Aida Fikre Cohen

About Aida Fikre Cohen

Who is Aida you ask? I am an extremely passionate, innovative, and transformational professional with extensive experience in all facets of project management and strategic leadership. I have over 16 years combined practice working in private sector and government (both local and federal) in the fields of Health & Human Services (TANF, SNAP, ACA, Medicaid, Homeless Services, and Child Care) Education, Information Technology, Procurement/Contracting, and Marketing/Sales.In the last few years, I managed District’s Department of Human Services (DHS) relationship with federal oversight partners, I also ensured the agency’s interests were being met during the stabilization/O&M phase of the largest IT project undertaken by the city in over 20 years (DCAS $500M+). My tenure at DHS saw many transitions from working in the trenches assisting the District’s most vulnerable constituents to joining the ranks of director’s office leading the charge managing projects, driving policy, and creating lasting solutions for the agency as well as the public it serves. Most recently, I have refined my experience providing strategic and project management leadership managing large portfolios of in-flight and planned IT projects at the US Small Business Administration’s as well as DC’s state education agency, OSSE. Currently, I am cultivating new experiences in the private realm at Deloitte’s state & local government health and human services practice as a Senior Manager. I thrive and love to labor in mission driven positive work environments always giving it my all – no task is ever too small or too big. Core Competencies:16+ years in Project/Program ManagementCertified PMP PractitionerCertified SAFe® 6 AgilistStrategic Planning Stakeholder, Risk, and Change ManagementAgile/Waterfall/ScrumSDLC, CMMI, ITILKey Relationship BuildingBudget Development and ManagementPursuit Response Management and WritingProcurement ManagementRFP/SOW DevelopmentResource ManagementLeadership and OrganizationHuman Centered DesignProcess improvement Analysis & ResearchMarketing /CommunicationsActive Public Trust ClearanceMS Office, MSProject, Visio, Quick Base, PeopleSoft, JIRA, SmartSheets, Remedy, SharePoint, Salesforce, TFS, ServiceNowPolicy Writing & Advocacy State and Federal Government ExperienceMulti-lingual

Experience

1. Client Relationship Executive

   Deloitte

   Jan 2024 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   I spearhead the identification and qualification of opportunities as well as support the pursuit capture process for both upcoming + in-flight RFPs/RFIs. By leading pursuit response strategy labs for federal and state RFPs, I ensure that teams are engaged early on and well prepared to shape and prepared to put forth quality bid responses that meet all compliance requirements. I maintain key client relationships throughout the opportunity and engagement lifecycle, ensuring ongoing engagement and satisfaction as well as positioning for recompetes.Additionally, I guide teams in making crucial bid/no-bid decisions, delivering unique client experiences and impactful results. Working closely with each account team leader, I generate innovative ideas and craft distinctive strategies to stand out in the market. This holistic approach ensures we consistently meet and exceed client expectations while driving business growth.

Education

• York University

  Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology and Communications Double Major

  2000 — 2004