Michelle Cowan
Millington,TN
Summary
Strategic-thinking individual experienced in turning low-performing organizations into top producers by building strong industry relationships. Passionate about helping individuals build successful futures.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Education
Clean Memphis
07.2019 - Current
- Leads team of educators to bring hands-on Environmental Education to public school students in Memphis, TN
- Developed core curriculum for elementary school programming based on elementary science standards with emphasis on early environmental literacy in addition to conducting citizenscience lessons focusing on litter, recycling, food waste, Zero Waste, the circular economy, climate change
- Led the development of student-led food waste audits in public schools, scaling the program across the District, analysis and partnership with school district nutrition services to lead change that reduces cafeteria food waste
- Provide professional development opportunities for teachers and preservice teacher candidates related to environmental science content.
Grant Writer
LeMoyne-Owen College
07.2016 - 07.2019
- Conduct research and make recommendations regarding funding sources
- Process and track all grants submitted from the college
- Write grant proposals, including budgets, progress reports, internally and externally
- Coordinate with various faculty and staff to submit professional, winning proposals for foundation and government grants, including research grants from federal agencies such as NSF, NEH and HHS
- Serve as Authorized Organizational Representative for college on federally funded grants
- Work together with Grants Accountant to support all sponsored programs for the college
- Coordinate with needs of upper level staff to find funding for the needs of the college.
Instructor
Shelby County Schools
01.2011 - 05.2016
- Taught one year of K-5 Hands-on Science Lab, researching and developing modules that aligned with State of Tennessee Science Standards for grades K-5
- Worked with teachers to schedule at least 2 hours per week of hands-on science lab time, in dedicated classroom
- Developed fun math skills hands-on lessons for targeted group of low-performing students to enhance math performance and reduce math anxiety
- Taught high school math (Algebra II and Geometry) at Bolton High School, prepared lesson plans, graded and tracked grades for 160 students per day, 6 class periods, developing my own teaching methods to enhance student engagement
- (2 school years) Taught eighth grade math and science at EE Jeter K-8, researching and preparing hands-on lessons for middle school students daily utilizing EngageNY Curriculum methods/materials.
Partner
Memphis Investment Recovery
01.2003 - 01.2011
- With partner, developed and grew ecommerce sales business, focusing on the repair and reuse of business equipment
- Internet research of potential inventory and sourcing, technical writing, online database management and customer service.
Executive Director
Cooper Young Development Corporation
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Coordinated redevelopment of urban neighborhood using targeted acquisition, redevelopment and sale of 48 properties in four years to develop a more stable community
- Performed site analysis, purchase and redevelopment of commercial sites in the neighborhood from abandoned buildings to productive, newly developed commercial properties
- Acted as fiscal agent of non-profit agency with annual budget of over $1 million
- With Board of Directors, performed a neighborhood needs assessment and developed a strategic plan for the organization
- Earned excellent reviews from annual fiscal and compliance audits conducted by private auditing firms, the City of Memphis, and the State of Tennessee Housing Development Agency
- Researched and sought various sources of funding, including federal, state, municipal and private sources; ensured compliance with funding source requirements
- Gave professional development talks regarding community development issues in public settings, professional conferences, community meetings.
Director Community Development & Svcs
Arlington Community Action Program
01.1993 - 05.1996
- Planned, developed, managed and supervised community service programs funded by CSBG within the low income community of Arlington, VA
- Programs included Computer Training, Job Services, Eviction Prevention, Senior Services and Weatherization
- Coordinated fund-raising and outreach activities for the agency
- Secured state funding for a drop-out prevention program for potential first time college students by creating and managing a successful pilot in Arlington public schools.
Education
Teacher Education Program in Secondary Education -
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN05.2013
Master of Regional Planning in Economic and Community Development -
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC05.1993
Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning -
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VASkills
- Program Management (10 years)
- Team Building, Managing (10 years)
- Relationship Management (10 years)
- Public speaker (10 years)
- Curriculum Development (4 years)
- Grant writing (10 years)
- Budgeting (10 years)
- Leadership (10 years)
- Writing (10 years)
Certification
Practitioner in Zero Waste Practices and Principals, 01/2022, Present
Timeline
Director of Education
Clean Memphis
07.2019 - Current
Grant Writer
LeMoyne-Owen College
07.2016 - 07.2019
Instructor
Shelby County Schools
01.2011 - 05.2016
Partner
Memphis Investment Recovery
01.2003 - 01.2011
Executive Director
Cooper Young Development Corporation
01.1999 - 01.2003
Director Community Development & Svcs
Arlington Community Action Program
01.1993 - 05.1996
Teacher Education Program in Secondary Education -
University of Memphis
Master of Regional Planning in Economic and Community Development -
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning -
Virginia Commonwealth University
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