Experience

Opportunity Knocks

• South Africa
• Human Resources
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Auxiliary Board President & Member of Board of Directors (Voluntary)

  • May 2020 - Present

  River Forest, Illinois, United States • Lead and manage the 20 auxiliary board members to help plan and execute fundraising events throughout the year. • Convene and preside over regularly scheduled board meetings and schedule special meetings as necessary. • Attend to general meeting duties and preparations, including the development of an agenda, meeting minutes, and facilitation of the meeting discussion. • Communicate with relevant parties to schedule and prepare appropriate reports for board meetings. • Assist… Show more • Lead and manage the 20 auxiliary board members to help plan and execute fundraising events throughout the year. • Convene and preside over regularly scheduled board meetings and schedule special meetings as necessary. • Attend to general meeting duties and preparations, including the development of an agenda, meeting minutes, and facilitation of the meeting discussion. • Communicate with relevant parties to schedule and prepare appropriate reports for board meetings. • Assist event planning staff in recruiting individuals for event committees and managing said committees. • Work with the board members and other Opportunity Knocks stakeholders to recruit and orient new board members as well as continue to ensure that board members are fulfilling their job requirements. • Act as an alternate spokesperson for the organization, including with the community, media, and municipal officials. Show less



Deloitte Digital

• United States
• Business Consulting and Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• UX Design Leader

  • May 2021 - Jul 2023

  Chicago, Illinois, United States Worked with B2B and B2C companies in various industries, including commerce, retail, travel and hospitality, and healthcare. Leading large teams of designers and developers, helping to make a lasting impact for our clients with how their users interacted with their digital experiences. Working on software, native apps (iOS and Android), and web products, the goal was always to produce products that prioritized the users' needs while aligning with the business's goals. • Managed hybrid teams… Show more Worked with B2B and B2C companies in various industries, including commerce, retail, travel and hospitality, and healthcare. Leading large teams of designers and developers, helping to make a lasting impact for our clients with how their users interacted with their digital experiences. Working on software, native apps (iOS and Android), and web products, the goal was always to produce products that prioritized the users' needs while aligning with the business's goals. • Managed hybrid teams of UX and UI designers and developers as large as 15, both on-shore and off-shore. • Spearheaded multiple Salesforce-based projects using the Lighting Design System. • Created accessible digital solutions for users that were ADA and WCAG-compliant. • Oversaw design teams to create, manage, and maintain large, dynamic design systems. • Administered stakeholder workshops, including persona, prioritization, and user journey workshops, to help gather relevant input from key individuals. • Conducted numerous stakeholder and user interviews to create deep empathy for their wants and needs. • Used various software to wireframe and prototype potential digital solutions for users, including Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD. • Conducted both virtual and in-person usability testing with actual users. • Working in an Agile model, worked closely with developers and product teams to help shape the best possible digital products. • Helped to mentor junior designers on projects to enable them to reach their full potential. • Was an active member in the DE&I initiatives for Deloitte Digital, helping to promote a more diverse and inclusive culture firm-wide. Show less



Symmetri Marketing Group

• United States
• Advertising Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• UX Designer

  • Jul 2019 - May 2021

  Chicago, Illinois Working with multiple clients at a time from numerous industries and varying complexities to create meaningful and innovative digital experiences that consistently met the user's needs while exceeding the client’s expectations. All starting from the initial request for proposal through the deployment of the solution and its continuous improvement. • Used empathy for the user gained from interviews, along with insights derived from industry research, to help influence the definition of a… Show more Working with multiple clients at a time from numerous industries and varying complexities to create meaningful and innovative digital experiences that consistently met the user's needs while exceeding the client’s expectations. All starting from the initial request for proposal through the deployment of the solution and its continuous improvement. • Used empathy for the user gained from interviews, along with insights derived from industry research, to help influence the definition of a problem and the structure of a solution that meets the user's needs and the stakeholders' requirements. • Developed detailed, dynamic sitemaps outlining straightforward and intuitive navigation based on research and industry best practices. • Created process flows, wireframes, and annotations that communicate intended detailed interaction behaviors based on a gained understanding of the user from the conducted research. • Presented research and design work to the internal teams and project stakeholders throughout the design process for review and feedback. • Provided critical input to the visual design team to ensure high-fidelity designs offer the user the best possible experience while meeting the business and stakeholders' goals. • Partnered with development teams to build designed experiences, providing them with appropriate design specifications and conducting a thorough review of interfaces throughout the development phase. Show less



REDoc

• United States
• Real Estate

• UX Designer

  • Mar 2019 - Apr 2019

  Chicago, Illinois, United States Collaboratively worked with four other designers for REDoc, a seed-stage startup, to understand, define, design, and test a solution in a rapidly evolving setting for how commercial real estate professionals manage and interact with building-related documents. • Coordinated user research, domain research, and competitive analysis, which helped define a set of design principles and a persona. • Ideated and created 10 varying concepts for testing with users to evaluate their effectiveness… Show more Collaboratively worked with four other designers for REDoc, a seed-stage startup, to understand, define, design, and test a solution in a rapidly evolving setting for how commercial real estate professionals manage and interact with building-related documents. • Coordinated user research, domain research, and competitive analysis, which helped define a set of design principles and a persona. • Ideated and created 10 varying concepts for testing with users to evaluate their effectiveness at solving a defined problem. • Facilitated user interviews, concept tests, and usability tests. • Designed prototypes using Axure RP. • Presented findings at the end of each week-long design sprint. Check out my case study on this project in my portfolio in the link below. Show less



Constellation Brands

• Wine & Spirits
• 1 - 100 Employee

• UX Designer

  • Feb 2019 - Mar 2019

  Chicago, Illinois, United States Tasked by Constellation Brand Inc. (CBI), a Fortune 500 Total Beverage Alcohol company, to identify, design, and test additional features and functionality for an existing internally-facing native iOS mobile application. • Conducted research with users to identify areas of opportunity. • Used the affinity diagramming method to synthesize insights gained from research. • Participated in brainstorming and ideation sessions to create concepts, leading to a version 2.0 prototype. •… Show more Tasked by Constellation Brand Inc. (CBI), a Fortune 500 Total Beverage Alcohol company, to identify, design, and test additional features and functionality for an existing internally-facing native iOS mobile application. • Conducted research with users to identify areas of opportunity. • Used the affinity diagramming method to synthesize insights gained from research. • Participated in brainstorming and ideation sessions to create concepts, leading to a version 2.0 prototype. • Performed usability testing on the prototype with CBI employees. • Proposed an MVP to client and outlined future recommendations for application based on findings from research. Check out my case study on this project in my portfolio in the link below. Show less



Nordstrom

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Assistant Buy Planner

  • Sep 2017 - May 2018

  Seattle, Washington • Managed in-season business by adjusting prices, reordering items, and reducing unproductive inventory to maximize sales potential within sunglass, jewelry, outerwear, hat, beauty, and handbag categories. • Collaborated with the Assistant Buyer to develop buy strategies and improve location-level inventory content. • Contributed to weekly business reviews, providing the current status of the business, performance to sales plan and KPIs, as well as regional and item performance to assist… Show more • Managed in-season business by adjusting prices, reordering items, and reducing unproductive inventory to maximize sales potential within sunglass, jewelry, outerwear, hat, beauty, and handbag categories. • Collaborated with the Assistant Buyer to develop buy strategies and improve location-level inventory content. • Contributed to weekly business reviews, providing the current status of the business, performance to sales plan and KPIs, as well as regional and item performance to assist with identifying appropriate action plans. • Researched, analyzed, and gained an in-depth understanding of the needs, wants, and expectations of the trendy, ever-changing young customer base. • Negotiated markdowns and RTVs with vendors. • Accurately identified and matched the quality of products to appropriate markets via the JDA Allocation tool. • Regularly reviewed sales and inventory reports to complete callouts on stores for more accurate inventory. • Worked to improve the user experience of shopping for all items on the various ecommerce platforms by redesigning the layouts of the category landing pages. Key Achievements: • Played a crucial role in managing a $40 million business in the United States and Canada for physical and online presence in the marketplace. • Co-managed the third largest sunglass brand, increasing sales from $7M to $9M. • Actively participated in managing and developing the largest beauty accessory brand in the division, growing sales from $50k to $1M within a year. Show less



Sears Holdings Corporation

• Assistant Buyer - Sears and Kmart - Timepieces and Sterling Silver

  • Aug 2015 - Sep 2017

  Hoffman Estates, IL • Supported a $68 million a year Timepiece business and $45 million a year Sterling Silver business for brick-and-mortar and ecommerce sales. • Developed six private label brands and four individual opening price point programs. • Managed 14 national watch and clock brands as well as 30+ licensed brands. • Planned and executed in-print and digital marketing and promotions, as well as set and managed promotional pricing for in-store and online. • Performed financial planning and… Show more • Supported a $68 million a year Timepiece business and $45 million a year Sterling Silver business for brick-and-mortar and ecommerce sales. • Developed six private label brands and four individual opening price point programs. • Managed 14 national watch and clock brands as well as 30+ licensed brands. • Planned and executed in-print and digital marketing and promotions, as well as set and managed promotional pricing for in-store and online. • Performed financial planning and forecasting for both categories. • Oversaw product design and development for two men's private-label watch brands and two men's opening price-point programs. • Assisted in the design selection and styling of four ladies' private label brands. • Managed the Sears and Kmart Sterling Silver earring business. Key Achievements: • Assisted in the overall growth of the timepiece category by $4 million in 2016. • Grew the private label business from a $6 million program to a $10 million program in less than two years. • Assisted in the negotiation and execution of a major watch and sunglass closeout deal that added $3.7 million in incremental sales. • Oversaw a complete overhaul of the online watch experience on Sears.com and Kmart.com, which resulted in a 300% increase in click-thrus and a 110% increase in sales YOY. • Implemented a new item build process, cutting down the build time by 50% and eliminating any opportunity for mistakes. • Saved money by sourcing new packaging and displays for new and existing programs. • Implemented a new cross-functional reporting tool that combined multiple reports into one clear and concise format for all businesses within the department. • Mentored and developed two college interns, both of whom were extended full-time offers. Show less

• Sales Associate - Designer Handbags

  • Jun 2015 - Jul 2015

  Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL • Set and achieved personal daily sales goal. • Established and maintained new and existing customer relationships through email, phone, and mailings. • Maintained a client book of 100+ consistent customers. • Consistently and proactively sought new market and product knowledge through trend forecasting websites, vendor marketing information, social media, and research; resulting in a level of fashion expertise that clients trusted to guide their purchasing decisions. • Consistently… Show more • Set and achieved personal daily sales goal. • Established and maintained new and existing customer relationships through email, phone, and mailings. • Maintained a client book of 100+ consistent customers. • Consistently and proactively sought new market and product knowledge through trend forecasting websites, vendor marketing information, social media, and research; resulting in a level of fashion expertise that clients trusted to guide their purchasing decisions. • Consistently the top salesperson in the department. • Achieved a PTR 3 of 4 as a seasonal employee. • Achieved daily sales $4K while supporting the $20K average daily goal of the team. Show less

• Sales Associate - Designer Handbags

  • Nov 2014 - Jan 2015

  Westfield-Old Orchard, Skokie, IL • Set and achieved personal daily sales goal. • Established and maintained new and existing customer relationships through email, phone, and mailings. • Maintained a client book of 75+ consistent customers. • Consistently and proactively sought new market and product knowledge through trend forecasting websites, vendor marketing information, social media, and research; resulting in a level of fashion expertise that clients trusted to guide their purchasing decisions. • Consistently… Show more • Set and achieved personal daily sales goal. • Established and maintained new and existing customer relationships through email, phone, and mailings. • Maintained a client book of 75+ consistent customers. • Consistently and proactively sought new market and product knowledge through trend forecasting websites, vendor marketing information, social media, and research; resulting in a level of fashion expertise that clients trusted to guide their purchasing decisions. • Consistently the top sales person in the department. • Achieved a PTR 3 of 4 as a seasonal employee. • Achieved daily sales $3.5K while supporting the $15K average daily goal of the team. Show less

• Buyer Apprentice Intern

  • May 2014 - Aug 2014

  Hoffman Estates, IL • Completed and presented an in-depth competitive analysis of the Sears Fine Jewelry business, covering both brick-and-mortar and ecommerce competitors, as well as a general overview of the current fine jewelry business at Sears Holdings Corporation. • Gave suggestions to improve business – many were implemented, including fully developed individualized key item programs with their packaging for Sears and Kmart. • Completed an in-depth analysis of the pearl top-of-counter unit present at… Show more • Completed and presented an in-depth competitive analysis of the Sears Fine Jewelry business, covering both brick-and-mortar and ecommerce competitors, as well as a general overview of the current fine jewelry business at Sears Holdings Corporation. • Gave suggestions to improve business – many were implemented, including fully developed individualized key item programs with their packaging for Sears and Kmart. • Completed an in-depth analysis of the pearl top-of-counter unit present at both Sears and Kmart with minimal assistance which included adjusting and expanding the assortment to incorporate additional opaque gemstones and reworked packaging resulting in a $54k YOY sales increase. • Assisted in the achievement of a 4.3% YOY sales increase for the gemstones business. Show less

• Sales Associate - Designer Handbags

  • May 2012 - Aug 2012

  Schaumburg, Illinois • Set and achieved personal daily sales goal. • Established and maintained new and existing customer relationships through email, phone, and mailings. • Maintained a client book of 50+ consistent customers. • Consistently and proactively sought new market and product knowledge through trend forecasting websites, vendor marketing information, social media, and research; resulting in a level of fashion expertise that clients trusted to guide their purchasing decisions. • Consistently… Show more • Set and achieved personal daily sales goal. • Established and maintained new and existing customer relationships through email, phone, and mailings. • Maintained a client book of 50+ consistent customers. • Consistently and proactively sought new market and product knowledge through trend forecasting websites, vendor marketing information, social media, and research; resulting in a level of fashion expertise that clients trusted to guide their purchasing decisions. • Consistently the top salesperson in the department. • Achieved a PTR 3 of 4 as a seasonal employee. • Achieved daily sales $1K while supporting the $10K average daily goal of the team. Show less



Law Office of Robert D. Ahlgren and Associates, P.C.

• United States
• Law Practice
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Corporate Coordinator

  • Jun 2010 - Jan 2012

  Chicago, IL • Coordinated 15 to 25 daily requests from ten attorneys to address client issues. • Facilitated the digitalization of over 20,000 archived files to allow for ease of access and storage. • Supervised three first-year interns to promote the culture and mission of the firm.



Oak Park & River Forest High School

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Assistant Science Lab Technician

  • Sep 2010 - Jun 2011

  Oak Park, Illinois • Assisted lab technician utilizing the scientific method for research purposes. • Prepared experiments and mixed chemicals for students to use in the classroom. • Maintained and cleaned all laboratory equipment to ensure highly reliable experimentation.

• Head Athletic Team Manager (Voluntary)

  • Feb 2008 - Jun 2011

  Oak Park, Illinois • Head manager of four different athletic teams throughout the entire year. • Supervised three junior managers for each team and held weekly meetings to discuss and delegate the tasks.

• Faculty and Staff Lifeguard

  • Aug 2009 - Oct 2010

  Oak Park, Illinois • Served as lifeguard to promote safety and fitness for all swimmers. • Presided over pool deck and surrounding area in an effort to maintain cleanliness and safety.