Shanaya Graham
Concord,NC
Summary
Dynamic and relationship-driven leader with 23+ years of experience leading communications, community engagement, event operations, and program development initiatives across educational and arts-focused organizations. Proven success in building strategic partnerships, coordinating large-scale public events, increasing organizational visibility, and leading collaborative teams to achieve engagement and operational goals. Skilled in marketing communications, stakeholder outreach, audience engagement, program promotion, and cross-functional leadership. Recognized for creating inclusive, mission-driven experiences that strengthen community connection and organizational impact.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructional Coach / Career Development Coordinator
Kannapolis City Schools
01.2024 - Current
- Lead strategic outreach initiatives and partnerships with more than 50 business and community organizations to expand engagement opportunities and career awareness programs.
- Coordinate and promote large-scale events, expos, and community-facing initiatives designed to increase participation and strengthen organizational visibility.
- Develop presentations, newsletters, promotional materials, and communication resources highlighting student achievement and program initiatives.
- Collaborate with school and district leadership to implement data-informed engagement strategies supporting 100% completion of Career Development Plans for grades 6–8.
- Support cross-functional teams through project coordination, stakeholder communication, event logistics, and operational planning.
- Contributed to an 84.2% CTE State Exam proficiency rate through strategic program support and instructional collaboration.
District PLC Lead / Business Instructor
Harold Winkler IB Middle School
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Organized and marketed a large-scale CTE Expo attended by more than 200 students, families, and community stakeholders to increase program awareness and engagement.
- Led districtwide professional development initiatives through strategic communication, presentation facilitation, and collaborative planning.
- Developed partnerships with educators, families, and community organizations to support outreach and program growth initiatives.
- Coordinated multiple projects and operational priorities while maintaining timelines, stakeholder communication, and organizational goals.
- Facilitated mentorship and collaborative leadership initiatives contributing to a 90% teacher retention rate.
- Supported curriculum alignment and program implementation through data analysis and strategic planning.
Director of Performing Arts
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Directed operations, promotion, and execution of 10+ annual performances, showcases, and community events serving diverse audiences and stakeholders.
- Managed program logistics, communications, scheduling, budgets, and audience engagement initiatives for K–8 performing arts programs.
- Collaborated with school leadership, families, and community partners to strengthen arts visibility and increase participation in performing arts initiatives.
- Oversaw event communication, promotional materials, and stakeholder outreach supporting successful productions and community engagement.
- Led creative programming initiatives designed to enhance participation, organizational visibility, and community connection through the arts.
- Managed operational planning and resource coordination to ensure successful event execution and program sustainability.
Director of Sales Training
MK Company
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Managed and led a high-performing team of 50+ independent consultants, achieving top 2% company performance recognition.
- Developed growth strategies, sales initiatives, and engagement plans supporting organizational expansion and retention.
- Coordinated presentations, leadership training, and communication initiatives to support team development and operational success.
- Analyzed customer and market trends to align outreach strategies and improve engagement effectiveness.
- Built strong client and team relationships through leadership, coaching, and strategic communication.
Education
Master of Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) -
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina01-2022
Bachelor of Science - Music Education
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Tallahassee, Florida01-2000
Skills
- Marketing & Communications Strategy
- Community Engagement & Outreach
- Brand Representation & Storytelling
- Event Planning & Operations Management
- Strategic Partnerships
- Public Relations & Stakeholder Communication
- Audience Engagement & Program Promotion
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Project & Vendor Coordination
- Presentation & Public Speaking
- Budget & Resource Management
- Content Development & Communication Materials
- Relationship Building
- Organizational Leadership
- Digital Communication Platforms
- Creative Problem Solving
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- Canva
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Meet
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Canvas LMS
- Blackboard
- PowerSchool
- Social Media & Digital Communication Platforms
Accomplishments
- Coordinated large-scale expos and engagement events serving more than 200 attendees.
- Developed partnerships with 50+ business and community organizations.
- Led communications initiatives highlighting over 1,700 students in CTE programs districtwide.
- Managed logistics, scheduling, budgets, and outreach for multiple annual performing arts productions.
- Facilitated workshops, presentations, and professional development sessions for educators and stakeholders.
Certification
- North Carolina Licensed Principal K–12
- North Carolina Licensed CTE Business Educator
- North Carolina Licensed Music Educator K–12
- Florida Licensed Elementary Educator K–6
- Paxton & Patterson Certified Educator
Timeline
Instructional Coach / Career Development Coordinator
Kannapolis City Schools
01.2024 - Current
District PLC Lead / Business Instructor
Harold Winkler IB Middle School
01.2021 - 01.2024
Director of Performing Arts
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
01.2018 - 01.2021
Director of Sales Training
MK Company
01.2013 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Music Education
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Master of Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) -
Queens University of Charlotte