Tirza Asbell
Missoula,MT
Summary
Highly organized and detail-oriented professional with strong work ethic and dedication to achieving goals. Skilled at developing and maintaining documentation systems, managing calendars and preparing reports. Background in facilitating remote meetings, coalition work, and social justice organizing.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Advocacy Director
Montana Women Vote
06.2022 - 08.2024
- Tracked legislation during the 2023 session, disseminating policy implications and advocacy opportunities to members
- Organized and led a statewide coalition with the goal of reinvesting a once in a lifetime surplus into programs supporting low and middle income Montana families
- Continuously monitored legislative developments at all levels of government to identify opportunities and threats related to key policy issues.
- Planned and executed the annual organization conference. I managed hotel logistics, travel arrangements, conference presenters, and vendor arrangements and payments.
- Collaborated closely with colleagues, ensuring alignment of advocacy efforts with broader organizational goals and objectives.
- Mobilized support for policy change through grassroots lobbying efforts targeting key decision-makers at the local level.
- Provided expert testimony during legislative hearings assisting lawmakers understanding nuances connected specific proposals ongoing deliberations.
Grassroots Organizer
Northern Plains Resource Council
11.2019 - 11.2020
- As an organizer for two statewide affiliates and three task forces, I assisted members in drafting annual campaigns, creating meeting agendas focused on achieving their annual campaign goals, and drafting language for annual meeting resolutions
- Worked with member leaders to identify growth opportunities in low income areas, increase local food in moderate to high needs schools, and identify members to elevate through the leadership roles in the broader organization
- Worked as a staff coordinator for two member groups and staff from the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine to maintain the highest environmental standards and transparency between the two mine sites, including safety standard enforcement, land conservation, and by-product disposal
- Interviewed members of specific populations to understand and document issues.
- Coordinated and implemented numerous meetings, forums and community events.
- Built strong bonds with local cultural organizations by respecting unique differences and specific societal norms.
- Staff lead on a grant that focused on building power in low income areas.
- Worked with local leaders, government groups, and community members to understand their concerns, and identify potential organizing opportunities that groups could capitalize on.
Voter Registration Organizer
Forward Montana
08.2019 - 11.2019
- Responsible for meeting voter registration metrics during the 2019 election cycle.
- Demonstrated exceptional time management skills while working on multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality or deadlines.
- Adapted swiftly to unforeseen circumstances during events, implementing contingency plans that minimized disruptions to attendees'' experience.
- Oversaw setup and breakdown of event spaces, ensuring venues were left in excellent condition.
Warming Center Staff Lead
Human Resource Development Council
10.2018 - 04.2019
- Managed all aspects of the overflow location, including training volunteers and coordinating schedules to meet the needs of our customers
- Lead fundraising efforts in the annual fundraiser, Flying Signs.
- Collaborated with colleagues on various projects, sharing knowledge and expertise while working together towards common objectives.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with colleagues through regular meetings and communication.
- Responded sensitively and competently to service customers with diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Established positive relationships with customers and other staff members.
Higher Ground Operations Coordinator
Human Resource Development Council
12.2017 - 09.2018
- Managed all aspects of the operations from training, outreach, and creating the annual budget for FY 2018
- Increased sales by 23% and social media audience by 50% using paid and targeted social media posts.
- Maximized resource utilization by monitoring staff schedules and allocating tasks.
- Improved employee performance by implementing training programs and conducting regular performance reviews.
- Streamlined operations by implementing efficient processes and procedures.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Public Policy Coordinator
Montana Food Bank Network
06.2015 - 07.2017
- Responsible for evaluating two federal child nutrition programs, educating the public about the importance of the programs, and advocating for anti-poverty programs at a federal level
- Lobbied congressional staffers in support and defense of anti-poverty bills
- Worked with statewide anti-hunger coalitions to identify upcoming threats and opportunities to strengthen child nutrition opportunities and policies
- Created a qualitative research component to the quantitative biennial report, Hunger In Montana
- Used state level data to create annual reports on child nutrition, target expansion opportunities in high needs areas, created educational resources for partners, and provided support for existing providers.
- Created educational materials including webinars to highlight successful nutrition programs throughout Montana
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Inequality And Social Justice
University of Montana
Missoula, MT05.2015
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MINOR -
University of Montana
Missoula, MT05.2015
Skills
- Proficient Interpersonal Communication
- Detail-Oriented Accuracy
- Strong Organizational Abilities
- Methodical Approach
- Effective Collaboration Skills
- Relationship Building
- Effective Meeting Facilitation
- Proficient in Remote Technology
Professional Development
- WOMEN’S POLICY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE - Helena, MT| 2016
- FEEDING AMERICA ADVOCACY ACADEMY - Washington, DC | 2017
- PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZING - Billings, MT| 2020
Timeline
Advocacy Director
Montana Women Vote
06.2022 - 08.2024
Grassroots Organizer
Northern Plains Resource Council
11.2019 - 11.2020
Voter Registration Organizer
Forward Montana
08.2019 - 11.2019
Warming Center Staff Lead
Human Resource Development Council
10.2018 - 04.2019
Higher Ground Operations Coordinator
Human Resource Development Council
12.2017 - 09.2018
Public Policy Coordinator
Montana Food Bank Network
06.2015 - 07.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Inequality And Social Justice
University of Montana
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MINOR -
University of Montana
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