Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
SELECTED HONORS
Key Writing Experience
Timeline
Generic

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
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
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, NY

SELECTED 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
OLGA EL