Tiasia O'Brien

Owner & Executive Producer

2024 - Current

klatch X is a media production company founded by filmmaker & entrepreneur, Tiasia O’Brien. We bring people together with untold stories from the diaspora. We focus on short & feature films, visual films (music), and podcasts.

President & CEO

2018

Founded in 2018, Seam Social Labs, operating as co:census, is a research & design firm headquartered in New York and spearheaded by Urban Design Fellow Tiasia O’Brien. Our firm specializes in leveraging technology and cultural competency to gather public and customer feedback for transportation and urban planning projects. co:census is recognized for its expertise in behavioral sciences, public sector practices, and transportation and transit-based research, enabling the conduct of culturally competent and equitable research that considers the intersectionality and socio-economic identities of diverse communities. Notable projects led which co:census collaborated include the San Francisco County Transportation Authority’s Congestion Pricing Study (2020), the City of Kansas City Digital Inclusion Program (2020), the Habitat for Humanity Workforce Development Research Study (2022), Ford Mobility’s Paratransit Innovation Study (2022), the City of Lynn’s Comprehensive Plan (2023), the OhioHealth Grant Medical Center Masterplan (2023), the MBTA’s Design Dialogues Initiative (2024), and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Public Opinion Survey (2024). co:census's business lines encompass transportation (transit, planning, mobility) and economic research (workforce development and public programs). The organization's thought leadership revolves around cultural competency, mixed methods research, and qualitative data analysis across these sectors.

Adjunct Professor

2020 - 2021

Course: Community Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship

Fellow

2020 - 2021

Director Of Development And Communications

2017 - 2018

Leading strategy in development, fundraising, external & digital communications for $2 million organization.

Strategy & Business Development Consultant

2017 - 2017

Associate Development Director

2015 - 2017

Responsible for the strategic direction and growth of MoCADA’s fundraising initiatives, ($1.4 MM portfolio) as well as managing the implementation of the organization's cultivation strategy, revenue forecast and maximizing partnerships. Also responsible for producing development and financial goals through: grant writing, annual & capital campaigns, stewardship programs and enhanced membership for MoCADA.

Grants Manager

2014 - 2015

Coordinated internal fundraising events such as Inaugural Arts Exhibition and participation in the Disability Pride Parade. Leveraged professional relationships with contracted public relations firm and photographer(s) to enhance public outreach opportunities. Acted as liaison during complete re-branding of company and ensured redistribution of new marketing collateral through various departments. Implemented new grants calendar, social media strategies and innovative technology programs (3d printing via Makerbot).

Founder + Strategic Brand Manager

2007 - 2014

Boutique brand management firm dedicated to developing and fostering a brand's design, essence and implementation. We work with small businesses to build their online presence and target their demographic within the digital space. Developed, marketed and sold a full range of marketing services, including brand awareness campaigns and promotional event services. Created new marketing plans which including promotional launch events for more than 20 small business clients. Managed business finances, including paying vendors and suppliers for products services rendered. Prospected to obtain new small business accounts while maintaining relationships with existing accounts. Quaterly prepared income statements and balance sheets and projected cash flow. Solicited and developed new business accounts by cold calling, networking and creating referral promotions. Conducted market analysis and monitored competitive activity for each new client.

Director of Marketing & Fundraising

2013 - 2014

Created and managed digital marketing, fundraising & communications strategies for nonprofit with $1 million budget and $650k fundraising goal. Oversaw and adhered to the marketing & fundraising department budget. Managed digital strategy team of 4 employees. Coached management on communication tactics with staff and customers regarding organization changes. Developed key messaging, branding and positioning statements for 25th Anniversary re-vamp. Wrote and edited company case studies, fact sheets and product collateral. Coordinated trade shows, media buying and planning, sales promotions and direct mail campaigns. Drafted program proposals for RFP & grant submissions. Prospected for individual major donors resulting in celebrity endorsements and fundraisers. Completed quarterly forecasting and monthly financial reviews.

Account Executive

2012 - 2013

Handled 20 client companies and brought in 35 new accounts in 1 year period. Surpassed annual quota by 55%. Spearheaded expansion and development initiatives in Brooklyn, specifically in developing neighborhoods. Managed the highest volume account in assigned territory, working with over 45 accounts and 300 client cases. Recruited, hired and trained marketing team of 3 employees. Cultivated and managed relationships with key clients, vendors and community partners in Brooklyn & the Bronx.  Executed cold calling campaigns targeting new & existing business to develop relationships. Collaborated with account executives to penetrate new accounts, identify potential customers and coordinate product demonstrations.  Created new revenue streams by cultivating successful partnerships with Barclay's Arena and outsourced companies within the arena.