Focused on community, connection, and liberation, I’m a small business owner, strategist, inclusive leader, and plus-size fashion expert with over 10 years of experience in retail ownership, community building, and people management.My expertise includes small business strategy, training, and facilitation. I’m driven by a commitment to building meaningful connections, strengthening capacity while staying true to core values, and empowering others to live and lead their best. With credentials in Training and Development, Business Strategy, and Organization Development, I’m dedicated to fat liberation and impactful, inclusive leadership.
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ConsultantThirdway SolutionsSaint Paul, Mn, Us -
ConsultantTideturn.Co Apr 2024 - PresentIn this contract/freelance role, I provide strategic support and project management for initiatives that strengthen organizations dedicated to the common good by enhancing their capacity, health, power, and impact. At TideTurn.Co, we help break cycles of inaction by equipping leaders and teams with the tools and systems needed to sustain excellent work long after our involvement.Recent projects I’ve undertaken include internal business strategy for TideTurn.Co, as well as managing content and logistics for a 200-guest statewide convening for Child Care Aware of Minnesota, where I led stakeholder engagement, advisory committee facilitation, and comprehensive event execution. -
Owner + FounderCake Plus-Size Resale Oct 2022 - PresentIn my current role at Cake Plus-Size Resale, I lead a dedicated team of six, cultivating an inclusive and collaborative work environment. My primary focus now revolves around strategic business development, where I've taken pride in establishing a distinctive presence at the crossroads of resale and plus-size fashion. This unique intersection has proven to be a transformative asset for our local fat community. -
Owner + OperatorCake Plus-Size Resale Sep 2017 - Sep 2022From 2017 to 2022, I grew my shop, Cake Plus-Size Resale, while overseeing all daily operations. I implemented a robust marketing strategy across various channels, resulting in substantial organic growth. Leveraging sales data and customer feedback, I honed our product offerings and sales initiatives. I recruited, trained, and mentored a team of 2-4 individuals along with summer interns, and developed proprietary training materials. Cultivating enduring customer relationships and managing all financial aspects of the shop were integral to my responsibilities. Notably, I navigated the challenges of the global pandemic with a strong commitment to community care and a knack for agile business adaptations. -
Emerging Business OwnerCake Plus-Size Resale Jan 2014 - Sep 2017Cake Plus-Size Resale began as Cat's Closet, a small social media-based hobby business. Through my vision and unwavering dedication in 2014-2017, it evolved into a thriving brick-and-mortar shop in Minneapolis. During this time, I navigated the transition from a virtual and pop-up business to an established physical location, setting the stage for the brand's future success. -
Director Of Growth, Narrative ServicesPollen Midwest Oct 2022 - Jul 2023Minneapolis, Minnesota, UsAs Director of Growth for Narrative Services at Pollen Midwest, I led the charge in cultivating new business opportunities and forming strategic partnerships. I maintained strong client relationships by tailoring project scopes to diverse needs, authored precise proposals, scopes or work, and contracts, tracked sales metrics, and developed strategic business recommendations presented to key stakeholders. -
Co-Host + Co-ProducerMatter Of Fat Podcast Apr 2018 - Dec 2022From 2018 to 2022, I co-created and co-hosted the 'Matter of Fat' podcast for five enriching seasons alongside co-producer Saraya Boghani. Together, we crafted every aspect of our podcast and brand, amplifying the voices of the fat community, fostering accessible education, and sparking vital conversations on body positivity, body politics, and fat liberation. Our podcast celebrated diverse identities, championed social justice, explored pop culture, and embraced the unique essence of Midwest life.See our work at www.matteroffatpod.com! Or, wherever you get your podcasts.
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Multiple Temporary RolesMcgough Construction Jul 2016 - Dec 2017St. Paul, Mn, UsOver an 18-month period, provided critical support to three distinct departments by spearheading administrative and project management endeavors:- In Field Operations, I took on administrative tasks for seamlessly, developed departmental business plans to drive strategy, orchestrated meetings with precision and efficiency, and managed onboarding documentation with Human Rescuers for new field staff.- In Project Safety, I managed administrative tasks and projects as well as annual business plan development. - In Marketing and Communications, I collaborated on project proposals contributing to the organization's competitive edge and coached teams in presentation preparation for proposal meetings. -
Adjunct InstructorSaint Paul College Aug 2016 - Dec 2016St. Paul, Mn, UsAs an Instructor at Saint Paul College, I taught multiple sections of 'Study Skills & College Success Strategies' helping students develop skills to pursue their academic goals. -
Adjunct InstructorDelgado Community College Aug 2014 - Dec 2015As an Instructor at Delgado Community College, I taught multiple sections of College & Career Student Skills (CCSS), a 3-credit, first-year student success course. My responsibilities included developing and delivering engaging lectures and activities, maintaining records, grading, and connecting with diverse student communities across three different community college campus locations.
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Local Childcare ConsultantCultural Care Au Pair Jul 2014 - Dec 2015Cambridge, Ma, UsIn 2015, I proudly served as an active Local Childcare Consultant (LCC) for Cultural Care Au Pair, facilitating connections between New Orleans families and international au pairs. I cultivated meaningful relationships with host families while fostering strong bonds with au pairs, offering them guidance, support, and fostering an environment of intercultural exchange. In this role, I was awarded a Regional Service Award for my dedication and exceptional contributions. -
Student Success Counselor, First Year ExperienceUniversity Of New Orleans Jul 2013 - Jun 2015New Orleans, La, UsAt the University of New Orleans, I played a key role in enhancing the first-year experience. I coordinated and grew the Privateer Bound Bridge Program, supervised a graduate student employee, instructed University Success courses, and organized multiple programs to support first-year student success and retention. As a Student Success Counselor, I coached students on their academic and personal goals, responded to Academic Early Alerts, and led diverse initiatives, including StrengthsFinder programming and facilitating 'LGBTQIA Allies' training. -
Graduate Hall Director, Residential Living And LearningTexas A&M University-Commerce Jul 2011 - Jun 2013Commerce, Texas, UsAs a Graduate Hall Director at Texas A&M University-Commerce, I managed a team of 10 Resident Assistants and 8 Desk Attendants, advised hall council and supported a variety of community development initiatives across three residence hall communities, including family and international student housing. I managed conduct cases, budgets, and training sessions, while also leading diversity and inclusion training for staff.
Cat Polivoda Education Details
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Hamline UniversityGlobal Studies -
East Texas A&M UniversityTraining And Development (Global E-Learning)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cat Polivoda
What company does Cat Polivoda work for?
Cat Polivoda works for Thirdway Solutions
What is Cat Polivoda's role at the current company?
Cat Polivoda's current role is Consultant.
What schools did Cat Polivoda attend?
Cat Polivoda attended Hamline University, East Texas A&m University.
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