I’m a technical grant writer and creative

proposal strategist with a $5+ million

portfolio of meaningful social impact.

Grants + Impact + Proposals
Layla Elena Said

STRATEGIC · COMMAND · ARRANGER · LEARNER · INDIVIDUALIZATION

I’m a dynamic project manager with over five years of experience developing multimillion-dollar grant portfolios and scaling high-impact initiatives by crafting compelling, data-informed narratives that drive investment and trust. My experience synthesizing programmatic outcomes, self-conducted needs assessments, and mixed-method performance data into concise, funder-facing materials has resulted in over $5 million in social impact funding since 2023 (and counting). I lead with integrity and stewardship.

Portfolio

I create multi-year proposals and budgets that spark innovation, drive meaningful social impact, and secure coveted funding streams, as well as:

  • Write with technical accuracy, credibility, and strategic alignment

  • Distill complex value propositions into clear narrative templates for grants, communications, and presentations

  • Anticipate the future needs and landscape based on current trends and economic research

  • Secured $2.6M in annually recurring funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s highly competitive Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). Grant supported the development of a Coordinated Community Plan to prevent and end youth homelessness in the Denver MSA.

  • Fully architected a $715,000 proposal securing full funding for a three-year Data Systems and Impact Measurement Initiative to modernize data infrastructure, integrate cross-departmental systems, and establish standardized metrics and performance dashboards to strengthen decision-making and accountability.

  • The Pennsylvania State University | Bachelor of Science, Economics | Minor, English

    Certifications and Specializations
    – Grant Writing Certificate (OneOC)
    – Health Services Research (CITI Program)
    – Responsible Conduct of Research (CITI Program)
    – Methods & Statistics in Social Sciences Specialization (University of Amsterdam)
    – Prompt Engineering Specialization (Vanderbilt University)
    – Blockchain Specialization (University at Buffalo)

  • For an overview of my experience and accomplishments, please see my résumé.

    For business inquiries, please email me at laylaelenasaid@gmail.com.