Nelima Sitati Munene
Braceville,MN
Summary
Dynamic results- oriented strategic leader and community organizer with over 17 years’ experience innovating new ideas to develop, inspire and lead a diverse group of teams and stakeholders to advance equity with meaningful community impact. Extensive experience in policy research and advocacy and working with community across government systems to create policy solutions to address community issues. Strong knowledge and relationships in various levels of government systems and public institutions. Excellent communication, leadership, and time management skills. Curious and creative thinker who thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments where I can lead and collaboratively brainstorm, design, and implement new ways to solve challenging problems or innovate future solutions using insights from data, research, and user/customer/client experience. Demonstrated strengths in Program Management, Communications, Public Speaking, and relations, developing teams and community leadership development. Comfortable working for long and irregular hours without losing focus
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
African Career Education & Resource, Inc (ACER)
01.2017 - Current
- As the Executive Director, I lead an issue-based organization in identifying issues that impact the African immigrant community in Minnesota and work on coming up with community centered solutions to advance equity within the African immigrant community and the larger community
- I lead a team of 11 full time staff, 5 full time contractors and 3 – 5 consultants, and over 200 volunteers reaching over 4,000 people through our work
- I report to the Board of Directors and support them in providing leadership to fulfill the mission and vision of the organization
- I led a 360 evaluation of the organization and coming up with the organization’s first strategic plan that forecasts short term/long term strategic development initiatives/plans, continually focusing on gaining increased community engagement, research to drive our work, policy development, stronger relationships and partnerships with community and government stakeholders and organizational effectiveness
- Grew organization from 0.5 FTE staff person with no annual budget to 11 full time staff with a multimillion dollar within 5 years
- Diversified the organization’s funding pool from one contract to several major government contracts and multiyear funding of over $100,000 each from major foundations, and several gifts from smaller foundations and individual donors
- Increased programming to include areas that are critical to our main constituency base in the areas of Education, Community Development and Housing and expanded the organization’s work in Health Equity and Transportation
- Increased number of constituents by over 200%
- Built efficient organizational structure to ensure smooth day to day operations of ACER office, managing and supervision of a dynamic staff team and the overall financial management of the organization including employee payroll and accounts
- Develop strategies to engage with the community and led the organization’s work in acting as a liaison between community and various stakeholders through outreach and education
- Led the community in engaging in lobbying for immigration laws at a Federal level for the first time resulting in the extension of immigration status for the Liberian community twice
- Proven track record in leading local, statewide and national strategies to introduce and advance polices that champion equity
- Effectively manage and lead change in the organization in an ever-changing environment to advance equitable outcomes for communities of color in Minnesota
- Build strategic partnerships and programs across the region in the areas of Education, Community Development, Health Equity, Housing and Transportation to increase ACER’s impact in advancing equity
- I have increased partnerships with 4 major regional intermediaries that have leveraged over $1,000,000 in funding for the organization and tens of millions of dollars in investments in the community
- Lead ACER’s work of promoting cultural competency through training to ensure culturally competent service delivery by partners and systems
- Have provided training to 1 major CDFI that provides business trainings an increased their capacity to serve women of color by 25% and conducted culturally competent community engagement training to two major cities
- Prepare ACER’s Annual Work Plan and Budget for review, and prepare contracts as needed
- Ensure completion and filing all required state and federal tax forms and reports
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
- Led successful fundraising campaigns, securing critical resources for program development and expansion.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Advocated for organization and company mission to raise awareness and support.
- Increased organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Evaluated program outcomes using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions.
- Advocated for policy changes at both local and national levels to further support the organization''s goals and objectives.
- Spearheaded new program initiatives to address unmet community needs and advance the organization''s mission.
- Presented regularly at conferences or industry events showcasing the accomplishments of the organization.
- Improved stakeholder relationships and trust by maintaining transparent communication channels.
- Maximized donor satisfaction and retention through personalized acknowledgment and engagement strategies.
- Advanced organization's mission with launch of impactful community service programs.
- Secured substantial funding for new projects by cultivating relationships with key donors and stakeholders.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, introducing regular feedback mechanisms for staff and volunteers.
- Enhanced organizational visibility and reputation by spearheading comprehensive rebranding initiatives.
- Optimized resource allocation, conducting thorough needs assessments and prioritizing project funding.
- Strengthened governance structures, establishing clear policies and procedures for board management and operations.
- Led organization through significant transition period, maintaining stability and focus on strategic goals.
- Boosted team productivity and morale by developing comprehensive employee training and development program.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
Board Member
prg Developers
01.2014 - Current
- Member of the prg Board who are a Non-Profit Housing Developer
- Member of the Finance committee
Board Member
Women Venture
01.2018 - 06.2023
- Along with other Board members, govern and provide strategic direction to a women based CDFI that is committed to the economic empowerment of women
- Member of the Women’s Business Center Committee
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
Committee Member
Metropolitan Council Equity Advisory Committee
01.2015 - 06.2022
- The Equity Advisory Committee advises the Metropolitan Council in its work to advance equity in the metropolitan region
- As one of the founding members of the committee, created the committee’s structure and working process and established it as a regular advisory committee of the regional planning body of the Metropolitan Council
- Participated in one of the sub committees to create a work plan for the committee that established the committee’s initial goals for the first two years
- Co-Chair – Led the committee in performing its designated duties which include: Advising the Council to lead system wide change by applying equity principles in all the Council’s decision-making processes
- Recommend solutions that add value, strengthen operational outcomes, that meet the needs of multiple stakeholders
- Worked with staff in the Equity department to initiate cross-functional collaboration among leadership teams to ensure equity plays a role in decision making
- Advising Council staff on how to increase collection, stratification, and use of race, ethnicity, language and other sociodemographic data to advance equitable outcomes in the Council’s work
- Led the Committee in creating the Council’s historical Equity Policy and continue to lead the committee in working with staff to develop a framework to guide Equity throughout the Council
- Along with staff, and Standing Committee, set the committee’s meeting agendas, Council staff, and stay in contact with committee members to keep the committee’s work going
- Chair committee meetings
- Liaise with staff to ensure all committee’s needs are met
- Facilitated open communication among committee members, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect.
Executive Director
Summit Hill Association/ District Council 16 of the City of St. Paul
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Provided support to the Summit Hill Association (SHA) Board of Directors and Committees; prepared annual budget and District’s plan, goals and contracts
- Assisted in organizing and planning SHA activities and events; directed the implementation of the D16 Neighborhood plan as approved by the City Council
- Identified issues of importance to D16; followed issues through civic, political and neighborhood meetings and kept the board apprised on developments
- Listened to community input and communicated to city leaders the visions and goals of the community accurately
- Managed a working team of SHA staff, interns, board and volunteers
- Developed and provided training for city staff and neighborhood staff and volunteers to improve communications with communities, improve service delivery and inform decisions
- Monitored and ensured compliance of programs with the existing city contracts
- Administered organizational finances in coordination and oversight by the SHA treasurer
Metropolitan Council Housing Policy Plan Work Group
07.2013 - 01.2015
- Advised the Metropolitan Council on a Housing Policy Plan that identifies key housing issues, policies and implementation options that aligns with the council’s 30-year regional plan (Thrive MSP 2040); and, integrates with other system and policy plans
Education Equity Rubric Pilot Project Coordinator
Voices for Racial Justice
11.2013 - 12.2014
- Worked in a fast-paced environment to manage a pilot statewide Education Equity Campaign project bringing together the Minnesota Department of Education, School Districts, intermediary grassroots community organizations and community stakeholders to advance education equity in the state of Minnesota
- Researched, developed and delivered technical assistance to community and institutional stakeholders in having a conversation on education equity in order to increase their capacity to participate in advancing education equity
Community Organizer, (Housing, Community Development)
Harrison Neighborhood Association (HNA)
07.2006 - 11.2013
- Worked in a dynamic environment to recruit and train Harrison residents to volunteer in organization’s committees to ensure their continued civic engagement and participation in order to move them into action on issues that concern the community
- Successfully managed and built HNA’s housing programs through development of new strategies and community outreach using them to leverage an additional over $800,000 in additional investment on housing in Harrison over 6 years
- Created written program procedures, forms and processes for HNA’s housing programs
- Created, communication materials and mailers for the relevant stakeholders including issue-based campaign materials
- Performed program documentation, expenditure planning, evaluation, performance reporting and made the recommendations based on the results on how to enhance the programs
- Conducted yearly planning sessions for the community in order to gather resident input and strategize on how to address issues that affect the residents of Harrison neighborhood
- Managed and supervised staff and led the organization through the transitional process of searching for and hiring an Executive Director for the organization
Education
Master of Public Affairs - Public Policy and Integrative Leadership Focus
Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Minneapolis, MN01.2023
Certified Professional Project Management Certificate -
University of St. Thomas
BSc. - Multidisciplinary Studies – Communications, Applied Science and Public Policy Focus
University of Minnesota, Twin cities
International Management - Minor in Women’s Studies
Hamline University
St. Paul, MNHumphrey Policy Fellow -
Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Minneapolis, MN01.2014
Associate of Arts Degree - Certificate in Women’s Studies
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Minneapolis, MN01.2002
Skills
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Strategic planning
- Project management
Accomplishments
- Awarded 2025 Top BIPOC Executive for outstanding service to the community.
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute.
Timeline
Board Member
Women Venture
01.2018 - 06.2023
Executive Director
African Career Education & Resource, Inc (ACER)
01.2017 - Current
Committee Member
Metropolitan Council Equity Advisory Committee
01.2015 - 06.2022
Executive Director
Summit Hill Association/ District Council 16 of the City of St. Paul
01.2015 - 01.2017
Board Member
prg Developers
01.2014 - Current
Education Equity Rubric Pilot Project Coordinator
Voices for Racial Justice
11.2013 - 12.2014
Metropolitan Council Housing Policy Plan Work Group
07.2013 - 01.2015
Community Organizer, (Housing, Community Development)
Harrison Neighborhood Association (HNA)
07.2006 - 11.2013
Certified Professional Project Management Certificate -
University of St. Thomas
BSc. - Multidisciplinary Studies – Communications, Applied Science and Public Policy Focus
University of Minnesota, Twin cities
International Management - Minor in Women’s Studies
Hamline University
Humphrey Policy Fellow -
Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Associate of Arts Degree - Certificate in Women’s Studies
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
- Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute.
Master of Public Affairs - Public Policy and Integrative Leadership Focus
Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
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