Mari Edwards

About Mari Edwards

I’m a strategic project manager and consultant with a results-driven record of leading high-impact initiatives across community engagement, business development, and organizational growth. Through a blend of consulting and collaborative leadership, I’ve helped deliver over $500K in community programming through public-private partnerships and reached hundreds of minority entrepreneurs—driving outcomes for mission-driven organizations and corporate teams alike.Currently, I’m open to full-time opportunities in program management, operations, and stakeholder engagement, while continuing to offer strategic consulting to select clients and nonprofits.Highlights:As Community Partnership Liaison for Boomin’ University (Black Business Boom), I supported the launch of the Buchanan/Jefferson Business Council—a Metro Nashville-backed initiative focused on breaking systemic barriers for minority-owned businesses. My stakeholder outreach efforts helped mobilize business owners and catalyze local economic impact.At Power Move Education & Development Group, I wrote and managed grants, developed educational programming, and created the founder’s SXSW EDU presentation—enhancing the organization’s national visibility and strengthening its fundraising capacity.As a Community Organizer with The Equity Alliance, I contributed to the development of the Community Engagement Team structure and led key civic initiatives that empowered voters and expanded community outreach:* Coordinated 40+ community events across Middle Tennessee* Recruited 1,500+ civic volunteers statewide* Helped generate 2.2M+ digital impressions during voter education campaigns* Hosted a mini-summit for Black high school girls during Black Women’s Empowerment Weekend* Partnered with local churches and DJs for youth and faith-based voter registration* Served as a civic education panelist for McGavock High School and the Black Mythology Project* Built relationships with the Davidson County Election Commission to share voter restoration resourcesThese efforts supported The Equity Alliance’s mission to activate and empower Black communities through education and advocacy.Core Competencies Strategic Project Execution Stakeholder & Community Engagement Program Design & Management Grant Writing & Fund Development Cross-functional Team Leadership Equity-Centered DevelopmentI thrive where creativity meets structure—delivering results through insight, inclusion, and execution.*Note: Results reflect contributions made across multiple collaborative initiatives and campaigns.

Experience

1. Community Partnership Liaison

   Black Business Boom

   May 2024 — Present · Nashville, TN, US

   As the Community Partnership Liaison for Boomin University, powered by Black Business Boom, I drive strategic collaborations with community organizations, small businesses, and local government agencies to promote economic development in underserved areas, such as the Jefferson/Buchanan Corridor. In partnership with Metro Nashville Government, I play an integral role in the Breaking Barriers to Business (B3) initiative, a transformative 3-year program addressing systemic barriers for minority entrepreneurs.I have been instrumental in forming a Business Council of minority entrepreneurs from the Jefferson/Buchanan Corridor, conducting outreach to recruit Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses. I collaborate with council members to develop impactful projects, including the allocation of grant funding from Trust Bank, and provide ongoing research and administrative support. My responsibilities include compiling business directories, identifying grant writers, and assisting with the preparation of project documents. Additionally, I align Boomin University\'s programs with community needs by promoting initiatives such as financial literacy training, marketing consultations, and microgrant opportunities, ensuring businesses receive timely and effective support. My efforts foster meaningful partnerships, drive growth for small businesses, and contribute to the revitalization of commercial corridors across the Southeast.

Education

• University of Memphis

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), English Language and Literature, African American Literature

  2012

• Antioch High School

  High School Diploma, Honors Program

Skills

• Motivational Interviewing
• Editing
• Microsoft Word
• Time Management
• Training
• Leadership
• Inventory Management
• Cosmos
• Team Building
• Data Entry
• Customer Service
• Harm Reduction
• Problem Solving
• Facets
• English Composition
• Social Media
• English Literature
• Public Speaking
• Customer Service Management
• Organization
• Research
• Instructional Design
• Case Management Software
• Customer Service Training
• Event Management
• Event Planning
• Social Networking
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Marketing
• Facebook
• Strategy
• African American Literature
• Higher Education
• Retail
• Cpw
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Student Development
• Case Management