The creation of strategic, sustainable advantage requires entrepreneurship, innovation and operational efficiency. I believe the success of an organization or even a single initiative relies on the ability to combine creative problem solving and business acumen.
I bring together business resources and creative assets to create highly dynamic teams that can answer the challenges of the modern business world. My work moves design beyond the aesthetic to change experiences, organizations and opportunities.
I have over 17 years of professional experience in brand management, corporate design and identity development including five years as a creative director and a Master’s in Business Administration.
I planned and produced the 2008 Opus Prize event in partnership with Joe Orlando, assistant vice president for Mission and Ministry and Carly Cannell. The three-day event included a VIP dinner and sold-out civic ceremony at Benaroya Hall. The Opus Prize is a $1 million faith-based humanitarian award and two $100,000 awards given annually to recognize unsung heroes around the world whose faith-based, entrepreneurial leadership helps people in need to transform their lives. The prize is given not only to further the humanitarian efforts of the recipients, but also to inspire people to pursue service to others.
Each year, the Opus Prize Foundation selects a Catholic university to administer the prize. For 2008, Seattle University was chosen as the host university. Past universities have been: University of San Francisco, Marquette University, University of Notre Dame and Catholic University of America. I chose to connect the 2008 Opus Prize to Seattle University's mission, which is reflected in the theme, “Empowering Leaders for a Just and Humane World.” SU focused its efforts on elevating the award recipients, Marguerite Barankitse, Krishnammal Jagannathan and Michael Woodward in the philanthropic and civic community of Seattle and to a wider, national audience as well.
Objectives
To recognize the award recipients, raise awareness of their work and inspire Seattle University students, faculty and staff.
To produce an award ceremony, university mission day and related events reaching both internal and external audiences, and helping to elevate and enhance the spirit of our Jesuit Catholic mission with its emphasis on “empowering leaders for a just and humane world.”
To advance related strategic interests such as deepening an effective relationship with the Rauenhorst family, strengthening the place of global education in our academic mission, and cultivating connections with local leaders, donors, the greater Seattle community and friends of the university.
Outcomes
Inspired Seattle University students, faculty and staff to pursue both learning and service opportunities.
Increased Seattle University dedication to social justice.
Sold-out Benaroya Hall (2,600 attendees with 1,200 students, 500 faculty/staff,
400 alumni and friends of the university, 500 broader public)
Raised awareness of Seattle University's mission to "empower leaders for a just and humane world" in the greater Seattle region.
Estimated that over 3,500 students, faculty, staff, SU alumni/friends and broader public met the award recipients through the 2008 Opus Prize events.
"It was an evening and week of events that made me proud to be an alumnus of Seattle U and inspired me and my family to work harder for social justice. I heard many participants share that it was the most significant event/accomplishment in the university’s history."
- SU alumnus
"That was one of the most wonderful evenings I have ever experienced."
- Friend of the university
"…the morning was amazing beyond words. It was certainly Seattle University and the world at their best! It's a day I will long remember and continue to draw inspiration from."
- SU faculty member
"I just wanted to write and thank you so much for encouraging us to attend the Opus Prize Ceremony. I did not quite realize how it would affect me personally. I can't even find the words to describe how moving it was for me. I honestly feel privileged for having been a part of it all, and especially proud to be part of the Seattle University community. Thank you!"
- SU student
"I can't imagine being prouder (and more humbled and honored) than I've been this week to say that I get to work at Seattle University."