Summary

I am a strategic problem solver and strong critical thinker with an ability to analyze data skillfully and effectively manage projects. My background in psychology and social science fuels my strategic and analytical sense, while years of training as a classical violist has instilled in me discipline and attention to minute details and processes. Most recently, I have tinkered with computer science and technology management coursework to contextualize my professional endeavors. Professionally, I enjoy leading technology transformation at mission-driven organizations, and colleagues describe me as perceptive, highly motivated, reliable, and resourceful. 

Technology & Education Management

2012 - present

I currently work at the Harriman Institute at Columbia University. Alongside a team of wonderful faculty and colleagues, I oversee the development and implementation of technology initiatives that enhance the institute's academic and outreach programs on Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe.

Before the Harriman Institute, I worked for Squarespace. I was enamored with their product after developing a site for a friend's publishing business in the summer of 2016. Later that year, when my partner and I moved to Ireland, I applied to the Dublin office. For two years, I helped Squarespace customers with site setup via email and live chat while staying atop new product releases and improvements. Troubleshooting, identifying, and communicating system issues was part of my routine, as was leading innovative projects to improve internal processes for the fast-growing company. My job required creativity, tech-savvy, patience, and endurance to help others achieve personal or business success using Squarespace products. I worked in English and German.

My non-musical career began with a graduate assistantship at the Council for European Studies (CES), where I became a full-time staff member after raising funds for programs and my position. While at CES, I managed grant programs, negotiated strategic partnerships with universities worldwide, developed membership revenue programs, and helped organize international conferences in Amsterdam, Washington, Paris, Philadelphia, and Glasgow, securing funding and sponsorship for these events. In the meantime, I'd also completed projects for Orpheus Chamber Orchestra - cleaning and restructuring financial data reporting, developing strategy and operational plans for a young donors' program, organizing a fundraiser gala with a digital silent auction and a series of small VIP soirees. 

Viola Performance, etc.

prior to 2012

I tutored high school math in college through Lawrence University’s buddy program for underserved youth. I also worked the crisis line at a women's shelter in Appleton, shelved books at the library in Vienna, ran around managing the stage at university recitals and concerts, assisted the dean's office staff in their daily work in Chicago, and served as a Research Assistant in the Psychology department (resulting in this fun bit).  Working and juggling multiple responsibilities is how I got through college. I majored in psychology and music, playing the viola. While studying abroad, I completed ESL pedagogy coursework and a semester of student teaching in a Viennese public school. I also fell in love with Austria and the German language, so after college, I spent three years learning German, playing lots of viola, and freelancing as an English instructor, editor, and translator in Graz, Austria. I planned, designed, and taught adult English courses, translated projects from German to English, and copy-edited writing for Masters and PhD candidates from local universities. But predominantly, I made a lot of noise with my viola during this time. Alone, in collaboration with various chamber groups and as part of large orchestras, I earned a living as a musician and learned German. 

Languages:
Fluent native proficiency in English & Polish; professional working proficiency in German

Content Management Systems (CMS):
Drupal, Joomla, Squarespace, WordPress

SaaS Product Management / Software Administration:
Adobe Creative, Embark, MailChimp, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, Zendesk

General Office Technology:
Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Photoshop

Hobbies:
I enjoy traveling, skiing, biking, hiking, cooking, and sometimes viola noise making. I'm learning to code.