Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Generic

LaTonya K. Starks

Summary

Results-driven professional with over 20 years of experience in coaching, educational consulting, and event planning. Adept at building strong relationships and collaborating effectively to support student success. Northwestern University graduate skilled in setting actionable goals and leveraging data-driven insights to achieve measurable outcomes. Proven ability to empower students through personalized guidance and strategic outreach, fostering clarity and confidence in their academic journeys. Committed to creating inclusive environments and delivering tailored support that aligns closely with the organization's mission to engage and assist students in completing their degrees and meeting their educational goals.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Podcast Host

Rob Has a Podcast (RHAP)
08.2020 - Current
  • Produce and host a weekly podcast series on popular television shows, increasing audience engagement by 25% across multiple platforms through strategic content development and cultural relevance.
  • Led programming efforts for the Post Show Recaps (PSR) network, expanding listenership through targeted outreach and cross-promotion.
  • Promoted to Producer of Programming for Max, and pioneering the development of “The Connect,” a groundbreaking series targeting Black audiences, filling a critical gap in PSR's programming.
  • Helped to grow PSR’s Black listener base by 30%, enhancing inclusivity within the network.
  • Researched, wrote, and curated detailed episode outlines, conducting deep dives into show runners, writers, and producers, ensuring high-quality content and guest interviews.
  • Launched new podcast concepts, successfully turning creative ideas into fully realized shows, leading growth in PSR's overall content library.
  • Recognized among top genre podcasts for covering high-profile projects including Star Wars properties, and House of the Dragon, contributing growth in audience reach.
  • Pitched and developed podcast concepts from inception to broadcast, demonstrating strategic media insights that drove impactful cultural conversations as a micro-influencer within the PSR/RHAP community.

Paralegal (Part-Time)

Casper Mehlos Law Group
01.2023 - 07.2024
  • Conducted in-depth legal research on Wisconsin court cases and precedents, increasing the accuracy of case preparation and resulting in positive client case outcomes.
  • Liaised with current and prospective clients, contributing to an increase in client retention and satisfaction through timely communication and case updates.
  • Drafted interrogatories, legal arguments, and motions, helping attorneys secure favorable outcomes in a majority of cases during my employment.
  • Produced correspondence letters and interoffice communications, reducing internal response time by 30% and improving case workflow efficiency.
  • Hosted a podcast on notable legal cases, driving an increase in engagement on the firm’s YouTube page, and expanding the firm's online presence to attract new clientele.

Debate Coach/Educational Consultant/Event Planner

Northwestern University
08.2005 - 03.2024
  • Made history as the first Black debate coach at Northwestern University, in the team’s then 145-year history, fostering diversity and inclusion within the Northwestern Debate Society.
  • Conducted 20-30 hours of in-depth research weekly on national and international policy topics, improving team performance by 25% through enhanced preparation using databases like LexisNexis, Westlaw, and JSTOR.
  • Led the team to achieve three National Debate Tournament Championships and multiple Final and Semi-final round appearances.
  • Planned and executed large-scale events for up to 600 participants, including the Owen L. Coon Memorial Debates.
  • Managed budgets ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, and cultivated effective relationships with vendors, resulting in a 20% reduction in event costs.
  • Optimized the process of making the team’s travel arrangements by monitoring flight prices saving thousands of dollars of on airfare.
  • Initiated the accessibility initiative in 2017, ensuring the Owen L. Coon Memorial Debate tournaments I planned were accessible for participants with mobility issues, while also providing gender-neutral restroom facilities available to all debate tournament participants.

Education

BS - Communication Studies, Sociology

Northwestern University
Evanston

Skills

  • Process-Improvement
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Time Management
  • Legal Research
  • Academic Research
  • Entertainment Research
  • Writing
  • Legal Writing
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Google Suite
  • Project Management
  • Data Organization
  • Data Analysis
  • Public Speaking
  • Presentation
  • Storytelling
  • Advertising
  • Branding
  • Client Services
  • Event Planning
  • Logistics Strategy
  • Strategic Planning
  • Project Planning
  • Secondary Education
  • Online Education
  • Education Consulting
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Exceptional communication
  • Student Engagement

Timeline

Paralegal (Part-Time)

Casper Mehlos Law Group
01.2023 - 07.2024

Podcast Host

Rob Has a Podcast (RHAP)
08.2020 - Current

Debate Coach/Educational Consultant/Event Planner

Northwestern University
08.2005 - 03.2024

BS - Communication Studies, Sociology

Northwestern University
LaTonya K. Starks