Nya Mbock
Strategic Communications Specialist
Portland,OR
Summary
A dedicated professional who aims to improve organizational efficiency and foster community engagement. Dedicated to advancing best practices in employee development, retention, and performance management, skilled at using data analysis to drive HR initiatives. Strong communications experience, interpersonal skills, and qualitative research background. Proactive problem-solver and process optimizer with experience in talent acquisition, employer-stakeholder relations, and project management. With adaptability, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset that excels in fast-paced environments, I have contributed to team success and organizational growth through strategic planning and innovative solutions. Communication specialist with a passion for contributing to organizations and advancing their goals.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Graduate Program Coordinator
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia , PA
2022.07 - 2024.08
- Created and executed a strategic diversity and inclusion plan that resulted in an increase of 40% in applications from underrepresented groups and a 20% boost in employee satisfaction
- Implemented bias-reduction training and diverse recruitment outreach, resulting in a 15% increase in underrepresented student enrollment within one academic year.
- Secured grants and other funding sources to supplement program budgets, increasing the availability of resources for students and faculty members.
- Evaluated program effectiveness regularly, implementing improvements based on feedback from students, faculty, and external stakeholders.
- Monitored accreditation requirements closely, ensuring all graduate programs consistently met or exceeded the necessary standards for recognition by relevant governing bodies.
- Established robust alumni networks that facilitated ongoing mentorship opportunities and connections between current students and successful graduates.
- Collaborated with career services departments to provide comprehensive support in preparing students for post-graduation job searches, including resume reviews, interview coaching, and networking advice.
- Promoted diversity within the graduate programs by actively recruiting underrepresented populations through targeted outreach efforts.
- Improved organizational filing systems for confidential employee records, resulting in improved accessibility and efficiency.
- Created and delivered HR training sessions to staff, managers and executives.
Program Director for Youth Action Facilitators
Youth Action Non-Profit
Philadelphia , PA
2023.07 - 2024.07
- Developed a multi-format leadership training series for 36 students, cultivating change-makers and resulting in a 45% increase in student-led activities
- Managed $75k in funding and oversight for 25 student-led projects, propelling 15 participants into local governance and policymaking positions.
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts to secure resources necessary for program sustainability and success.
- Evaluated program performance through comprehensive data analysis, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Managed cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional program outcomes within budget and time constraints.
- Advanced community outreach efforts by forging strong relationships with local partners.
Associate Consultant
Women's Center for Leadership, Portland State University
Portland , OR
2021.01 - 2023.08
- Championed the New Women's Leadership of Oregon (NLO) 2022 program, resulting in a 20% increase in sponsorship revenue and a 20% increase in overall program reach
- Partnered with the Center's professional staff to optimize complex project processes, achieving an average 3-week reduction in completion time and fostering a more efficient and effective team.
- Acted as a liaison between stakeholders ensuring open lines of communication throughout project life cycle.
- Reviewed internal systems and organized training plans to address areas in need of improvement.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, reducing costs without compromising quality or delivery timelines.
- Collaborated with teams to define, strategize, and implement marketing and web strategies.
- Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
- Supported creation of detailed, technical financial models to value potential acquisition targets.
Student Body President
Portland State University
Portland , OR
2020.06 - 2022.06
- Presented university officials with proposals that advocated for over 15,000 students; secured a 10% increase in student activity and mental health funding
- Organized strategic proposals to present to the university board and trustees, which resulted in an increase of 20% in student activity funding and significant enhancements to campus infrastructure
- Introduced robust governance measures, driving a 22% improvement in operational effectiveness and a 33% rise in student engagement through strategic planning and community-building activities
- Provided in-depth quarterly reports evaluating student data; liaised with state legislators to promote and pass four new educational initiatives affecting students across Oregon.
- Utilized strong organizational skills to plan large-scale events including graduation ceremonies ensuring smooth execution.
- Spearheaded community service projects, fostering a sense of responsibility among students towards their local community.
- Promoted inclusivity within the student body by initiating cultural awareness events and diversity training sessions for both students and staff members.
- Evaluated and refined student body policies and procedures to ensure ongoing effectiveness and alignment with institutional goals.
- Advocated for student rights within the administration, addressing policy changes that impacted the student experience positively.
- Managed an efficient budget, allocating resources effectively to support various student body initiatives.
Presentations and Outreach Coordinator
Women's Resource Center, Portland State University
Portland , OR
2020.01 - 2022.06
- Conceptualized and executed 10+ quarterly events, managed a $100K budget, and implemented social media strategies that raised online engagement by 50% and brand visibility for the center by 20%
- Delivered impactful presentations representing the Center at 10+ student gatherings and orientations, boosting awareness and growing event attendance by 50%.
- Pursued quarterly growth targets through strong leadership, analysis, problem-solving, team building, and coaching.
- Evaluated emerging trends in community engagement, incorporating innovative approaches into existing programs to maintain relevance and effectiveness.
- Streamlined communication processes within the organization, improving information flow among team members involved in outreach activities.
- Conducted workshops and training sessions for staff and volunteers, increasing their knowledge of community resources and best practices in outreach.
- Designed training materials for new staff and volunteers, ensuring consistency in outreach efforts.
- Enhanced public understanding of organizational goals with clear, engaging communication materials.
- Conducted market research to identify and target key demographics for outreach efforts.
Education
Master of Arts - Collaborative & Strategic Communication
Annenberg School For Communication, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 2022.08 - 2024.06
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Portland State University, University Honors College
Portland, OR 2019.09 - 2022.06
Skills
Strategic Communication Planning
Presentations
Keynote Session Speaker, “Navigating the Intersection of Media and Social Justice”
When Media Puts Social Justice at Risk Symposium, University of Pennsylvania, 2024.
- This symposium explored how media practices can both hinder and advance social justice efforts. My keynote addressed burgeoning research that highlights this complex relationship, showcasing the potential pitfalls and opportunities media presents for social change.
Academic Conference Presentation, “How women in higher education can facilitate peace, justice, and equity work into their career”
Peace and Justice Studies Association, 2023.
- Explored how women in academia can leverage their positions to advance positive social change. The presentation offered practical strategies for integrating peacebuilding, justice initiatives, and equity considerations into various aspects of their professional lives.
Commencement Speaker, “An Ode to My Class”
Liberal Arts & Sciences, Portland State University Commencement Ceremony, 2022.
- Portland State University Commencement Ceremony - Liberal Arts & Sciences - 2022
- To view my commencement speech, forward to (25:52 / 2:16:02)
Thesis Presentation, “A study on how African immigrants experience being Black in America.” Mbock, Mural Thesis Presentation, Honors Commons, 2022.
- Delivered a 30-minute talk on thesis exhibition to 50 distinguished guests across the university (Including the University President, Board of Trustees, and Foundation Members) to further illustrate the scholarship behind the mural and hold a candid discussion around the importance of centering multimodal work in graduation requirements—Held Q&A for an additional hour post-presentation.
Keynote Session Host, “A Conversation with Nya Mbock and Leila Haile”
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Portland State University BLACK LIVES MATTER EXHIBITION, 2022
- Discussing the intersectionality of art, expression, queerness, and blackness, creating peace and protected space within institutions of power. Haile's creative practice is the understanding that art is our most powerful tool for disrupting the dominant hegemony and shifting us collectively toward liberation.
Honorary Speaker, “President’s Diversity Award and Campus Impact Acceptance Speech”
Global Diversity & Inclusion, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 2022.
- Delivered a narrative speech detailing my trajectory through higher education from the perspective of an intersectional, first-generation child of an immigrant. This award ceremony and acceptance speech was broadcast across campus, live-streamed, and had 300+ in-person guests attending.
Honorary Speaker, “What Leadership Can Mean to Us”
Annual Student Leadership Conference Across Oregon, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 2022.
- Delivered a speech to 250+ attendees on the impacts leadership has had in my development and career trajectory across my time at Portland State.
Presenter, “The Role Student Leadership Plays In Mentoring”
Annual Peer Mentor Training Conference in University Studies, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 2021.
- Designed and presented an interactive, 60-minute breakout session on leadership and mentorship for a conference with over 75+ undergraduate and graduate mentors to provide training on teaching, learning, and best practices for supporting students.
Honorary Speaker, “Time to Act: Equity Plan and Scorecard Launch”
Portland State University, Portland, OR, 2021.
- Equity Speech Opening Remarks
Virtual Panelist, “Just What Serving In Your University Can Do”
International Youth Leadership Conference, 2021.
- Detailed leadership experience to virtual student attendees and the impact university service can have on skill development and networking. Followed the presentation with a Q&A breakout room where attendees were able to ask in-depth questions on university procedures and entries to involvement.
Keynote Session Host, “Building Your Brand with Nya Mbock and Zanele Mutepfa-Rhone”
Brand Zanele, NEW Leadership Oregon (NLO), 2021.
- Hosted an intimate interview between Zanele and myself in front of a group of 50 NLO participants discussing strategies on how to diversify industries. Zanele served as the Creative Director of Nike for several years and brought forward that perspective into our interview.
Slideshow Presentation, “A study on how African immigrants experience being Black in America.” Mbock, Ronald E. McNair Symposium, Portland, Oregon, 2020.
TEDx Speaker, “Accepting the Unacceptable: Living Through a Pandemic.” TEDxPortlandStateUniversity, Portland, Oregon, 2020.
- Nya Mbock: Accepting the Unacceptable: Living Through a Pandemic
Affiliations
- Project Management Institute
- National Association of Social Workers
- American Marketing Association
- International Association of Administrative Professionals
- Society of Human Resource Management
- National Communication Association
- Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
- Phi Kappa Phi
- Phi Theta Kappa
Timeline
Program Director for Youth Action Facilitators
Youth Action Non-Profit
2023.07 - 2024.07
Master of Arts - Collaborative & Strategic Communication
Annenberg School For Communication, University of Pennsylvania
2022.08 - 2024.06
Graduate Program Coordinator
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Pennsylvania
2022.07 - 2024.08
Associate Consultant
Women's Center for Leadership, Portland State University
2021.01 - 2023.08
Student Body President
Portland State University
2020.06 - 2022.06
Presentations and Outreach Coordinator
Women's Resource Center, Portland State University
2020.01 - 2022.06
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Portland State University, University Honors College
2019.09 - 2022.06
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