Sonia Cheng

• Cultivated and managed relationships with sponsors, local businesses, and community partners, contributing to growth in sponsorship revenue.
• Supported fundraising initiatives and sponsorship activation, ensuring strong partner visibility and retention for future events.
• Contributed to budget planning and expense management, aligning festival delivery with financial targets and organizational goals.
• Applied data-driven insights and post-event reporting to inform strategy, improve ROI, and guide future programming and revenue opportunities.
• Enhanced festival programming to increase audience engagement and revenue potential, introducing workshops, vendors, and interactive experiences.
• Managed vendor and stakeholder relationships, negotiating and coordinating services to optimize operational efficiency and cost control.
• Managed volunteer recruitment and coordination, building teams that supported both event execution and donor/sponsor experience.
• Collaborated with marketing teams to support audience development and community engagement through on-site and digital channels.
• Ensured compliance with municipal, health, and safety regulations, working closely with local authorities to secure permits and approvals.
• Directed end-to-end event logistics, delivering high-quality festival experiences aligned with brand and stakeholder expectations.

Key Achievements:

• Played a key role in the organization’s final operational season, contributing to post-2024 recovery efforts through disciplined budget management, cost reductions, and the revitalization of the sponsorship program, resulting in a stronger 2025 season despite ongoing financial challenges.

• Managed day-to-day financial administration for the organization, including bookkeeping, expense tracking, and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Supported budget development and ongoing financial monitoring, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and fiscal responsibility.
• Coordinated the annual audit process, preparing financial documentation and liaising with external auditors to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Administered donor financial records, including contribution tracking, receipting, and reconciliation with accounting systems.
• Supported financial reporting for leadership and board oversight, compiling data to inform decision-making.
• Facilitated event management for fundraising initiatives and external rentals, supporting both contributed and earned revenue streams.
• Supported fundraising campaigns and events through administrative coordination, donor communications, and execution logistics.
• Maintained building operations and vendor coordination, ensuring efficient and cost-effective facility management.
• Ensured compliance with regulatory and governance requirements applicable to registered charities.

Key Achievements:

• Supported the organization’s recovery from COVID-19 impacts by contributing to fundraising efforts, rebuilding sponsor relationships, and maintaining financial discipline, resulting in a return to stable operations.
• Part of a team that delivered a successful multi-year capital campaign, supporting donor engagement and campaign execution from planning through completion.

• Founded and operated two successful hospitality businesses, overseeing all aspects of operations including budgeting, financial management, and staff leadership.
• Managed revenue generation, cost control, and vendor relationships to maintain profitability and operational sustainability.
• Cultivated strong relationships with local food producers and vendors, prioritizing community-driven sourcing and partnerships.
• Built a loyal customer base through community engagement and a focus on locally rooted experiences.
• Navigated business challenges through changing economic conditions, including eventual closure due to COVID-19 impacts.