A social venture producing fine chocolate from bean to bar in country of origin. We use rare varieties of fine cacao unique to Nicaragua farmed using sustainable agro-forestry techniques that enhance local community development. I focus on all aspects of the business that make production possible including things like- strategy, factory design and buildout, packaging and product design, procurement, logistics, regulatory compliance, financial and operational systems, business planning, farm visits, and quality control.

A collection of for-purpose businesses dedicated to service and regeneration of human and environmental abundance. As the leader of this multi-faceted organization, I built, trained and administered a diverse team of 60+ people spread across 8 business units, focused on hospitality, service, food, and experiences. Created a culture of courage, collaboration, and compassion that extends beyond the workplace. Introduced an innovative approach to doing business focused on maximizing regeneration of economy, ecology, and empathy for all stakeholders. Prospected, negotiated and executed 8 transactions to build a multi-million dollar global real estate portfolio. Architected and executed 5 comprehensive remodeling and construction projects totaling more than $900k; responsibilities included: design, budgeting, negotiating, materials procurement, building, managed crews of 20-100 people, and quality control. Re-engineered internal processes and systems from a paper system to a digital plus paper system resulting in increased transparency and usefulness of information.Designed and directed production of more than 500 custom-built furniture pieces and lighting fixtures made from up-cycled and natural materials. Commissioned 23 murals and hundreds of unique art pieces with the theme of art inspired by nature.Initiated city-wide recycling and composting program. Designed and began implementation of an organic farming system built to supply needs of the Casa Oro Group. Managed growth and integration of new businesses with existing systems. Featured on dozens of national and international news channels, radio stations, travel books, social media influencers, and blogs. Served 60,000+ clients to date.Businesses include-Casa Oro Eco Hostel Casa Oro Surf Cafe Oro- Restaurant | Bar | Cafe Casa Oro Tours Casa Oro ShuttlesNuestra Casa GuesthouseCasa Andalucia Boutique B&BEl Pacifico Boutique HotelCasa RuthRancho Regeneracion Oro Chocolate

A self-directed graduate rooted in experiences. Over the course of the year, I completed a series of three-month long apprenticeships alongside innovative organizations. In between the apprenticeships, I returned to Chicago for interactive workshops and projects centered around human-centered design, self awareness, storytelling, community building and operations. My learning journey focused on bridging business and ecology and creating positive impact for communities. I'm excited about connecting the dots between things like permaculture and eco-village design, earthships, natural building, yoga, health & nutrition, social enterprise and innovation within large organizations.

Piloted a project exploring ‘How might we foster creativity and collaboration in the workplace?’ working directly with Chief Innovation Officer. Employed human-centered design process: Conducted primary and secondary empathy research, synthesized insights into opportunity areas, facilitated design thinking workshop generating hundreds of fresh ideas and actionable prototypes. Created 30-page strategy report detailing process, findings and phased action plan of solutions (available upon request).

Activated Earth Village Project (EVP), a regenerative rehabilitation response to Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Managed $30k budget and liaised between EVP and Earthship Biotecture fulfilling procurement of materials and tools to build the world’s first Windship, a typhoon-proof bunker constructed from recycled trash. Piloted natural building, organic gardening and youth development initiatives. Designed and implemented financial and managerial systems based on insights from community empathy research. Consulted local co-op on trust-building teaching accounting and transparency.

Transformed a stagnant thought into a promising startup. Created a business proposal and financial model for a 200-acre self-sustaining tourism and wellness center. Brought a team together and facilitated training on social enterprise, blogging and capital raising. Team has since raised capital, purchased a property and initiated development. Participated in permaculture design course at Research Institute of Australia, origin of nature-inspired design.

Created accounting system tailored to business needs for more robust financial reporting capabilities. Streamlined operational processes of service center resulting in increased efficiency and customer satisfaction. Created metric dashboard to optimize budgeting, forecasting and reporting.

A collaborative platform connecting good businesses with consumers to fund high impact community projects - using the power of consumerism to create social and environmental impact.

Produced a photoblog focused on appreciating the good that connects humanity. Customized blog site design self-teaching html and CSS. Collaborated on an interactive art gallery showcase for 100+ people. Launched 10,000-mile road trip around the USA exploring simple good through photos and video interviews. Organization continues to thrive as a catalyst for public art and youth programs.

RISE UP was a social venture with the goal of alleviating poverty in underserved neighborhoods in urban environments. The idea was to create a network connecting high school students with mentors. The venture is no longer active. I learned a great deal about lean startup, market research and being a social entrepreneur from this endeavor.

Built financial analytics to improve real estate owned and short sale liquidation process for a top 5 US Bank. Revitalized the design and execution of audit and attest services for an $87bn mortgage bank - large scale collaboration. Performed internal controls testing and validation of financial models used to price highly volatile mortgage assets. Interviewed executive management teams and assessed process flows to increase efficiency. Coached new associates and interns through critical tasks and work streams. Created client development materials and project proposals for innovative service offerings in an ambiguous marketplace.

Worked on a market analysis project for an emerging green technology company. Tasks performed include market research, financial analysis and modeling as well as creation of a decomposition tree.

Led a global team including students from Illinois, Hong Kong and Korea to create a sustainable business model to fight climate change in urban environments using piezoelectricity. Presented business plan to distinguished panel of venture capitalists, executives and academics. Participated in C40 Climate Change Seoul Summit to discuss best case practices with key dignitaries from large cities

Part of the prestigious Business Honors Leadership Development Program (1 out of 40 students selected from a pool of 3500+). Excelled as a student leader in the college of business by working with study abroad office and giving presentations to potential and current students. Active member of the Finance Academy, a faculty selected enrichment program for top performing finance undergraduates.

Created this role as part of organizational restructuring resulting in tripling of the number of students going on international internships. Designed and delivered presentations for students, companies and universities in order to promote AIESEC brand resulting in 100% membership growth. Coached 30-person team to motivate involvement resulting in highest member attendance rate among 5 teams. In addition, managed $5000 scholarship contract with College of Business inspiring students to pursue international internships.

Interviewed executive management and assessed process flows to improve movement of money and resources. Devised risk assessments and produced heat maps for internal audit projects to increase operational efficiency. Engaged in client development by creating presentations for project proposals and IFRS updates for industry professionals.

Trained 30 students about AIDS awareness empowering youths to make prudent long term decisions on health and society. Managed relationship with high school and developed innovative training materials and unique training sessions for future use.

Taught core curriculum business studies and mathematics to 80 third-year high school students. Inspired students to think critically and ask questions by fostering a unique learning environment.

Constructed an innovative accounting and business system to monitor all revenues, expenses and operations. Trained executives on use of newly implemented system for sustained utilization. Developed marketing materials in order to increase fundraising efficiency and financial transparency