OLGA EL
Summary
I am an award-winning writer with excellent initiative, project management skills, and multitasking abilities developed over 15 years. Selected awards may be found in the "HONORS" section of this document.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
2024 semi-finals for the Steinbeck Fellowship; 2024 final round for the $30K MAP Fund (only cut by random elimination); 2024 panel round for Ryan Hudak Award; 2023 semi-finals for the June Bingham New Playwright Commission; 2022 semi-finals for a fellowship to the National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center; Off-Broadway solicitation by MCC (2019) and The Public Theater (2015)
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Assistant (Contract)
Maldives Mission To The United Nations
New York, NY
07.2024 - 11.2024
- Developed streamlined scheduling process for diplomats, drafts correspondence, screens business calls
- Handles confidential, sensitive information with discretion and tact
- Takes notes and dictation at meetings, documents work processes
- Greets guests professionally and provides friendly, knowledgeable assistance
Special Assistant to the CEO
IMentor
Short-Term Due To Covid-19 Complications For Org
03.2020 - 08.2020
- Spearheaded more efficient tracking and communication systems between executive and development departments
- Effectively predicted and acted upon needs within the executive office
- Adeptly handled highly confidential information and professionally interacted with high-profile contacts (board members, celebrities, funders, etcetera)
- Excelled in administration for executive office and major department heads by screening CEO emails, scheduling, salesforce tracking, writing, editing, completing finance-related requests and documentation, etcetera
Executive Assistant
Hetrick-Martin Institute
11.2015 - 08.2017
- Adeptly handled highly confidential information and professionally interacted with high-profile contacts (board members, celebrities, government officials, funders, etcetera)
- Excelled in efficient administration for executive office and major department heads by screening CEO emails, scheduling, travel booking, writing, editing, completing finance-related requests and documentation, etcetera
Company Manager
Creative Outlet Dance Theatre
01.2011 - 10.2012
- Achieved $25,000 in corporate grants in 2011; Achieved $36,000 in 2012 by taking initiative to utilize my personal connections
- Outreached and booked prestigious venues and international festivals
- Organized tour schedules, secured contracts, and designed promotional materials for professional and youth companies
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Writing For Publication, Media, And Performance
Pratt Institute
Brooklyn, NYSELECTED HONORS
2024: Playwrights' Center Core Writer Program - Finalist
2023: Hedgebrook Fellowship
2023: National Black Theatre's Keep Soul Alive
2023: Liberation Theatre Residency
2023: Ma's House Residency w/ Shinnecock Nation
2022: Sewanee Writers' Conference Fellowship
2022: Writers' Colony of Eureka Springs
2021: 1st Place in Scriptwriting: 90th Annual Writers' Digest Competition
2019: Brooklyn Arts Council Award
2017: Citizens Committee for NY Award
2017: "Best Musical" New York Latin ACE Award for 1001 Noches…
2016: "Outstanding Musical" HOLA Award for 1001 Noches…
AWARDED - UNABLE TO ATTEND
2023: BAC's Theater of Change
2023: VCCA Residency
Key Writing Experience
Writer and Executive Assistant - Games For Change
10/2020 - 09/2023
In addition to excelling in Executive Assistant duties:
- Authored engaging scripts including introductions, presentation descriptions, marketing one-liners, bios, and etcetera for all major festivals and conferences
- Proofread and edited major grant applications
Copywriter - New York City Center
07/2018 - 08/2019
- Drove audience engagement and sales by writing clear and creative marketing, development, and editorial copy
- Developed efficient system for the creation of Playbills (essentially small magazines) and programs for all mainstage and auxiliary events, resulting in quality content and gorgeous design
- Reviewed and edited copy for various marketing, development, editorial, and billing materials
- Customized brand message to captivate various target audiences
Freelance Writer - Broadway World
08/2015 - 12/2021
- Increased readership by researching, developing, and pitching unique stories and by penning exciting reviews
- Arranged and conducted interviews with celebrity performers, writers, directors, etcetera
Founder & Artistic Director - The Kandake Dance Theatre for Social Change
03/2011 - Present
- Successfully obtains grants and other honors for strong writing
- Executes artistic direction for productions and spearheads community engagement projects
- Carefully selects team members and achieves success by facilitating teamwork and communication
- Created and maintains website: www.TheKandake.com
Timeline
Executive Assistant (Contract)
Maldives Mission To The United Nations
07.2024 - 11.2024
Special Assistant to the CEO
IMentor
03.2020 - 08.2020
Executive Assistant
Hetrick-Martin Institute
11.2015 - 08.2017
Company Manager
Creative Outlet Dance Theatre
01.2011 - 10.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Writing For Publication, Media, And Performance
Pratt Institute