Valeria Cummings Swope
Harrison,OH
Summary
Experienced consultant with a proven track record of delivering valuable insights and strategic solutions to a wide range of clients. Skilled in leveraging analytical abilities and industry knowledge to achieve meaningful results. Recognized for promoting teamwork and effectively handling communications, writing, and presentations for diverse audiences and needs. Anticipates obstacles and proactively addresses potential challenges.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Diversity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Consultant (DIO)
Make it Plain Consulting, LLC
Cincinnati, OH
07.2024 - 05.2025
- Implemented and executed DIO, DBE performance, community engagement, public engagement, community relations, and workforce development plans.
- Planned and executed more than a dozen outreach, and community events across the tri-state area that significantly increased DBE bids on contracts with the Brent Spence Bridge project.
- Developed innovative strategies to attract and retain a diverse pool of contractors, vendors, and suppliers for procurement opportunities.
- Helped to create one-on-one opportunities for DBEs interested in bridge project to meet with key project leads.
- Increased opportunities for eligible small businesses, not DBE certified to begin the process.
Development Manager
City Of Cincinnati Dept. Of Economic Inclusion
Cincinnati, OH
07.2015 - 07.2024
- Planned and executed the creation of the Business Enterprise EXPO which generates contracting opportunities to over 420 registered entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Created and implemented the department's business training center, giving certified MBE/WBE/SBE tools to get on City and City-related contracts.
- Work with supplier diversity advocacy groups, community leaders, and department leadership to stimulate opportunities for MBE/WBE/SBE firms.
- Administer compliance on over 160 real estate, capital improvement, and infrastructure contracts.
- Deliver presentations on program offerings and business development to industry groups, universities, and community partner agencies.
- Host TV public affairs show which highlights best practices related to economic inclusion initiatives, businesses making a difference, and organizations who work to improve opportunities for small businesses.
Executive Advisor
Commonwealth Of Kentucky
Frankfort, KY
12.2011 - 07.2015
- Provide consultation and technical expertise on state certification process which led to a 30% increase in number of companies certified by Commonwealth of Kentucky.
- Developed and maintained ongoing strategic partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Developed innovative marketing and public relations strategies for Lexington Bluegrass Area Minority Business Expo, which saw a 15-30% increase in registrations between 2011 and 2016.
- Provided expert advice, guidance, and executive coaching to support specific major projects for Lexington Bluegrass Area Minority Business Expo.
- Created and published thought leadership content to support executive interests, missions, and relevant topics.
Public Information Officer
Commonwealth Of Kentucky
Frankfort, KY
07.2008 - 12.2011
- Planned and conducted educational seminars, public presentations, and other outreach efforts.
- Prepared administrative correspondence, reports, press releases, and briefings for Finance Secretary and Lt. Governor.
- Processed information with high degree of attention to detail.
Communications Specialist
Kentucky American Water
Lexington, KY
04.2005 - 12.2007
- Planned and conducted educational seminars, public presentations, and other outreach efforts.
- Designed print collateral materials and coordinated branding across multiple communications channels.
- Devised content calendar and created social media content across multiple platforms.
- Reviewed staff-written materials and edited for content and brevity.
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image and worked with news media to share newsworthy stories.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Sullivan University
Lexington, KYBachelor of Arts - Broadcast News and Public Affairs, Marketing
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, ALSkills
- Performance monitoring
- Leadership development
- Public speaking skills
- Interpersonal communication
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Community engagement initiatives
- Public relations management
- Market research analysis
- Presentation delivery
- Networking strategies
Affiliations
- Board Chair – Minority Business Assistance Center Advisory Council
- Board of Directors – OneSource Center for NonProfit Excellence
- Sigma Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio
- Ohio/South Ohio Women's Missionary Society, A.M.E. Church
Certification
- Skanska Construction Management Building Blocks, 05/01/21
- Cornell University – Diversity & Inclusion Certification, 09/01/20
Accomplishments
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Eva Evans Leadership Institute – 2023
- We ASCEND Class 2 – Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber – 2022
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Financial Officers Certification – 2022 – 2025
- Connectional Women’s Missionary Society of AME Church, Life Membership - 2022
- South Central Ohio Healthcare Supplier Symposium, Spirit of Diversity Award Champion Finalist - 2017
- OH-KY Construction Summit Economic Inclusion Advocate of the Year – 2016
- WE Lead Leadership Class 2016, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
- Kentucky Association of Government Communicators Silver Award, 2010
- Public Relations Society of America – Bluegrass Chapter, Gold Award, 2006
- Investigative Reporters & Editors Silver Award, 2000
Timeline
Diversity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Consultant (DIO)
Make it Plain Consulting, LLC
07.2024 - 05.2025
Development Manager
City Of Cincinnati Dept. Of Economic Inclusion
07.2015 - 07.2024
Executive Advisor
Commonwealth Of Kentucky
12.2011 - 07.2015
Public Information Officer
Commonwealth Of Kentucky
07.2008 - 12.2011
Communications Specialist
Kentucky American Water
04.2005 - 12.2007
MBA - Business Administration
Sullivan University
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast News and Public Affairs, Marketing
The University of Alabama
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