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Talena Mara
Executive Leadership
Professional Background
Talena Mara is a visionary and innovative leader with almost two decades of extensive national and international experience in executive leadership, administration, and education. Throughout her career, Talena has demonstrated an exceptional ability to manage cross-functional operations teams, expertly guiding program development from initial concept through successful implementation. Her career is distinguished by a proven track record of leading and partnering with diverse organizations to develop and manage long-range growth strategies, effectively achieving ambitious goals.
Talena’s leadership style is characterized by a commitment to enhancing the overall vision and mission of the organizations she serves. She embodies a strategic and insightful approach, allowing her to thrive in dynamic and fluid environments while remaining pragmatic and focused. This adaptability is key in today’s fast-paced world, where flexibility and insight are essential for success.
Talena’s specialties encompass a wide range of vital skills including leadership, communication, fundraising, development, and education policy. Her expertise in non-profit management, program development, and oversight, alongside her commitment to urban education and community building, showcases her multifaceted capabilities. As a passionate advocate for education, she works diligently to foster collaborative relationships that promote growth and development within communities.
Education and Achievements
Talena has an impressive educational background that complements her professional experience. She studied for a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Quinnipiac University School of Business, where she honed her skills in effectively leading teams and organizations. In addition, Talena holds a Master's degree in Music from Louisiana State University, demonstrating her dedication to the arts and education. She also received a Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Vocal, from Abilene Christian University, equipping her with a strong foundation in both music and teaching.
Her educational achievements reflect not only a commitment to personal growth but also an understanding of the educational landscape and the various factors that contribute to effective learning environments. Talena’s academic journey has undoubtedly informed her approach to leadership and program development, focusing on creating engaging and meaningful educational experiences for students of all backgrounds.
Notable Career Roles
Throughout her career, Talena has held several distinguished positions that highlight her capabilities in education and organizational leadership. As the Vice President at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and enhancing the organization’s outreach to the community through innovative programming.
Prior to her current role, Talena served as the Director of Education and Audience Development at New York City Opera, where she was instrumental in expanding the reach of the opera to diverse audiences, fostering appreciation for the arts, and developing educational initiatives that engage the community.
Her expertise was further demonstrated when she took on the role of Director of Special Projects at Education Through Music. In this position, Talena spearheaded various projects aimed at integrating music education into schools, thereby promoting creativity and self-expression in students.
Moreover, as the Faculty and Director of Educational Outreach at Manhattan School of Music, Talena developed impactful outreach programs that bridged the gap between academic institutions and the community, effectively enhancing music education opportunities.
During her tenure at The Juilliard School, Talena served in multiple capacities, including MAP Faculty/Department Chair and Senior Development Associate/Scholarship Coordinator. Her contributions in these roles helped shape scholarship programs and development initiatives, ensuring that aspiring musicians received the support they needed to succeed.
Achievements
Talena Mara’s career is marked by numerous achievements that showcase her dedication to education and the arts. Her innovative approach to leadership has led to successful partnerships and collaborations that have resulted in meaningful programming and community engagement. Talena's efforts in education policy and urban education have positively impacted the lives of countless students, enhancing the quality of education available to them.
In fundraising, Talena has demonstrated remarkable skills in securing financial support for the initiatives she believes in, furthering the cause of education and the arts. Her ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders has been critical in driving fundraising efforts that yield tangible results.
As a mentor and trainer, Talena has played a vital role in developing the next generation of leaders in education and the arts. Her commitment to mentoring reflects her belief in the importance of nurturing talent and cultivating potential in others. Through her teaching and outreach efforts, Talena has made a lasting impact on her students, who continue to thrive under her guidance.
In summary, Talena Mara exemplifies the dynamic qualities of a successful leader in education and the arts. With her extensive background, commitment to community development, and innovative mindset, she continues to influence and inspire others in her field. Talena’s journey is a testament to the power of leadership, collaboration, and a deep-rooted passion for education and the arts.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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