CHOWAN BRIGHTFUL

New Market

Summary

Dynamic community engagement and public affairs professional with a proven track record of advising executive leadership, strengthening stakeholder partnerships, and advancing civic participation. Expertise in strategic communications, crisis management, and public messaging facilitates the translation of complex initiatives into clear, community-centered strategies. Skilled in leading high-visibility programs and events from concept to execution while managing competing priorities to ensure operational excellence. Committed to fostering transparency, inclusivity, and meaningful community impact through thoughtful, insight-driven strategies that enhance the resident experience.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Neighborhood Affairs Advisor / Community Engagement Specialist

City of Frederick – Office of Public Affairs

Frederick, MD

10.2023 - Current

Advise the Mayor on community engagement strategies, public relations, and neighborhood affairs.
Direct the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC), strengthening collaboration between residents, City leadership, and community partners.
Lead emergency communications and manage social media platforms to enhance public awareness.
Coordinate outreach across City departments to address and resolve community concerns.
Develop and implement public engagement campaigns to increase participation and feedback.
Draft speeches, press releases, reports, and presentations for senior leadership.
Plan and facilitate public meetings, forums, and community events with a focus on accessibility and inclusion.
Maintain and expand stakeholder databases for targeted outreach.
Interview and evaluate candidates for NAC fellowship programs.
Event Leadership & Key Contributions
Lead planner for major City events including Mayor & Council Inauguration, Commissioner Appreciation Event, Budget and Legislative Town Halls, Cultural Connections Panels, and the Junior Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition.
Manage full-cycle event logistics: vendor and venue coordination, stakeholder engagement, program scripting, communications, and day-of operations.
Ensure events are strategically aligned, community-centered, and accessible to diverse audiences.

Legal Assistant

Brodsky Renehan Pearlstein & Bouquet, Chartered

Gaithersburg, MD

11.2019 - 09.2023

Managed complex scheduling and calendars for attorneys to maintain efficient workflow.
Drafted, proofread, and electronically filed legal documents with accuracy and compliance.
Served as primary client liaison, ensuring professional and timely communication.

Paralegal

Andalman & Flynn

Silver Spring, MD

11.2016 - 11.2019

Prepared and filed legal pleadings, motions, and subpoenas across multiple jurisdictions.
Coordinated client meetings, legal conferences, and court appearances.
Drafted case summaries and legal memoranda supporting litigation efforts.

Education

Master of Science - Human Services Administration

University of Baltimore

Paralegal Certificate - undefined

Anne Arundel Community College

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Skills

Community Engagement & Public Affairs
Strategic Communications
Crisis Messaging
Event Planning & Execution
Stakeholder & Government Relations
Program Management

Public Speaking & Facilitation
Social Media Management
Interdepartmental Coordination
Accessibility & Inclusive Engagement
Vendor & Venue Coordination

Affiliations

Board Member, Empowering Community Leaders Network (ECLN)
Board Member, Sisters Wholesome Aspiring Toward Greatness (S.W.A.G)
Board Member, Golden Mile Alliance
Volunteer, Blue Collar Project
Chairwoman, Board of Elections Supervisors – New Market, MD
Member, North Star Leadership Initiative
Member, Simpson Christian Community Church
Member, National Society of Leadership and Success; Tau Upsilon Alpha Honor Society
NCAA Division I Athlete – UMBC Women’s Track & Field

Timeline