Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

About Me

I believe my professional experience reflects the diversity of the experience required to be successful in any position related to international relations and economic development. In my career, I have had the opportunity to work for a large international corporation, start my own businesses, work for nonprofits, as a consultant work with other entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and work with the local South African government. I traveled around the world for pleasure and business. Last year, I visited India as a business leader with South African President Jacob Zuma on his bilateral state visit to develop relationships with Indian businesses and learn more about opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.

Most recently I worked as a consultant with Enablis an NGO, supporting over 100 member client entrepreneurs by providing business recommendations, traveling around South Africa teaching business seminars. Through this experience I gained insight and knowledge into some of the challenges businesses and governments face including global expansion, access to capital, and human resources. In addition to working with entrepreneurs, similar to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program in the US, I worked with my employer to prepare certification documents to ensure compliance with the Black Economic Empowerment legislation. This legislation mandates that all private/public sector entities proactively work to ensure that Blacks are provided opportunities to be successful as employees or business owners. Compliance means additional government funding and support.

I gained experience in outreach and communications from working at a chamber of commerce in South Africa. My job was focused on building memberships by working directly with small business owners, marketing, planning events, writing articles and press releases and other special projects. As part of my employment, I crafted a Needs Assessment which identified a number of recommendations around fundraising, organizational development, new programs and services as well as the results of interviews/surveys with members.

These projects are just a snapshot of my various experiences and skills that I believe make me a qualified candidate for this position. In addition, I have just been selected as a presenter for the 2011 Africa Trade and Export conference in Johannesburg to discuss the economic impact bilateral trade can have on emerging countries such as India and South Africa. I am a prospective PhD candidate at the University of Nottingham PhD and scheduled to start September 2011.

Work History

• Randburg Chamber of Commerce
• Consultant
• Febuary 2010 to August 2010

• - Represented the RCCI in Mumbai, India with President Zuma’s trade delegation to enhance the organization’s profile.
  - Provided strategic direction, business planning and advice to the CEO, Board of Directors, and staff.
  - Identified and implemented initiatives and fundraising ideas to increase RCCI membership.
  - Completed special projects including a survey and needs assessment that addressed organizational areas for improvement.
  - Wrote articles and press releases profiling the RCCI and events for the Randburg Sun.
  - Defined an internship program targeting partnerships with local universities. Participated in human resource functions to hire and train new staff.
  - Designed peer-to peer networking program for member businesses.
  - Attended seminars regarding doing business in Angola and the BEE (Black Economic Empowerment)

• Enablis Entrepreneurial Network
• Consultant
• August 2009 to Febuary 2010

• Wrote press releases and articles for Enablis Network News.Led the submittal of a certification application through the National Empowerment Rating Agency (NERA). EmpowerDEX verifies an agency’s compliance with the Black Economic Empowerment Act (BEE) and Code of good practice.

Education

• University of Phoenix
• MBA, Global Management
• 2008 - 2009

• Clark Atlanta University
• BA, Accounting
• 1999 - 2003