I am a strategic communication scholar and cultural program leader with more than 15 years of experience designing, managing, and evaluating events and educational initiatives that honor history, foster inclusion, and strengthen community connection. I am adept at public relations and strategic communication, event logistics, partnership building, and leading teams to deliver seamless, mission-driven operations. I am committed to expanding access to education and culture, building lasting partnerships, and guiding teams to deliver impactful programs that celebrate history and foster belonging.

Yolanda R. Cal

I am a strategic communication scholar and cultural program leader with more than 15 years of experience designing, managing, and evaluating events and educational initiatives that honor history, foster inclusion, and strengthen community connection. I am adept at public relations and strategic communication, event logistics, partnership building, and leading teams to deliver seamless, mission-driven operations. I am committed to expanding access to education and culture, building lasting partnerships, and guiding teams to deliver impactful programs that celebrate history and foster belonging.

Available to hire

I am a strategic communication scholar and cultural program leader with more than 15 years of experience designing, managing, and evaluating events and educational initiatives that honor history, foster inclusion, and strengthen community connection. I am adept at public relations and strategic communication, event logistics, partnership building, and leading teams to deliver seamless, mission-driven operations.

I am committed to expanding access to education and culture, building lasting partnerships, and guiding teams to deliver impactful programs that celebrate history and foster belonging.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate

Work Experience

Communication Consultant at City of North Miami – Julius Littman Performing Arts Theatre
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009
Audited theatre operations and competitive landscape; recommended pricing, programming, and branding updates. Created new collateral templates and advised on café and façade enhancements to expand community appeal.
Senior Strategy Consultant at Thinking Media
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Managed integrated marketing and cultural campaigns for Verizon and national observances, including JuneFest for Caribbean American Heritage Month, achieving 15% growth in engagement. Built relationships with sponsors (Moët & Chandon, Comcast, FedEx, Kinko’s) and secured press coverage through coordinated PR, events, and community storytelling. Oversaw event logistics, volunteer recruitment, and entertainment coordination for both charitable and commercial functions.
Consultant at City of Miami Gardens, FL – Hurricane Preparedness Campaign
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007
Collaborated with design teams to produce disaster-preparedness materials for high-risk neighborhoods. Recommended inclusion strategies ensuring communities of color were integrated into municipal planning and communications.
Consultant at Charesse Chester Public Relations – Miami, FL
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2007
Organized the Miami-Dade Affordable Housing Summit — a 500-person luncheon — handling contracts, catering, and venue logistics. Liaised with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (Florida DOT) to translate transportation proposals into community-accessible materials, generating broadcast and print coverage.
International Consultant at Management Sciences for Health – Port au Prince, Haiti
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006
Developed a communication strategy to highlight USAID’s health initiatives abroad, auditing and improving outreach to U.S. audiences.
Event Coordinator at Zimma Entertainment – Fort Lauderdale, FL
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2009
Managed logistics, artist relations, and travel for regional music events and weekly performances. Supported promotion, vendor coordination, and onsite execution for Code Red Band and partner acts.
Associate Professor at Lynn University
August 1, 2016 - Present
Directed a college merger expanding undergraduate offerings by 71% and doubling faculty in two years. Supervised four program coordinators and guided accreditation, assessment, and equity initiatives engaging 750+ students. Led large-scale campus events and mentoring programs promoting belonging and persistence.
Assistant Dean, College of International Communication at Lynn University
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Assistant Dean, overseeing curriculum development, accreditation activities, and equity initiatives (2016–2018).
Assistant Professor of Marketing at Alabama State University – Montgomery, AL
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2016
Strengthened community partnerships and produced a 15,000-subscriber alumni newsletter. Raised $12,500 for scholarships and AMA student projects through corporate outreach and fundraising events.
Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor at Loyola University New Orleans – School of Mass Communication
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2013
Rebranded the advertising program, doubling enrollment post-Hurricane Katrina. Directed the AAF Ad Team, achieving a Top-4 regional ranking in 2012–2013. Built partnerships for student scholarships and travel funding.
Assistant Professor of Advertising & PR | Internship Coordinator at Florida International University – Miami, FL
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2009
Formalized experiential-learning pipelines with Miami Ad School and community partners. Directed the Berlin Study Abroad Program, increasing participation by 40%. Collaborated with the College of Medicine on a public-health prevention grant and developed a USAID communication strategy for Haiti.
Instructor, Communications Media at Alabama State University – Montgomery, AL
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1997
Coordinated community-wide anniversary events commemorating the civil rights legacy of Montgomery. Served as faculty adviser to the Public Relations Student Association and Class Council; mentored students in event planning and media outreach. Re-established the departmental Advisory Committee and raised $5,000 to fund student participation in national career fairs and workshops.

Education

Ph.D., Advertising at The University of Texas at Austin
January 11, 2030 - January 18, 2026
M.A., Advertising & Public Relations at The University of Alabama
January 11, 2030 - January 18, 2026
B.A., English Literature & Psychology at The University of Alabama
January 11, 2030 - January 18, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Government, Non-Profit Organization