Abena Adjei

Strategic Executive Operations Partner with a background in executive leadership support, business development, and marketing strategy. Trusted advisor to C-suite and senior leadership in high-visibility, mission-driven organizations. Known for implementing systems that improve cross-functional visibility, strengthen decision-making, and reduce operational friction. Combines sales and brand expertise with executive-level operations to align strategy, communication, and execution.

Executive Assistant to Operations & Head of Strategy & Policy - XQ Institute - Oakland, CA

(2023-11 - 2025-10)

• Provided executive operations support within a $60M mission-driven organization, contributing to strategic planning and international expansion initiatives.
• Acted as operational thought partner to Head of Strategy & Policy, translating strategic priorities into structured workflows and cross-team alignment.
• Planned and executed leadership retreats, strategy off-sites, and company-wide convenings to strengthen organizational cohesion.
• Selected as sole administrative representative to support launch of first international school efforts in Barbados, coordinating executive logistics, government relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Facilitated executive engagement with Prime Minister Mia Mottley and senior officials during strategic expansion initiative.
• Conducted internal reconciliation identifying $60K in dormant funds; implemented corrective process controls to prevent future financial leakage.
• Led negotiation and enterprise rollout of Asana; restructured Notion knowledge systems, improving cross-functional visibility and reducing workflow conflicts by 20%.

Executive Assistant to CEO - Burning Man Project - San Francisco, CA

(2022-05 - 2022-09)

• Managed complex executive calendar, strategic communications, and high-level stakeholder coordination for CEO.
• Directed end-to-end operational planning for CEO engagement at Burning Man, aligning logistics and public visibility with organizational priorities.
• Prepared executive briefing materials, research, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

Special Projects Manager & Executive Assistant to Executive Director - Seva Foundation - Berkeley, CA

(2019-08 - 2022-04)

• Sole administrative support for the Executive Director of a global non-profit organization.
• Authored content for print and digital, including blog posts, aligning with brand standards.
• Coordinated logistics for high-visibility conferences and international travel for speakers, aligning with Seva's mission to serve marginalized communities.
• Negotiated a new state registration contract, saving 25% by replacing outdated agreements.
• Designed and implemented Microsoft Power BI dashboards enabling real-time performance tracking for Board reporting and executive decision-making.

Marketing Consultant - The Woods West Oakland / Circosphere - Oakland, CA

(2017-12 - 2019-07)

• Designed marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness for a 20,000 sq. ft. coworking and event venue.
• Played a key role in securing a $20,000 grant for the REFUGE Burning Man Honorarium Project.
• Developed partnerships with non-profits to foster community engagement and mutual benefits.

Marketing & Business Development Associate - Hearst Media (46Mile) - San Francisco, CA

(2017-05 - 2018-06)

• Designed, pitched, and onboarded clients with marketing budgets ranging from $100K to $1M.
• Developed value propositions and executed go-to-market strategies for new business acquisition.
• Leveraged Scarborough data to build audience segmentation models and messaging architecture.
• Led client-facing presentations and advised Hearst Bay Area leadership on revenue growth strategies.
• Oversaw account execution and media performance across print, digital, and experiential platforms.

Business Development Manager - Modern Luxury San Francisco Magazine - San Francisco, CA

(2015-06 - 2016-10)

• Developed marketing initiatives and creative brand assets, driving measurable revenue growth.
• Planned co-branded events to attract new clients and elevate brand visibility.
• Enhanced engagement for Weddings California Magazine with targeted campaigns across print, digital, and social platforms.

Bachelor of Science - Marketing Communication - Fashion Institute of Technology