Noralisa Leo
Arlington,VA
Summary
Versatile executive with a talent for creative collaboration that transforms strategic vision into measurable outcomes and builds resilient organizations poised for long-term success. Adept at recognizing external opportunities and shaping organizational capacities and products to meet "the moment". Passionate about access, community engagement and opportunity for all.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Representative Democracy
11.2021 - Current
- Led national initiative strengthening equitable governance in local government through strategic partnerships with 4 community groups and 2 associations serving local government in 2,350+ counties, and all 50 states
- Secured $1.7M in funding by developing organizational vision, mission, and advisory council structure; created comprehensive donor engagement strategy for sustainable growth
- Established and managed $800K grant administration process with robust evaluation and financial reporting frameworks
- Built complete operational infrastructure including financial management systems, vendor contracts, MOUs, employee guidelines, job descriptions, and performance evaluation processes
- Created marketing collateral, communications strategy, and presentations for philanthropic outreach and stakeholder engagement
- Co-developed inaugural State Exchange on Enhancing Workforce Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with the Council on State Governments, engaging senior staff from Executive and Legislative branches across 5 states
President and Founder
Volta Communications Group
10.2017 - Current
- Led benchmarking study and capacity analysis to design a restructured bilingual media and communication unit for the ACLU
- Developed 2021 Technology Policy Priorities and communications strategy for Hispanic Technology & Telecommunications Partnership to advance inclusive tech agenda
- Spearheaded branding, messaging, and digital strategy for Representative Democracy coalition (2019) and DEIB Brain Trust launch
- Designed crisis communications strategy following January 6 Capitol insurrection for coalition partners
- Provided DEIB counsel to partner organizations, subject matter expertise to the House Modernization Committee, and communication support for 8 thought leadership blogs and a comprehensive DEI Guide for congressional offices
- Guided LatinoJustice PRLDEF through communications department restructuring while serving as interim VP of Communications and strategic adviser to new President and General Counsel during critical growth period
Vice President, Diversity + Inclusion
Vanguard Communications
09.2016 - 10.2017
- Envisioned and established company's Diversity + Inclusion vertical as a strategic business differentiator, identifying market gap and positioning the firm to capture emerging client needs
- Created talent development pipeline through strategic partnership with George Washington Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, addressing PR industry-wide representation challenges while advancing workforce development solutions
- Directed strategic overhaul of Spanish-language outreach for three HHS mental health programs, implementing research-based framework to reach underserved populations and enhance program efficacy
Senior Vice President
SKDKnickerbocker
01.2012 - 10.2015
- Led member outreach for a media coalition advancing market-based retransmission consent, developing action plans for legislative and agency regulatory engagement
- Provided policy counsel and communications strategy resulting in 19 coalition member submissions to Congressional committees and the regulator (2014-2015)
- Advised Fortune 50 company on strengthening efforts to integrate global diversity and inclusion as core business strategy, aligning internal initiatives with external branding and global corporate citizenship framework
Managing Director
DCI Group
02.2010 - 12.2011
- Supported client War Room with position papers, regulatory responses, media amplification tactics and messaging across policy issues
- Managed third-party engagement for 10 partners in Latino and rural communities, resulting in a 15+ letter and advocacy campaigns to Congress and oversight agencies
- Advised on $1M+ corporate giving strategy for clients in the telecommunications and media sector
Deputy Director and External Affairs Officer
Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Latino Center
05.2006 - 01.2010
- Managed $2.5M+ operating budget covering programs, events, exhibitions, payroll, and compliance with 10+ negotiated Gift Agreements
- Negotiated 5 international partner agreements for Smithsonian's country program series with heads of ministries, ensuring brand alignment with cultural diplomacy goals
- Established 3 MOUs with international art and culture organizations for program collaboration
- Raised $3.2M (2006-2008) to support Center initiatives and launch the Latino Virtual Museum, the Smithsonian's first 3-D digital museum experience
Education
MBA - Finance
American University, Kogod School of Business
Washington, DC12-2003
Master of Science - Development Management, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
American University, School of International Service
Washington, DC05.2000
Bachelor of Arts -
Wellesley College
Wellesley06.1995
Skills
- Audience Research/Surveying
- Board relations
- Marketing
- Data interpretation
- Stakeholder relations
- Community engagement
- Coalition and team building
- Innovation and creativity
- Strategic leadership
- Web content management
- Brand messaging
- Market research
Timeline
Executive Director
Representative Democracy
11.2021 - Current
President and Founder
Volta Communications Group
10.2017 - Current
Vice President, Diversity + Inclusion
Vanguard Communications
09.2016 - 10.2017
Senior Vice President
SKDKnickerbocker
01.2012 - 10.2015
Managing Director
DCI Group
02.2010 - 12.2011
Deputy Director and External Affairs Officer
Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Latino Center
05.2006 - 01.2010
MBA - Finance
American University, Kogod School of Business
Master of Science - Development Management, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
American University, School of International Service
Bachelor of Arts -
Wellesley College
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