Welcome!
Hello! My name is Mitchie Ding.
On this website, you will find information about myself, my experiences both in school and in the industry, and much much more!
About Me
I'm Mitchie Ding, a dedicated and enthusiastic Cultural Worker based in Toronto. I have a diploma in Hospitality - Events Management from Humber College, and a graduate certificate in Project Management from Centennial College.I am currently working as a Public Programs Coordinator with Heritage Toronto, an arms-length City of Toronto agency dedicated to accessible programming and initiatives to strengthen Toronto's shared heritage.I have skills in customer service, event planning, and project management through my tapestry of experiences. At my core, I am passionate about the engagement and promotion of culture, history, and arts, especially among structurally-disadvantaged peoples.I started my events journey with Lavender Menace, a locally-run cocktail bar. We hosted a wide variety of events, ranging in scale, mood and budget. In particular, these events were hosted in a 2SLGBTQ+ friendly space that was inclusive to all.I further developed my event production skills as Production Assistant at The Bentway. I am experienced in identifying and delivering specific production needs, data gathering and report writing, and research, both quantitative and qualitative. In my role, I worked closely with both the Programming and Production teams, as well as event facilitators, to ensure every program ran smoothly and successfully.In 2024, I worked with Egale Canada as a Project Administration Officer, where I gained crucial project-related knowledge and a love for advocacy. Inspired by the work there, I decided to improve my project management skills by enrolling in Centennial College's Project Management program.
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Experience
Work:
Public Programs Coordinator
Heritage Toronto• Support the Public Programs team in the evaluation and implementation of equity-based practices as relating to community partnerships
• Support the Public Programs team in the creation and execution of equity-focused programming aligning with the 50th Anniversary of the Heritage Toronto Awards
• Support the Heritage Toronto Tour season at various sites throughout the GTA
Project Administration Officer
Egale Canada• Provided critical support for research-based projects on a team of 6 through its planning phase, using Microsoft Office Suite to create a comprehensive risk assessment, log a thorough environmental scan, and ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines
• Streamlined processes and improve day-to-day operations by consolidating data from multiple sources, organizing project documentation, and reviewing program policies
• Performed various administrative related tasks, including coordinating meetings, preparing agendas, and taking meeting minutes
Administrative Worker
Unapologetic Dance Company• Manage UDC’s email account, representing the company as primary point of contact and following up with third parties and members of the public
• Coordinate ticketed dance performances at established venue spaces, managing for lighting, audio, décor, and other equipment needs
• Use Microsoft Office Suite to create and track various official documents, including contractual agreements, payment invoices, rehearsal/performance schedules, and meeting notes
Production Assistant
The Bentway Conservancy• Acted as The Bentway's ambassador during studio opening hours by engaging guests with excellent customer service and thorough organizational knowledgewho live on The Bentway’s public grounds
• Produced weekly series-based workshop events through communicating with facilitators and programmers, identifying equipment needs, sourcing artist materials, supervising for event duration, and performing event strike
• Created and developed event documents, including staff advance sheets, run of shows, production schedules, contact sheets, and staffing plans
Server/Event Host
Lavender Menace Cocktail Bar• Provided excellent service both on the floor and behind the bar, creating genuine connections with guests
• Delivered food and drinks to customer tables adeptly, in a prompt and professional fashion
• Created immaculate first impressions in a wide variety of events through enthusiasm and helpful guidance
Team Leader
CoCo Fresh Tea and Juice• Trained new employees through communicating specific instructions, establishing healthy work habits and attitudes
• Maintained quality and consistency in beverages through high-pressure and busy rush hours
• Demonstrated exemplary customer service in a bilingual service role through communicating accurately and enthusiastically.
Education:
Graduate Certificate in Project Management
Centennial College of Applied Arts and TechnologyDiploma of Hospitality - Event Management
Humber Polytechnic
- Cumulative GPA of 87% and consecutive Dean’s List student
Volunteering:
Volunteer with The 519
-Served as bartender at Green Space Festival, the 519's multi-day alfresco fundraiser eventAssistant at the GTHA 2022 Spirit Awards
- Aided in creating social media posts, guest check-in, and directionsTrained with Palgong Tea and the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE
- Worked with the deaf community to create teas and beverages for the public
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Projects
Fundraiser Life Skills Event for Youth Without ShelterFor my capstone project, I collaborated with an immensely talented group to put together a fundraiser for the Etobicoke-based youth shelter. We raised over $1000 of cash and in-kind donations through a life skills workshop event with raffle and auction components.Links can be followed through to this project's:
- Event Specification Guide
- Photo Gallery
Full Volunteer PackageBy taking on a leadership role, my team and I created a comprehensive speculative volunteer's package for the Toronto Humane Society's Paws in the Park event. These documents are designed to provide all the resources a volunteer may need to succeed, as well as to incorporate a retention system.See links to the Volunteer Handbook, as well as the agendas for Orientation, Training, Day-Of Briefing, and Post-Event Evaluation.
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Bubble-Holic Business Plan Document, Sales Analysis, and PresentationBubble-Holic is a start-up business conceptualized by myself and a talented team with entrepreneurial spirits. We created a comprehensive business plan detailing the business concept, feasibility, marketing, operations, and finances.
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Request for Proposal (RFP) DocumentsMy team and I have collaborated to create bespoke, unique RFP for several event planning companies. We provide comprehensive documents of professional and competitive quality. We do not use templates, and no two proposals are the same.
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Wedding PlanWith a detailed and personalized approach, I, along with a talented team, designed a themed wedding plan. Taking the clients' wants and wishes, we outlined location, decor, florals, and much more for a beautiful cherry blossom themed Niagara wedding.
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Program Specification GuideIn keeping with professional standards, I, along with my team, created a detailed program specification guide. Based on the program description and the registration report provided, we created a cleanly formatted document detailing arrival and departure times, room set-ups, food and beverage, activities, and much more.
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Risk Assessment and Management Plan
For Humber Celebrate - National Day for Truth and ReconciliationI had the pleasure of joining with a talented team to put together a detailed risk management plan for this crucial event. By reviewing the event agenda, making intelligent assumptions, and creating individual risk assessments, me and my team created an extensive plan that does not miss a single detail
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Sponsorship Proposal For Review and a Detailed Assets ValuationMy team and I put together a full Proposal For Review on behalf of Youth Without Shelter, a local nonprofit charity with the mission of bringing youth out of homelessness and poverty. We also created a full, detailed assets valuation for Youth Without Shelter.
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Certificates
Through my tenure in the hospitality industry, I have acquired many certifications that demonstrate my skills and qualifications.
Standard First Aid & CPR-C Certificate, presented by Canadian Red Cross
Smart Serve Ontario (Recertified August 2024)
CannSell Standard (Issued September 2022)
Customer Service Skills Certificate, presented by OTEC (Ontario Tourism Education Corporation)
Food Handler Certification, basics.FST training provided by TrainCan
Certificate of AccessForward's Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations
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Art and Design
As a hobbyist visual illustrator and graphic designer, I am also able to provide services for art and design. My style is versatile as it is appealing. In illustration, I specialize in portraits.
Exhibitions:
2021
Queer Joy, Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre, Etobicoke, Toronto
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