Pooja Shah

Working closely with CWLA Founders, Cindu Thomas-George, Desiree Vargas Wrigley and Alicia Del Real, Pooja works to photograph, document, and promote the CWLA's efforts to elevate and empower women-identifying leaders.

Founded on values of intent, inclusivity, and creativity, TEMBO TONES® is a photo and design studio that seeks to honor, understand and energize leaders and storytellers of color to craft impactful visual brand experiences. Our photography explores themes of multidimensional identity and slow living, with a focus on reclaiming the experience of black and brown people. • Photographed over 70 editorial shoots for clients and collaborative teams across various industries while implementing full Adobe Suite fluency resulting in greater sense of brand creativity and community engagement • Organized and directed multiple mid-to-large scale team productions from ideation to completion in Chicago, NYC and Nairobi photography studios that resulted in featured work in Feminist, Flanelle Magazine, Afriquette, Only Child Mag, AJIFA, and other large digital platforms • Designed visual brand identities using signature H.U.E. of Humanity groundwork to develop a unique aesthetic and intentional strategy for clients’ business goals while managing timelines and building trusting client relationships

SimplyBe. is a personal branding consultancy based in Chicago, serving clients across the globe. • Developed over fifty PR strategies for top clients, leading to tens of thousands of UMVs and proactive media outreach that ultimately enhanced their public perception and solidified their thought leadership • Activates all PR and Communications for acclaimed businesswoman and sought-after media guest Jessica Zweig in order to increase exposure for both her and SimplyBe. Through proactive outreach, networking, and creative submissions, my efforts ultimately earned her a gold Stevie® Award, Forbes full feature article, and countless strategic conferences, podcasts, and stage appearances. • Acts as central point of contact for over a dozen key client accounts, seamlessly navigating external requests with internal bandwidth to create an exceptional client experience at all times

• Compose client-facing daily and weekly monitoring, tracking and bourbon whiskey trend reports that prove essential to new pitch-idea generation for Jim Beam’s social and branding campaign calendar • Implement media relations by crafting specialized national and local master media lists, drafting pitches, and executing influencer outreach, vetting and seeding • Assist in the development of campaign strategy and thought leadership discussions by owning and collaborating on Jim Beam gifting program projects and OPTIMA Batteries major events, like SEMA and the Healing Heroes In Action Tour Program

• Oversee the progress of over 25 Account Executives and be the first contact for guidance and delegation • Implement and lead a four month work-plan of weekly meetings and goals to ensure the creation of an e-newsletter and the management of social media campaigns for every college department, resulting in 70% overall increase in engagement • Develop marketing campaigns involving social media, website, video, newsletters and print media to successfully advertise the departments within a college and increase recognition and awareness for CLA services and reputation • Write and edit publications for website and blog content, with a fresh and influential brand voice that resonates with the student, faculty and professional audience

• Tested, supported and created public relations initiatives to tell the organizations’ stories, including Skins, Queer Voices Reading Series, the Changemakers profile series and administrative support both onsite and in the community • Addressed and led projects that cater to the needs and wants of artists and underrepresented voices in the Twin Cities community, while adhering to Intermedia Arts’ core commitments and values to their clients

• Pioneered the success of a designer jewelry line sale through Pumpkin PR initiatives and generated 80% new awareness and interest in the line as well as profitable sales by holding one day-long event • Composed and developed research findings into reports to pitch to clients showcasing a project’s success from start to finish • Organized press documents and conducted project management duties throughout the office to ensure deadlines are met in a timely fashion

• Supported agency accounts and Fast Horse initiatives by flawless execution of media relations, project management, writing and research work • Contributed in directing projects for large clientele such as event planning Deluxe’s 100th year Employee Celebration, promotions for Champs Sports, Diet Coke and the Sprite campaign featuring Drake, Nas and other music artists • Participated in agency culture by creating the idea and theme for the annual summer party while marketing Fast Horse’s identity and grand re-opening of the building • Administrated support to the account management team and efficiently complete tasks such as phone calls, proofing, time management and other miscellaneous activities

Dean’s List: Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016