Suzanne Van Beek Email & Phone Number

Toronto, On, Ca

Toronto, Canada

A Super App to help newcomers to Canada settle with ease and build their future with confidence by providing pre- and post-arrival purpose-built solutions for immigrants. I have personally lived the challenges of moving and settling into a new country, and I wholeheartedly believe that Beacon is going to be a part of the solution. In my role, I defined, tracked and pivoted our strategic pillars, building and overseeing strategic partnerships with key business partners.

Toronto, Canada

Global University Systems (GUS) is a global network of higher-educational institutions serving over 60,000 students in 6 countries. Throughout my time at GUS, I advanced through increasingly senior positions, overseeing project and program management, campus operations, and student experience initiatives over the years.As Director of Campus Operations, I oversaw the successful launch of a new downtown Toronto campus for Niagara College Toronto, serving 7,000+ students and 350 staff and faculty members. I led cross-functional teams to drive efficiencies and alignment, developed effective project strategies, and expanded the institution's program and partnerships portfolio by 46% in 2022. Additionally, I ensured high-quality student experiences that contributed to their success, maintained regulatory compliance, and represented the institution at various committees, events, and conferences. Skills: communication • operational efficiency • project management • leadership • regulatory compliance • policy writing • brand representation • relationship management • program development • conflict resolution • analytical thinking

Toronto, Canada

Reporting to the VP of Business Development & Partnerships, I established an exclusive Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Niagara College and forged strategic alliances with key vendors. Simultaneously, I managed the project life cycle of a wide variety of partnership projects and was responsible for project planning, team formation, issue management, risk mitigation, change management, and stakeholder management to foster strong relationships with other colleges and universities. I successfully led the delivery of the inaugural college intake and developed enhancement strategies for future intakes while collaborating closely with senior management. I led the Academic Pathways Team to provide high-quality counseling services to international students, ensuring continued success. Additionally, I contributed to empowering women in leadership roles through involvement in Glow Ed (Global Women in Education).Skills: highly organized • communication • project management • teamwork • adaptability • creative problem solving • relationship management • program development • goal oriented

Toronto, Canada

In my role as Academic Pathways Manager, I oversaw 20+ pathways and partnerships projects, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders. I conducted training sessions for over 150 Business Developers across the Americas, Europe, and Asia within the GUS network, educating them on the Canadian higher education system, policies, and admission processes. Additionally, I engaged with new students and alumni to foster enduring connections with the college and support their success through volunteerism, influence, and mentorship. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I volunteered to lead the GUSCares project, which made a significant contribution through United Way Centraide to support vulnerable individuals. Furthermore, I assumed the role of Interim General Manager at GUS’ language school, guiding staff and faculty through change management as we transitioned to online delivery. This included liaising with government bodies and developing quarantine reopening plans.Skills: project management • teamwork • adaptability • self starter • government report writing • problem solving • attention to detail • stakeholder management • fast learner

Toronto, Canada

As Student Services Manager, my role involved overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Student Services department, ensuring the seamless delivery of support services to international students. I collaborated with various departments to address student needs promptly and effectively, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment conducive to student success. Furthermore, I organized corporate events and represented the institution at various overseas recruitment fairs, such as ICEF and ALPHE. Through active participation in these events, I successfully secured an exclusive contract with one of Europe's largest student agencies, reaching an audience of over 15,000 students.Skills: student experience • teamwork • event management • time management • self starter • problem solving • attention to detail • mentorship • presentation skills • communication

Toronto, Canada

At Elevatr Digital, a Shopify creative ecommerce, branding and design agency, I served as Project Manager overseeing 15 to 20 ecommerce waterfall and hybrid projects simultaneously. Throughout the project life cycle, I led meetings, developed plans, managed resources, monitored progress, and managed budgets, refining my coordination and time management skills. In addition, I prioritized enhancing client satisfaction through communication, troubleshooting, and strategic planning. I also provided services such as Shopify store creation, branding, and data analysis, refining my analytical and creative abilities. Proficient in various software including Shopify, Adobe Creative Cloud, Smartsheet, Basecamp, MeisterTask, and Xero, I seamlessly navigated multiple platforms simultaneously.Skills: project management • agile methodology • budget management • effective time management • stakeholder management • relationship building • strategic planning • ecommerce

Tasmania, Australia

During my tenure at Pedder Wilderness Lodge in Tasmania’s World Heritage Area, I spearheaded diverse customer experience and marketing initiatives, notably leading a promotional campaign for the Southern Stars of Tourism initiative. I oversaw website development, initiated social media marketing, and optimized booking platforms, resulting in a 26% increase in views. Additionally, I managed reservations and customer inquiries, coordinated marketing team efforts, crafted presentation decks, managed a range of special projects, and organized company-wide events, including a corporate retreat for over 40 employees.Skills: customer experience • presenting • team building • collaboration • social media marketing • website development • project management • event organization

Fundraised and volunteered across 6 continents, contributing to social impact initiatives in diverse communities:• Achieved significant personal milestone of visiting 55 countries worldwide.• Facilitated educational programs for orphans affected by HIV and AIDS in Wukro, Ethiopia, including English instruction and after-school activities.• Collaborated with marine biologists at Marine Conservation Philippines to develop coral reef surveys aimed at protecting endangered species. Educated local communities on sustainable practices and obtained multiple PADI dive certifications through daily scuba diving activities.• Coordinated fundraising efforts with Yenege Tesfa NGO, securing corporate partnerships to construct a community center providing workshops for sustainable living, including a program for juveniles to craft and sell bamboo furniture.• Completed a challenging 17-day, 190+ mile trek in the remote Himalayas, engaging with local Nepali communities along the journey.• Concurrently maintained a remote position as a Customer Experience Representative for various start-up tech companies, delivering exceptional support to customers and contributing to strategic business planning.

Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands

At Verhage, I contributed significantly to a team dedicated to enhancing brand visibility and executing promotional initiatives across a network of 45 restaurant franchisees. As Marketing & Communication Coordinator, I created compelling promotional materials and newsletters, utliizing graphic design software and liasing with external design agencies. Active participation in monthly product vision meetings facilitated a sales increase of over 25%. Additionally, I conducted thorough market research to improve product design and successfully implemented the company's Food Allergen Management Plan to meet regulatory standards.Skills: strategy plan development • effective communication • graphic design • industry market research • plan implementation

Hendrik Ido Ambacht, The Netherlands

As Office Manager at Inventerra, a top environmental research and consultancy firm serving corporate and government clients, I managed all office operations efficiently. I contributed to marketing strategy development and gained proficiency in producing soil research reports using AutoCAD after extensive training. Additionally, I cultivated partnerships with environmental consultancies to drive shared goals. My responsibilities included coordinating special projects, notably managing government fund allocations.Skills: office administration • organization • project coordination • AutoCAD design • stakeholder management

Professional Master Of Education

Certificate Program, Project Management

Certificate, Business Writing

Bachelor Of Commerce (B.Com.), Business Economics, Marketing

Propaedeutic Diploma, Office Management & Business Communications