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, NS05.2013
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)