MELISSA GOODMAN-LOCKWOOD, BSW
Toronto,ON
Summary
Conscientious professional with extensive experience advocating for social and economic well-being of individuals and families. Skilled at providing guidance, support and assistance. Strong communication and management skills and committed to inspiring community service.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Outreach and Operations
Fort York Food Bank
08.2021 - Current
- Assist in the development and implementation of advocacy strategies, including engaging with key decision makers, community outreach, and organizing events
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members and volunteers.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet individual needs.
- Directly support the planning and execution of advocacy campaigns by researching relevant issues, and compiling data.
- Collaborate with the operations team and volunteers to streamline operational processes and enhance overall efficiency to further program development and community responsiveness
- Managed volunteer recruitment, training, and retention efforts to ensure a strong support network for outreach initiatives.
- Promoted cross-functional collaboration within the organization to develop comprehensive solutions for community needs.
- Cultivated a positive team environment through effective leadership, clear communication, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Increased community engagement by developing and implementing targeted outreach programs.
Programs and Advocacy (Intern)
FORA Network For Change
Toronto, ON
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Assisted in planning annual fundraising events focused on highlighting the organization''s impact within the community it serves.
- Coordinated volunteer recruitment, training, and management to support successful advocacy campaigns.
- Contributed to program planning efforts, ensuring alignment with established goals and objectives.
- Assisted in organizing successful events and workshops, fostering community engagement and promoting key policy initiatives.
- Provided administrative support to staff members as needed facilitating smooth day-to-day operations within the office environment.
- Built strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication and outreach efforts, expanding the organization's network of supporters.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities.
Sales Representative
Forest Hill Real Estate
12.2015 - 09.2021
- Communicate and collaborate with clients to identify their needs and goals toward finding the perfect home
- Advocated on clients’ behalf in buying and selling their homes, attending offer presentations, building strong offers, and having strong negotiation skills
- Participated in weekly training and professional development courses to maintain market knowledge
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships through effective communication and negotiation skills
- Expanded customer base through cold calling, networking, and relationship building.
- Utilized CRM software to manage customer accounts and track performance metrics.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - Social Work
Toronto Metropolitan University
Real Estate Sales Representative -
OREA- Ontario Real Estate Association
Skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Volunteer Recruitment
- Community Outreach
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Fundraising strategies
- Relationship Building
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- De Escalation Tactics
- Community Resource Navigation
- Leadership and management
Accomplishments
- Dynamic and organized volunteer event coordinator with a passion for community engagement and philanthropy.
- Planned and executed a charity walk with over 500 people raising over $200,000.
- Added, renewed and grew fundraising and donation contributions.
- Participate in a food delivery services for seniors facing accessibility challenges in Toronto Seniors Community Housing.
Coldest Night of the Year Event Coordinator
Toronto Seniors Community Housing Food Delivery
Certification
- Autism Ontario & Children’s Mental Health Ontario, Integrated Foundational Autism and Mental Health Training, 11/2023
- Mental Health Commission of Canada, Mental Health First Aid Standard (Blended), 03/2023
- Hy’N’hancement Consulting Inc, Understanding & Managing Aggressive Behavior, 02/2022
- City of Toronto, Safe Food Handlers Certificate, 10/2021
- Ryerson Social Work Student Union, Naloxone Training for Non-Medical Practitioners, 11/2021
Timeline
Programs and Advocacy (Intern)
FORA Network For Change
09.2022 - 05.2023
Community Outreach and Operations
Fort York Food Bank
08.2021 - Current
Sales Representative
Forest Hill Real Estate
12.2015 - 09.2021
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - Social Work
Toronto Metropolitan University
Real Estate Sales Representative -
OREA- Ontario Real Estate Association