LESLIE NWOSU
Washington, D.C.,United States
Summary
Dynamic and forward-thinking professional with extensive experience in philanthropy, partnership management, and community engagement. Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives, curating impactful events, and fostering strategic collaborations to advance social equity, and community impact. Skilled in strategic communications, program management, and stakeholder engagement.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer
Bread for the City
Washington, D.C.
11.2024 - Current
- As a volunteer at Bread of the City, I play an active role in supporting low-income individuals and families by distributing food and essential supplies, contributing to efforts aimed at alleviating food insecurity
- I assist with organizing and managing food drives, work closely with a team to ensure a welcoming and efficient environment, and help promote services to increase awareness within the community while maintaining a compassionate experience
Manager, Networks & Partnerships
ABFE - A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities
08.2023 - Current
- Program-manage two funder networks, engaging over 60 corporate philanthropic leaders, foundation investment officers, financial officers, and asset managers to foster strategic collaboration and sector growth
- Organized, curated, and executed nine in-person convenings and sessions, including private conference sessions, plenary sessions, in-person retreats, and receptions, overseeing end-to-end event logistics and strategic planning
- Presented an award to a philanthropic leader at the country's largest gathering of Black philanthropic professionals, addressing an audience of over 800 in-person and virtual attendees
- Collaborated with consultants to conduct research and develop sector-wide reports, contributing to thought leadership and advancing industry knowledge
- Partner with foundations and consultants to identify and connect Black asset managers with foundations, supporting portfolio diversification and promoting equitable investment practices
- Facilitate socio-economic and political conversations with funders, fostering dialogue on critical issues impacting Black communities
- Lead the identification, contracting, and engagement of high-impact speakers and consultants, ensuring dynamic and relevant programming for funder networks
Founder
Surge of Synergy
06.2022 - Current
- Founded and led Surge of Synergy, a faith-based platform designed to empower multi-faceted professionals by providing creative spaces for talent showcase, networking, and community-transforming the way culture collaborates
- Curated and hosted open mic events tailored for young creatives to showcase their talents while supporting local businesses and fostering strategic partnerships
- Engaged over 300 participants across three events through strategic marketing initiatives, including targeted social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, and community outreach programs
- Generated over $3,500 in ticket sales and significantly boosted business revenue for partnered venues, showcasing the economic impact of community-driven events
- Championed community impact by creating inclusive environments that celebrated diverse talents, fostered cultural exchange, and strengthened local economic ecosystems
Associate, External Affairs
ABFE - A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Executed various administrative tasks, including coordinating virtual and in-person meetings, submitting expense reports, inputting data into Salesforce, organizing data and documents, note-taking, strategic thinking, and implementation for the External Affairs Department
- Supported the planning, execution, and follow-up of over four cross-departmental in-person and virtual ABFE events, including ABFE's Annual Conference-the largest convening of Black philanthropic professionals with 700+ paid registrants
- Developed and maintained positive working relationships and collaborative arrangements with industry community groups, consultants, funders, and other organizations to help advance ABFE's mission
- Created six monthly external newsletters featuring ABFE and Membership updates, distributed through Constant Contact and ABFE's social media platforms
- Stepped in to support various responsibilities of sub-departmental staff members during extended leave while managing daily responsibilities, including event planning and supporting the Development team
- Implemented a system to create and distribute invoices for ABFE's Black Foundation CEO Network of 60+ individuals, enhancing financial tracking and member engagement
Program Manager Assistant
City Year, AmeriCorp
New York City
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Managed a team of 9 AmeriCorps Members providing students with personalized academic, mentorship, social-emotional support, and afterschool programming to over 180 students (grades 3-8) virtually in a first-year partnership
- Designed and implemented virtual after-school programming for 40 remote students, achieving an average 80% daily attendance rate
- Collaborated with City Year's Civic Engagement team to organize service projects at school partnerships, coordinating with corporate sponsor partners and managing project plans, requirements, timelines, and expectations
- Managed eight virtual and in-person events, leveraging team members' individual skillsets and cultivating relationships with local businesses for in-kind donations
Intern
Grow Fundraising & Consulting Inc
Bethesda
12.2018 - 02.2019
- Led fundraising efforts to secure sustainable donors for the Susan G
- Komen Breast Cancer Organization by initiating and engaging in a minimum of 30 new donor conversations daily
- Successfully acquired 6 long-term donors and averaged 4 one-time donations per day during my tenure at GF&C
Intern
Bromberg Rosenthal LLC
Rockville
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Performed clerical duties and managed schedules for a large law office, ensuring operational efficiency and effective time management
- Visited the courthouse regularly to facilitate legal processes and support attorneys with case management
- Assisted potential and existing clients by addressing inquiries and providing case-related information, contributing to positive client experiences and relationship management
Education
Associates of Applied Social Sciences -
Montgomery College
Rockville05.2018
Skills
- Project Management Skills
- Strategic Communications
- Microsoft Suite
- Leadership and facilitation
- Program and Event Management
- Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building
- Research and Strategic Planning
- Administrative and Operational Efficiency
- Business Development Strategies
- Visual design skills
- Salesforce data management
- Fundraising
- Event planning
Extracurricular Activities
Student Governance & Council, Montgomery College, Rockville, 09/01/16, 05/31/18, Participated in planning college-wide events and fundraisers, raising $17,000 in student scholarships., Created fliers, managed social media, facilitated weekly meetings, and advertised events and opportunities around campus as Co-Chair of the Public Outreach Committee., Planned and facilitated a DACA Forum for students, faculty, and community members, fostering open dialogue on critical issues., Elected Student Senate President for Rockville Campus class of 2017-18, leading initiatives to enhance student engagement and campus life.
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer, Bread for the City, Washington, D.C., 11/01/24, Present, As a volunteer at Bread of the City, I play an active role in supporting low-income individuals and families by distributing food and essential supplies, contributing to efforts aimed at alleviating food insecurity., I assist with organizing and managing food drives, work closely with a team to ensure a welcoming and efficient environment, and help promote services to increase awareness within the community while maintaining a compassionate experience.
Languages
- English
- American Sign Language
Timeline
Volunteer
Bread for the City
11.2024 - Current
Manager, Networks & Partnerships
ABFE - A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities
08.2023 - Current
Founder
Surge of Synergy
06.2022 - Current
Associate, External Affairs
ABFE - A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities
09.2021 - 08.2023
Program Manager Assistant
City Year, AmeriCorp
07.2020 - 06.2021
Intern
Grow Fundraising & Consulting Inc
12.2018 - 02.2019
Intern
Bromberg Rosenthal LLC
08.2015 - 06.2016
Associates of Applied Social Sciences -
Montgomery College
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