EXPERIENCE
Chief Executive Officer, Populum, 2017-Present
Populum is a civic-minded design firm that works small social impact organizations to build strong brand identity and robust design processes that help them deliver exceptional experiences to their constituents. As CEO, I work with executives and team leaders to create and execute design strategy at various levels within the organization. Populum is a MBE/WBE certified company in PA and NJ.
Chief Marketing Officer, Coded by Kids, 2018-2019
is a nonprofit tech education organization that teaches students to become the tech leaders of the future. CbK has served over 1,000 students in the region by providing them with intermediate- to advanced-level software development, data science, and user experience design skills. As CMO, I was responsible for all external communication, branding and events for the organization.
Urban Planning Consultant, Sci-Tek Consultants, 2011-2017
Utilizing my urban planning background, I developed implementation strategies for Philadelphia Water’s $2.5 billion, 25-year green stormwater infrastructure program. As a project manager, I communicated frequently with PWD management, community partners, and City Council representatives in the 5th, 7th and 8th districts. I was responsible for analyzing and identifying green infrastructure implementation sites for 7,000 acres of impervious cover in North Philadelphia. This included completing stormwater analyses for +20 locations considered for Rebuild. I supported PWD Executive staff in the development of the 2012 Department Strategic Plan and workforce diversity planning. Facilitated division level working sessions and drafted the strategic plan framework.
Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design, 2013-2018
I instructed graduate-level urban planning and design studios that introduce students to the comprehensive planning process. Classes focus on mastery of urban planning topics (civic infrastructure, post-industrial cities, equity planning), as well as development of students’ technical and presentation skills.
User Interface and Graphic Designer, Freelance, 2013-2017
I worked with clients to produce design materials for local events and initiatives, including logo design, identity collateral and print advertisements. I worked with Poe Public to design the user interface for a Participatory Budgeting web application for the City of Greensboro, NC that gathered resident input on what capital projects could improve local neighborhoods. I also designed the user interface and client reports for BikeShare LA that gathered resident opinions about proposed BikeShare locations. Results from the application were used by the local government in the decision making process.
Project Manager, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, 2010-2011
I managed a portfolio of urban planning projects in the Cramer Hill neighborhood of Camden, NJ (community plan implementation, open space improvements, environmental remediation) ranging from $50K-$4M. As a project manager, I secured over $1M of grant funding for local economic development projects. I was also responsible for facilitating and executing a wide range of community events, and served as the primary point of contact for local stakeholders and government officials.
Elementary School Teacher, Teach for America, Houston, TX, 2006-2008
I instructed fifth and sixth grade English-as-a-Second Language students in five content areas. During my time as an educator, I was recognized as a Highly Qualified Instructor for student growth and curriculum development. Over the two years, my students achieved 100% student proficiency in math & science and 94% in reading.
EDUCATION
University of Pennsylvania, MCP, Urban and Regional Planning, 2008-2010
Wake Forest University, B.S. Health Science, 2002-2006