Ziya Tarapore has over 10 years of experience in development, fundraising, volunteer management, and community engagement. She has a proven track record of managing all aspects of development including writing grants, fundraising events, donor relations, and volunteer programs. Her most recent role was Director of Development and Community Engagement at Sugar Creek Charter School where she increased fundraising, expanded volunteer programs, and fostered community partnerships.
1. ZIYA TARAPORE 952.239.3442 •
ziyatarapore@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
To make a measurable impact on the success of an organization whose mission includes providing
transformative opportunities for under resourced populations by providing strategic solutions in
volunteer recruitment, community engagement, and fundraising.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
A resourceful self-starter, I have diverse experience in all facets of development: managing large scale
fundraising events, conducting annual campaigns, writing grants, soliciting funds and collaborating
with C suite level volunteers and board members to accomplish development goals. Skilled at
arranging schedules, overseeing budgets and delegating tasks to maximize time and resources, I have
the ability to manage concurrent responsibilities with ease, incorporating other staff as part of a team;
and work well in deadline driven environments.
WORK EXPERIENCE
SUGAR CREEK CHARTER SCHOOL, CHARLOTTE, NC.
Director of Development and Community Engagement 2013-15
Primary responsibilities included writing grants, soliciting donations, running fundraisers, marketing, raising awareness of
the school needs, and creating opportunities for local corporations and businesses to fill those needs.
At SCCS, I have:
• Developed a 3-year strategic development plan for fundraising and engaging volunteers.
• Wrote over 30 grants, and subsequent impact reports.
• Co-ordinated several large volunteer events and ongoing annual programs, such as the Reading Buddy Program,
that averages well over 30 volunteer hours monthly.
• Initiated the Student Ambassador Program, monthly Orientation Breakfasts, Read-a-thon, and Explore Club.
• Oversaw stewardship of donor relations and encouraged students to participate in thanking donors and explaining
benefits they received from gifts.
• Fostered relationships with partnering agencies, initiated collaborations with local universities and cultural
organizations.
• Managed turnkey projects like the development, execution, management and curriculum for the Outdoor Learning
Center.
MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS, Minneapolis, MN 2009–2013
Co-Chair – Art in Bloom 2013, 2012–2013
• Co-chaired the largest annual fundraiser, which brings more than 26,000 visitors to museum over four-day
period. Led large volunteer committee and interns and worked closely with museum staff to plan and execute
event, including determining budget, recruiting volunteers, publishing magazine/program, engaging
speakers/entertainers, and planning formal parties, luncheons, award ceremonies and workshops.
Additionally, organized 160 floral artists and 18 commercial florists. Directed committee members to
complete various duties within budget and on time.
• Introduced new feature of 2013 organization, digitizing Art in Bloom for first time by routing all
communications through BlogSpot and making magazine and silent auction catalog available on museum’s
website and all social media sites. Used social media and QR code on posters to generate publicity.
2. Board Member – Friends of the Institute, 2011–2013
Aided in planning events to support museum’s programs and initiatives.
• Served as New Member Liaison and Volunteer Coordinator of Art Perchance, a summer fundraiser.
Docent, 2009–2013
Chosen for docent program, a rigorous two-year study, covering encyclopedia of art from diverse cultural traditions
spanning 5,000 years of world history. Led tours for wide range of groups, from storybook tours for kindergartners to
adult public and spotlight tours. Worked closely with Department of Innovation and Learning to integrate
participatory/interactive activities into galleries and on tours.
MAYO CLINIC, Rochester, MN 2009–2013
Pink Ribbon Mentor
Worked with group of dedicated breast cancer survivors to support newly diagnosed patients. Mentored cancer
survivors, taught ‘Yoga for CancerCare’ class and facilitated master classes for other yoga instructors.
• Played key role in organizing monthly lectures to maintain knowledge of latest developments in all therapies,
research and cutting-edge practices related to breast cancer.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Diploma in Woven Textiles, Sophia Polytechnic, Bombay University, India.
Graduated in top three students in university.
200 RYT and Yin Yoga certifications.
Member of American Fundraising Professionals, Charlotte
Member and VP of North End Business Partners, Charlotte
Board Member, Mint museum, Board of Education and Learning.
Member, Arts and Sciences Council Leadership Program.
Rotary Club of Dilworth.
References available on request.