Current Projects
You can also download my current resume (PDF) for a detailed profile & employment history.
Current Paid Work
Insights360
Headed by the fantastic Alicia Menanteau, this (now international!) qualitative research company offers qualitative market research, creative brainstorming sessions, and success coaching for professionals and youth. Alicia's multilingual and multicultural research talents are matched only by her warmth and enthusiasm for both customer and community service. I serve as her "right hand woman" in Minnesota, offering key support for Insights360's business, marketing, and research operations.
Other recent highlights
UMN Office for Business & Community Economic Development (BCED)
A branch of the University's Office for Equity and Diversity, BCED consists of several programs aimed at supporting local businesses, particularly those in historically underserved groups. BCED programs include University purchasing programs that have successfully increased the proportion of women- and minoroty- owned businesses doing business with the University, as well as direct service programs that connect local businesses and nonprofits to Univerisity and community resources. I worked part-time handling the Office's marketing communications needs. (Fall 2011-Spring 2012)
Marcelita's Cookies
This local cookie company blends the cultures and tastes of Minnesota and Veracruz, along with a deep commitment to small business growth and strengthening their community ... how delicious! Marcelita's cookies delivers Hispanic cookies, coffee and more for premium business and personal gifts. The company already has a fantastic brand sense and a great mission, so I'm really enjoying working with them on their vision for growth. I've consulted with entrepreneur Juan Ramirez through the University of Minnesota's Small Business Growth Accelerator Program, applying my marketing background to analysis, research, and target market identification. (Fall 2011-Spring 2012)
Public Achievement
I'm served as a coach working with a group of 5th and 6th graders at Maxfield Elementary School in St. Paul, MN. My group worked to help homeless families in their community. Student groups met weekly with coaches to practice civic engagement, education, and empowerment by designing and executing a project to address public issues that are important and relevant to them. (volunteer, Spring 2012)
Hennepin County Human Services
As part of my Capstone project, I worked with 4 other Humphrey students to consult with Hennepin County Human Services on developing and implementing alternative housing programs for developmentally disabled residents of Hennepin County. Our team researched several organizations in North America to provide Hennepin County (and colleagues from other area counties) with detailed case studies and recommentations for practical implementation in Minneapolis. You can view our final report and handouts online. (Fall 2011)
Social Enterprise Alliance (SEA)
The Social Enterprise Alliance serves organizations that use business methods to serve a primary social or environmental mission. SEA provides learning and networking opportunities to bring Social Entrepeneurs together and support them in their work. As part of my Program Evaluation class, I worked in a student team to develop an evaluation plan for the new Twin Cities chapter of SEA, which included a survey instrument to assess business and consumer communities' awareness of social enterprise. We presented the plan and instrument to SEA Twin Cities as a means of benchmarking and incorporating evaluation into their practices going forward. (Fall 2011)
