Welcome to my Portfolio!
My Master's degree journey has been enlightening, full of learning, growth, and discovery.
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Through a deeper understanding of leadership, communication, and decision making, within the framework of public policy and service, I am ready to embark on a new career. I'm passionate about my work and thrive on taking on challenges with new growth opportunities.
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I invite you to explore this journey through my work fulfilling the 5 core competencies of the Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
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As I contemplate my new career, a phrase that resonates with me comes from a TV medical drama:
"How can I help?"
About Me
As a young girl, I recall being enthralled by the kindness portrayed in medical shows and how a kind word or gesture changed patients’ lives.
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At every step in my career in the private sector whether as an Account Services Manager at Citibank, or Planet Associates (a software company) or as an Account Manager at Smolka Tours; excelling at my job creating positive change and a lasting impression on the customer was always a priority.
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2020 presented the opportunity to transition from the private sector and pursue interests in the public domain including healthcare. I enrolled in Rutgers' MPA program in pursuit of a career in the public realm. There is ample work to be done - the reward of making a difference in someone’s life is priceless.
2022 - 2022
Internship
BOROUGH OF PENNINGTON - Pennington, NJ
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Conducted a water usage analysis for the Borough of Pennington, uncovered inconsistencies, and made rate adjustment recommendations
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Applied for the NJDEP Electronic Vehicle Fast Chargers grant
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Created a Council Member Policy Manual
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Updated Pennington NJ Personnel and Policies Manual and the Borough’s critical job descriptions
2021 - 2022
Volunteer
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FRIENDLY CONNECTIONS - Matawan, NJ
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Applied and awarded a $500,000 grant from Monmouth County NJ American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
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Created a Policies and Procedures Manual
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Created all documentation and applied for Department of Human Services Mental Health Facility Licensing
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Applied and enrolled company in Medicare and in other insurance providers plans
2005 - 2020
Account Manager
SMOLKA TOURS - Tinton Falls, NJ
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Performed all bookkeeping functions, disbursements, receipts, account reconciliation, payroll processing, and prepared final books for the auditor
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Supported sales team with tour pricing, booked and prepared all related travel documents for groups of up to 170 passengers and negotiated foreign exchange contracts
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Significantly improved sales reconciliation processing time and implemented cost-saving procedures
2017 - 2018
Bookkeeper
PLANET ASSOCIATES - Neptune, NJ
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Reviewed payroll and expense reports before processing and entering them into QuickBooks
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Reconciled bank and loan accounts that were in arrears for several years
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Improved payment and payroll turnaround times eliminating errors
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Introduced online banking and payroll processing
1994 - 2000
Account Manager
CITIBANK - New York, NY
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Managed North and West African Financial Institution accounts
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Prepared pricing proposals for potential and existing customers to enhance profitability
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Resolved complex customer issues related to funds transfers
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Received Citicorp Service Excellence Award
​1994 - 2000
Treasury Accountant
SCHLUMBERGER - Dubai, UAE
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Maintained Balance Sheet and P&L accounts for the Middle East region
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Analyzed foreign exchange exposure
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Reconciled multiple New York and UK-based accounts.
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Reviewed and processed engineer timesheets and expense reports in various currencies
