Xavier Sibaja

Collaborative agency leader and social entrepreneur with a passion for serving community, educational, health, and arts organizations. Engaging communicator with strong people skills and breadth of knowledge from life-long learning. Bilingual (Spanish and English.) Led successful small businesses, and community engagement campaigns.

Secured funds and sponsorships in the millions, and brought together people and organizations to leverage synergies toward achieving program goals. Delivered outstanding PR coverage from Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, the Washington Post, CSPAN, PBS, and other outlets.

Project Manager at Katherine Padilla & Associates (2022-01 – Present)

Contributing to KPA's goals to combine outstanding communication skills with deep-rooted technical knowledge and strategy to service City and County public infrastructure projects.

• Achieving client deliverables such as effective community engagement strategies through stakeholder analysis, research, writing of Request for Proposals, fact sheets, flyers, workshop summaries, project monitoring and writing of social and print media content.
• Producing, promoting and conducting pop-up events, workshops, community meetings, walk audits, and intercept surveys throughout Southern California communities.
• Managing outreach strategies for Transportation Active Plans, First Last Mile, Bicycle Paths, Complete Streets and mobility plans.

Senior Client Manager/BAF Specialist at AnewAmerica Community Corporation (ANA) (2017-01 – 2021-12)

• Writing and creating the Business Assistance Fund (BAF), a $2 million small business investment program, enabling businesses along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route to remain economically viable.
• Managing BAF to provide eligible businesses with grants to change their business model to achieve sustainable growth in a commercial corridor with over 800 businesses.
• Recommending the City of Oakland proposals for funding for BAF eligibility based on the businesses expressed needs.
• Providing technical assistance to small businesses on the BRT's infrastructure potential to revitalize the San Antonio commercial corridor in East Oakland.

Campaign Field Organizer at Iowa Democratic Party (2016-01 – 2016-12)

Community engagement in East Iowa to support HRC for President campaign by reaching out through phone banking, canvassing, volunteer recruitment and training.

Project Director - San Antonio Commercial Corridor at East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC) (2012-01 – 2016-12)

Leading civic engagement strategies by forging collaborations with local neighbors, corporate sponsors, City government, and by getting support of community-based organizations. Implemented formal technical research, and collaborations with local merchants, to develop this corridor economic development initiatives.

• Achieving approval of a City-sponsored $2 million small business financial assistant program by creating a cross-neighborhood merchant coalition in East Oakland.
• Educating local community on the potential BRT impacts, and benefits of a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) through a grassroots and conventional media campaign.

Executive Director at Tweedy Mile Association (TMA) (2007-01 – 2011-12)

• Completing its 501(c)3 incorporation and establishing its operational infrastructure.
• Engaging in government affairs, community and media relations, marketing, and communications.
• Administering grants and $1 million budget operations for over four years.
• Completing a commercial corridor revitalization project from design, stakeholder input to physical improvements in Tweedy Mile, South Gate commercial district.

Vice President of Communications at Operation HOPE, Inc. (2004-01 – 2005-12)

Elevated organization's visibility through compelling communications and new channels.

• Spearheaded development and launch of website to build awareness of OHI's mission, priorities, and goals.
• Substantially improved OHI's public profile with coverage from C-SPAN, New York Daily News, PBS/Moneywise, Washington Post, American Banker, and Urban Radio Networks.

Project Manager (Consultant) at City of Hope (2004-01 – 2004-12)

Supervising project logistics, media production, community relations, and the publicity for a health-on-wheels drive titled Caminos al Exito. This National Marrow Donor Program drive took place in 124 locations in four Southern California counties increasing two-fold the number of registrations during this year.

Communications Director at Autry Museum of Western Heritage (1997-01 – 2003-12)

Led full scope of corporate communications strategies and execution, producing marketing plans, buying media, obtaining trade agreements, and assisting docents with events.

• Gained regional and national media coverage for 20+ museum exhibitions, and secured media sponsorships valued at $1 million.

Master of Public Administration – CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, BARUCH COLLEGE

BA in Communication Sciences – UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA METROPOLITANA