Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
References
Timeline
Generic

Michelle Gbelama

Trenton,NJ

Summary

Driven entrepreneur and youth development specialist, successful at overseeing cost-effective, high-quality programs. Offering extensive experience in managing well-run operations and achieving solid results.

18+ years of non-profit experience. Work with underserved youths ages 5 to 18; Adults 19 to 60. Eight (10+) years of managerial and supervisor experience. Strong knowledge of youth, volunteer & partnership development. Ability to effectively establish and sustain corporate and community relationships. Five years of sales, marketing & administrative experience. Knowledge of Board Relations & Grant Writing (community & state grants, private sponsorship).

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder & Executive Director

WE Lead Sports Inc
Ewing, New Jersey
05.2021 - Current
  • Led startup and opening of non profit youth development organization.
  • Provided business development, creation of operational procedures and workflow planning.
  • Negotiated key initial contracts and established plans to formalize structure and support growth.
  • Cultivated and maintained industry relationships and customer partnerships to capitalize on opportunities and maximize business success.
  • Devised organizational vision, mission and foundational structure to facilitate early growth.
  • Identify and capitalized on tennis, soccer and education opportunity, leveraging connections and resources to slide into gap to launch youth development business.
  • Develop clear mission, vision and culture for company as foundation for growth, branding and development of employee culture.
  • Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
  • Promote company public profile by delivering speeches, writing articles and presenting at industry conferences as public face of organization.
  • Implement robust policies and organizational structures to underpin successful expansion and drive continuous growth.
  • Craft and monitored internal control systems.
  • Monitor business trend forecasts, adjusting budgets and operational plans to maximize growth and opportunities.
  • Create Curriculums and Provide Program Coaching for Tennis & Soccer Programs ( Individual and Group Lessons)
  • Establish policies and procedures for efficient workflow management.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, best practices and industry developments.
  • Conduct regular reviews of existing processes to identify areas of improvement.
  • Oversees all aspects of operations including product development, marketing, sales, customer service and finance.
  • Write program grants and proposals
  • Create and managed the company's financial budgeting, forecasting, and reporting systems.
  • Recruit, hired and trained staff members to ensure that operational goals were met.
  • Foster a positive company culture that encourages teamwork, innovation, and excellence.
  • Identify potential partnerships to expand the reach of the business

House Director

HomeWorks Trenton
Trenton, NJ
11.2022 - 07.2024
  • Created programming initiatives which addressed topics related to diversity, inclusion, community building.
  • Oversaw and managed the daily operations of a residential facility, including budgeting and financial management.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance at various campus functions or events.
  • Provided leadership, guidance, and support to staff members in order to ensure quality service delivery.
  • Collaborated with faculty advisors in order to develop meaningful learning experiences for students living on-campus.
  • Monitored student behavior within the residence hall and enforced disciplinary action when necessary.
  • Coordinated with campus departments such as Student Life, Residential Education, Dining Services, and Facilities Management in order to ensure that all services were properly delivered.
  • Developed and implemented programs designed to enhance student development and success.
  • Developed training materials for new staff members regarding policies and procedures of the residence hall.
  • Conducted regular staff meetings in order to discuss operational issues, provide updates on policies and procedures, and offer feedback.
  • Organized special events for students living in the residence halls such as educational workshops or social activities.
  • Communicated regularly with parents and guardians regarding their child's progress while living on-campus.
  • Collaborated with counselors to develop counseling programs that addressed student needs.
  • Led campus tours, new resident orientation and ongoing educational sessions.
  • Accompanied and supervised students during meals.
  • Administered, coordinated or recommended disciplinary and corrective actions.
  • Conducted regular rounds to keep residents and areas safe and secure.
  • Chaperoned group-sponsored trips and social functions.

Executive Director

Windsor Tennis Club
Princeton Junction, NJ
06.2021 - 07.2022
  • Set organization direction and developed strategies and tactics to fulfill mission.
  • Established strategic direction and goals to accomplish objectives.
  • Implemented quality metrics to track business needs and lead diverse projects.
  • Determined methods and procedures for staffing requirements and allotment of funds to various departments and projects.
  • Assessed potential collaboration opportunities to enhance organizational value and improve efficiency.
  • Recommended appropriate staffing techniques to meet demands and manage costs.
  • Maintained accountability for operational and fiscal integrity, effectively managing a designated budget.
  • Created program to promote new managers from within, leading to cohesive leadership structure.
  • Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
  • Developed long-range plans for business growth, resulting in 40% increase in annual sales.

Education Manager

Kings County Tennis League, KCTL
Brooklyn, NY
07.2018 - 08.2021
  • Created and implemented educational content for students using USTA ACE curriculum & Net Generation guidelines.
  • Created and oversaw mentorship programs.
  • Assisted with events planning (fundraisers, galas etc).
  • Assisted in managing year round programs.

Senior Program Director

Play Rugby USA
Manhattan, NY
09.2019 - 05.2020
  • Managed the Director of Coach Training and Development and Academy Director.
  • Crafted and implemented a strategic program delivery plan to align with overall organizational strategy and mission.
  • Established a program assessment strategy to ensure regular evaluation of Play Rugby’s program delivery.
  • Ensured that systems and processes were in place to support the successful delivery of high-quality youth development programs.
  • Indirectly responsible for the performance of the coaches and volunteers.
  • Managed the overall program budget and reported back regularly to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
  • Conducted bi-weekly payroll.
  • Established and maintained relationships with existing program partners.
  • Led business development efforts for new program opportunities that fit within the program strategy.
  • Ensured that all team members had access to the resources and support they needed to successfully execute their jobs.
  • Created a “Wrap Around” service program that provided comprehensive support to high school students (exp.
  • College readiness, mentorship, job & volunteer opportunities).
  • Created agendas and communication materials for team meetings.
  • Worked directly with the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer to maintain the overall health of the organization with a future-focused perspective.

Program Director

New York Junior Tennis and Learning, NYJTL
Queens, NY
12.2016 - 10.2018
  • Located and established partnerships with various organizations, schools & vendors (St John’s, Queens college, New York Hall of Science etc).
  • Created and maintained a positive and professional learning environment for students.
  • Created annual curriculum, budget, and work-scope using DYCD online/connect systems.
  • Cultivated and maintained key relationships with community leaders, partners, funders, volunteers and parents.
  • Recruited, hired, trained and managed staff/volunteers (15-25 annually).
  • Conducted bi-weekly payroll.
  • Scheduled all components of year-round programs-field trips events, guest speakers, site visits etc.
  • Managed program operations and provided strategic leadership for all workers.
  • Liaised between organizations, partners, stakeholder, and members to promote and improve services and communication.
  • Developed robust marketing plans to increase awareness of programs.
  • Proposed and developed new programming ideas and special features to drive audience engagement.
  • Planned and conducted staff meetings to brainstorm new ideas and deliver program and milestone updates.

Program Director

National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton, NJTLT
Trenton, NJ
04.2013 - 07.2016
  • Cultivated and maintained key relationships.
  • Recruited, hired, trained, managed and evaluated staff/volunteers (35-45 annually).
  • Scheduled all components of programs-education, outreach, field trips, events, visits etc.
  • Prepared monthly reports for Executive Director and Board, showing the status of program progress and other developmental activities, including the status of new partnerships.
  • Increased year-round enrollment numbers from 1,700 to 2,778 in 1.5 years.
  • Expended tennis & education programs from 14 to 25+ elementary and middle schools in the mercer county area.
  • Secured partnerships with surrounding universities & sponsors/donors (Princeton University, TCNJ, Rider U, Bloomberg, Johnson & Johnson, NJM, and PNC Bank).
  • Created an internship program for High School students.
  • Prepared the annual budget, program goals & objectives, curriculum and established a structure for each program.
  • Supported Executive Director in writing grant proposals and narratives (USTA, Community and State Grants).
  • Implemented marketing strategies to help enhance community awareness of the organization.
  • Minimized financial risk by establishing and maintaining best financial practices.
  • Liaised between organizations, partners, stakeholder, and members to promote and improve services and communication.
  • Oversaw completion of productivity goals and educated employees on established company processes.

Education

Master of Arts - Creative Writing

Drew University
Madison, NJ
05.2013

Bachelor of Arts - Economics, Money, Banking & Finance

Drew University
Madison, NJ
05.2010

Skills

  • Founder, Executive Director & Lead Coach at WE Lead Sports Sports Inc - Non profit Tennis Organization "Equipping youth to raise above adversity and soar high in all areas of their lives” (2021-Present)
  • Founder & CEO at She Leads Sports LLC "Empowering girls to become productive women through sport based activities" (2019-Present)
  • Assistant Men & Women’s Tennis Coach (2010-2015)
  • PTR Certified Tennis Coach (2014-Present)
  • Strategic Planning Committee Member: Kings County Tennis League (KCTL) (2018-Present)
  • United States Tennis Association (USTA)/New Jersey District Council Member: Vice President of Community Development (2015-2018)
  • United States Tennis Association Middle State Board Member ( Present)
  • Trenton Central High School Board Member: Marketing Advisor (2014-2018)

Semi Professional Performance

  • Drew University #1 Singles & Doubles Tennis Player (2007-2010); Team Captain (2008-2010); Two Time MVP recipient (2008 & 2009)
  • Four-time selection to the Landmark All-Conference First and Second Team in both singles and doubles
  • First woman in Drew’s history to win the Flight A NJAIAW tennis tournament ( 2009)
  • Member & Captain of the 2010 Landmark Championship tennis team and competed in the NCAA
    Tournament (2010)
  • US Open Qualifying Tennis Tournament Contestant (Quarter & Semi-Finals, 2009/2010)

Websites

References

REFERENCES AVAILABLE PER REQUEST

Timeline

House Director

HomeWorks Trenton
11.2022 - 07.2024

Executive Director

Windsor Tennis Club
06.2021 - 07.2022

Founder & Executive Director

WE Lead Sports Inc
05.2021 - Current

Senior Program Director

Play Rugby USA
09.2019 - 05.2020

Education Manager

Kings County Tennis League, KCTL
07.2018 - 08.2021

Program Director

New York Junior Tennis and Learning, NYJTL
12.2016 - 10.2018

Program Director

National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton, NJTLT
04.2013 - 07.2016

Master of Arts - Creative Writing

Drew University

Bachelor of Arts - Economics, Money, Banking & Finance

Drew University

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Michelle Gbelama