Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Tameka Lawson

Chicago,IL

Summary

Dedicated and versatile Executive Director committed to promoting the mission and enhancing the effectiveness of key programs. A passionate leader with strong management and oversight skills. Known for making decisive and prompt decisions, with excellent communication and organizational abilities. Recognized for successful collaboration with management in developing work plans, financials, and strategies.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Social and Emotional Consultant

Self Employed
11.2021 - Current
  • Provide one-on-one sessions for emotional trauma and organizational wellness support.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create holistic wellness plans addressing clients'' physical, mental, and emotional needs.
  • Enhance client satisfaction through consistent communication, support, and ongoing progress evaluations.
  • Built a loyal clientele base through exceptional customer service skills including attentiveness, empathy, and patience.


Founder/Executive Director

Restored Hope
01.2010 - Current
  • Lead the mission to empower women and girls to move beyond cycles of violence and trauma.
  • Developed strong partnerships with other organizations and businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
  • Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.

Assistant Director of Religious Education

First Unitarian Church of Chicago
10.2022 - 06.2023
  • Managed childcare providers, collaborated on curriculum, and engaged the community.
  • Streamlined communication between teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a collaborative learning environment.
  • Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new educators to maintain a high-quality teaching staff.
  • Implemented effective conflict resolution strategies for resolving issues among faculty members or between students.
  • Mentored new teachers through observation, feedback, and professional development opportunities.

Long Term Substitute Teacher

East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School
11.2021 - 05.2022
  • Implemented curriculum and developed supplemental lessons for first grade students.
  • Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
  • Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
  • Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning needs within the classroom effectively.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, promoting a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Executive Director

Strive
07.2018 - 11.2021
  • Managed a staff of six, recruited volunteers, planned fundraising events, and secured grant funding.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
  • Increased fundraising revenue by implementing innovative donor engagement strategies and targeted campaigns.
  • Enhanced donor relationships with personalized communication plans and regular updates on project progress.
  • Developed comprehensive strategic plans to guide long-term growth and sustainability of the organization''s programs.

Executive Director

I Grow Chicago
10.2013 - 10.2015
  • Responsible for strategic and operational oversight, program development, and community engagement.
  • Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
  • Served as a liaison between the organization and key stakeholders, fostering trust through open communication and transparent decision-making processes.
  • Advocated for underrepresented populations within the community, ensuring their voices were heard when shaping organizational policies or planning new programs.
  • Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of best practices in community outreach, regularly attending professional development workshops and networking events to stay informed about new strategies or tools that could enhance program impact.

Education

Bachelor's in Public Administration -

DePaul University
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Team Leadership & Development
  • Community Organizer

Certification

  • Trauma Informed Yoga Certification, 06/01/16
  • Postpartum Doula Certification, 09/01/20
  • Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, 06/19/18

Additional

  • 2015, United Nations International Public Policy Institute United Nations Delegate
  • 2020-Present, Board Member-Elected Secretary Chicago Women's Health Center
  • 2021-Present, Board Member-Elected Finance Chair Chicago Survivors
  • 2022/2023, Vice-Chairperson of Hospitality Mount Carmel High School Mother's Board

Awards

40 under 40 Award, 11/01/16

Timeline

Assistant Director of Religious Education

First Unitarian Church of Chicago
10.2022 - 06.2023

Social and Emotional Consultant

Self Employed
11.2021 - Current

Long Term Substitute Teacher

East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School
11.2021 - 05.2022

Executive Director

Strive
07.2018 - 11.2021

Executive Director

I Grow Chicago
10.2013 - 10.2015

Founder/Executive Director

Restored Hope
01.2010 - Current

Bachelor's in Public Administration -

DePaul University
Tameka Lawson