Kyle Samejima

Experience

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  Mezza Luna Restaurant

  Jan 1987 - Jan 1988

  Sous Chef

  Prepared kitchen staff and procedures for a highly successful launch before opening day in a high volume Italian restaurant. Trained and supervised all kitchen staff, while creating and maintaining a highly efficient team oriented atmosphere between front and back of the house. Ordered and managed all supplies to ensure exceptional freshness and quality. Efficiently expedited all incoming orders, while running the sauté station, ensuring highest quality of every dish.

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  Windom Spanish Dual Immersion School

  Nov 2002 - Jun 2008

  Marketing Coordinator/Parent Liaison

  Worked as a Marketing Coordinator to successfully launch a new Spanish Dual Immersion Program at Windom School, a Minneapolis Public School. Recruited families, filling the program its first four years, with a waiting list, through community events, advertisements, print media, literature and giving tours of the program to prospective families. Successfully advocated for the program at the district and state level. Recruited and coordinated parent volunteers for school events and programs and built relationships with previously uninvolved parents, significantly increasing parent involvement and the academic success of their child. Show less

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  Simply Mahvelous Aromatherapy Products

  May 2005 - Jun 2014

  Owner/Proprietor

  I decided to devote my time and passion to finishing my degree in Environmental Communications. I will continue to make products for friends and family.I develop and create Simply Mahvelous Aromatherapy body and home products, using top-quality, 100% plant-based and naturally - sourced ingredients.The products are scented in unique combinations with pure essential oils that possess an exquisite array of life-enhancing properties. Many of my ingredients are locally and/or organically sourced. Show less

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  Wise Acre Eatery

  May 2011 - Sept 2016

  Manager/Server

  My responsibilities include managing the guest experience at Wise Acre, a true farm to table restaurant with our own sustainable farm in Plato, MN.I also am proud to be a server at a restaurant that reflects my values of supporting local, sustainable agriculture with a fine dining focus.

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  Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota, Sustainability Education Department

  Aug 2015 - May 2017

  Communications Assistant

  I worked as a communications assistant in the Sustainability Minor Department at the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for two years.*Wrote and edited the department newsletter, blog, website, and social media content to publicize sustainability classes and concepts; increased social media interaction and participation in sustainability events and classes.* Coordinated events across departments and stakeholder groups, promoting sustainability initiatives. Show less

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  Governor Dayton Administration

  May 2016 - Jan 2017

  Public Engagement and Constituent Services Assistant

  Personal assistance and response to constituent comments, needs, concerns and questions to maintain an open, responsive relationship between the Governor's office and the citizens of Minnesota.

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  Hennepin County Communications Department

  Jan 2017 - Jul 2017

  Communications Assistant

  Create and implement strategic communication and marketing plans to communicate updates, priorities and projects of Hennepin County. Duties include writing for print and the web, media relations, and special projects.

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  Hennepin County

  Jul 2017 - Jan 2018

  Hennepin County Communications Assistant, Environment and Energy department

  - Educate the community on department services, encourage environmental stewardship, and motivate individuals to take action to preserve and enhance the environment for future generations.- Create and analyze social media content and calendar- Write and edit newsletter articles- Conduct community engagement and outreach activities

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  Minneapolis Climate Action

  Jul 2018 - Feb 2024

  Stubborn optimist in addressing our shared challenges and opportunities for creating a better society through community inspired and led initiatives. Active hope based on sound policy and a connection to our incredible planet and heart felt reciprocity with our natural systems.

  • Executive Director of Programs and Engagement

    Jul 2023 - Feb 2024

  • Executive Director

    Jul 2018 - Feb 2024
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  Cooperative Energy Futures

  Feb 2024 - now

  Outreach and Engagement Team Manager

  Starting March 18, 2024, I will manage an amazing team of outreach and engagement associates focused on building cooperatively owned community solar and affordable rooftop solar projects.