Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Interestsandcommunityinvolvement
Timeline
Intern
Karen Bigalke

Karen Bigalke

Invermere,BC

Summary

With an objective of contributing in sectors that include my experience, interests as well as transferable skill set to make a difference for people on both sides of situations I deal with. I am experienced with managing outreach programs and building community partnerships while utilizing strong communication skills to engage diverse groups and foster collaboration. My track record includes enhancing community support and driving successful outreach initiatives. As an experienced leader with a strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives, I excel in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. I am known for my collaborative approach and commitment to excellence, demonstrating strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with a proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. My experience also includes legal research, document preparation, and case management, organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records and support for team members. I have knowledge of legal procedures and protocols, ensuring seamless workflow and contribution to successful case outcomes regardless of industry.

Work History

PT Outreach Coordinator/Paralegal

Essentials Advocacy Network
02.2022 - Current
  • Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
  • Increased client satisfaction with thorough research and prompt response to inquiries.
  • Navigated complex community dynamics with diplomacy and thoughtfulness, fostering trust and credibility among diverse groups.
  • Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
  • Developed polished motions and briefs to support litigation processes and court proceedings.
  • Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
  • Improved access to resources for underprivileged communities by connecting them with essential services offered by partner agencies.
  • Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
  • Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
  • Enhanced program visibility by creating targeted marketing materials and utilizing social media platforms.

Community Inclusion Manager

Nexus Support Services
04.2004 - 10.2024
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.

Western Canada Business & HR Manager

TMI Corp. Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2023
  • Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
  • Led HR team in supporting company expansion efforts, ensuring seamless integration of new employees and preserving company culture.
  • Organized and led staff orientation programs and training to promote collaboration.
  • Maintained company compliance with local, state, and federal laws, in addition to established organizational standards.
  • Facilitated successful organizational restructuring, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption to operations.
  • Utilized compliance tools, corrective actions and identification of deficiencies to mitigate audit risks.
  • Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
  • Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.

Manager

Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Improved operational workflows by identifying areas of inefficiency and implementing appropriate solutions.
  • Oversaw financial operations, maintaining accurate records and donor records
  • Drafted reports and documents to improve correspondence management, schedule coordination and recordkeeping.
  • Assisted with hiring process and training of new employees.
  • Streamlined business processes by implementing new project management tools and techniques.
  • Oversaw and improved deliveries through proactive coordination of daily operations.

Administrative Manager

Lakeview United Church
01.2007 - 01.2014
  • Ensured smooth daily operations with timely completion of all essential administrative tasks and responsibilities.
  • Provided exceptional administrative support for Ministerial staff, ensuring that their needs were met promptly and accurately.
  • Maintained accurate record-keeping systems to ensure easy access to critical information for decision-making purposes.
  • Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
  • Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
  • Managed sensitive information discreetly, ensuring proper storage and disposal practices were followed at all times to maintain confidentiality compliance standards.
  • Managed complex calendars, coordinating meetings and appointments to maximize executive availability and effectiveness.

Administration & Community Outreach

WVSM
01.2003 - 01.2007
  • Identified resources and opportunities to implement programming and policy, system and environmental changes.
  • Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
  • Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
  • Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
  • Spearheaded community outreach initiatives, improving church's local reputation and engagement.

Sales and Program Manager, Family Liaison

A+ Head Start
01.1999 - 01.2003
  • Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
  • Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
  • Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
  • Streamlined communication channels to facilitate efficient collaboration among team members and stakeholders.
  • Developed and maintained logistics workflows, procedures and reports.

International Sales & Marketing, Environmental Liaison

TKO Industries
01.1993 - 01.1999
  • Boosted brand awareness and generated leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs.
  • Developed and implemented marketing strategies to use for launches, rebranding campaigns and promotions.
  • Organized successful trade show exhibits, showcasing products or services effectively to potential customers or partners.
  • Boosted sales performance through the creation of engaging promotional materials and targeted advertising strategies.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify new opportunities, adjusting marketing plans accordingly for maximum effectiveness.

Homeschool Liaison, ESL- New Canadians, Indigenous Support Worker

01.1993 - 01.1997
  • Provided lesson planning and pacing support to helping educators analyze data and apply it to instruction.
  • Assisted families in navigating complex social service systems to access needed supports and benefits.
  • Conducted regular home visits to assess family progress and adjust support plans as needed.

Education

Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certification -

ESLTU

National Coaching Certification Program -

Coaching Association of Canada

Early Childhood Education Certification -

Government of Alberta

Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences

University of Saskatchewan

Toronto Conservatory of Music
Toronto, Ontario

Skills

  • Outreach initiatives
  • Nonprofit experience
  • Community inclusion and education
  • Database management
  • Event coordination
  • Data collection and maintainence
  • Partnership development
  • Program management
  • Eligibility determination
  • Multicultural sensitivity
  • Community engagement
  • Capacity building
  • Onboarding management
  • Program performance
  • Community outreach

Interestsandcommunityinvolvement

  • Board Member & Head Coach Swimming, Special Olympics, Invermere, B.C.
  • Chair, Greyson Tufts Memorial Fund, Calgary/Columbia Valley
  • Volunteer, CV Food Bank, Columbia Valley, B.C.
  • Past Head Coach and President, RSF & In Victa Swimming, Columbia Valley, B.C.
  • Past Board Of Directors, Zone Chair, Swim BC, Victoria, B.C.
  • Past Representative Sport and Competition Chair, Zone Liaison, Horse Council BC, Aldergrove, B.C.

Timeline

PT Outreach Coordinator/Paralegal

Essentials Advocacy Network
02.2022 - Current

Western Canada Business & HR Manager

TMI Corp. Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2023

Manager

Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms
01.2014 - 01.2016

Administrative Manager

Lakeview United Church
01.2007 - 01.2014

Community Inclusion Manager

Nexus Support Services
04.2004 - 10.2024

Administration & Community Outreach

WVSM
01.2003 - 01.2007

Sales and Program Manager, Family Liaison

A+ Head Start
01.1999 - 01.2003

International Sales & Marketing, Environmental Liaison

TKO Industries
01.1993 - 01.1999

Homeschool Liaison, ESL- New Canadians, Indigenous Support Worker

01.1993 - 01.1997

National Coaching Certification Program -

Coaching Association of Canada

Early Childhood Education Certification -

Government of Alberta

Toronto Conservatory of Music

Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certification -

ESLTU

Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences

University of Saskatchewan

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Karen Bigalke