EKPENO UKUT
Prince George
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Visitor Experience Specialist with a strong understanding of tourism services, community engagement, and event management. Demonstrated expertise in coordinating visitor services, supporting local businesses, activating community spaces, and fostering positive customer experiences. Skilled in leadership, stakeholder relations, and project management, with a passion for creating vibrant and engaging environments. Proven ability to collaborate with diverse teams, execute creative events, and drive strategic initiatives for tourism growth and community impact.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Co-Coordinator
BFARP, Afro-Caribbean Society of NBC
09.2024 - Current
- Conducted regular progress meetings with Board of Directors and stakeholders to provide updates on project status and address concerns.
- Oversaw project design and planning in line with the organization's mission and project objectives, and minimize errors or defects in deliverables.
- Enhanced organization satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality results within established project deadlines.
- Developed comprehensive project plans, outlining goals, scope, schedule, and resource requirements.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration to ensure timely resolution of project issues and roadblocks.
- Proactively identified potential risks during the planning phase, allowing for early implementation of corrective actions if necessary.
- Coordinated staff training sessions to enhance skills needed for successful project execution.
- Streamlined project timelines by effectively coordinating team members and resources.
Run Director – Logistics
CIBC Run for the Cure
07.2024 - Current
- Coordinated the planning and execution of the Prince George Run for the Cure event, enhancing community participation
- Managed event logistics, stakeholder engagement, and volunteer coordination
- Interacted well with event participants to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Worked with Communications Director to develop marketing strategies to increase awareness and attendance at the Run
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on the Run event.
Project Developer & Strategist (Voluntary)
Northern Health
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Designing and implementing a youth-focused health initiative to enhance community well-being
- Engaging stakeholders and youth representatives to co-develop innovative programs
- Supporting community outreach, content development, and event planning.
- Evaluated the success of completed projects, identifying areas for improvement and implementing lessons learned in future endeavors.
- Developed comprehensive project plans, ensuring all deliverables were met within budget and on schedule.
- Established a structured approach to managing projects by developing templates for planning documents such as proposals, timelines and reports.
- Presented regular status updates to senior management, reinforcing stakeholder confidence in project direction.
Acting Executive Director
Northern British Columbia Graduate Students Society
08.2023 - 02.2024
- Managed daily operations, budgeting, and strategic planning for the society
- Designed and led community engagement initiatives, supporting students and advocacy efforts
- Established partnerships with local businesses and organizations for collaborative events.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Led successful fundraising campaigns, securing critical resources for program development and expansion.
- Advocated for organization and company mission to raise awareness and support.
- Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
Program Coordinator
Project Save All, Seabass Cancer Initiative
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Led community awareness campaigns, engaging local populations in cancer prevention
- Managed volunteers, coordinated logistics, and developed public engagement strategies
- Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions for ongoing project success.
- Established strategic partnerships with external organizations to expand program reach and impact.
- Designed the project, its implementation and sustenance plan.
- Enhanced project efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative and engaging events for the project.
- Created comprehensive reports on the project progress, presenting findings to stakeholders and partners, and adjusting strategies as needed.
- Monitored performance metrics closely to evaluate areas requiring intervention or adjustment, making data-informed decisions that contributed positively towards overall results of the project.
Head of Communications & Programs
Kick Out Cancer Foundation
01.2018 - 12.2021
- Designed and executed community health initiatives, partnering with stakeholders and media
- Managed social media outreach, event planning, and advocacy campaigns
- Developed compelling content for various organization platforms, driving audience growth and engagement levels.
- Mentored junior team members in best practices for effective communication strategies and tactics.
- Developed crisis management plans, preparing the organization to effectively handle unexpected events or issues affecting public perception.
- Directed the creation of promotional materials for all our programs, supporting publicity and engagements till programs executions.
- Supported executive leadership with strategic counsel on communication matters impacting the organization both positively and negatively.
- Planned and coordinated organizations programs and events' participation to increase networking opportunities and showcase organization's activities.
Education
Master of Arts - International Studies
University of Northern British Columbia
Prince George, BC04-2024
Master of Arts - Development Communication
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria, Nigeria02-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre and Performing Arts
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria, Nigeria10-2012
Skills
- Visitor Experience & Engagement
- Retail & Inventory Management
- Event Planning & Coordination
- Team Leadership & Training
- Community & Vendor Relations
- Marketing & Promotions
- Operations Management
- Technology & Administration
- Customer Service & Problem-Solving
Certification
- Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Basic Certificate, Canadian Red Cross, 2022
- Talent Management Certificate, Music Business Africa (MBA), Nigeria, 2018
- Active Citizens Community Development Certificate, British Council, 2014
Leadershipandvolunteerexperience
- President, United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC), Prince George Chapter, 06/01/24, Present
- Communications Lead, CIBC Run for the Cure, Prince George Chapter | Canadian Cancer Society, 05/01/23
- Chairperson, Northern British Columbia Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS), UNBC, 04/01/23, 03/31/24
Bookpublications
- Odudu: The Bane of a Nation, 2020, Kreativzone Prints, Benin City
- Pearl of Hope, 2017, Kreativzone Prints, Benin City
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Project Co-Coordinator
BFARP, Afro-Caribbean Society of NBC
09.2024 - Current
Run Director – Logistics
CIBC Run for the Cure
07.2024 - Current
Project Developer & Strategist (Voluntary)
Northern Health
03.2024 - 06.2024
Acting Executive Director
Northern British Columbia Graduate Students Society
08.2023 - 02.2024
Program Coordinator
Project Save All, Seabass Cancer Initiative
09.2021 - 12.2021
Head of Communications & Programs
Kick Out Cancer Foundation
01.2018 - 12.2021
- Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Basic Certificate, Canadian Red Cross, 2022
- Talent Management Certificate, Music Business Africa (MBA), Nigeria, 2018
- Active Citizens Community Development Certificate, British Council, 2014
Master of Arts - International Studies
University of Northern British Columbia
Master of Arts - Development Communication
Ahmadu Bello University
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre and Performing Arts
Ahmadu Bello University
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