PL
Open to opportunities

Palesa Lepule

@palesalepule

Accomplished project manager with a passion for youth development.

South Africa
Message

What I'm looking for

I am seeking a role that allows me to leverage my project management skills in a dynamic environment focused on youth empowerment and community development.

I am an accomplished project manager with over five years of experience leading successful initiatives for the U.S. and Irish embassies through their alumni associations. My legal background enhances my analytical problem-solving skills, allowing me to thrive under pressure while managing multiple tasks and adhering to stringent deadlines. I have been recognized as a visionary for youth development, notably as one of the 100 Young Nelson Mandelas of the Future for my exceptional leadership.

Throughout my career, I have successfully orchestrated the rollout of various projects, including the Annual Program Statement initiative, which engaged 20,000 participants across South Africa. My strategic management of a $100,000 project budget and my ability to foster alumni involvement have significantly strengthened embassy-community ties. I am dedicated to advancing women and girls, as exemplified by my groundbreaking Master's thesis on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on violence against women in South Africa.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

UC
Current

Project Manager

United States South Africa Alumni Connect

Sep 2021 - Present (3 years 10 months)

Successfully orchestrated the start-to-end rollout of the Annual Program Statement initiative, overseeing engagement efforts targeting 20,000 participants throughout South Africa. Strategically formulated and managed a comprehensive project budget totaling $100,000, instrumental in the seamless execution of alumni engagement initiatives within stipulated timelines.

KN

Project Coordinator

Kader Asmal Alumni Network

Aug 2021 - Present (3 years 11 months)

Effectively directed diverse projects within the Irish Embassy's Emigrant Supply Programme, exhibiting adept prioritization skills and task delegation expertise. Demonstrated meticulous financial oversight by meticulously assessing project budgets and expenditures, guaranteeing adherence to financial constraints.

HC

Volunteer (Research Team)

Human Science Research Council

Jan 2020 - Present (5 years 6 months)

Collaborated extensively in shaping the research framework for South Africa's largest gender-based violence study, contributing to the formulation of impactful research questions. Played a pivotal role in ensuring inclusive and culturally sensitive data collection by facilitating the translation of study questionnaires into 11 official South African languages.

GN

Student Intern

Global Legal Action Network

Sep 2019 - Present (5 years 10 months)

Skillfully authored, refined, and polished the quarterly newsletter, disseminating impactful content to an expanded readership of over 350 individuals spanning 10 countries. Demonstrated a profound commitment to human rights advocacy by conducting in-depth legal research, particularly within the African regional system.

YD

Operations Manager

Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development

Jul 2018 - Present (7 years)

Orchestrated seamless financial operations by diligently reviewing and approving all operational invoices, guaranteeing accurate and timely payments. Led the successful project management of an after-school program, empowering 50 grade 11 and 12 students from disadvantaged communities.

YD

Acting Managing Director

Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development

Mar 2017 - Present (8 years 4 months)

Strategically formulated and meticulously executed funding applications, resulting in the attainment of a substantial R1 million p.a. contract with Coca-Cola South Africa. Orchestrated the establishment of robust governance structures, optimized operational processes, and implemented stringent financial management practices.

NI

Candidate Attorney

Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc

Jan 2015 - Present (10 years 6 months)

Collaborated closely with senior attorneys to prepare and manage complex litigation cases, resulting in the timely resolution of 10 cases. Instrumental in conducting extensive legal research and drafting well-reasoned legal arguments that contributed to a 40% success rate in client cases.

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

NG

National University of Ireland, Galway

LLM in International Human Rights Law, International Human Rights Law

Achieved First Class Honours in International Human Rights Law. This advanced degree provided a deep understanding of global human rights frameworks and their application.

UW

University of the Witwatersrand

LLB, Law

Graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, earning a place on the Dean's merit list in 2014. This comprehensive legal education provided a strong foundation in various aspects of law.

UW

University of the Witwatersrand

B.com, Insurance and Risk Management

Completed a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Insurance and Risk Management. This degree equipped me with essential business and financial management skills.

Tech stack

Software and tools used professionally

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Palesa Lepule - Project Manager - United States South Africa Alumni Connect | Himalayas