Experienced public affairs and strategic engagement professional with a decade of expertise. Thrives in high-pressure environments, maintaining a calm, collected, and analytical mindset. Skilled in building intentional stakeholder relationships to effectively navigate complex situations.
Hi, I’m
Tasion Kwamilele
Public Affairs
Oakland,CA
Summary
Overview
11
years of professional experience
Work History
The Kwamilele Group
Principal
12.2020 - Current
Job overview
- A comprehensive public relations firm specializing in project/brand development, crisis communications and strategic engagement
- TKG caters to diverse businesses including corporate, non-profit, housing and business contractors and individual brands to help create, mold and control the narrative.
Radius Recycling
Director of Educational Partnerships/Government & Public Affairs Manager
11.2020 - Current
Job overview
- Designed and implemented Company educational and workforce initiatives across the company
- Engages with operational leaders to foster relationships with high schools, vocational and trade schools, community colleges, and 4-year universities to support the development of workforce, internship and fellowship programs across the United States
- Acts as a spokesperson on key policy issues as company stance as needed at city council, business chambers and trade association meetings
- Follows public policy issues and facilitates appropriate execution strategies to address identified challenges
- Develops and maintains productive relationships with elected officials and community organizations to advance internal and external company goals
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen community, business and elected stakeholder relationships.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
Treva Reid for Oakland City Council
Campaign Communications Director
12.2019 - 11.2020
Job overview
- Developed and implements a robust communications strategy, which includes but is not limited to cultivating core campaign messaging, disseminating weekly endorsement announcements, creating compelling content for all fundraising campaigns, and curating social media content
- Managed direct interactions with members of the press
- Drafted talking points and speeches for all events, including candidate forums and video recordings.
California Waste Solutions
Director of Public Relations & Community Engagement
08.2018 - 11.2020
Job overview
- Served as the formal company spokesperson, and as needed, advises and preps executive leadership for media and public appearances
- Developed annual marketing and communications budget and strategy
- Managed all executive communication including op-eds, internal & external email campaigns, and press releases
- Oversaw digital media presence and manages content calendar for social media platforms (i.e
- Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and NextDoor) to build brand awareness
- Nurtured relationships with local and regional government elected leadership
- Established strategic community partnerships and corporate sponsorship opportunities
- Oversaw and implemented public engagement plan for a multimillion dollar development project at the former Oakland Army Base.
U.S. House of Representatives
District Communications Manager for Congresswoman Barbara Lee
02.2015 - 08.2018
Job overview
- Served as the on-the-record spokesperson and media liaison for all district based community and media events
- Managed local press events and earned media opportunities
- Prepared speeches, talking points and briefed the member for event appearances
- Developed and executed social media and outreach plans
- Pitched local media outlets to generate coverage of legislative work and the impacts it may have in the district
- Designed event collateral and oversee the production of all content for district-related events
- Served a staff liaison for key issues with local, county and state leaders as well as community stakeholders to promote the Member’s legislative priorities.
Salesforce
Writer & Strategist
10.2014 - 02.2015
Job overview
- Developed multimedia programs and technology applications for internal use to help sales reps and customer service reps deliver unparalleled customer success
- Served as a liaison between customers, partners, and internal stakeholders to source and manage customer references and peer-to-peer connections
- Worked cross functionally with internal sales, service and partner communities to prioritize and promote a healthy pipeline of fresh stories that reflected the trends of customers successful use of Salesforce technology.
Post Newspaper Group
Web Manager/General Assignment Reporter
05.2013 - 02.2015
Job overview
- Reported on key areas including crime, politics, and entertainment
- Curated and managed website content to build stronger online web presence
- Assisted in managing and assigning team of freelance writers, photographers, and videographers
- Served as an expert commentator on Roland Martin’s “News One Now” on TVOne & WVON “Talk of Chicago” radio broadcast.
Education
UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism
Masters of Journalism
05.2013
University Overview
Howard University
Bachelors of Arts in English, cum laude
05.2011
University Overview
Skills
- Strategic Engagement
- Campaign Communications
- Social Media Management & Curation
- Event Planning & Management
- Microsoft Suite (Adobe, Excel, Powerpoint, Word)
- Google Suite (Google Doc, Google Sheets)
- Communication Tools (Slack, Zoom, Teams)
- Video and Editing (Photoshop, Final Cut Pro)
Membershipsandfellowship
Membershipsandfellowship
- Maynard Institute Fellowship, 06/2014
- Fostering Media Connections: Policy and Reporting Fellowship, Summer 2012
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., since 2007
References
References
available upon requestLeadershipopportunities
Leadershipopportunities
- The Crucible, Member of the Board of Directors; Chair of the Governance Committee, 2022, 2024
- Peralta Community Colleges Foundation, Board Vice President, 2020, 2024
- Oakland Fund For Children & Youth Planning & Oversight Committee, Adult chair, 2019, 2022
- Student Programming for Athletic and Academic Transitioning (SPAAT), Member of the board of directors, 2017, Present
- Alameda County Citizens Academy, 2016
- Young People’s Department (YPD), Youth director, 2011, 2019
- UC Berkeley Leadership Committee, 2011, 2013
Affiliations
Affiliations
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Timeline
Principal
The Kwamilele Group
12.2020 - Current
Director of Educational Partnerships/Government & Public Affairs Manager
Radius Recycling
11.2020 - Current
Campaign Communications Director
Treva Reid for Oakland City Council
12.2019 - 11.2020
Director of Public Relations & Community Engagement
California Waste Solutions
08.2018 - 11.2020
District Communications Manager for Congresswoman Barbara Lee
U.S. House of Representatives
02.2015 - 08.2018
Writer & Strategist
Salesforce
10.2014 - 02.2015
Web Manager/General Assignment Reporter
Post Newspaper Group
05.2013 - 02.2015
UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism
Masters of Journalism
Howard University
Bachelors of Arts in English, cum laude
Similar Profiles
Drew DicksonDrew Dickson
Project Manager at Flournoy Construction Group, A Kajima USA GroupProject Manager at Flournoy Construction Group, A Kajima USA Group
ALEXANDER JONESALEXANDER JONES
Marketing Manager at Executive Table Group / Executive Hotel GroupMarketing Manager at Executive Table Group / Executive Hotel Group
Emmanuel G. FreemanEmmanuel G. Freeman
Project Manager at Group Fitness Challenge, 325th Medical GroupProject Manager at Group Fitness Challenge, 325th Medical Group
SAMANTHA TAKETASAMANTHA TAKETA
Mental Health Clinician at Fred Finch Youth and Family ServicesMental Health Clinician at Fred Finch Youth and Family Services
Aaron ColeAaron Cole
Delivery Driver at DoorDashDelivery Driver at DoorDash