Melissa Allala
Houston,TX
Summary
Highly organized and self-motivated professional experienced in project management, team development and process improvement. Skilled in developing and implementing strategies to increase efficiency and performance. Passionate about driving business growth and creating positive work environment.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Advocacy Associate Director and Data Analyst
OCA- Greater Houston
06.2022 - Current
- Led teams of up to 15 personnel, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
- Managed operational projects and processes such as recruiting and hiring personnel, onboarding personnel and interns, program, project, and event budgets, and developed programs and mid-year and annual reports
- Hosted local civic engagement events and workshops to engage voters and potential voters, as well as voter registration drives, social media campaigns, and get-out-the-vote campaigns
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to share innovative ideas and providing resources for professional development.
- Assisted senior leadership in managing all aspects of operations.
- Trained and developed department leaders and management staff for specific projects and ongoing operational needs.
- Established strong relationships with key industry partners, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Oversaw annual budget planning processes, ensuring financial goals were met while maintaining optimal resource allocation across departments.
- Complied and managed all data for reporting to funders and stakeholders.
Senior Partnership Specialist
Department of Commerce, Census Bureau
11.2018 - 09.2020
- Establish partners within Houston’s local government, LGBTQ+ and Veteran communities
- Serve as the lead for all government matters, including federal, state, city, and local
- Served as the Houston team's Senior Partnership Specialist and Customer Relations Management (CRM) lead
- Mentor, coach, and assist staff throughout Texas with strategic support and leveraging resources
- Coordinate meetings with stakeholders to spread 2020 Census awareness and outreach
- Lead high-level meetings with executive staff, congressional offices, and senior stakeholders
- Meet with local government officials and community leaders in the Houston area
- Develop and establish presentations for LGBTQ+ community members.
- Built and managed relationships with key community members and partners to drive project growth.
- Earned recognition as a top performer consistently exceeding targets throughout my tenure as a senior partnership specialist in the field.
- Assisted with staff training to enforce quality guidelines.
- Created and delivered presentations to internal and external stakeholders to showcase work.
Community Outreach Supervisor
Harris County, Constable Precinct 6
11.2017 - 06.2018
- Developed and implemented new outreach strategies for constituents
- Supervised and evaluated new employees based on performance, professionalism, and metrics
- Supervised staff of 10+ employees
- Created content and materials for special outreach programs to address the surrounding area's needs, including grants
- Developed and maintained relationships with community leaders and was the office liaison
- Met with stakeholders and community leaders within the precinct
- Worked with state and local officials concerning ongoing issues within the community
- Organized resource vendors for the annual National Night Out event.
Project Coordinator and Constituent Liaison
Greater Northside Management District
12.2015 - 11.2017
- Liaison between constituents and the local, state, and federal official’s offices
- Supervised staff of 10+ employees
- Served as Director’s backup
- Reviewed and analyzed proposed projects with the Deputy Director
- Oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Right of Way, Patrol, Graffiti Abatement, Volunteer and Harris County Probation Programs
- Implemented initiatives and meetings with stakeholders to assist with homelessness
- Planned meetings with members of the community to meet project goals and deadlines
- Generated data reports and presented to the Board of Directors during monthly meetings.
- Supervised multiple projects from project start through delivery by prioritizing needs and delegating assignments.
- Liaised between departments to facilitate communication and keep appropriate parties updated on project developments.
- Prepared meeting agendas and minutes for distribution and record keeping.
- Played an active role in brainstorming sessions held for the purpose of generating innovative ideas/solutions which could potentially be incorporated into existing/new projects being undertaken by the company.
- Facilitated frequent progress reports and presentations to keep management informed about ongoing activities within their respective domains.
Education
Master of Science in Business Analytics -
University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX06.2023
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science -
University of Houston- Main Campus
Houston08.2015
Associate in Arts -
Houston Community College
Houston, TX12.2010
Skills
- Project Management
- Strategic leadership
- Analytical Thinking
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Relationship Building
- Team Collaboration and Leadership
- Crisis Management
- Budget Management
- Administrative Support
- Data Analysis
- Staff Management
Activities
- Fellow, League of Women Voters-Houston chapter, 09/01/21, Present
- Alumna/Board Member- Chair, Selections committee, New Leaders Council-Houston chapter, 07/01/21, Present
- Transportation Committee(wo)man, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, 01/01/20, 01/01/22
- Volunteer – Citizenship Assistance, OCA-Houston, 08/01/14, Present
- Board Member- Advocacy Committee, Mayor Turner’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, 09/01/18, 12/01/22
- Board Member, Hobby School of Public Affairs Alumni Association, 08/01/18, 12/01/19
- Board Member – Membership Chair, Houston GLBT Political Caucus, 12/01/17, Present
- Board Member, Young Invincibles, 12/01/17, 12/01/19
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Advocacy Associate Director and Data Analyst
OCA- Greater Houston
06.2022 - Current
Senior Partnership Specialist
Department of Commerce, Census Bureau
11.2018 - 09.2020
Community Outreach Supervisor
Harris County, Constable Precinct 6
11.2017 - 06.2018
Project Coordinator and Constituent Liaison
Greater Northside Management District
12.2015 - 11.2017
Master of Science in Business Analytics -
University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science -
University of Houston- Main Campus
Associate in Arts -
Houston Community College