My work history
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
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Writing and editing with a focus on travel, culture. development and environmental issues
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Content development
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Brand storytelling
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Staff training
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Marketing and communications for artisan and luxury brands and social enterprises
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Operations and projec management for hospitality and artisan businesses
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Languages: English (fluent); Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi, Thai & Lao (basic)
EDUCATION
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Princeton, NJ USA
Bachelor of Arts, 1991
Major: Woodrow Wilson School for Public and International Affairs
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Freelance Journalist & Writer
Luang Prabang, Laos PDR & Bangkok, Thailand
2014 - present
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Freelance reporter with published work in leading SE Asian newspapers and magazines
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Research and report issues related to social enterprise, sustainable development, economic and environmental policy, culture and travel
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Portfolio available at:
Consultant: Marketing, Staff Development & Copywriting
Luang Prabang, Laos PDR
2014 - present
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Develop original and persuasive copy for print and web-based marketing materials
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Create and implement staff training programs for social enterprises and hospitality brands - with emphasis on international business and service standards
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Clients include: Saboan Crafts, Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, Burasari Group
Consultant: Program Documentation
Social Economic Development Network, ActionAid Myanmar-- Nyaung U, Bagan, Myanmar
Januray - February, 2015
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Researched and produced an impact assessment on the Social Economic Development Network and the Craft Producers Network operated by ActionAid Myanmar in the Dry Zone region of Mandalay-Bagan
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Conducted extensive in-field interviews and case studies of program participants, including village-based artisans, AcitonAid staff, design teams and government and regulatory agencies
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Analysed findings and produce a report on the goals, structure, impact and potential for replicaiton in other parts of Myanmar
Consultant: Marketing and Sales Training
Social Economic Development Network, ActionAid Myanmar -- Nyaung U, Myanmar
February - March, 2015
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Led a two-day workshop to train program staff on the fundamentals of sales and marketing, social business development and product knowledge
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Worked with staff to develop skills and tools to communicate the mission and production process in order to achieve financial goals and social impact
Communications Manager
Ock Pop Tok -- Luang Prabang, Laos PDR
May, 2014 - January, 2015
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Developed and refocused the company’s brand identity, core messaging, ethical policy, goals and vision across all channels
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Managed content strategy, external media relations and internal communiqués, resulting in international media exposure, including The Bangkok Post, National Geographic Traveler, Apple Daily, Sabaidee Magazine, Champa Magazine and Mahachon Thai
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Established training materials for three retail stores with a collective staff of 25 to enhance customer experience with product knowledge, company mission, textile techniques and cultural significance of products
Operations and Sales Manager
Futo Wines -- Napa, CA USA
2012-2013
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Responsible for sales, marketing, and daily operations including customer relationships, talent management, logistics and shipping, and media relations
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Collaborated with General Manager on annual budget and sales strategy and developed complementary marketing strategy to convey brand identity
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Responsible for an increase in wholesale accounts by 30% over previous year through partnership management
Business Development & Operations Consultant
Hartwell Vineyards & Darioush Winery -- Napa, CA USA
2006-2012
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Industry expert in strategic and organizational operations of small-to-medium private wineries in the region
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Consulted on enhancement of client services, brand development, CRM protocols, talent development, and implementation of efficiency systems
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At Hartwell: Increased wine club membership by 25% and sales by 35%, and reduced attrition by over 50%. Introduced innovative payment and shipping protocols that increased revenue by 30% and reduced losses by over 40%
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At Darioush: Developed a client services program for high net worth clients, reducing attrition rates in members by 50%
Co-Founder & Field Operations
CHAAC MOL Cacao Project -- Sonoma, CA USA
2008-2012
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Co-founded bean-to-bar chocolate company working with grassroots farmer organizations in Tabasco and Chiapas
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Consulted on business development, promotion, and logistics for organic cultivation and post harvest practices
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Responsible for sourcing and exporting cacao from Mexico
Chief Operations Officer, Co-Owner
KaderSachasinh, Inc -- San Francisco, CA USA
1995-2002
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Developed a business venture to procure and market traditional handicrafts from Mexico, Egypt and India
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Implemented training for design and production and financial literacy for artisan cooperatives
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Established exhibits and pop-up shops to promote consumer understanding and value of artisan materials and techniques
Managing Editor
agAccess Publishing -- Davis, CA USA
1995-1998
Researcher
Rajasthan Farmers Union -- Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan India
1993