Melissa Manak

1212 W. Lunt Avenue #1 Chicago, IL 60626 312.623.6164 melissa.manak@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/melissamanak/

MOTIVATED DEPENDABLE RESOURCEFUL CREATIVE Summary of Qualifications Accomplished and innovative professional with progressively responsible and diversified Universal Access advising, leadership, and organizational expertise, coupled with extensive hands-on experience within the Disability management and non-profit level fields.

Dedicated and respected team leader, able to set clear goals and connect with diverse groups to identify gaps in methodical knowledge while fostering cohesiveness in achieving results. Proven ability to resolve key issues, communicate pivotal concepts, and develop innovative solutions. Adept in Mac OS X and Windows 7 Adobe (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) Microsoft Office including Publisher Surveying Including CITI Certification in Human Subject Research. Tools: Google Sketch Up and ArcGIS Universal Design and Accessibility Planning Alternate format materials including voiceover and Guide access on iOS, enlarged text, and MP3 Social Media Outreach apps- Twitter, Google +, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Wordpress

Significant Projects: Founder, Deaf Velo Association. Chicago, IL February 2014-Current. Implementing new group targeting people with disabilities on issues related to community cycling and advocacy. Goals of expansion in near future to become inclusive cycling group for all. Co-Chair, Deaf Social Service Providers Group (DSSP). Chicago, IL June 2013-Current. Implementing online social presence by designing website and social pages for potential expansion of the organization. Networking with outside organizations to bring in new presenters and members. Co-Chair of Bike/Transit committee, Ward 49 Participatory Budget. Chicago, IL November 2012- March 2014 Reviewed existing proposals given from community for improvement project within ward. Designed advertisements for proposals for fiscal year 2013 for Arts and Innovation Committee Apprentice, Graduate Research Study. Gallaudet University. Fall 2013 Conducted a study of existing project on DEAF SPACE planning that is being done at Gallaudet University; research to be published in 2014. Student Urban Planner, Community Planning Workshop: Farm Pond Neighborhood. UNCC. Networking with outside organizations to bring in new presenters and members. Coordinated within in team facilitating public relations by using public workshops and then incorporating community opinion into production of a goal-oriented master plan Fostered and interacted with diverse community by forming a partnership between city and residents through innovative method. Student Designer/Researcher, Sustainable Design Studio: ULI Gerald D. Hines Urban Design Competition. UNCC Collaborated in multidisciplinary financial and planning team that developed sustainable master plan. The project was ranked among top 25%. Facilitated research on sustainability implementation by applying LEED gold standards in the neighborhood plan. Student Urban Planner, Community Planning Workshop: Farm Pond Neighborhood. UNCC. Coordinated within in team facilitating public relations by using public workshops and then incorporating community opinion into production of a goal-oriented master plan Fostered and interacted with diverse community by forming a partnership between city and residents through innovative method.

Education M.A. Geography-Community Planning, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC. B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies, Governor State University, University Park, IL. Deans List. Employment Experience Deaf Literacy Coordinator, Anixter Center. Chicago, IL. September 2012- September 2013. Developed a literacy program from ground up with $10,000 in grant funds from Rivers Casino. Went from Zero to sixty clients and over twenty tutors in one-year span. Executed/educated occupation readiness and computer skills to increase employment and self-sufficiency. Conducted and marketed an innovative and socially engaging form of public relations specifically geared to the deaf and hard of hearing population. Energy Associate Intern, Verde Solutions, LLC. Chicago, IL. September 2012- November 2012 Drafted executive correspondence for use in public relations and marketing. Coordinated with other interns on maintenance of website blog. Weekend Relief Manager, In Reach. Charlotte, NC. June 2011-August 2012 Coordinated and enhanced support to individuals with developmental disabilities. Instructed residents on public transit and rights under American Disability Act. Provided public awareness on methods to cope and work with people (with disabilities.) Employment Coach, Preferred Alternatives. Charlotte, NC. May 2010-October 2010 Researched and evaluated programs to determine compatible client relationship. Coached and empowered clients by identifying developmental needs and employable skills. Enumerator, United States Census. Charlotte, NC March 2010-April 2010 Reviewed Subject matter to determine organization of neighborhoods and locate households. Conducted research on multi families, group homes, and military units to verify data recorded. Specialist, Apple Retail. Chicago, IL and Charlotte NC. December 2007-September 2010 Worked closely with business team on discounts and tax-exempts. Provided custom solutions based on customers programing and accessory needs. Trained people with accessibility needs; 10 per week average. Lectures Presentation: Deaf and Independence with technology Apple Store, North Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL Presentation: Using iPads to navigate Hearing World. HLA-Hearing Loss Association, Chicago IL.

Languages English: Spoken and Written - Native Language American Sign Language Spoken - Native Language Interest Includes: Universal Access and Design Community Development Urban Design LEED Certification Member American Planning Association, Illinois Chapter Advocacy Sustainable neighborhoods Alternative transportation including bicycling Disability Studies