Mara Finkelstein
A leader who fosters strong relationships with clients and solves problems with creativity and innovation. Over three years experience working collaboratively with cross-discipline teams and managing digital and web-based projects. Proven track record of building and executing holistic and innovative experiences for the end-user. A positive and hardworking person who has strong emotional intelligence and is comfortable influencing a team and any conflicts that may arise.
Professional History
Technical Project Manager, Foodmaestro (acquired by Walmart)
April 2021 - December 2021
Leading team through multiple concurrent client implementations and product development activities.
Identifying bottlenecks, managing risk and reporting on delivery status to multiple stakeholders. Stimulating strong team communication and culture.
Increasing efficiency by improving process and improving scaleability.
Mara Finkelstein Consulting
May 2019 - April 2021
Product Manager, SwiftRide
Created and implemented clear process for product development team of 6 on 2 different products. Optimized product operations for efficient scaling.
Products & Operations, Edushare
Guided product strategy and development while working cross-functionally with team to define and build minimal viable product (MVP).
Product Manager, 10x
Worked with emerging start-up, Atomley, to develop ideas on over 5 products and brought 3 into use.
Digital Project Manager, 845 St Clair
Led digital transformation of firm to include internet usage, modern technologies and improved communications.
Account Coordinator, Digital, Kenna
August 2017 - July 2018
Led digital teams that highlighted technology, creativity and innovation to solve problems for clients.
Applied client’s corporate updates to all platforms and managed a cross-discipline team that ensured the large site with over 1000 web pages properly implemented all required changes in an efficient manner.
Executed creative, 25 digital projects with tight timelines and lack of resources, sustaining the client’s brand and storytelling online.
Standardized 15 campaign sites, providing superior user experience, updated visuals and strong messaging guiding users to streamline the work.
Junior Project Manager, strategy & Innovation, Club Coffee
June 2016 - August 2016 (Co-op)
Utilized project management tools in competitor research to assist sales and marketing teams with strategy.
Identified and assessed price, position and promotion of 1000s of SKUs (stock keeping unit) in single-serve market, highlighting key strategic opportunities.
Designed, managed and delivered social media training sessions to 50 staff, raising knowledge and understanding of social media in current market place.
Conducted an in-depth SWOT Analysis, whose findings guided sales and marketing strategies.
Social Media Coordinator, NCSY Canada
October 2013 - June 2015 (Part-time)
Created online community for non-profit organization’s alumni.
Discovered overlooked potential in alumni and created strategy to prove their value to non-profit organization.
Generated social media campaign gathering 400 alumni, securing future programming.
Volunteering History
March - April 2020
Research Assistant, Cambrian Futures
Researched trends, behavioral science theory and current attitudes with regards to then the value of personal data in a potential marketplace. Worked to advance general knowledge, source helpful connections and discuss topic to prepare article for Wired.
August 2017 - June 2018
Chairperson YYP Committee
Initiated young professionals’ community by assessing needs and arranged exciting events, reaching up to 250 participants.
Advertised 7 events and raise overall awareness of new community programming.
August 2016 - June 2017
Chairperson Stratford Student Community
Formed SSC to create a sense of community for the students of the University of Waterloo who were living in Stratford, Ontario. Implemented events and activities to foster community, provide interesting non-academic programs for students, and encourage leadership. This group was not officially part of the university.
September 2014 - December 2015
International Peer Mentor
Paired with English language learner to help improve their English and communication skills through social activities.
Education
September 2018 - March 2020
Masters of Science, Disruptive Innovation
Hult International Business School, San Francisco
September 2018 - August 2019
Masters of International Business
Hult International Business School, London
September 2013 - June 2017
Bachelors of Global Business and Digital Arts
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
September 2013 - December 2015
Certified Associate of Project Management
Project Management Institute
June 2008
Black Belt
Shotokan Karate, Summit Karate Schools
