AURORA SAMI
Toronto,ON
Summary
With experience in community development and a focus on empowering women and children, I'm committed to working in organizations that foster transformative outcomes in individuals and communities. A passion for advocacy, based on successful solutions, drives my interest in processes that capture and measure impact, adaptation, and change both in people and organizations. Based on many cross-cultural, volunteering, and work environments across Asia, the Pacific, and North America, I am attracted to organizations that have collaboration, localization, innovation, and self-reflection within their core goals. I see diversity-sensitive programme management, combined with strategic communications and advocacy, as the key enablers of longer-term outcomes in resilient communities and sustainable environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Fundraising Representative/Leader
The Network Inc
09.2024 - Current
- Promoted to a leadership role, overseeing the training of new hires on best practices for donor outreach.
- Responsible for onboarding and mentoring new team members, ensuring they understand and implement effective fundraising techniques.
- Lead daily impact sessions to reinforce team motivation and align on goals, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven environment.
- Engaged in face-to-face fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society and other non-profit organizations.
- Improving public awareness and securing donations.
- Managed outreach initiatives in residential and high-traffic areas, including neighborhood canvassing and event participation, to expand campaign reach.
- Leveraged strong communication skills to interact with potential donors, building rapport, and inspiring contributions.
- Achieved hourly performance incentives, demonstrating consistency in meeting and exceeding set fundraising targets.
- Contributed to a positive, goal-oriented team culture with advancement potential, positioned for growth to supervisory and management roles within the organization.
Brand Ambassador
American Eagle Outfitters (AEO)
12.2022 - 10.2024
- Provide product knowledge and assistance to customers on the sales floor
- Ensure the store is visually appealing by assisting with merchandise presentation and displays, and monitoring and restocking merchandise as needed to meet customer demand
- Process customer transactions accurately and efficiently
- Handle cash, credit cards, and other forms of payment securely
- Processing online orders and pickups
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and superiors to ensure a cohesive work environment
- Work collaboratively with team members to achieve sales targets
- Consistently met or exceeded sales targets through effective customer engagement with the highest sale amounting to $850 in a single transaction
- Contributed to a 20-35% increase in monthly sales during specific promotions or events like Black Friday and Boxing Day
- Actively encouraged customers to participate in loyalty programs or promotional campaigns
- Received positive feedback from customers for excellent service and product knowledge, routinely receiving praise for patience and calm demeanor specifically
- Assisted in training new team members on customer engagement techniques and other processes.
Development Programs Intern
World Vision Canada
07.2023 - 10.2023
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews for REACTS-IN baseline study, and develop Project Implementation Plan documents
- Integration of a gender transformative framework in nutrition
- Design a critical training module for implementing Participatory Assessment for Climate Disaster and Risk (PACDR) and participate in the Innovation Hub
- Improved data accuracy and research depth, optimized program measurement and impact assessment, leading to enhanced communication and donor engagement
- Ensured common approaches to program activities, budgets, and implementation customized to local contexts in Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Bangladesh
- Empowered field officers and improved project implementation and reporting
- Designed an indirect solar food dryer prototype for an ongoing project in South Sudan.
Instructor
Kumon Learning Center
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Provide individualized support to students, monitor their progress, manage the classroom, communicate with parents, and plan and prepare materials
- Successfully managed time to attend to the needs of multiple students, including students with learning disabilities and ESL students, and received positive feedback from both students and parents for providing individualized support.
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
The Global Student
09.2021 - 09.2022
- Provide strategic direction and develop automations/campaigns using Ontraport, ClickFix, and Zapier
- Manage, track, and organize data using Airtable, OneDrive, and Google Analytics
- Design user interface and enhance user experience using Squarespace
- Using statistics from Facebook, Google Analytics, and Huitesuite to create content using Canva and Figma, to attract university partners, industry partners, and students
- Enhanced media quality and achieved 5-9% click-through and conversion rates
- Effectively managed and revamped website, member site, and social media channels to drive engagement increasing event attendance by 100% over 6 months in addition to making navigation and accessibility more inclusive
- Optimized efficiency and coordination introducing multi-level automation and custom coding to existing collaborative and database tools
- Improved customer satisfaction, increased conversions, and consistent branding
- Fostered strong partnerships by managing Marketing and Communications for the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Study Melbourne Hub Kuala Lumpur aimed at providing a study and off-campus collaboration space for students during Covid-19.
Project Associate (freelance)
Biji-biji Initiative x Me.reka
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Support the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding Under The Auspices of UNESCO (APCIEU project) by producing midterm and final reports, conducting market research, and crafting compelling copy for various mediums
- Collaborate and assist in planning and executing the Women's Tribunal.
Communications Intern
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
12.2020 - 03.2021
- Enhanced online presence, especially on Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, including producing newsworthy and viral content which gained global media coverage
- Curated and produced digital assets and facilitated collaboration across 38 countries
- Ensured consistent and impactful messaging for donors, volunteers, staff, and followers, such as a GIF which showed the extent of COVID-19 superimposed by countries that IFRC had reached
External Relations Officer
Monash University Volunteer Program
12.2020 - 12.2021
- Develop and maintain relationships with constituents outside the organization such as donors, partners, the media, and the general student population
- Facilitated coordination among various partner NGOs for different programs, including fundraising for, and arranging teaching sessions for children and the youth, in collaboration with UNHCR Manna House Learning Centre, Trinity Community Children Home, and HOPE Worldwide, Shelter Refugee Home
- Optimized inter-departmental relations, to protect the safety and security of women on campus by implementing new standard protocols, protection, and counseling for women who suffered from sexual abuse and exploitation.
Country Officer
Monash University International Students Service (MUISS)
12.2020 - 12.2021
- Conduct orientation for all student intakes throughout the year
- Communicate accurate information on Covid-19 including entry restrictions, Standard Operating Protocols, online learning materials, changes to the grading system, etc
- Plan, organize, facilitate, promote, and secure funding for events celebrating diverse cultures and religions of the student population that build social cohesion and cross-cultural understanding
- Fostered a culture of inclusivity and mindfulness on campus by promoting anti-racist, antisexist, anti-xenophobic, trans-inclusion, disability-inclusion, and intersectional feminist teachings
- Enhanced collaboration and promoting a safe and productive environment for events like Monash Cultural Night, One World Event, Clubs and Societies Week, Monash Bazaar, Holi Night, Bengali New Year Event, Bengali Meet and Greet, and Bangladesh Cultural Night
- Advocated for individuals facing racial discrimination and sexual assault.
Communications Intern
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
12.2019 - 03.2020
- Proactive news and social media monitoring for 38 National Societies in the Asia Pacific region to facilitate emergency and disaster communications
- Collaborate on planning and producing high-quality deliverables such as impact stories on IFRC newsletter (Voices), IFRC videos on disaster response, and social media posts
Education
PgCert - International Development
Humber Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Toronto, ON01-2023
BBUSCOM Bachelor of Business And Commerce - International Business Management
Monash University
Malaysia01-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Global Studies in Media And Communication
Monash University
Malaysia01-2021
Skills
- Project management and advocacy
- Proposal/grant/report writing
- Marketing, communications, and fundraising
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning
- Research and data analysis
- Database management (customer relationship management/content management systems)
- Website development/design
- Graphic design
- Relational and social media tools
- Cross-cultural sensitivity
- Adaptability, flexibility, time management
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Networking and relationship building
- Effective communication and active listening
- Capacity building, training, and leadership
Languages
English - fluent
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French - basic
Elementary (A2)
Bengali - fluent
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Volunteer Experience
Rumah Juara, Malaysia, January 2020 - December 2020
- Took care of underprivileged children who were victims of abuse, abandonment, and poverty by acting as a mentor and actively engaging in their daily routine as well as liaising between the Home and Monash as the 'person in charge'.
Founding Director, Music, Arts, Dance and Drama Club, January 2016 - December 2017
- Advocated for inclusive extracurricular activities, resulting in establishing an annual talent show as part of the formal curriculum. Demonstrated proactive leadership, including personalized mentoring and coaching of students
- Carried out logistical, administrative, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities
- Enhanced communication through sign language sessions for the volunteer team.
Swimming Instructor, Archivist Fiji, July 2014 - December 2017
- Developed and delivered personalized swimming lessons for children with various disabilities, emphasizing inclusivity and confidence. Gained the trust of teachers and parents by prioritizing safety and responsibility in a nurturing environment.
- Led the construction of a recycled playground for underprivileged children, showcasing effective teamwork and leadership to meet project goals. Offered support to vulnerable women and children, managing sensitive documentation and collaborating across departments to promote their well-being and stability.
Timeline
Fundraising Representative/Leader
The Network Inc
09.2024 - Current
Development Programs Intern
World Vision Canada
07.2023 - 10.2023
Instructor
Kumon Learning Center
02.2023 - 10.2023
Brand Ambassador
American Eagle Outfitters (AEO)
12.2022 - 10.2024
Project Associate (freelance)
Biji-biji Initiative x Me.reka
10.2021 - 02.2022
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
The Global Student
09.2021 - 09.2022
Communications Intern
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
12.2020 - 03.2021
External Relations Officer
Monash University Volunteer Program
12.2020 - 12.2021
Country Officer
Monash University International Students Service (MUISS)
12.2020 - 12.2021
Communications Intern
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
12.2019 - 03.2020
PgCert - International Development
Humber Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
BBUSCOM Bachelor of Business And Commerce - International Business Management
Monash University
Bachelor of Arts - Global Studies in Media And Communication
Monash University
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