Dara T. Gbolahan
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PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Information Designer with 5+ years of experience managing data visualization and information design projects from concept to completion.
Specialize in data communication and visual storytelling through infographics, charts, graphics, and reports.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Information Designer Freelance
Consultant Jan. 2020 – present
Create visual material, including charts, graphs and diagrams, infographics or motion graphics as needed for reports, online content, presentations tailored to the intended audience, and within visual brand standards.
Plan and develop design concepts by studying information and select visual materials to be used in the communication of information.
Consult with clients to understand communications goals and provide recommendations on the best approach for use in conveying the information.
International Organization for Migration Bujumbura, Burundi
DTM Program Coordinator July 2016 – Oct. 2019
Designed and oversaw production of all information products including analytical reports, charts, infographics, displacement profiles, and maps to convey messages and a storyline.
Developed initial design concepts, information to be presented, alternatives for presenting the information and provided recommendations on the best approach to convey the information.
Used industry-standard software applications and visual communication principles to develop high quality advocacy materials including posters, factsheets, presentations and other visual materials.
Supervised the collection and integration of data from multiple data collection tools into analytical reports and dashboards, including an online dashboard of results accessible to stakeholders.
Designed layout of art and copy for design products, obtained approval by submitting draft layouts
and prepared final layout.
Trained staff on data presentation technologies and creative processes, including workflow and file management.
REACH InitiativeNiamey, Niger
Assessment Officer July 2015 – Jan. 2016
Oversaw the collection and management of statistical data and the development of information tools including spreadsheets, reports and maps to improve coordination of humanitarian activities in Niger.
Supervised the development of assessments and performed analysis of collected data on themes such as the provision of basic services within displacement camps and the presence of displaced populations.
Supervised data collection and mapping activities to produce geographic specific information products.
Designed and implemented information collection and dissemination tools detailing relief activities of humanitarian partners.
Chemonics InternationalWashington, D.C.
Program Management AssociateNov. 2014 – June 2015
Designed and shared databases and spreadsheets for data collection and information reporting.
Ensured that all memorandums of understanding, service agreements, or other contractual arrangements with partners stipulate responsibilities for data collection and monitoring.
Institute of Global Leadership Empower FellowshipPuerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Field ResearcherJun. – Aug. 2014
Designed market study and data collection instruments to investigate consumer demand and market opportunity for a potential food cooperative program.
Managed field data collection for household level study with over 170 participants in 4 rural communities.
Synthesized research findings to evaluate coping strategies, food purchasing practices, and access to nutritious foods and provided recommendations for food security and livelihoods programming.
Tufts Interdisciplinary Evaluation Research ProgramMedford, MA
Research AssistantSept. 2013 – Jun. 2014
Trained and supervised interviewers on research protocols and tablet-based survey data collection.
Designed and piloted evaluation surveys to ensure compliance with project strategies and objectives.
Conducted household surveys and transcribed recorded interviews for submission to home office.
EDUCATION
The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts UniversityMedford, MA Master of Arts, Global Food Security and Humanitarian Studies May 2014
Oakwood UniversityHuntsville, AL
Bachelor of Arts, International Studies, Summa Cum LaudeMay 2011
SKILLS
Technical Skills:
Advanced Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, and Kobo Collect/ODK.
Intermediate Proficiency in Tableau, PowerBI, Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, After Effects
Languages:
English (Native)
French (Advanced Professional Proficiency),
Spanish (Intermediate Professional Proficiency)
