University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Director Of Partnerships at Algalita Marine Research & Education

As the Head of Partnerships at Mango Materials, a biotechnology startup, I used my sustainability subject matter expertise and professional experience to introduce next generation PHA resins to the global market in multiple applications. I deepened relationships with existing partners and formed new relationships with prospective partners to help them achieve their sustainability goals and reduce their Scope 3 emissions. I stayed informed on market trends, created market data reports, and worked with executive leadership to build Mango Materials’ go-to-market strategy. I acted as the policy liaison, staying up to date on domestic and foreign policy and legislation that may affect market strategy.

A few highlights of my contributions to Mango Materials:

• Coordinated largest sale in company history for an international partner focused on reducing their carbon footprint with next generation materials.

• Worked directly with company co-founders and C-suite, using data to drive the go-to-market strategy. Collected quantitative and qualitative data to forecast market trends.

• Formed strategic partnerships with companies across the product value chain, including injection molders, packaging suppliers, material consulting agencies, and brands of all sizes.

• Educated prospective partners in multiple market sectors about the sustainability attributes of using the naturally occurring biopolymer PHA in their supply chain.

• Acted as company policy liasion for a PHA coalition, speaking at meetings hosted by the US State Department on the UN Global Plastics Treaty and White House CEQ on domestic policy.

Mango Materials

Head of Partnerships

My deep and authentic knowledge of plastic pollution contributed thought leadership to the evolving 5 Gyres strategy, helping team members better understand complexities and nuances of the issue and solutions. With nine years of experience in the plastic pollution movement I strengthened their communications department while facilitating conversations internally and externally that had a healthy balance of curiosity and critical thinking. I managed many science communications projects, helping to make science more digestible to the general public, nonprofits, and stakeholders in the private and public sectors.

A few highlights of my contributions to 5 Gyres: 

• Co-created The Gyre, a monthly newsletter for a listserv of 1,600 global 5 Gyres Ambassadors. Each edition of The Gyre consisted of recent plastic pollution news, research & reports, tools, and for calls-to-action for Ambassadors to engage in solutions.

• Helped develop media assets and PR plan for the publication of the research report that provided a new global estimate of plastic pollution on the ocean surface.

• Identified and partnered with co-authors to create the Better Alternatives 3.0 report, which included results from an 18 month field study of bioplastics in the marine and terrestrial environment. The report includes contributions from thought leaders in field research, waste management, and the reuse economy sectors.

• Was 1 of 100 activists to participate in the Break Free From Plastic Global Meeting in Hoi An, Vietnam. I presented on 5 Gyres recent research and facilitated conversations about alternatives to fossil fuel based plastics.

The 5 Gyres Institute

Science Communications Lead and Engagement Officer

Strategically worked to empower the next generation of change-makers to end plastic pollution while advocating for solutions that focused on systems change. Partnering with leaders in the plastic pollution field I distilled their expertise into comprehensive education programs. This included utilizing my creativity to develop youth summits and online experiential learning programs. I mentored young change-makers, including high school and college students, and young professionals in the broader sustainability field.

While acting as Algalita’s lead in Break Free From Plastic movement related efforts I contributed to campaigns that expanded the narrative of the plastic pollution crisis. This included work in policy, communications, and education. 

Developed creative experiential learning programs such as:

• 2020 International Youth Summit on Plastic Pollution
• Wayfinder Society
• Stay Stoked Award
• Plastic Pollution Innovation Forum

Algalita Marine Research and Education

Director Of Partnerships

Skills: Project Management · Strategic Partnerships · Plastic Pollution Solutions · Interpersonal Relationships · Realistic Optimist · Science Communication · Creative Marketing · Persuasive Speaking

Leadership Programs Manager

I created Gnarly Beach Cleaner (GBC) to contribute to the plastic pollution movement in my own unique way, which leveraged the power of fun and positivity for community organizing. GBC spread awareness of plastic pollution by generating engaging content that brought a fresh perspective and tone to the plastic pollution movement. Through GBC I used my creative marketing skills to brand myself, which led to securing a job at a plastic pollution non-profit.

 Below is a brief snapshot of some of my accomplishments:

• Conceptualized all aspects of the @GnarlyBeachCleaner Instagram account, spreading awareness of plastic pollution to over 4,600 direct followers and tens of thousands of indirect followers.

• Awarded Best Environmental Story at the 2019 Patagonia Film Festival for the original film about waste exports titled The End of the Road.

• Advocated for policy change and collaborated on education efforts with Surfrider Foundation-Los Angeles Chapter, Heal the Bay, 5 Gyres, and Algalita.

• Fundraised to participate as a crew member on Algalita’s 2017 South Pacific Gyre Research Expedition with Captain Charles Moore.

• Created the Gnar Gnar the Octopus World Tour and coordinated involvement in direct actions with activists in six countries.

Gnarly Beach Cleaner - Plastic Pollution Awareness through fun and positivity

Community Organizer

As the Sales Manager at Stag I used my diverse team management skills to create a high functioning sales team and utilized my interpersonal relationship skills to build a loyal customer base. I managed a sales floor that carried over 40 brands and achieved up to $3 million in annual sales. I increased sales conversion rates while fostering an enjoyable work environment for employees.

Some of my day-to-day responsibilities included:

• Responsible for onboarding new hires, training them in advanced interpersonal sales techniques, and providing ongoing coaching and mentorship.

• Generate a daily 20% sales conversion rate based on the number of people entering the store. This not only increased sales for Stag, but it also increased sales for the brands we sold. 

• Maintained good relationships with representatives for the over 40 brands that Stag sold in store.

• Manage sales team of up to nine employees through sales floor supervision and customer issue resolution.

• Analyze weekly sales reports and trends to determine shop merchandise needs and communicate analysis directly to shop owners.

STAG Venice

Sales Manager

I managed staff at multiple store locations in Southern California. As a Sales Manager manager at a lifestyle brand I fostered Aviator Nation brand adoption into mainstream consumer culture. I oversaw sales team functionality in high foot traffic retail locations and suggested improvements to leadership. 

A few highlights of my employment at Aviator Nation below:

• Built rapport with new customers as well as maintain customer retention through excellent interpersonal skills, salesmanship, customer service, and brand representation.

• Was the Sales Lead at the flagship store in Venice as well as store locations in Malibu, Santa Monica (Fred Segal), Manhattan Beach, and Costa Mesa.

• Trained new hires and acted as Lead Sales Associate to assist fellow employees with resolving customer issues.

• Worked directly with Owner of company and Director of Retail Operations to implement store improvements to increase both store foot traffic and daily sales revenue.

• Responsible for executing the four largest in-store customer purchases in company history.
  
• Constructed Aviator Nation pop-up installation at Bloomingdale’s flagship location in New York City.

• Responsible for scheduling up to 14 employees on a weekly basis and submitting bi-weekly payroll.

Aviator Nation

Retail Manager

As the day-to-day manager for artists and producers on Dangerbird Management's client roster I managed clients’ daily business and operating needs. This included tour management, coordinating studio recording sessions, marketing campaigns, and project budgeting.

• Facilitated all day-to-day business, travel, and scheduling for musicians and producers on Dangerbird Management’s roster, including Tony Hoffer, Jon Fratelli, Eagles of Death Metal, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, The Dears, Darker My Love, Boots Electric, Dave Cooley, Eulogies, Skysaw, and Division Day.

• Worked directly with clients, client management, business managers, record labels, lawyers, recording studios, promoters, booking agents, licensing/publishing companies, tour managers/road crews, tour rental companies, and art directors to ensure all client needs were successfully fulfilled.

• Participated in and contributed immensely to Dangerbird’s weekly creative marketing meetings 

• Handled administrative duties including heavy phones, scheduling executive meetings, creating/maintaining client itineraries and recording/touring budgets, and was responsible for collecting monies owed to clients. 

• Communicated with CEO’s business contacts and was the liaison between Dangerbird Records’ clients and CEO.

Dangerbird Records/Publishing/Management

Management Coordinator / Executive Assistant

I managed all business related to routing tours and booking concerts for clients on William Morris Endeavor’s (WME) contemporary music roster. As an Agent Trainee I worked with department heads to evaluate prospective clients to add to company’s client roster. I acted as the day-to-day agent for many national touring acts. My experience at WME groomed me for future success in diverse work environments.

• Assistant to Craig Mogil (March 2008 to October 2009). 

• Agent Trainee and Assistant to Robby Fraser (October 2009 to July 2010).

• Facilitated booking national and international tours for clients on WME’s Contemporary Roster • Communicated directly with talent buyers to route tours, confirm live performances, and negotiate deal points to maximize revenue potential.

• Worked closely with client management, record labels, promoters, and venues for clients including Gnarls Barkley, The Flaming Lips, Faith No More, Wolfmother, Thievery Corporation, and Eagles of Death Metal.

• Administered and reviewed performance contracts, as well as collected deposits for club tours • Handled administrative duties including heavy phones, scheduling executive meetings, maintaining client itineraries, and organizing a high volume of concert show files.

• Trained and mentored up and coming mailroom staff and new booking assistants.

William Morris Endeavor

Agent Trainee

-Executed marketing promotions strategies for clients such as Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and developed marketing promotions for clients such as Comedy Central.

-Coordinated and executed field marketing promotions for FilterMMM.

-Designed and implemented FilterMMM’s marketing strategy for the 2006 LA Film Festival.

-Assisted with internet marketing campaigns for clients such as Verizon Wireless, MTV, and various record labels.

Michael Doshi