Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Community Service
Timeline
Generic

LOUISA COSTANZO

Summary

A dedicated and empathetic leader committed to breaking down barriers to foster equity, inclusion, diversity and accessibility. I am driven by a strong commitment to ensure all individuals have opportunity and representation. My approach to community development is enriched by a cultural lens, enabling me to appreciate and leverage diverse perspectives in our efforts to enhance the health and well-being of our community.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Supervisor, Cultural Development, Community Programming & Events

Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay
06.2019 - Current
  • Responsible for effective and efficient implementation and sustainability of the Council-adopted Inspire Thunder Bay Culture plan and ongoing community cultural development with internal and external stakeholders
  • Establish and maintain working relationships with diverse local community groups, agencies and boards
  • Establish and maintain strategic and collaborative relationships across the Corporation, and with external stakeholders.
  • Identifies and promotes improvements to existing City events to create revenue, create jobs, and promote tourism
  • Lead projects for the City promoting the City's strategic plan, including large-scale events, a festival and public art projects.
  • Administered and supported the Community, Youth, & Cultural Funding
  • Look for alternative funding to ensure projects are completed, including sponsorships and grants.
  • Supervise program staff, including succession planning, performance monitoring/review, coaching, and mentoring.
  • Prepare and administer operating budgets and seek alternative funding sources, including sponsorships and grants.
  • Prepares professional proposals for projects, studies, and programs
  • Acts as spokesperson for the initiatives in communications with other Corporate Departments, private and public officials, and media.

Instructor

Confederation College
05.2024 - 06.2024
  • Developed curriculum
  • Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
  • Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.

Freelance Subject Matter Expert- Course Content Creator- Event Management- With a Focus on Risk Management

Confederation College
11.2022 - 02.2023
  • Developed comprehensive content for undergraduate students obtaining their Event Management Certification
  • Designed engaging learning materials, including case studies, and presentations, to ensure the material was impactful and user-friendly.
  • Taught a class of 24 students
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.

Owner- Project Manager and Event Producer

we events
08.2017 - 09.2019
  • Consultant on event logistics including safety planning, accessibility, fire regulations, liquor laws, and Covid protocols
  • Customer Service Rock Star
  • Contract work for Just for Laugh's Toronto Festival JFL 42 2017, 2018 Venue and Production Manager for all festival sites.

Games Manager - Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 (Contract)

Canada Special Olympics Game Organizing Committee INC
10.2018 - 06.2019
  • Oversee the planning of the games and develop timelines to ensure the project is on schedule.
  • Venue selection and operations
  • Led the executive volunteer Gamers Organizing committee.
  • Research and write grants to help fund the games
  • A spokesperson for the games
  • Coordinate media events and other events related to the games.
  • Obtained sponsorships and other funding sources
  • Make critical decisions with game planning
  • Direct and assist the different committees in moving the planning forward
  • Assisted with marketing and promotions
  • Procurement planning and negotiation.

Client & Community Coordinator

St. Joseph's Care Group/Foundation
11.2017 - 10.2018
  • Develop and implement Social Media Plans/Strategies and Campaigns
  • Manage and Create content using design software for Social Media sites
  • Develop and maintain corporate Communication plans
  • Develop and coordinate internal and external communication plans for staff, clients, family members, community partners, and the general public
  • Planned media events and announcements
  • Led the Volunteer Client and Community Partners program
  • Assist in the planning and implementation of marketing, communications, and public relations
  • Participated in several working groups
  • Implemented and maintained client relations and engagement for the organization.

Senior Manager, Patron Services and Major Corporate Events

Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
09.2010 - 06.2016
  • Developed, planned and implemented long and short-term goals aligned with the centre's initiatives in a political environment.
  • Initiated opportunities to develop partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders
  • Member of the Health & Safety board - advised on strategies for a safer and more efficient workplace.
  • Developed and maintained an annual budget for two departments
  • Managed large-scale events/projects, including live televised award shows, concerts, fundraisers, and others.
  • Effectively led teams of up to 200 people in a highly unionized environment.
  • Effectively negotiated union contracts.
  • Successfully mentored junior team members.
  • Established strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business.

Education

MBA Concentration in Management & Change -

Carleton University Sprott School of Business
Ottawa
01.2026

Project Management Professional Designation -

Project Management Institute
01.2023

Project Management Certificate -

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
01.2021

Effective Business Writing Certification -

University of Waterloo
01.2015

Diploma - Social Service Worker -

Confederation College
Thunder Bay
01.2002

Bachelor of Arts- Sociology -

Lakehead University
01.2000

Skills

  • Project /Event Management
  • Communications
  • Leadership
  • Public and Stakeholder Relations
  • Grant Writer
  • Municipal Government
  • Negotiation
  • Volunteer Management
  • Partnership Development
  • Problem-Solving
  • Reliability
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Effective Communication
  • Relationship Building
  • Strategic Planning

Accomplishments

  • Chair of the Creative City Network Canada’s I.D.E.A. Committee
  • Led pivotal change initiatives within the organization through truth & reconciliation efforts, strengthening relationships
  • Led the development of the IDEA & Truth & Reconciliation Tool Kit for Municipal Cultural Workers
  • Globally recognized Project Manager Professional
  • Successful grant writer for federal and provincial funding, including Fednor, NOHFC and Reconnect Festival Events.
  • Completed Project Management Certification.
  • Designed and executed the Stage show for the Special Olympics 2020 Games Opening Ceremony. The opening ceremony received national attention.
  • Created a certification program in Customer Service for the Toronto District School Board for students interested in careers in the Arts.
  • Developed and implemented policies and procedures around emergency, evacuation and security.
  • Managed high-profile events/projects, including live televised award shows, fundraisers, and community events.
  • Effectively managed millennials and large, diverse teams.

Community Service

Current

  • Chair of the Creative City Network of Canada's Idea Committee
  • Board of Directors - Creative City Network of Canada,

Past

  • Staff advisor to the Clean, Green & Beautiful Committee
  • TBSO Strategy working group strategy
  • Board of Directors- Nanabijou Daycare
  • Planner, Producer and Stage Manager for the Opening Ceremony stage portion of the Special Olympic Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020
  • Director/Secretary- Board of Directors CAHEP (Culture Arts - Heritage Education Project)
  • Director- Board of Directors Magnus Theatre
  • Member of the Dragons of Hope Fundraising & Sponsorship Committee,
  • Director- Board of Directors Insurance Broker Association of Northwestern Ontario (IBANWO)
  • Event Manager- City of Toronto Stomp Event 2011-2015,
  • Director- Board of Directors National Theatre of the World 2013

Timeline

Instructor

Confederation College
05.2024 - 06.2024

Freelance Subject Matter Expert- Course Content Creator- Event Management- With a Focus on Risk Management

Confederation College
11.2022 - 02.2023

Supervisor, Cultural Development, Community Programming & Events

Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay
06.2019 - Current

Games Manager - Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 (Contract)

Canada Special Olympics Game Organizing Committee INC
10.2018 - 06.2019

Client & Community Coordinator

St. Joseph's Care Group/Foundation
11.2017 - 10.2018

Owner- Project Manager and Event Producer

we events
08.2017 - 09.2019

Senior Manager, Patron Services and Major Corporate Events

Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
09.2010 - 06.2016

MBA Concentration in Management & Change -

Carleton University Sprott School of Business

Project Management Professional Designation -

Project Management Institute

Project Management Certificate -

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

Effective Business Writing Certification -

University of Waterloo

Diploma - Social Service Worker -

Confederation College

Bachelor of Arts- Sociology -

Lakehead University
LOUISA COSTANZO