Helen LAU Running

RIPower LIFE : May 1945 -2014

Born: Trinidad, West Indes RIP:: Flagstaff, AZ

Professional Summary Versatile and experienced professional with a strong background in grant writing, program development, bilingual interpretation, IT support, journalism, and company management. Proven ability to secure funding, manage operations, and enhance communication strategies. Fluent in Spanish and French.

Professional Experience Grant Writer | Program Development

• Coconino County, Northern Arizona, USA

  • Secured $1 million from The Arizona Heritage Foundation for the Ft. Tuthill Performing Arts Amphitheater Phase II construction.

• North Country Community Health Center, Flagstaff, AZ

  • Obtained $65,000 from The Avon Foundation to fund women’s health education and breast cancer prevention outreach.

• Northern Arizona University, School of Education – Native Science Connections Project

  • Assisted in securing $2 million from The National Science Foundation to improve Native American students' performance in STEM fields.

Company Manager | CEIBA Adventures Inc.

• Managed daily operations of an eco-tourism company specializing in Mayan archaeology tours across Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.

• Implemented electronic organizational systems and established an online marketing presence.

• Assessed financials, invoiced clients, and conducted international business transactions.

• Developed and promoted adventure travel expeditions through digital marketing strategies.

Bilingual Interpreter | Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Health Authority (NARBHA)

• Provided Spanish-language interpretation for clients with mental health challenges.

• Narrated the Spanish version of NARBHA’s website.

• Designed Spanish-language client data monitoring forms.

Computer Operations & IT Support

Senior Computer Operator | U.S. Geological Survey, Branch of Astrogeology

• Operated, monitored, and maintained four mainframe VAX computers supporting planetary science research.

• Provided IT support to scientists, support staff, and technicians.

• Managed system backups, resolved hardware issues, and performed routine maintenance.

• Created digital images for cartographic and planetary mapping projects.

• Trained new staff on computer operations and protocols.

Computer Technician |

Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC)

• Provided IT help desk support across departments.

• Managed incremental and comprehensive database backups.

• Distributed computer-generated reports and operated the FMC PBX telephone system.

• Assisted with ER reception and administrative functions.

Communications | Writer & Photographer

• Navajo Hopi Observer Newspaper – Assistant Editor, writer, feature stories.

• IBM General Products Division – Corporate communications writer.

• American Library Association (ALA) – Multimedia advocacy project on library services in Northern Arizona.

• Publications & Features:

  • The American Way – Feature article in American Airlines Inflight Magazine.

  • National Geographic – Educational photo essay on Navajo dryland farming techniques.

  • Time Among the Navajo – Ethnographic book published by The Museum of New Mexico Press.

Volunteer Work

• Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County –

  English tutor for non-native speakers.

• Sun Sounds Arizona – Radio broadcaster and news reader for the visually impaired.

Skills & Competencies

• Grant Writing & Fundraising

• Bilingual (Spanish & French)

• IT Support & System Administration

• Journalism & Feature Writing

• Project Management & Operations

• Digital Marketing & Online Promotion

Education

• Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA

  • Communications – Environmental Studies

• St. Joseph’s Convent POS, Trinidad, West Indies