Pragmatic professional with solid experience in leadership roles eager to apply over 20 years of non-profit and food industry experience to dynamic challenges. Promotes change and operational improvements as first-rate bi-lingual communicator, visionary, and planner. Skilled in stakeholder relations. Collaborative and dedicated to building and leading talented and motivated individuals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
President, Board of Directors
Daphne Zepos Teaching Endowment
Ann Arbor, Michigan
09.2019 - 09.2023
Spearheaded development and implementation of corporate governance strategies, confirming compliance with regulations at all times.
Led organisation vision renewal.
Implemented Annual Budget for 2022 and 2023.
Supervised management of USD$250,000 endowment.
Strengthen internal reporting, management systems, and tax compliance.
Provided recommendations on board of directors on group's effectiveness, actions, and future plans.
Increased number of scholarships and awards.
Foreign Trade Consultant
Yescas Ltd
Newcastle upon Tyne
07.2021 - Current
Established consulting company to support projects in Latin America, with contracts for over £20,000.
Managed export and import logistics between Europe and Latin America.
Recruited and trained cheese professional for ad-hoc projects in Spain, Colombia, and USA
Hosted 8 cheese professionals to visit artisanal cheese producers, distributors and exporters, and cheese distribution companies in England and Scotland.
Program Director
Oldways
Boston, Massachusetts
05.2015 - 05.2021
Revamped Oldways Cheese Coalition, program supporting global traditional and raw-milk cheese industries.
Coordinated research and drafted position papers in conjunction with multi-disciplinary academic and trade advisory board.
Coordinated publication of communications resources for cheese industry, supervising marketing and PR team.
Conducted one global online survey in five languages on industry practices and drafted international report.
Launched US survey on consumer attitudes in support of traditional cheese-making practices.
Crafted industry response to US Trade Representative proposed tariffs against imported European cheeses and managed awareness campaign to inform cheese consumers, resulting in political pressure for elimination of extra tariffs.
Managed strategic fundraising campaign with annual donations of US$80,000+ dollars for program.
Supervised year-long internship program on economic impact research on US artisanal dairy industry.
Co-founder and owner
Lactography
Mexico City
11.2009 - 05.2021
Established largest artisanal cheese distribution company in Mexico, with over 1.5 million pesos annual revenue, drawing from network of suppliers across nine Mexican states
Conducted outreach to identify new producers and coordinated training for existing local cheese-makers, while developing new businesses by supervising marketing efforts.
Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
Trained and developed team members to build human capital.
Independent Trade Consultant
LACTEO Network
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
01.2018 - 01.2021
Organised virtual business round for Colombian dairy producers with US-based category buyers and influencers.
Hosted and conducted training mission of 15 Colombian dairy producers to California, USA in 2019.
Created multidisciplinary network of experts from Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico to support development of cheese and dairy industry.
Advised Brazilian scientist and advocates to craft policy language to promote traditional dairy products.
Met with potential clients to understand goals and recommend solutions to fit specific needs.
Discussed financial options with clients and provided informed suggestions.
Prepared contracts and related documentation according to strict standards.
Networked to identify potential new clients and expand geographic territories.
Migration and Development Expert
United Nations Development Programme
New York City, NY
04.2011 - 07.2011
Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
Oversaw 1 million euro fund for mainstreaming migration.
Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Covered Maternity Leave.
Adviser
International Organization for Migration
New York City, NY
08.2010 - 11.2010
Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders at United Nations, including the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Conducted extensive research for policy positions and drafted talking points for senior diplomats.
Provided project progress updates to relevant offices in New York, Geneva, and country offices.