Maria Galuppo Consulting, Hawthorn Woods, IL - Independent Marketing & Communications Consultant
August 2025 - Present

• Authored and published The Strategic Surrender Workbook (80 pages, 13 chapters), a career transition methodology combining data-driven strategy with authentic personal branding

• Built AI workflows for local business teams and advised owners on adopting AI tools in daily operations

• Managed ongoing digital marketing strategy for Rolling Green Turf Care, including social content planning, campaign scheduling, and seasonal promotional strategies

• Built professional portfolio website (mariagaluppoportfolio.com) with 9 video case studies, event planning lookbook, and project showcases across digital marketing, UX design, and systems operations

• Restructured client websites for AI search visibility so tools like ChatGPT surface and recommend them

• Coordinate multi-phase event experiences with custom branded elements, interactive guest stations, and Trello-based project management systems

• Developed bilingual content strategies and consulting frameworks with structured pricing, service tiers, and client intake processes

Palatine Library District, Palatine, IL - Sr. Digital Communications Strategist
Apr 2021 - August 2025

Digital Marketing

• Grew the Show Your Card business partnership program from 1 partner to 30+, achieving 100% annual retention and 10+ gold-tier partners every year, through consultative pitching tailored to each business owner

• Transformed email marketing through persona development, behavioral segmentation, and A/B testing, increasing open rates from 31% to over 50% across 43,000+ subscribers

• Created and ran content strategy for the 100 Year Anniversary campaign, reaching 95,000+ community members, driving 10,000+ engagements, and exceeding a $10,000 fundraising goal

• Built the video function from scratch on personal equipment; one repurposed video tailored across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Google, and the newsletter drove nearly 18,000 engagements

• Led library-wide Canva implementation across 150+ staff in 12+ departments, achieving 100% voluntary adoption and roughly 60% faster creative turnaround

• Grew a 15-person social committee into a 60-person digital marketing committee with representation from every department

• Managed brand response during organized national backlash to a Pride Month campaign, generating 10,000+ positive engagements with no reputational damage

• Delivered monthly cross-channel analytics and quarterly performance reports presented to the library board

• Developed comprehensive Social Media Standards ensuring consistent brand messaging across all channels

• Established bilingual (English/Spanish) content strategy expanding services to diverse community members

• Served as interim team lead mid-campaign with zero missed deadlines; mentored 5-6 teen volunteers each summer across four summers

UX Design

• Redesigned website content strategy using user research and analytics, improving navigation, accessibility, and session duration

• Designed mobile-responsive email templates that increased click-through rates by 22%

• Established comprehensive user journey maps across physical and digital touchpoints, identifying pain points and solutions

• Created user-centered digital signage systems with tailored content for different personas and touchpoints

• Implemented bilingual UX solutions and accessibility best practices for inclusive user experiences

Event Planning

• Led centennial celebration coordination across 12+ departments and 30+ partners, marketing every event before, during, and after

• Orchestrated themed events including LEGO extravaganza, “Par-Tee in the Stacks” fundraiser, and award-winning Fourth of July parade float

• Designed wellness initiatives as Wellness Committee Co-Chair, achieving 85% staff participation rates

• Created event planning systems including timelines, vendor coordination, and cross-departmental documentation

Rolling Green Turf Care, Barrington, IL - Marketing & Communications Manager
Jan 2017 - Jan 2026

• Designed and launched the company Squarespace website and created the brand style guide, establishing a consistent identity across every customer touchpoint

• Built a self-sustaining social content system focused on trust and service education rather than promotion, still running independently today

• Implemented SEO and AI-search optimization so the business surfaces in local service recommendations

• Executed seasonal email marketing campaigns promoting services and special offers

• Applied UX research and user-centered design to streamline the customer journey from inquiry through quote request

• Managed the 25th anniversary campaign including customer loyalty promotions, community events, and cohesive branding materials

Iliad Epic Grow, Lansing, MI - Marketing & Communications Consultant
Jun 2020 - Apr 2021

• Developed and implemented social media strategy across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for a Class C cannabis company during critical market entry

• Wrote and facilitated podcast interviews for the company owner, managing content end to end in a fully remote role

• Managed community engagement and brand management to expand awareness within Michigan

Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Bloomington, IL - Volunteer Coordinator
Jan 2020 - Mar 2020

• Coordinate all volunteers’ activities at the ReStore location. Conduct volunteer orientation sessions and track volunteer completed hours.

Illinois State University - Bachelor of Arts Degree, May 2020
Major: Communications (Public Relations)
Minor: Civic Engagement and Responsibility

Google UX Design Professional Certificate

August 2024 | Click here to Verify.

- Completed comprehensive 7-course program developed by Google covering end-to-end UX design process

- Created user-centered designs through research, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing

- Developed portfolio-ready projects demonstrating proficiency in design thinking methodology

- Applied industry-standard tools and practices for user empathy, problem definition, and iterative design

HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification - September 2026
Click here to verify

IBM SkillsBuild - Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals

February 2025 | Credential: PLAN-7913EE1DB030

- Mastered core AI concepts including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision

- Gained hands-on experience with IBM Watson Studio and neural network implementation

- Studied AI ethics and industry best practices for responsible AI development

Kevin Mitnick Security Awareness Training

June 2023

- Completed intensive cybersecurity awareness program focusing on threat identification and prevention

- Gained practical knowledge in recognizing and countering social engineering attacks

- Developed understanding of modern cybersecurity best practices

Marketing & Analytics: HubSpot, Google Analytics (Certified), Google Ads, SEO/SEM Tools, Mailchimp, Patron Point, Constant Contact, All Social Media Platforms

Design & Creative: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator/Audition/Premiere/Rush/XD/Photoshop/Lightroom), Figma, Canva, Cricut Design Space

UX & Research: Adobe XD, Figma, Wireframing & Prototyping Tools, SurveyMonkey, A/B Testing Platforms, Claude A.I.

Project & Event Mgmt: Trello, Excel, Planning Pod, Cvent, Eventbrite, RSVPify, Social Tables, AllSeated, Squarespace, PowerPoint

Strategy: Strategic Communications, Content Strategy, Inbound Marketing, Buyer Personas & Journey Mapping, Brand Management, Partner & Event Marketing, SEO/SEM

Analytics: Google Analytics (Certified), Marketing Attribution, Behavioral Segmentation, Performance Tracking, A/B Testing, User Research

Operations: Marketing Automation, Cross-Functional Leadership, Project Management, Vendor Coordination, Budget Management, Committee Leadership

Creative: Social Media, Email Marketing, Content Creation, Photography & Videography, Community Building, Crisis Communications

UX Design: User-Centered Design, Wireframing & Prototyping, Information Architecture, Journey Mapping, Accessibility, Usability Testing

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Google Coursera User-Experience Design Certificate
Completed: August 2024 
Skills gained: UX research, wireframing, prototyping, user testing 

IBM SkillsBuild Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
Completed: February 2025 
Skills gained: AI principles, machine learning basics, ethical AI implementation 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
PRSSA Illinois State University (2016-2020) 
Active member of Public Relations Student Society of America 

Chi Omega, Rho Gamma Chapter (2016-2018) 
Sorority member contributing to campus and community initiatives 

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP
Habitat for Humanity ReStore (2020) 
Volunteer Coordinator 
Led and managed volunteer operations for the ReStore location 

Teen Life Ministry St. Francis De Sales (2013-2022) 
Peer Ministry Leader 
Organized youth engagement activities and community service projects 

Girl Scouts of Northern IL (2004-2016) 
Long-term membership and leadership development 

NOTABLE PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

• Co-led 100-year anniversary campaign, successfully raising $10,000 for fundraising goal.  

• Led 25th anniversary campaign for Rolling Green Turf Care, including rebranding efforts.  

• Developed and launched comprehensive social media strategy for medical cannabis company.  

• Established digital communications strategy for Palatine Library District.  

• Created and implemented user-centered website design improvements. 

• Wellness Committee Step Challenge Platform (2023-2025)

  • Led UX/UI design for cross-platform wellness initiative with gamification elements

  • Implemented responsive, accessible design increasing employee engagement

• Google Coursera Projects (2024)

  • Designed Plant Pals e-commerce platform and French Patisserie mobile app

  • Created user-centered prototypes with 40% improved checkout efficiency

  • Applied user research methodologies to develop intuitive navigation systems

• Library Anniversary Store (2023-2024)

  • Created user-friendly store exceeding $10,000 fundraising goal

  • Balanced SEO with authentic storytelling for all-ages accessibility

Krueger Wedding Event Coordination (2024-2025)

• Managed multi-phase wedding celebration including engagement party and bridal shower with themed farmer's market concept

• Designed interactive guest experiences including custom "Flower Bar" and "Design Your Own Market Tote" stations

• Developed sophisticated Trello project management system with specialized tracking categories

• Created custom design elements including Chicago-themed welcome sign, personalized champagne bottle guest book, and countdown displays

• Engineered themed market stand concepts with branded signage and unique food presentations

• Implemented eco-friendly favors including seed bombs in custom packaging

Murray Wedding Coordination Project (2023)

• Managed comprehensive wedding coordination for 150 guests from pre-wedding events through reception

• Created personalized design elements using digital design tools and Cricut technology

• Optimized resources through strategic planning while maintaining high-quality event experiences

• Balanced creative vision with budget constraints to deliver exceptional results

Wellness Committee Initiative Management (2022-Present)

• Conceptualized themed wellness challenges achieving 75-85% staff participation rates

• Designed digital wellness experiences with custom UI/UX and comprehensive tracking systems

• Managed annual staff Halloween celebrations, increasing participation by 25%

• Established engagement platforms showcasing participant contributions while building team cohesion