Adele Gower
Operations Manager at Y Combinator- Claim this Profile
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Spanish -
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French -
Topline Score
Bio
Chad Halvorson
Adele radiates a compelling and infectious positive attitude in every task or project she takes on. I had that pleasure of working with her as our Office Manager and Executive Assistant over the last few years. I think the most effective way I can articulate my high regard for Adele is by sharing some of what she’s done for When I Work and how she went about executing it. Her sense of purpose and ownership in everything she does is so self evident, it’s palpable. She brings an energizing and enthusiastic sense of urgency to everything she takes on and self starts in a way that is critical at a high growth startup. When she sees a problem, she get’s after it and doesn’t wait for an invitation to step up and execute. Adele consistently embodies these traits in both small and big projects. For example, her commitment and dedication to our move from St. Paul to Minneapolis was above and beyond what I expected. She pulled out all the stops to ensure all 130 team members not only had a great place to work, but a place to thrive. She took incredible ownership of every aspect of the move which enabled her to make lots of decisions incredibly fast. She navigated the org and our vendors with determination and urgency to get what she needed to be successful. As an EA, Adele always made sure I had everything I needed to be successful; —impeccably arranging everything from meetings, lunches, meet ups, board meetings, customer visits, to travel and accommodations. I highly recommend Adele as a key ingredient to the success of any fast growing startup.
Eric Gjerde
I've never worked with an office manager as good as Adele - she keeps things running like a well-oiled machine, and manages to keep it fun and exciting in the process. She's like some kind of crazy office-manager superhero and we couldn't function here without her.
Chad Halvorson
Adele radiates a compelling and infectious positive attitude in every task or project she takes on. I had that pleasure of working with her as our Office Manager and Executive Assistant over the last few years. I think the most effective way I can articulate my high regard for Adele is by sharing some of what she’s done for When I Work and how she went about executing it. Her sense of purpose and ownership in everything she does is so self evident, it’s palpable. She brings an energizing and enthusiastic sense of urgency to everything she takes on and self starts in a way that is critical at a high growth startup. When she sees a problem, she get’s after it and doesn’t wait for an invitation to step up and execute. Adele consistently embodies these traits in both small and big projects. For example, her commitment and dedication to our move from St. Paul to Minneapolis was above and beyond what I expected. She pulled out all the stops to ensure all 130 team members not only had a great place to work, but a place to thrive. She took incredible ownership of every aspect of the move which enabled her to make lots of decisions incredibly fast. She navigated the org and our vendors with determination and urgency to get what she needed to be successful. As an EA, Adele always made sure I had everything I needed to be successful; —impeccably arranging everything from meetings, lunches, meet ups, board meetings, customer visits, to travel and accommodations. I highly recommend Adele as a key ingredient to the success of any fast growing startup.
Eric Gjerde
I've never worked with an office manager as good as Adele - she keeps things running like a well-oiled machine, and manages to keep it fun and exciting in the process. She's like some kind of crazy office-manager superhero and we couldn't function here without her.
Chad Halvorson
Adele radiates a compelling and infectious positive attitude in every task or project she takes on. I had that pleasure of working with her as our Office Manager and Executive Assistant over the last few years. I think the most effective way I can articulate my high regard for Adele is by sharing some of what she’s done for When I Work and how she went about executing it. Her sense of purpose and ownership in everything she does is so self evident, it’s palpable. She brings an energizing and enthusiastic sense of urgency to everything she takes on and self starts in a way that is critical at a high growth startup. When she sees a problem, she get’s after it and doesn’t wait for an invitation to step up and execute. Adele consistently embodies these traits in both small and big projects. For example, her commitment and dedication to our move from St. Paul to Minneapolis was above and beyond what I expected. She pulled out all the stops to ensure all 130 team members not only had a great place to work, but a place to thrive. She took incredible ownership of every aspect of the move which enabled her to make lots of decisions incredibly fast. She navigated the org and our vendors with determination and urgency to get what she needed to be successful. As an EA, Adele always made sure I had everything I needed to be successful; —impeccably arranging everything from meetings, lunches, meet ups, board meetings, customer visits, to travel and accommodations. I highly recommend Adele as a key ingredient to the success of any fast growing startup.
Eric Gjerde
I've never worked with an office manager as good as Adele - she keeps things running like a well-oiled machine, and manages to keep it fun and exciting in the process. She's like some kind of crazy office-manager superhero and we couldn't function here without her.
Chad Halvorson
Adele radiates a compelling and infectious positive attitude in every task or project she takes on. I had that pleasure of working with her as our Office Manager and Executive Assistant over the last few years. I think the most effective way I can articulate my high regard for Adele is by sharing some of what she’s done for When I Work and how she went about executing it. Her sense of purpose and ownership in everything she does is so self evident, it’s palpable. She brings an energizing and enthusiastic sense of urgency to everything she takes on and self starts in a way that is critical at a high growth startup. When she sees a problem, she get’s after it and doesn’t wait for an invitation to step up and execute. Adele consistently embodies these traits in both small and big projects. For example, her commitment and dedication to our move from St. Paul to Minneapolis was above and beyond what I expected. She pulled out all the stops to ensure all 130 team members not only had a great place to work, but a place to thrive. She took incredible ownership of every aspect of the move which enabled her to make lots of decisions incredibly fast. She navigated the org and our vendors with determination and urgency to get what she needed to be successful. As an EA, Adele always made sure I had everything I needed to be successful; —impeccably arranging everything from meetings, lunches, meet ups, board meetings, customer visits, to travel and accommodations. I highly recommend Adele as a key ingredient to the success of any fast growing startup.
Eric Gjerde
I've never worked with an office manager as good as Adele - she keeps things running like a well-oiled machine, and manages to keep it fun and exciting in the process. She's like some kind of crazy office-manager superhero and we couldn't function here without her.
Experience
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Y Combinator
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Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
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700 & Above Employee
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Operations Manager
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Jul 2017 - Present
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When I Work
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United States
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Technology, Information and Internet
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100 - 200 Employee
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Office Manager
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Oct 2015 - Jun 2017
Facilities/Office Management Executed a 120-person office move from 7k to 21k ft2. Coordinated construction and design vendors, communicated crucial information with employees, and managed to a pre-determined budget. Acted as the single point of contact for all office vendors. Event Management and Culture Curator Cultivated a positive and fun office culture on a minimal budget through themed happy hours, potlucks, creative company get togethers, etc. Planned and coordinated large-scale, company-wide celebrations, meetings, and volunteer events. Assisted in the creation of an improved onboarding process for new hires. Executive Assistant Scheduled meetings and travel for C-level executives and senior VPs. Coordinated travel for executives, board members and executive candidates. IT Support Ordered, deployed, and serviced computer equipment for new and current employees. Implemented new phone and video conferencing software for a sales team of 25 employees. Show less
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DataHero
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United States
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Software Development
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Office Manager
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Apr 2014 - Sep 2015
Facilities/Office Management Reported and followed-up on facilities concerns within the building, often working with various contractors and building’s landlord. Developed new ideas to create a more welcoming and fresh office environment. Ordered food and drinks for the office to keep the team fueled and hydrated. Accounts Payable Worked closely with the CFO to schedule payments for incoming invoices through the bank and Quickbooks. Categorized and organized company expenses monthly using Expensify. Human Resources Developed and streamlined an onboarding process for new employees to welcome into the DataHero culture. Educated new and current employees about payroll, health benefits, and other company perks. Worked closely with Marketing and Engineering departments to schedule and communicate with potential new hires. Executive Assistant Scheduled meetings for the CEO and CPO such as board meetings, customer calls, and all-hands company meetings. Arranged travel for C-Level executives. IT Support Ordered and maintained computer equipment in the office such as computers, projectors, and department-specific equipment. Assisted in the implementation of new software such as the new chat interface. Implemented a new phone company service for the office. Customer Support Answered support tickets in collaboration with development and product teams to resolve customer issues. Managed pending issues with customers and follow up as needed with the development and product teams. Reported user product requests to the product team and company as a whole. Show less
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University of San Francisco
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Office Assistant
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Jun 2013 - Feb 2014
Co-supervised 3 Front Desk Assistants under the direction of the Operations Manager Demonstrated excellent customer service skills with staff, faculty, and students Reconciled daily and monthly financial processes for the office Assisted the office with administrative duties such as office supply inventory, faxing, filing, and scanning Updated and monitored daily and annual reporting in compliance with the 1990 Crime Awareness and Security Act, California State regulations, and the 1998 Jeanne Clery Act Provided customers and colleagues with technical support for computers, printers, card readers, and card encoders Show less
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Oregon State University
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Graduate Assistant Resident Director
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Jul 2011 - Jun 2013
Co-supervised the Hawley-Buxton Resident Assistant (RA) staff team Served as the primary advisor for the Hawley-Buxton Hall Council Developed and maintained positive, healthy relationships with residents in the building Participated in area meetings as a part of the professional Residential Education staff Communicated and enforced residence hall policies with community members Heard and judicated conduct cases of residents in violation of residence hall policies Co-supervised the Hawley-Buxton Resident Assistant (RA) staff team Served as the primary advisor for the Hawley-Buxton Hall Council Developed and maintained positive, healthy relationships with residents in the building Participated in area meetings as a part of the professional Residential Education staff Communicated and enforced residence hall policies with community members Heard and judicated conduct cases of residents in violation of residence hall policies
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University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Security Manager
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Oct 2010 - Jul 2011
Supervised 25 security workers Participated in an on-duty rotation with Front Desk Manager Resolved both front desk and security issues Ensured a safe environment in residence hall Supervised 25 security workers Participated in an on-duty rotation with Front Desk Manager Resolved both front desk and security issues Ensured a safe environment in residence hall
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University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
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Eau Claire, WI
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Resident Assistant
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Oct 2008 - Jul 2011
Assessed and supported student development with passive and active programming Worked with other resident assistants on a team of 18 Participated in an on-duty rotation Directed students to programs related to social awareness Developed and maintained community and culture within the hall Demonstrated self as a role model Assessed and supported student development with passive and active programming Worked with other resident assistants on a team of 18 Participated in an on-duty rotation Directed students to programs related to social awareness Developed and maintained community and culture within the hall Demonstrated self as a role model
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Education
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2011 - 2013
Oregon State University
Masters of Education, College Student Services Administration -
2007 - 2011
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Bachelors of Arts, Spanish
Community
