Nakia L. Bowling 1861 NW 111th STREET• MIAMI, FL 33167 PHONE (305) 726-3673• ALTERNATE PHONE (305) 710-7159 E-MAIL: NAKIA.BOWLING@GMAIL.COM
OBJECTIVE To obtain an upper management that will afford me the opportunity to utilize my acquired skills. PROFESSIONAL PROFILE More than five (6) years professional experience as a public relations specialist. More than three (5) years experience as a professional reporter for a reputable newspaper. Proven track record to successfully pitch stories and events to local and regional media. Program management and program development skills. Proven track record as a skilled grant writer Proven track record as an event planner Exceptional software knowledge of such programs as Publisher, Power Point, Quark, Word and Print Shop. EDUCATION 1993-1997
S.C. State University B.A., Mass Communication
Orangeburg, S.C.
EXPERIENCE January 2008-Present Carrie Meek Foundation Miami, FL Program Director: Performs a variety of duties essential to the day-to-day management of The Carrie Meek Foundation’s community outreach programs including but not limited to Soul Lives in The City, The Carrie Meek Scholarship Program, The Carrie Meek Leadership Institute for Girls, Hip Hop 4 Health, The Carrie Meek Congressional Classroom and the Opa-locka Airport Economic Development Project (program details are available at www.carriemeekfoundation). I am responsible for managing the staff, the budget, the implementation and the evaluation of each of the programs. I am responsible for planning and designing the Carrie P. Meek Congressional Classroom, that occurs each year in Washington, D.C. during the Congressional Black Caucus. I am responsible for planning and implementing the Foundation’s annual Hip Hop 4 Health program that attracts more than 2,000 middle school aged youth. I am responsible for the overall public relations and communication affairs in the office. I am responsible for writing and developing all communication pieces that are presented to the general public, i.e. brochures, newsletters and informational cards. I am responsible for developing all copy for inclusion on the company’s website that is currently in the revamping stages. Pitch story ideas about the agency and the Executive Director to local and regional media. Serve as the liaison between the Miami-Dade County Board Commissioner’s Communications Office and the agency. Serve as the agency’s spokesperson for all media inquiries. .org); I work under the supervision of the Executive Director of the Foundation. Interim Executive Director: From September 2010 to present, I have served as the Interim Executive Director of The Foundation. In this role, I am responsible for managing all aspects of the Foundation’s operation. I oversaw the annual audit, performed the end of the year wrap up, and oversaw the fiscal management of the agency’s $1.5 million dollar budget. I am responsible for
hiring and training new staff as well as the hiring of legal and fiscal consultants. I am responsible for communicating with the Board of Directors as well as implementing policies set by the Board of Directors. Achievements 1. Successfully designed and implemented the Carrie Meek Congressional Classroom in Washington, D.C. that drew over 400 participants. 2. Successfully organized and implemented the Hip Hop 4 Health program in 22 middle schools in Miami-Dade County for the last three years. 3. Successfully developed the Carrie P. Meek Leadership Institute for Girls, which is now being considered as a national model by the Office of Women’s Health. 4. Successfully achieved media exposure for the Foundation including a feature article in The Miami Herald. 5. Developed a Foundation newsletter that is distributed countywide, including distribution in all Miami-Dade County Commissioner’s offices. 6. Developed a new agency corporate/press kit and brochure. 7. Developed a successful public relations campaign to promote the Foundation’s Scholarship program, which resulted in increased student participation. 8. Successfully secured 60K in grant funding to fund The Carrie P. Meek Leadership Institute for Girls. April 2007-January 2008 The Miami Times Miami, FL May 1998-July 2000 Miami, FL Editor: Responsible for editing and proofreading a variety of copy, educational and promotional materials in diverse therapeutic areas. Responsible to locate and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar for healthcare and pharmaceutical brand-related communications that include sales aids, brochures, patient education pieces, and ads that appear in publications. In addition, this incumbent would check copy for adherence to AMA, agency, and client style requirements. In addition, this position is responsible for checking laser proofs, mechanicals, and blueprints for typographical errors and inconsistencies in the use of graphic elements. Copyedited AP and wire stories, supervised interns and conducted research for story background. Achievements 1 Successfully produced a minimum of ten (10) lead and feature stories weekly for print in the paper. 2 Developed weekly movie column on newly released movies. 3 Supervised two (2) interns and managed their mentoring and writing sessions. 4 Conducted thorough research for stories produced in the paper. January 2005-January 2007 National WN Foundation Washington, D.C. Public Relations Associate: Created strategic public relations plans for the foundation’s public affairs activities and issues. Researched and applied for funding opportunities. Outreached to national media by pitching news stories, served as spokesperson and set up interviews for WN Executive Director. Worked with the Washington, DC National Office public relations staff and affairs. Served as a national spokesperson on the Chipata, Zambia project. Achievements 1 Implemented Public Relations strategic plans by writing releases, pitching stories to media, serving as spokesperson and setting up interviews for WN representatives. 2 Successfully secured $400K in grant funding for the foundation.
3 4 5 6
Created public relations plans for public affairs issues involving the global AIDS crisis in Chipata, Zambia. Developed website content, newsletters and press kits for the foundation Collaborated with internal staff clients such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Zambia Embassy in achieving their public outreach goals through the media or internal publications. Served as a resource to the national media by providing information, appeared on news programs as a guest, and organized guest appearances for WN representatives.
June 2004-December 2004 Camillus House Miami, FL Grants Manager: Responsible for managing over 5 million dollars in grant funding through various local, state and federal grants. Responsible for completing and submitting grant proposals and renewals. Coordinated and composed monthly reports for funding sources. Achievements 1 Managed all Camillus House grant activities, working with Program Development, Finance, and Executive Management to develop and maintain grant funding 2 Prepared and submitted all public and private grant proposals resulting in over 1 million dollars in renewed funding. 3 Coordinated the development and timely submission of reports to funding agencies 4 Monitored all grant reporting and other compliance deadlines and updating appropriate program and administrative staff on a regular basis 5 Researched, screened, and followed up on potential funding sources 6 Conducted research concerning community needs and programmatic resources; maintained all research materials 7 Maintained in-depth prospect files and tracking systems 8 Developed written program language for all Camillus House programs and projects 9 Provided support to the Director of Program Development and Director of Quality Effectiveness in conducting assessments of programmatic and financial needs of all programs December 2002-June 2004 M.O.V.E.R.S., Inc. Miami, FL Program Director: Managed a program of three (3) staff members and three (3) consultants. Oversaw and managed an annual budget of $400,000. Responsible for overall administration under the direction of the Executive Director and execution of the entire program, as well as day-to-day operations of the “Faith Based Institute for HIV Prevention. Additional responsibilities included facilitation of the curriculum process, training, and special events. Responsible for locating the appropriate consultants and overseeing their activities as well as assisting in the development of the capacity building/technical assistance curriculum. Managed all phases of report preparation including data gathering. Conducted technical assistance and capacity building workshops as appropriate. Achievements 1 Successfully secured more than 200 pastors from across the state to participate in the MOVERS’ BCIA (Black Church In Action) program. 2 Developed and implemented faith-based, capacity building curriculums for workshops across the State of Florida. 3 Developed media and pr materials to promote the goals and image of the BCIA program. 4 Wrote press releases and pitched stories to local and regional media. 5 Wrote and developed copy content for the newly designed MOVERS/BCIA website. 6 Secured free radio, print and broadcast space for the promotion of the BCIA program.
7
Developed faith-based, HIV/AIDS resource materials for distribution across the State of Florida
June 1999- September 2002 Institute for Yoruba Diaspora Studies Miami, FL Institute Coordinator: Responsible for coordinating and promoting all events. Prepared and wrote proposals to garnish county and statewide grants. Developed and implemented PR plans to promote the Institute and their events. Coordinated media events and press conferences surrounding the Institute. Wrote and distributed press releases on the Institute to local and national media. Developed and created brochure copy as well as produced material for the quarterly newsletters. Achievements 1 Successfully promoted the Institute in several local, state and national media venues. 2 Secured more than $80,000 in county and private foundation grants. 3 Successfully planned and implemented yearly festivals to promote diversity in the local Miami-Dade County communities. 4 Produced annual Year In Review book for distribution, locally and nationally. 5 Wrote and distribute Institute press releases. October 2000- October 2001 Sonshine Communications/BPRWire Miami, FL Media Manager: Responsible for all media related activities. Wrote and pitched press releases for clients. Edited and distributed press releases, media advisories and feature stories to Black print and electronic media nationwide. Supervised interns and PR professionals on media tactics. Created ad copy and concepts for national and statewide accounts. Produced quarterly newsletter. Conducted research and statistical comparison for national and local accounts. Copy edited all press materials. Achievements 1 Successfully promoted such clients as The Orangebowl, American Legacy and the Fl Department of Health to the media through feature stories and press releases. 2 Produced quarterly newsletter called the Bishara. 3 Successfully secured new clients to utilize Sonshine and BPRWire services. 4 Successfully trained staff and interns on media tactics and developing personal media relations. 5 Developed and implemented uniquely designed reports for clients of Sonshine and BPRWire.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST