Zeba I
Impact-driven Program Manager and Strategic Communicator
Profile
Making an impact matters to me. I am purpose- and profit-driven and that is the through line across all the work that I do. A strong program manager and an influential communicator, I seek to advance growth at the early-stage of a company, project or program. I'm often called upon to actualize vision, streamline process and crystallize mission and message.
With my marketing background, I can target the right audiences to build credibility and accelerate engagement. Known as a bridge-builder, I achieve stakeholder consensus and forge partnerships for win-win scenarios. Looking to leverage experience in public-private partnerships (PPP) and sustainability for real estate development from time at EY and program management at Princeton University.
Key Skills & Competencies
Career Spotlights
● Program management - Led complex planning process in compressed timeline to build LEED-gold certified residential projects for Princeton University ($250M portfolio); facilitated the developer partnerships that made them viable.
● Strategic marketing - Established marketing function, MarTech tools and content strategy that grew audience and brand awareness for two B2B tech startups.
● Strategic partnerships - Directed strategic planning and RFP advisory for GSA resulting in developer partnership with Forest City Washington for the $1.5B redevelopment of federally-owned Southeast Federal Center into The Yards.
● Innovation - Started EY’s US-India real estate initiative and facilitated relationships that established India’s real estate advisory practice.
Key Skills
Executive influence | Stakeholder management | Cross-functional fluencies | Program management | Team management | Strategic planning | Market research & analysis | Marketing communications | CRM implementation | Startup marketing ops | B2B demand gen | Martech | Content management
Professional Experience
Infrastructure Advisors, Senior Advisor, New York, NY, 1 year
Supported state and local governments’ Broadband funding initiatives; and supported private sector consortium with financing for airport redevelopment.
Commonplace (formerly REDIST), Marketing Director, New York, NY, 2 years
Initiated strategic marketing and built-out marketing operations. Generated brand awareness for impact- focused marketplace targeted at increasing access to capital -- the biggest barrier to inclusive, affordable and sustainable development. Built out CRM infrastructure integrating Hubspot with online event registration workflow and email campaigns.
Builders' Patch, Marketing and Business Development Manager, New York, NY, 1 year
Developed and executed digital marketing strategy to position the company as an industry thought leader and garner B2B sales leads and investor interest. Involved in initial business development efforts and built content marketing framework of this (now) venture-backed startup during early launch phase.
Techstars, Operations Associate, New York, NY, 3 months
Provided advisory services to 10 cohort companies, and operations support to R/GA-Techstars IoT accelerator.
Conducted prospect research, outreach and marketing to recruit companies to inaugural Barclays’ Fintech accelerator.
Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, Consultant, Washington, DC, 3 years
Facilitated DEIB workshops and authored reports to educate, promote awareness and shift public bias and perception of American Muslims.
Princeton University, Program Manager (Off-Campus Real Estate Development), Princeton, NJ, 5 years
Led predevelopment process of LEED Gold redevelopment of $250 M portfolio of three graduate student housing properties. Successfully advanced the University’s partnership with private developer/operator from concept through groundbreaking.
EY, Transaction Real Estate Manager, New York, NY, 10 years
Led strategic planning and developer selection for $1.5B public-private partnership deals for large urban, waterfront mixed-use development and redevelopment sites. Handpicked by EY’s Global Real Estate and Hospitality director to develop industry-focused thought leadership.Led EY US & India Real Estate initiative, establishing strategic partnerships that accelerated EY’s expansion into India. Established affinity groups for women in Transaction Real Estate, EY South Asian women and EY Asian affinity group.
Community Experience
Volunteer, UrbanPlan - Stamford, CT
Special Projects, Muslim Family Services - Fairfield and New Haven Counties, CT
Special Projects - Upper Westchester Muslim Society (UWMS) - Pleasantville, NY
Founding Board Member, New York South Asian Real Estate Network (NYSAREN) - New York, NY
Founding Board Member, Muslim Democratic Club of New York (MDCNY) - New York, NY
Executive Director, Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals (CAMP) - National
Volunteer, Iftar in the Synagogue - New York, NY
Fundraiser, Muslims Against Hunger and Islamic Relief - New Jersey
Volunteer (Soup Kitchen Operations), Muslim Consultative Network - New York, NY
Young Leaders Group and Mentorship Program, Urban Land Institute (ULI) - New York, NY
Education
Fellowship, American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute (AMCLI), University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Real Estate, The George Washington University | Washington, DC
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), B.M.S. College of Engineering | Bangalore, India
Other Experience/Awards/Publications