Melissa Benson
Client Representative at Mariani Enterprises, LLC- Claim this Profile
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French Limited working proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Betty Marie Barnes
Melissa Benson and I worked together from 2006-2008 in Chicago as peers on the Education team for the North Central region of MAC Cosmetics. While Melissa was my peer, she served so graciously as a mentor to me in the early years of my career in learning and development, as I know she did for so many who came through her region before and after me. As a leader, Melissa always thoughtfully considered the outcomes of learning objectives and consistently innovated learning solutions that were bespoke to the learner. While we no longer worked in the same region, we continued to stay connected throughout our careers. When I moved into a Global Education role I consistently leveraged Melissa's POV on materials because of her ability to deliver clear, realistic and honest feedback. This candor and thoughtfulness consistently helped my team create better materials season over season. Melissa doesn't just deliver honest feedback, she comes at all challenges with solutions and innovative ideas on how to enhance process, L&D structure and delivery. Melissa is a natural mentor, educator, facilitator and business mind. She is a student of the world who takes inspiration from other industries and brings fresh ideas to any challenge.
Brynn Olson
Melissa's dedication to produce quality work and contagious spirit left a lasting impact on our business. During her design internship, she consistently exceeded expectations and quickly became an invaluable asset to our team. She took the time to spearhead our new interiors library and oversaw every detail through completion without supervision. From product organization to vendor coordination and client communication, Melissa delivered measurable results with a positive attitude each day. She also took the time to learn and operate industry specific software and database systems without skipping a beat. In just four months, Melissa became a beloved member of our team and left a mark on our company well beyond her internship.
Betty Marie Barnes
Melissa Benson and I worked together from 2006-2008 in Chicago as peers on the Education team for the North Central region of MAC Cosmetics. While Melissa was my peer, she served so graciously as a mentor to me in the early years of my career in learning and development, as I know she did for so many who came through her region before and after me. As a leader, Melissa always thoughtfully considered the outcomes of learning objectives and consistently innovated learning solutions that were bespoke to the learner. While we no longer worked in the same region, we continued to stay connected throughout our careers. When I moved into a Global Education role I consistently leveraged Melissa's POV on materials because of her ability to deliver clear, realistic and honest feedback. This candor and thoughtfulness consistently helped my team create better materials season over season. Melissa doesn't just deliver honest feedback, she comes at all challenges with solutions and innovative ideas on how to enhance process, L&D structure and delivery. Melissa is a natural mentor, educator, facilitator and business mind. She is a student of the world who takes inspiration from other industries and brings fresh ideas to any challenge.
Brynn Olson
Melissa's dedication to produce quality work and contagious spirit left a lasting impact on our business. During her design internship, she consistently exceeded expectations and quickly became an invaluable asset to our team. She took the time to spearhead our new interiors library and oversaw every detail through completion without supervision. From product organization to vendor coordination and client communication, Melissa delivered measurable results with a positive attitude each day. She also took the time to learn and operate industry specific software and database systems without skipping a beat. In just four months, Melissa became a beloved member of our team and left a mark on our company well beyond her internship.
Betty Marie Barnes
Melissa Benson and I worked together from 2006-2008 in Chicago as peers on the Education team for the North Central region of MAC Cosmetics. While Melissa was my peer, she served so graciously as a mentor to me in the early years of my career in learning and development, as I know she did for so many who came through her region before and after me. As a leader, Melissa always thoughtfully considered the outcomes of learning objectives and consistently innovated learning solutions that were bespoke to the learner. While we no longer worked in the same region, we continued to stay connected throughout our careers. When I moved into a Global Education role I consistently leveraged Melissa's POV on materials because of her ability to deliver clear, realistic and honest feedback. This candor and thoughtfulness consistently helped my team create better materials season over season. Melissa doesn't just deliver honest feedback, she comes at all challenges with solutions and innovative ideas on how to enhance process, L&D structure and delivery. Melissa is a natural mentor, educator, facilitator and business mind. She is a student of the world who takes inspiration from other industries and brings fresh ideas to any challenge.
Brynn Olson
Melissa's dedication to produce quality work and contagious spirit left a lasting impact on our business. During her design internship, she consistently exceeded expectations and quickly became an invaluable asset to our team. She took the time to spearhead our new interiors library and oversaw every detail through completion without supervision. From product organization to vendor coordination and client communication, Melissa delivered measurable results with a positive attitude each day. She also took the time to learn and operate industry specific software and database systems without skipping a beat. In just four months, Melissa became a beloved member of our team and left a mark on our company well beyond her internship.
Betty Marie Barnes
Melissa Benson and I worked together from 2006-2008 in Chicago as peers on the Education team for the North Central region of MAC Cosmetics. While Melissa was my peer, she served so graciously as a mentor to me in the early years of my career in learning and development, as I know she did for so many who came through her region before and after me. As a leader, Melissa always thoughtfully considered the outcomes of learning objectives and consistently innovated learning solutions that were bespoke to the learner. While we no longer worked in the same region, we continued to stay connected throughout our careers. When I moved into a Global Education role I consistently leveraged Melissa's POV on materials because of her ability to deliver clear, realistic and honest feedback. This candor and thoughtfulness consistently helped my team create better materials season over season. Melissa doesn't just deliver honest feedback, she comes at all challenges with solutions and innovative ideas on how to enhance process, L&D structure and delivery. Melissa is a natural mentor, educator, facilitator and business mind. She is a student of the world who takes inspiration from other industries and brings fresh ideas to any challenge.
Brynn Olson
Melissa's dedication to produce quality work and contagious spirit left a lasting impact on our business. During her design internship, she consistently exceeded expectations and quickly became an invaluable asset to our team. She took the time to spearhead our new interiors library and oversaw every detail through completion without supervision. From product organization to vendor coordination and client communication, Melissa delivered measurable results with a positive attitude each day. She also took the time to learn and operate industry specific software and database systems without skipping a beat. In just four months, Melissa became a beloved member of our team and left a mark on our company well beyond her internship.
Experience
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Mariani Landscape
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United States
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Architecture and Planning
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100 - 200 Employee
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Client Representative
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Dec 2022 - Present
Mariani designs and maintains extraordinary landscapes creating personalized outdoor experiences for clients and their families. + Serve as "One Point Of Contact" managing all communication & correspondence with clients + Maintain current client needs & advise clients on changing trends & enhancement opportunities + Prepare proposals, renewals, & contracts + Initiate & approve all necessary work orders and change orders + Communicate with Design Team, Administrative Support team, Accounting Team, Production Coordinators, & Crew Leaders + Demonstrate exemplary knowledge of landscape terminology, plant materials, & installation techniques + Assists in the scheduling of jobs with the Production Coordinators. + Maintain accurate records & documentation (i.e. client history, sales reports, client contact list, etc.) Show less
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Loyola University Chicago
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Student | Sustainable Agriculture Intern
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Aug 2021 - May 2023
Loyola University Chicago is guided by a simple promise: prepare people to lead extraordinary lives. The School of Environmental Science and Sustainability engages intellect with hands-on work for a healthier planet. + Participated in a team-oriented, diverse, hands-on food system & sustainable agriculture training program + Maintained controlled environment agriculture systems including hydroponics, aquaponics, & mushroom production, including outdoor crop & cut flower production using organic & regenerative methods + Assisted with seeding, transplanting, plant propagation, harvesting, processing, distribution, sales, irrigation, data collection, compost management, & general greenhouse duties + Developed knowledge and expertise using advanced lab tools & instruments, data collection & analysis, & troubleshooting controlled production systems + Participated in team decision-making & collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, & led an independent project to determine how agriculture can be more ecologically sustainable by installing field-edge flower strips Show less
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Vivant Gardening Services
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United States
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Environmental Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Garden Assistant & Communications Consultant
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Aug 2022 - Dec 2022
Vivant assists home gardeners, businesses, public parks, and community gardens with design ideas, planting, and sourcing materials. + Promoted eco-friendly practices using organic plant care methods, natural soil amendments, companion planting, and hand weeding + Assisted in planting, transplanting, watering/irrigation, pruning, trellising, cleaning, and overall stewardship of garden spaces + Demonstrated knowledge of plants and horticultural practices + Developed content creation and education for digital platforms Client work includes garden stewardship at Chicago History Museum and Millennium Park Show less
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Freelance
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Chicago
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Independent Digital Marketing and Communications Consultant
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Aug 2019 - Nov 2022
Helping organizations boost brand presence, loyalty, and engagement, driving traffic to websites. Offering marketing communications to mission -driven firms for advocacy, outreach, and fundraising. + Review website analytics to support content and site plans increasing client's web traffic + Create on-brand social media campaigns and rapid-response posts for clients + Research and write blog posts to develop business leads + Provide spokesperson and presentation coaching Client work includes: Take a Vet Fishing, Outdoor Operation Freedom For Gordon Mayer Communications: Heartland Health Centers, Woodstock Institute, Alliance for the Great Lakes For Lidia Varesco Designs: Evanston Cradle to Career, New Moms Show less
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MAC Cosmetics
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Personal Care Product Manufacturing
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700 & Above Employee
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Field Education Executive | Training and Development
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Oct 2000 - Jul 2019
MAC Cosmetics is a luxury beauty brand known for celebrating individuality & diversity. This industry fueled my passion for connecting with people, developed my business acumen and skills in training and development, public speaking, and knowledge in Corporate Social Responsibility. + Led field training & oversaw the effectiveness of training programs for 900+ employees + Responsible for a $130 million dollar sales plan + Led a team of 13 Regional Trainers + Trained to understand learning theories & apply them to solve learning and performance issues + Wrote & facilitated training material + Collaborated with multiple teams, departments, retailers, prominent industry professionals, & celebrity talent across the globe + Coached others on how to be confident communicators, increasing sales & brand awareness + Embraced unique business opportunities, such as developing & managing all recruiting activities for the North Central Region, relocating to Toronto to oversee the education department, spearheading peer mentoring + Administrative duties included: budget management, expense reports, performance reviews, regional calendar/event/meeting planning & scheduling, hotel & catering contract negotiations, travel coordination, presentation development, inventory, overseeing the regional office. + Spearheaded philanthropic opportunities to support LGBTQIA+ rights, Women’s Reproductive rights, Animal welfare, & people affected by AIDS/HIV. Show less
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Education
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2021 - 2023
Loyola University Chicago
Master of Science - MS, Environmental Science and Sustainability -
Loyola University Chicago
Bachelor's degree, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia
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