1. Nakia L. Bowling
1861 NW 111th STREET• MIAMI, FL 33167
PHONE (305) 726-3673• ALTERNATE PHONE (305) 710-7159
E-MAIL: NAKIA.BOWLING@GMAIL.COM
OBJECTIVE
To obtain an upper management that will afford me the opportunity to utilize my acquired skills.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
More than five (6) years professional experience as a public relations specialist.
More than three (5) years experience as a professional reporter for a reputable newspaper.
Proven track record to successfully pitch stories and events to local and regional media.
Program management and program development skills.
Proven track record as a skilled grant writer
Proven track record as an event planner
Exceptional software knowledge of such programs as Publisher, Power Point, Quark,
Word and Print Shop.
EDUCATION
1993-1997 S.C. State University Orangeburg, S.C.
B.A., Mass Communication
EXPERIENCE
January 2008-Present Carrie Meek Foundation Miami, FL
Program Director: Performs a variety of duties essential to the day-to-day management of The
Carrie Meek Foundation’s community outreach programs including but not limited to Soul Lives in
The City, The Carrie Meek Scholarship Program, The Carrie Meek Leadership Institute for Girls,
Hip Hop 4 Health, The Carrie Meek Congressional Classroom and the Opa-locka Airport
Economic Development Project (program details are available at www.carriemeekfoundation). I
am responsible for managing the staff, the budget, the implementation and the evaluation of each
of the programs. I am responsible for planning and designing the Carrie P. Meek Congressional
Classroom, that occurs each year in Washington, D.C. during the Congressional Black Caucus. I
am responsible for planning and implementing the Foundation’s annual Hip Hop 4 Health program
that attracts more than 2,000 middle school aged youth. I am responsible for the overall public
relations and communication affairs in the office. I am responsible for writing and developing all
communication pieces that are presented to the general public, i.e. brochures, newsletters and
informational cards. I am responsible for developing all copy for inclusion on the company’s
website that is currently in the revamping stages. Pitch story ideas about the agency and the
Executive Director to local and regional media. Serve as the liaison between the Miami-Dade
County Board Commissioner’s Communications Office and the agency. Serve as the agency’s
spokesperson for all media inquiries. .org); I work under the supervision of the Executive Director
of the Foundation.
Interim Executive Director: From September 2010 to present, I have served as the Interim
Executive Director of The Foundation. In this role, I am responsible for managing all aspects of
the Foundation’s operation. I oversaw the annual audit, performed the end of the year wrap up, and
oversaw the fiscal management of the agency’s $1.5 million dollar budget. I am responsible for

2. hiring and training new staff as well as the hiring of legal and fiscal consultants. I am responsible
for communicating with the Board of Directors as well as implementing policies set by the Board
of Directors.
Achievements
1. Successfully designed and implemented the Carrie Meek Congressional Classroom in
Washington, D.C. that drew over 400 participants.
2. Successfully organized and implemented the Hip Hop 4 Health program in 22 middle
schools in Miami-Dade County for the last three years.
3. Successfully developed the Carrie P. Meek Leadership Institute for Girls, which is now
being considered as a national model by the Office of Women’s Health.
4. Successfully achieved media exposure for the Foundation including a feature article in The
Miami Herald.
5. Developed a Foundation newsletter that is distributed countywide, including distribution in
all Miami-Dade County Commissioner’s offices.
6. Developed a new agency corporate/press kit and brochure.
7. Developed a successful public relations campaign to promote the Foundation’s Scholarship
program, which resulted in increased student participation.
8. Successfully secured 60K in grant funding to fund The Carrie P. Meek Leadership Institute
for Girls.
April 2007-January 2008 The Miami Times Miami, FL
May 1998-July 2000 Miami, FL
Editor: Responsible for editing and proofreading a variety of copy, educational and promotional
materials in diverse therapeutic areas. Responsible to locate and correct errors in spelling,
punctuation, and grammar for healthcare and pharmaceutical brand-related communications that
include sales aids, brochures, patient education pieces, and ads that appear in publications. In
addition, this incumbent would check copy for adherence to AMA, agency, and client style
requirements. In addition, this position is responsible for checking laser proofs, mechanicals, and
blueprints for typographical errors and inconsistencies in the use of graphic elements. Copy-
edited AP and wire stories, supervised interns and conducted research for story background.
Achievements
1Successfully produced a minimum of ten (10) lead and feature stories weekly for print in the
paper.
2Developed weekly movie column on newly released movies.
3Supervised two (2) interns and managed their mentoring and writing sessions.
4Conducted thorough research for stories produced in the paper.
January 2005-January 2007 National WN Foundation Washington, D.C.
Public Relations Associate: Created strategic public relations plans for the foundation’s public
affairs activities and issues. Researched and applied for funding opportunities. Outreached to
national media by pitching news stories, served as spokesperson and set up interviews for WN
Executive Director. Worked with the Washington, DC National Office public relations staff and
affairs. Served as a national spokesperson on the Chipata, Zambia project.
Achievements
1Implemented Public Relations strategic plans by writing releases, pitching stories to media,
serving as spokesperson and setting up interviews for WN representatives.
2Successfully secured $400K in grant funding for the foundation.

3. 3Created public relations plans for public affairs issues involving the global AIDS crisis in Chipata,
Zambia.
4Developed website content, newsletters and press kits for the foundation
5Collaborated with internal staff clients such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Zambia
Embassy in achieving their public outreach goals through the media or internal publications.
6Served as a resource to the national media by providing information, appeared on news programs
as a guest, and organized guest appearances for WN representatives.
June 2004-December 2004 Camillus House Miami, FL
Grants Manager: Responsible for managing over 5 million dollars in grant funding through
various local, state and federal grants. Responsible for completing and submitting grant proposals
and renewals. Coordinated and composed monthly reports for funding sources.
Achievements
1Managed all Camillus House grant activities, working with Program Development, Finance, and
Executive Management to develop and maintain grant funding
2Prepared and submitted all public and private grant proposals resulting in over 1 million dollars in
renewed funding.
3Coordinated the development and timely submission of reports to funding agencies
4Monitored all grant reporting and other compliance deadlines and updating appropriate program
and administrative staff on a regular basis
5Researched, screened, and followed up on potential funding sources
6Conducted research concerning community needs and programmatic resources; maintained all
research materials
7Maintained in-depth prospect files and tracking systems
8Developed written program language for all Camillus House programs and projects
9Provided support to the Director of Program Development and Director of Quality Effectiveness in
conducting assessments of programmatic and financial needs of all programs
December 2002-June 2004 M.O.V.E.R.S., Inc. Miami, FL
Program Director: Managed a program of three (3) staff members and three (3) consultants.
Oversaw and managed an annual budget of $400,000. Responsible for overall administration under
the direction of the Executive Director and execution of the entire program, as well as day-to-day
operations of the “Faith Based Institute for HIV Prevention. Additional responsibilities included
facilitation of the curriculum process, training, and special events. Responsible for locating the
appropriate consultants and overseeing their activities as well as assisting in the development of the
capacity building/technical assistance curriculum. Managed all phases of report preparation
including data gathering. Conducted technical assistance and capacity building workshops as
appropriate.
Achievements
1Successfully secured more than 200 pastors from across the state to participate in the MOVERS’
BCIA (Black Church In Action) program.
2Developed and implemented faith-based, capacity building curriculums for workshops across the
State of Florida.
3Developed media and pr materials to promote the goals and image of the BCIA program.
4Wrote press releases and pitched stories to local and regional media.
5Wrote and developed copy content for the newly designed MOVERS/BCIA website.
6Secured free radio, print and broadcast space for the promotion of the BCIA program.
7Developed faith-based, HIV/AIDS resource materials for distribution across the State of Florida

4. June 1999- September 2002 Institute for Yoruba Diaspora Studies Miami, FL
Institute Coordinator: Responsible for coordinating and promoting all events. Prepared and wrote
proposals to garnish county and statewide grants. Developed and implemented PR plans to
promote the Institute and their events. Coordinated media events and press conferences
surrounding the Institute. Wrote and distributed press releases on the Institute to local and national
media. Developed and created brochure copy as well as produced material for the quarterly
newsletters.
Achievements
1Successfully promoted the Institute in several local, state and national media venues.
2Secured more than $80,000 in county and private foundation grants.
3Successfully planned and implemented yearly festivals to promote diversity in the local Miami-
Dade County communities.
4Produced annual Year In Review book for distribution, locally and nationally.
5Wrote and distribute Institute press releases.
October 2000- October 2001 Sonshine Communications/BPRWire Miami, FL
Media Manager: Responsible for all media related activities. Wrote and pitched press releases for
clients. Edited and distributed press releases, media advisories and feature stories to Black print and
electronic media nationwide. Supervised interns and PR professionals on media tactics. Created ad
copy and concepts for national and statewide accounts. Produced quarterly newsletter. Conducted
research and statistical comparison for national and local accounts. Copy edited all press materials.
Achievements
1Successfully promoted such clients as The Orangebowl, American Legacy and the Fl Department
of Health to the media through feature stories and press releases.
2Produced quarterly newsletter called the Bishara.
3Successfully secured new clients to utilize Sonshine and BPRWire services.
4Successfully trained staff and interns on media tactics and developing personal media relations.
5Developed and implemented uniquely designed reports for clients of Sonshine and BPRWire.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST