Resume
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
JUMP IN NETWORKS, NEW YORK, NY
Founder & Executive Producer, 2014 – Present
· Founded and built a film & television production company from the ground up, specializing in live shows and digital content based on a social media format.
· Partnered with Al Roker Entertainment for distribution in linear television and digital.
· Produced, launched and hosted weekly talk shows featuring celebrity guests, current events, competitions, games and public opinion polls, with branded content, viewer interaction and a live audience.
· Handled budgeting, scheduling, scripting, talent & resources, staff organization, production, post-production, distribution, and marketing.
· Expanded the business by generating new leads, approaching clients for projects, building mutually beneficial business relationships and keeping track of current trends and new opportunities.
· Secured sponsorship from a top international spirits company and built a segment around the brand.
WORLDVIEW ENTERTAINMENT, NEW YORK, NY
Business Development Manager, 2011 – 2014
· Worked on more than 12 independent feature film teams, including the Academy Award winning film Birdman (starring Michael Keaton, Emma Stone & Edward Norton).
· Helped grow the company from a small startup to one of the leading media production and finance organizations in the market.
· Developed growth strategy, broadened investor base and handled investor relations.
· Maintained robust pipeline of opportunities by promoting the company to prospective clients and prepared sales pitches and marketing materials.
· Built key long-term relationships with new and existing customers, identified business opportunities and maintained extensive knowledge of current market conditions.
· Negotiated and prepared sales contracts, ensuring adherence to agreements and guidelines.
· Helped represent the company at major international film festivals including Cannes and Toronto.
ROGUES GALLERY MANAGEMENT, NEW YORK, NY
Talent Manager, 2010 – 2011
· Managed the careers of several high-profile actors, artists and musicians, including American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, Cory Cavin from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and 2009 Independent Spirit Award nominee Misty Upham.
· Guided clients toward new opportunities, including setting up performances, introduction to casting directors, directors and agents, and providing advice and support with contract negotiations.
TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AUSTIN, TX
Senior Legislative Aide: Office of Representative Scott Hochberg , 2006-2009
· Managed the State Capitol Office including drafting legislation, staff management, writing newsletters and press releases.
· Briefed and provided advice on policy issues, and handled all official correspondence.
· Executed all administrative tasks & scheduling, and met with constituents & lobbyists.
· Monitored legislation, tracked key issues, and attended meetings and hearings.
· Coordinated with other elected representatives’ teams, including Governor & state agencies.
· Rep. Hochberg was named to coveted Texas Monthly list of Best Legislators during my tenure.
TTWEAK, LLC, HOUSTON, TX
Director of Policy Communication, 2005-2006
· Led several projects at this boutique communications, production and design firm, best known for creating TV and radio content for Houston Mayor Bill White.
· Managed production of direct mail for Houston City Council Member Carol Alvarado.
· Coordinated production for several campaigns, including films for Rice University admissions and Suzlon Wind Energy, and “Houston. It’s Worth It” a grassroots campaign to promote Houston.
NATASHA KAMRANI FOR HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Campaign Manager, 2005-2006
· Led a team of three to develop and implement a campaign strategy for first time candidate Natasha Kamrani, who was successfully elected to the Board of Trustees at HISD.
· Handled all aspects of communication, budgeting campaign funds, coordinating public relations and developing a clear, sharp campaign message and a grassroots volunteer organization.
PROJECTS AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
NETWORK FOR TEACHING ENTREPRENEURSHIP, NEW YORK, NY
Board of Directors – NY, 2016 – Present
· Serve on the New York Board for the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). We help over 30,000 young people around the world learn the tools of entrepreneurship, how to write a business plan and garner 21st-century skills.
· Advise the nonprofit on strategy and help grow NFTE’s network of individual and corporate partners.
NETWORK FOR TEACHING ENTREPRENEURSHIP, NEW YORK, NY
Business Plan Coach & Mentor, 2013 – Present
· Advise the nonprofit on strategy and help grow NFTE’s network of individual and corporate partners.
· Guide and help students to refine business plans and presentation skills to compete for investment capital to launch their businesses.
· Work with students during the six-month long accelerator program (Startup Summer) to help transition their business from concept to launch.
· Promote business curriculum & entrepreneurship programs in low-income high schools.
· Mentored 3 of the past 4 winners of NFTE’s Startup Summer investment competition.
· Member of the Board of Advisors for Vera Natural Skincare, winner of the NFTE New York competition in 2014. Advise the business on strategy, growth, sales and marketing.
OUT OF BOUNDS IMPROV COMEDY FESTIVAL, AUSTIN, TX
Sponsorship Director, 2008 – 2010
· Managed promotion and sponsorship for a seven-day live performance festival that showcases some of the best talent in improv, sketch and stand-up from all over the world.
JAMES A. BAKER INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY, HOUSTON, TX
Founding Member, 2002 – 2005
Chair, 2002 – 2003
· Created and founded student-based organization at one of the top non-partisan public policy think tanks in the country.
· Engaged students in policy debate and increased student interaction with the Baker Institute by sponsoring events, hosting discussions and publishing a student public-policy journal.
EDUCATION
Rice University, Houston, TX - Class of 2005
B.A. Political Science, Public Policy Studies
New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle, NY - Class of 2001
AWARDS & HONORS
· Volunteer of the Year, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship – New York Metro, 2014. Recognized for work mentoring low-income/minority high school entrepreneurs.
· The Association of Rice Alumni Sallyport Award 2005. Top graduation award recognizing significant leadership and service contributions to Rice University.
· Joseph Cooper Prize in Public Policy – Rice University, 2005.