Award Recognition & Leadership

Institutional reputation stewardship, executive visibility, and milestone storytelling for a nationally recognized youth workforce nonprofit.

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Taller San Jose

Development Officer/Communications Manager

Nonprofits

Executive Communications

Logistical Support, Reviewer, Content Strategy

United States

2004 - 2012

Youth Development, Workforce Development

Earned Media, Press Releases, Social Media, Branding / Messaging

Results/Impact

Managed public narrative during transition from long-standing founder to emerging executive leader while preserving community goodwill.
Strengthened media positioning — with successor later recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree.

Project Description

Over multiple years, I supported strategic communications surrounding major institutional recognitions, executive awards, and media coverage for a Southern California youth workforce development nonprofit.

While not serving as the lead award strategist, I contributed substantively to:

Drafting and refining supporting materials for award submissions
Developing website features and award landing pages
Writing newsletter announcements and donor updates
Producing social media promotions and milestone storytelling
Coordinating media amplification of earned press coverage

This work required careful narrative alignment — ensuring that award recognition reinforced mission clarity, program outcomes, and long-term credibility rather than appearing celebratory without substance.

As the organization transitioned from founding leadership (Sister Eileen McNerney) to new executive leadership (Shawna Smith), I also supported continuity messaging during this period of institutional change.

Communications emphasized:

Preservation of founding vision
Evidence-based program impact
Forward-looking executive leadership
Stakeholder reassurance during transition

Through coordinated digital, media, and donor-facing messaging, these recognitions strengthened institutional trust, amplified executive visibility, and reinforced the organization’s position as an innovative workforce development leader.