Lea Ouanes
Abu Dhabi
Summary
An enthusiastic and highly motivated professional with a keen interest in diplomatic liaison, and relationship management roles, well-versed master of ceremony, curation and business development within the art & entertainment industry. Demonstrates a deep understanding of blue-chip and contemporary art markets, complemented by aesthetic sensibility and creativity in conceptualizing live experiences and events. Multilingual capabilities enhance global engagement, while project management, network building, sales, and strategy skills drive successful outcomes. Committed to leveraging a strong network to generate new business opportunities and foster meaningful connections across diverse cultural landscapes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Assistant Site Manager
MANAR ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi, www.paad.ae
2025.10 - 2026.01
- Assisting delivery of desert site of 120,000+ sqm Exhibition Area plus additional Drone Pad and 3200 car Parking Lot - all created from unimproved desert sands requiring extensive earthworks to generate proper foundations for art installations and positive guest experience.
- Responsible for sourcing and curating contemporary art installations.
Applied over 15 years of expertise in US Diplomacy and Foreign Service roles.
Directed VVIP dining experiences by renowned We Are Ona, designed to honor traditional Arabic gastronomy. - Responsible for sourcing and curating contemporary art installations.
Senior Relationship Manager
Goldman Landow Capital
New York
2022.05 - 2025.01
- Marketing and selling firm's numerous yield-enhancement strategies known as U.S. Treasury Alpha Plus, Black Swan Option, & IORPs (identical offsetting repurchase agreements), to institutional counter-parties who are holders of 2-Year or less U.S. Treasury securities in existing network.
- Introducing U.S. Treasury Beneficial Owners to U.S. Treasury IORPs & other yield-enhancement strategies.
- Onboarding Beneficial Owners to AgentLenderPLUS fund.
- Maintaining and servicing needs of all relationships.
- Proprietary trading firm, specializing in U.S. Treasury & securities.
Project Manager & Creative Director
WunOm Experience Inc
New York
2020.03 - 2022.03
- Built an interactive immersive experience vision quest & concept, including art into people's daily life.
- MC - Master of ceremony- successfully hosted & curated flow of prestigious art events, bringing together prominent artists, curators, & collectors in art industry.
- Expanding perception by creating space where multiple realities co-exist.
- Raised funds from investors & leveraged various sponsorships. Built community of artists, creative blast, expanding consciousness beyond third dimensional illusion of polarity, separation, & limitation.
- Secured spaces - high end private lofts - for events, hired & trained staff & entertainment team.
- Orchestrated and coordinated schedule, liaison, & entire operations for events.
- New York based S Corp interactive community, diverse web of united artists, specialized in private events showcasing and promoting live art and entertainment.
Art & Entertainment Curator - MC - Art Specialist
Salomon Art Gallery
New York
2017.07 - 2020.03
- Curated and managed high-value exhibitions featuring blue-chip & contemporary artworks, showcasing both established and emerging artists to attract discerning clientele.
- Conducted in-depth market analysis and trend research to identify and acquire significant blue-chip artworks, resulting in 60 % increase in gallery revenue and attendance.
- Developed strong relationships with collectors, artists, and industry professionals, facilitating private sales and securing exclusive consignments for high-profile auctions.
- Organized educational programs and talks surrounding contemporary art practices, enhancing audience engagement and deepening clients' understanding of artworks.
- Hosted and facilitated exclusive art openings and gala receptions for elite audience.
- Curated and organized exhibitions and events, showcasing diverse range of artistic expressions and entertainment forms, enhancing community engagement and cultural awareness.
- Collaborated with variety of artists, performers, and stakeholders to conceptualize and implement innovative projects and programs.
- Conducted thorough research on art trends and audience preferences to design relevant and impactful programming.
- Worked alongside gallery directors to synchronize event themes with artistic concepts.
- Oversaw meticulous management of event logistics to uphold gallery standards.
Production Coordinator
Fallout Entertainment Inc
LA
2019.08 - 2020.01
- Supervised various projects ranging from feature films, documentary films, and music videos.
- Collaborated in fact-finding consultations to ensure 100% accuracy, and organized logistics.
Production Assistant Manager
Kollektivet Event Management
Manhattan
2018.02 - 2019.07
- Led event production for periodic events every 3 months with specialized team to ensure timelines were met and projects were created to align with clients' vision.
Language Specialist
Dubai International Film Festival
Dubai
2011.12 - 2016.12
- Language Specialist for Gala Screening, Red Carpet, and JBR Outdoor Screening.
Language Specialist
Consulate General of the USA
Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
2007.12 - 2011.11
- Translated high-level Arabic and French economic, political and government source material into English.
Education
Professional Translation Degree - Translation
The American University in Cairo
Cairo, Egypt 2005.12 - 2007.12
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business
University of Saint Denis Paris
Paris, France 2018.09 - 2021.06
Skills
- Relationship Building - Builds strong relationships with artists, collectors, galleries, & other curators
- Excellent Communication & interpersonal abilities - Confident, lively communicator with the proven ability to relate to people at all levels
- Extensive knowledge of blue-chip & contemporary art markets
- Aesthetic Sensibility & Creativity - Ability to conceptualize vibrant & bedazzling live experiences & events
- Business Development Generates new business from initial contact to close and leverages strong network
- Languages & Translation Multi-lingual capabilities speaking 3 languages & multiple dialects with proven high proficiency translation skills Arabic- French- English
- Additional Skills Project Management, Network Building, Sales & Strategy
Custom
Client Director Dubai Air Show – Airbus, Gulfstream
Client Director Opening Ceremony Dubai Water Canal
Production Coordinator Global Women Forum, Jumeriah, Dubai
Production Coordinator Al Noor Island Inauguration Sharjah, UAE