Lalita Kovvuri

• Enhanced team productivity by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
• Developed strong stakeholder relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
• Organized large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution of logistics, registration, catering, and venue management.
• Managed budgets effectively, consistently staying within financial constraints while maximizing resource allocation for optimal results.
• Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing high-quality trainings and professional development.
  Interpreted clients' needs and introduced mediations dn trainings to fit specific requirements.
• Created and delivered presentations to internal and external stakeholders to showcase work.
  Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.

As a core member of the school’s Race Equity Committee, I lead in building and using a racial equity lens to empower students and staff to recognize and disarm patterns of racism and prejudice.

Highlights

• Strive to create safe spaces for students and families that are optimal to learn and express themselves freely
• Provide advice and consultation on equity issues within school community
• Develop and implement equity strategies, facilitate conversations, and develop policies that promote equity at school
• Provide training and education to staff and families, helping to build capacity and understanding around race equity issues
• Promote diversity and inclusion in all aspects of school including hiring practices, leadership development, and community engagement
• Facilitate communication between school staff and families to build lasting relationships
• Monitor progress towards equity goals, identify areas for improvement and recommend changes to policies and practices
• Conduct research and analysis on equity issues, using data to inform strategies and recommendations
• Advocate for equity in public policy, community planning, and decision-making processes and influence to push for positive change

As part of the founding team at PS 244Q (The Active Learning Elementary School) since 2008, my responsibilities encompass creating an enriching, caring and safe learning environment for students through close relations between family, staff and society with a focus on strengthening parental involvement within the school and community.

Highlights

• Work closely with PTA Board Members and Parent Advisory committee, I have mentored over 10 parents currently employed at TALES and at other schools in various roles
• Oversee all interactions between parents and staff, parent-teacher associations, parent advisory bodies, DOE offices, and various community groups
• Plan and manage all organizational partnerships and collaborations with cultural institutions
• Consistently raise annual funding of over $20000 for after-school programs and family engagement initiatives from the New York City Council, the Center for Racial Justice in Education, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Queens Botanical Garden etc.

Driven by my belief in the importance of a strong relationship between parent and school, I worked closely with CAPA, a non-profit organization founded with the aim to aid, assist and support students in their academic and developmental endeavors.

Highlights

• Oversaw all areas of program development, implementation and performance measurement for afterschool programs in 3 CAPA locations in Queens
• Advocated for subsidized programming and equitable seat allotment to black and brown students in afterschool and summer camp.
• Wrote grants and funding requests that helped CAPA raise funds from various City-based organizations such as the Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), the Office of the Borough President, Project BOOST and the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI), Common Threads and the Office of the Mayor of New York City