Experience

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  Media meltdown productions

  Jan 2013 - May 2015

  President

  Media Meltdown Productions is a student-run multimedia production company based at Temple University. We collaborate with on-campus as well as off-campus clientele to create original, creative and memorable content. Our services include, but are not limited to; film, advertising, writing, event planning, public relations, and graphic design work. Media Meltdown Productions was founded by Zaina Sesay and Rhonda Elnagger with the intention of providing all students a creative foundation to gain experience, build resumes and networking skills as well as collaborating with other students to create high-quality productions and reliable relationships.+Ran a multimedia production club specializing in film, graphic design & photography.+Organized general body meetings for up to 50 students.+Hosted media-related workshops & lectures.+Served as creative director on various projects. Show less

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  Antietam musical productions

  Dec 2013 - Mar 2017

  Choreographer & assistant director

  - Worked alongside Directorial staff to direct current production.- Worked & coordinated blocking schedules for 50+ students ages 5 -18.- Assisted with the development/creation of show programs & promotional materials. - Manage multidisciplinary arts classes, workshops, and private lessons for youth/adults & summer production.- Created & managed budgets for current/ future AMP after- school programming.Special Project:Antietam Community Theater - Children's Camp, a now annual Children's Theater Camp as an extension of AMP's summer programming. I developed the two week schedule and curriculum for students ages 5-16, interviewed and trained student Directors for the camp's Junior musical production while also fundraising to cover all costs of the camp's financial needs.Musical Productions Choreographed/Directed Include:Aida, The Music Man, Pippin, Peter Pan Jr., Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, The Little Mermaid & Little Shop of Horrors. Show less

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  Temple university

  May 2014 - May 2015

  Event coordinator

  - Planned & executed University wide events for 300 plus students.- Worked with budgets of up to $5,000.- Coordinated contracts with all vendors, performers & caterers.- Coordinated all aspects of program planning, administration & implementation, including scheduling, promotion & documentation & supervising volunteers.- Worked across University Departments to increase Faculty involvement in Student run events. - Maintained database of Student Organization information, including contact information, availability, completion of trainings, & qualifications for leading tours. Show less

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  Pentimenti gallery

  Jul 2014 - Dec 2014

  Gallery assistant

  +Conducted artist & collector research.+Designed layout for our booth at Art Basel.+Wrote press releases for openings.+Assisted in the design of show postcards.+Photographed artwork.

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  Arch enemy arts

  Sept 2015 - Jun 2018

  Gallery & special events assistant

  +Worked with artists, directors & partner organizations for the creation and production of artistic events.+ Managed artistic and logistic initiatives for projects including; artistic research, budget development & contract development.+ Coordinated efforts to produce events across multiple internal departments including; Marketing, programming, volunteers, production & development.+ Handled all daily administrative duties.Special Projects:+Truth to Power Exhibit, for the 2016 Democratic National Convention+Scope Miami, Art Basel 2016+Red Bull's Art of Can Exhibit, 2015+Signs of Solidarity Project Show less

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  Al-bustan seeds of culture

  May 2017 - Jun 2018

  Marketing & public programming associate

  - Assisting in the producing & execution of academic talks, conferences, participatory artist projects, large-scale programs & other related learning activities.- Identify & maintain strategic partnerships with community, social organizations, & educational institutions to advance Al-Bustan's goals on audience development & visitor access.- Assists in the documentation of public programs, creating a full archive for grant reporting & internal history purposes.- Creating & implementing outreach plans for schools & other organizations focusing on art & music Educators.- Supporting the Executive Director & Program Managers in the development of new, dynamic programs for both adults & youth.- Foster marketing & outreach to promote awareness of Al-Bustan and its programs, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding. Through the use of multiple creative approaches to drive attendance to and participation in Al-Bustan classes, programs, and concerts. - Maintain database of local/regional/national media contacts, including Arab & Arab American media outlets. - Coordinate media outreach including interviews, information requests, and media attendance at events. Marketing small supply of retail items.Special Projects:An Immigrant Alphabet - A four month long public art installation on view in the Thomas Paine Plaza across from City Hall. Photographer and artist Wendy Ewald worked with students at Northeast High School to create "An Immigrants Alphabet" through a series of photographs illustrating words that resonate with the immigrant/refugee experience once in America.(DIS)PLACED: A series of programming that aims to create a dialog around the topic of displacement. Through this series of workshops Al-Bustan also facilitated a public art installation with artist Buthayna Ali and a mural by artist eL Seed. Show less

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  Caldera magazine

  Jun 2017 - Aug 2022

  Founder + creative director

  Launched in 2018, Caldera Magazine is a an annual print and online publication dedicated to championing the voices of creatives from BIPOC and Queer communities.*currently on hiatus*

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  University of pennsylvania museum of archaeology and anthropology

  Sept 2019 - Nov 2021

  Collaborative programs manager
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  Friends of the rail park

  May 2021 - Dec 2021

  Public programs manager
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  University city arts league

  Dec 2021 - Apr 2024

  Executive director

  The Arts League is the neighborhood hub for arts education in West Philadelphia. Ourcontemporary art center champions intergenerational learning with a wide array ofvisual and performing arts programs, classes, workshops, and residencies. AsExecutive Director I was responsible for all aspects of operations, facilities, artistic andcuratorial direction, grants and development, strategic visioning, and communityrelations.