Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Bana Abera

Seattle, WA,WA

Summary

Dedicated and results-oriented facilitator, policy analyst, and strategic advisor with over 10 years of experience in advancing racial equity, social justice, and systemic transformation across sectors including government, education, non-profit, and grassroots organizing. Adept at designing and implementing equity-centered programs, policies, and training that promote inclusivity and belonging. A proven leader with a strong focus on collaboration, community-centered engagement, and building trust-based relationships with diverse stakeholders. Expertise includes strategic planning, organizational development, and facilitating transformative cultural change rooted in anti-racist and trauma-informed principles. Known for driving innovative solutions to complex challenges, fostering accountability, and achieving impactful outcomes.


I seek to leverage my expertise to drive institutional transformation, promote belonging, and advance racial justice initiatives within forward-thinking organizations and institutions.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Independent Consultant, Freelance Facilitator

Fractal Strategies LLC
06.2018 - Current
  • Design and deliver customized education and training programs, incorporating diverse learning styles for nonprofit organizations and government agencies
  • Lead virtual and in-person classes, professional development workshops, and team-building sessions focusing on organizational development, strategic planning and DEI
  • Support the development of strategic planning providing community centered insights and recommendations

Project Manager

Social Justice Fund NW
01.2019 - 07.2021
  • Manage Giving Projects (GPs): design, adapt & implement curricula, coordinate fundraising efforts, evaluate & track project progress
  • RFP development, pre-screen grant applications, applicant feedback, record and track data.
  • Oversee overall GP fundraising: group training, 1:1 coaching of volunteer fundraisers
  • Facilitate all GP meetings, trainings, grant review and decision-making processes

Criminal Justice Policy Research Specialist

Seattle Office for Civil Rights
06.2017 - 03.2018
  • Conduct research, summarize findings, write policy briefs, provide analysis & policy recommendations
  • Coordinate community center policy solutions through stakeholder outreach (community leaders, families, educators, etc)
  • Curate and facilitate community engagement events
  • Collaborate with OCR Policy Team on criminal justice related issues and policies

Political Strategist Consultant

Seattle People's Party
01.2017 - 09.2017
  • As member of the campaign core team, work closely with the candidate to collaboratively develop and implement innovative strategies for 2017 Seattle mayoral campaign.
  • Strategies include: development & implementation of overarching platform & messaging, outreach & engagement strategies, fundraising strategies & efforts

Lead Catering Server and Bartender

That Brown Girl Cooks
06.2018 - 03.2022
  • Ensure health & safety standard compliance, manage delivery, service, setup and breakdown.
  • Overse staff, served guests, manage event coordination, handle special requests to ensure event success & client satisfaction

Production Assistant/Assistant Director

Know Your Place Film
09.2018 - 11.2018
  • Promoted from Set Production Assistant to 2nd Assistant Director during 5 week shoot
  • Administrative tasks: distribute scripts, coordinate craft services, coordinate travel for talent, producers, directors & equipment
  • Recruit & coordinate with background and special talent
  • Coordinate crew hires with Department Keys
  • Prepare call sheets, talent and crew contracts and payroll
  • Relied on by directors, producers, set designers and stylists to source and locate obscure items, and cultural references

Education

CELTA - Foreign Languages Education

International House Madrid
Madrid, Spain
05-2023

Bachelor of Arts - Social And Cultural Analysis

New York University
New York, NY
05-2012

Associate of Arts -

Seattle Central College
Seattle, WA
06-2009

Skills

  • Facilitation & Training (Including Anti-Racism & EIB)
  • Relationship building, Stakeholder Communications, Cross-Functional Collaboration, and Community-Centered Outreach & Engagement
  • Policy Analysis, Formulation, Evaluation
  • Strategic Planning, Project Planning and Management
  • Leadership Development, Coaching/Mentorship
  • Advanced problem solving, Root-cause & Change Impact Analysis
  • Procedure Development, Decision-Making Processes Innovation & Facilitation
  • Organizational Development, Process Improvement, Strategy Realignment
  • Racially equity assessment & mitigation: identify & mitigate inequitable impacts of policies, programs, projects, and services on stakeholders & staff

Timeline

Project Manager

Social Justice Fund NW
01.2019 - 07.2021

Production Assistant/Assistant Director

Know Your Place Film
09.2018 - 11.2018

Independent Consultant, Freelance Facilitator

Fractal Strategies LLC
06.2018 - Current

Lead Catering Server and Bartender

That Brown Girl Cooks
06.2018 - 03.2022

Criminal Justice Policy Research Specialist

Seattle Office for Civil Rights
06.2017 - 03.2018

Political Strategist Consultant

Seattle People's Party
01.2017 - 09.2017

CELTA - Foreign Languages Education

International House Madrid

Bachelor of Arts - Social And Cultural Analysis

New York University

Associate of Arts -

Seattle Central College
Bana Abera