Project manager delivering on mission-driven outcomes.
Project manager delivering on mission-driven outcomes.
About Me
Hi, I'm Katelyn. I enjoy bringing people together to build something amazing–products and services that delight customers and solve their problems.
I offer the following:
- Empathetic Leadership: I lead with compassion and understanding, providing a collaborative environment where everyone is valued and heard.
- Adaptability: I thrive in fast-paced environment, embracing change and finding solutions to unexpected challenges.
- Reliability: I am the person you count on to deliver exceptional results consistently.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration Expertise: I have a proven track record of successfully implementing diverse projects, from marketing initiatives to complex business transformation projects.
As a lifelong learner, I stay up to date on current industry trends such as AI to be effective in my work. In my personal life, I pursue learning new skills and volunteering for causes I care deeply about—climate action, social justice, and disaster preparedness.
I am from the Bay Area, a graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Linguistics, and a strategic project management certification from Rice University, Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. Currently, I reside in Denver, where I continue to climb mountains and enjoy the spectacular outdoors. My gallery reveals that I may be a bit of a thrill-seeker!
Learner, Problem-Solver, and Self-Starter
I have experience in startup, ed tech, public education, and the nonprofit space.
Senior Project Manager | Age of Learning, Inc., 2022-2023
Mission: Helping children everywhere build a strong foundation for academic success and a lifelong love of learning
As Senior Project Manager, I led projects for a dynamic, in-house creative agency, serving the entire company. I optimized our processes to accomodate for 84% increase in workload for the Schools Division business. I oversaw the launch of our first-ever leadership forum event for K-12 senior administrators, and superintendents with our executive team. I spearheaded efforts to incorporate AI into my team's workflows, and co-designed the company's first user testing for ChatGPT editorial bot. My efforts directly contributed to the company's exceeding their revenue goals.
Project Manager | Trilogy Education Services, Inc. (acquired by edX/2u), 2017–2022
An innovative company that enables the best educational institutions to produce qualified and skilled workers for the market of the future.
I implemented marketing launches with more than 36 University partners in the US, Mexico, Canada and Australia, ensuring smooth transition from onboarding to customer success. I worked with diverse stakeholders in almost every departments to drive revenue-generating projects forward with a 100% customers satisfaction rate and program renewal. I built processes, created a knowledge management system for best practices, and trained a high-performing project management team.
Volunteer Coordinator | Freedom House, 2015–2017
Anti-Human Trafficking Nonprofit - Safe House (Closed in 2020)
I supervised the volunteer program with over 100 individuals and partners, who supported daily business operations and shelter needs. Our volunteers provided direct care to survivors, helping them reach their goals and rebuild their lives. Under my leadership, we expanded our outreach efforts to 70 advocacy events in 11 counties throughout the Bay Area in 2016. I presided over additional projects in fundraising, implemented an incentive program to foster greater community engagement, and created social media campaigns. I also developed and set up the organization's inaugural monthly giving program to generate regular support with minimal admin work needed.
Paraprofessional | Rocketship Education, 2014–2015
Non-profit Charter School Network
I worked with a special education cohort of 4th and 5th graders in accordance with their individualized education programs (IEPs) via one-on-one or small-group instruction. I collaborated with general educators, specialist, and parents to ensure my students meet academic success. I also helped develop and maintain behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
Professional Growth
Below are some of my projects and courses.
Project Management Institute (PMI) | Toastmaster VP of Public Relations, Mile-Hi Chapter
- Mile-Hi Chapter sponsored Toastmaster International Club Member
- Generative AI Overview for Project Managers
- Taming Bias: Using Wicked Problem Solving to Make Better Decisions and Align Teams
Generative AI
- Editorial and Proof-Reading Bot: Conducted user-testing for a ChatGPT-assistant bot that can check for compliance of the company's style and branding guidelines
- Adobe Firefly Generative AI: Facilitated brainstorming sessions to implement the technology as part of the creative process workflow
The image is Gemini-generated of a futuristic worksplace with a nature theme.
DeepLearning.AI Courses
- AI for Everyone
- Generative AI for Everyone
I discovered helpful use-cases and be informed on how to work with AI beneficially.
The image here is Gemini-generated based on my prompt.
AWS Training Online
Introduction to Machine Learning Certificate
Community Leader
I worked with the following fantastic local organizations and participated in my city's leadership program in LA County.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Member
CERT program offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during a disaster situation.
My training involved light search and rescue, CPR/First Aid, medical operations, disaster psychology, fire safety and disaster preparation. I continually re-skill and upskill through participation in disaster response drill. For example, I took on the role of Incident Commander, directing resources, delegating responsibilities, and keeping track of all field reports.
Award-winning Volunteer with Food Ed
Food Ed's mission is to create programs that utilize gardens to inspire community building, problem solving, and stewardship rather than just growing food.
I don't mind breaking a sweat, toiling in the soil! My volunteer work includes turning compost, community garden maintenance, and event support to educate the community about environmental stewardship.
Honored MAP Leader with the City of Monrovia
The goal of the Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) is to connect residents with resources and their local government. We are passionate about unifying our diverse community!
Community service is what fuels my soul. I devoted countless hours to community programs. For example, during one annual Make a Difference Day, I rolled up my sleeve along with so many other volunteers to assist a neighbor who was a disabled veteran with yardwork. I joined my city's leaders in engaging residents, discussing local services, and community projects that impact our daily lives. My involvement also included offering constructive feedback on vital public works projects, encompassing parks, sustainable energy and participation in water resilience initiatives, and bulky item collection service. I believe these endeavors contributed to fostering a thriving, and beautiful community for all to enjoy.
Recommendations
Word around town is...
Michelle Schott | Design Director, Creative Services at Age of Learning, Inc.
Katelyn is an inspiration. I had been with Age of Learning for 10 years when she became part of our creative team. If there was any design need in support of any arm of business, our team filled it. We made everything and we did it well. But when Katelyn joined we became demonstrably better at all of it. She innovated and improved on processes we had not ever imagined or questioned, kept us all motivated and on-task, and allowed us to reach goals we didn't know were possible. I would always choose to have her on my team.
Shadee Barkan | SVP, Global Partnerships at 2U, Inc.
Katelyn is a driven and strong operator who has an incredibly strong work ethic! She is agile, enthusiastic, has a keen attention to detail and is truly one of the kindest humans I have ever worked with ... any company would be lucky to have Katelyn - she is a star!
Frances Byrne | Deputy Director at Freedom House
Katelyn is highly intelligent, collaborative in spirit and possesses an outstanding work ethic. Her strong administrative skills, coupled with her sense of responsibility and innate integrity, propelled her on a path toward meeting greater challenges.
Q&A
Here are a few questions I have been asked.
What do you love about project management?
I find great satisfaction in empowering teams to achieve meaningful results. Project management provides the opportunity to continuously learn and improve, whether it's mastering new technologies or refining processes to enhance efficiency. The most rewarding aspect is the ability to make a tangible impact, not just on project outcomes but also on the lives of customers, team members and stakeholders. For example, in my last role, I saved my team countless hours of manual work by streamlining our creative intake process through asset storage and organization, meticulous documentation and timely communications, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.
What is your PM superpower?
As my last manager puts it: I have a knack for simplifying complicated requests to drive projects forward, while working effectively with different types of stakeholders! My superpower is strong communication and stakeholder management skills, ensuring everyone is aligned and invested in the project's success.
How do you handle projects that are both waterfall and agile?
I thrive in dynamic environments that demand adaptability. I understand that complex projects often require adapting to changing needs and priorities. For example, I've used waterfall for structured phases like initial program launches, while implementing agile for flexible, iterative phases like customizing a product for a new market. I effectively assess each project to determine the most suitable approach, ensuring efficient delivery and client satisfaction. I also leverage tools like Smartsheet, Trello and Jira to manage hybrid project workflows seamlessly.
What can I make happen for you?
I look forward to discussing your project(s) and what problem(s) you want to solve.
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