Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Monica Mutale

Halifax,Nova Scotia

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Journalist

Freelance
09.2016 - Current
  • Write and publish articles for leading digital channels and print publications
  • Develop story ideas and conduct interviews with industry experts and public figures
  • Report from field locations and write stories under tight deadlines
  • Organize material, determine area of emphasis and write stories according to prescribed editorial style and format standards
  • Edit and proofread articles to achieve peak accuracy and quality
  • Perform research and check facts to maintain a high standard of journalistic integrity
  • Apply understanding of public opinion, social media, and traditional media use to create engaging and attention-grabbing stories
  • Cultivate strong relationships with sources and other contacts to support leads and story development
  • Attend press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories
  • Coordinate with photographers, videographers and graphic designers to supplement stories with multimedia content.

Senior Manager, Communications

Black Business Initiative (BBI)
10.2021 - 05.2023
  • Developed communications strategies to drive forward progress in public relations
  • Developed and promoted corporate brand, images and identity to media and public
  • Oversaw social media presence and aligned posts to include branding and trending ideas
  • Taught employees strategies for successful internal and external communications
  • Identified metrics to measure and evaluate effectiveness of public relations campaigns and initiatives
  • Managed editorial calendars and scheduled public relations events and meetings
  • Wrote engaging and successful press releases to control information and public opinion
  • Fostered positive relationships with key journalists and media outlets at local and national publications
  • Drafted speeches for company executives and advised on media talking points.

Assistant/Acting Manager

The Ten Spot Beauty Bar
11.2020 - 09.2021
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members
  • Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness
  • Inspected salon stock, identifying shortages, replenishing items and maintaining consistent spa inventory
  • Developed and implemented marketing and promotional strategies to increase awareness of spa and attract new customers
  • Handled high priority clients while managing day-to-day activities of spa and employees to maximize profits
  • Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns and transaction reports
  • Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.

Guest Coordinator

The Ten Spot Beauty Bar
01.2020 - 09.2021
  • Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention
  • Balanced employee availability, customer schedules, and maximum load levels when scheduling appointments
  • Resolved guest complaints and discrepancies in a prompt and courteous manner
  • Handled payments and processed credit card transactions
  • Operated multi-line telephone system to answer and direct a high volume of calls
  • Introduced and sold new beauty products to consumers by informing clients about use and benefits
  • Updated customer records and maintained accurate client information.

Chair of the Board

African Diaspora Association Of The Maritimes
03.2015 - 03.2016
  • Led organization in setting goals and strategies
  • Contributed to values, goals and strategic vision of organization
  • Planned and oversaw board meetings in accordance with governing documents
  • Maintained impartiality and objectivity during meetings and decision-making
  • Proposed and oversaw the ratification of amendments to organizational by-laws
  • Planned recruitment and renewals of designated committees
  • Supervised job interviews and conducted exit surveys to verify compliance with HR best practices
  • Drafted and documented employee handbook and company policies to reduce compliance risks
  • Conducted performance reviews and provided feedback to managers on employee performance
  • Advocated for staff members, helping to identify and resolve conflicts
  • Represented organization at industry conferences and events
  • Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations
  • Cultivated association-wide culture of transparency, innovation and collaboration
  • Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.

President

Dalhousie African Students' Association (DASA)
09.2010 - 03.2012
  • Led a team of seven executive society members dedicated to promoting African culture on campus and in the community
  • Organized and led monthly and special meetings
  • Educated new members and officers on policies and procedures relevant to different roles
  • Oversaw the planning and execution of special activities and events for existing members
  • Expanded club membership with successful, proactive strategies
  • Introduced team-building initiatives and society executive recognition programs
  • Developed partnerships with related student groups and local service organizations
  • Regularly adapted roles and responsibilities based on team strengths and performance
  • Resolved conflicts among society members, executives and other key parties
  • Recruited new society members by spearheading membership drives, conducting meet-and-greets, and hosting special events on campus and in the community
  • Maintained positive society standing through trustworthy actions and professionalism.

Education

Bachelor of Journalism, Honours -

University of King’s College (King's)
Halifax, NS
05.2013

Skills

  • Conflict Mediation & Resolution
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Hiring
  • Ethical Decision-Making
  • Exit Interviews
  • Interviewing Techniques
  • Non-Profit Communications
  • Recruitment & Staffing
  • Performance Evaluation & Management
  • Report Writing
  • Training & Development

Additional Information

Employment Cont.

  • Receptionist | Kara’s Urban Day Spa, Spring Garden Road | 2018–2019
  • Writer | BASELINE Tennis | 2016–2017
  • Summer Student | First Baptist Church, Dartmouth | 2009–2012
  • Receptionist | Alexandra Hall, University of King’s College | 2009–2010
  • Sales Associate & Cashier | Garage Clothing Co. | 2006-2009


Volunteerism

  • Halifax Innovation Challenge | October 2023
  • Chair | ADAM | 2015–2016
  • Media Relations Officer | ADAM | 2014–2016
  • University/Communications Representative | Progressive Roots Network | 2011–2013
  • President | DASA | 2010–2012
  • Radio Host | CKDU 88.1FM | 2009–2010

Accomplishments

  • Future 100 Cohort Member | A Conversation with Barack Obama | BBI | 2019
  • Featured leader | “Making Waves” Second-Generation Canadian Project | ISANS | 2019
  • Featured alumna | Notable Alumni Campaign | King’s | 2015
  • Outstanding Volunteer Award | ADAM | 2013
  • Certificate of Achievement | DASA | 2012

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working

Timeline

Senior Manager, Communications

Black Business Initiative (BBI)
10.2021 - 05.2023

Assistant/Acting Manager

The Ten Spot Beauty Bar
11.2020 - 09.2021

Guest Coordinator

The Ten Spot Beauty Bar
01.2020 - 09.2021

Journalist

Freelance
09.2016 - Current

Chair of the Board

African Diaspora Association Of The Maritimes
03.2015 - 03.2016

President

Dalhousie African Students' Association (DASA)
09.2010 - 03.2012

Bachelor of Journalism, Honours -

University of King’s College (King's)

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Monica Mutale