  • Observed packing operations to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
  • Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
  • Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
  • Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.

Executive Director

New Harlem East Merchants Association
01.2012 - 12.2015
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
  • Aligned department vision, goals, and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results.
  • Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
  • Advocated for organization and company mission to raise awareness and support.
  • Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
  • Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
  • Created promotional materials and provided insightful information to social media, websites and print media to educate public.
  • Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
  • Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.

Education

Candidate MML-PAP - Political Science And Government

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA
05-2026

Skills

  • Optimistic problem solver
  • Learning agility
  • Technical documentation
  • Idea brainstorming
  • Creative collaboration
  • Issue research
  • Fact-checking
  • Strong research skills
  • Project management
  • Cross Collaboration

Certification

  • Certification in Grant Writing Guide Star (Candid)
  • Certified Grants Financial Management, U.S. Department of Justice
  • ECivis Grants Quarterly Review Certification
  • FEMA Certified Public Information Officer

Timeline

Grants Writer/Manager

Monroe County Commissioners
01.2023 - Current

Store Manager

Dollar General Market
01.2019 - 12.2021

Store Manager

Gymboree Outlet
01.2017 - 12.2019

Associate Team Leader

Whole Food Market
01.2015 - 12.2017

Executive Director

New Harlem East Merchants Association
01.2012 - 12.2015

Candidate MML-PAP - Political Science And Government

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

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