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 comprehensive career transition methodology combining data-driven strategy with authentic personal branding

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

• Coordinate multi-phase wedding and event experiences, designing custom branded elements, interactive guest stations, and comprehensive project management systems using Trello

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

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

• Built AI-integrated workflow methodology leveraging Claude for strategic positioning, content development, and application package creation

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

Digital Marketing

• Spearheaded comprehensive social media strategy across 6 platforms, achieving impressive growth: Instagram (54.7%), Facebook (34.4%), LinkedIn (62.2%), and successfully launching TikTok with 1,002+ views per video

• Transformed email marketing approach, increasing open rates from 31% to 49-52% across audience segments while managing campaigns to 43,000+ members

• Developed and implemented comprehensive Social Media Standards document ensuring consistent brand messaging and quality across all digital channels

• Created content strategy for library's 100 Year Anniversary campaign that generated 10,000+ engagements across platforms and supported $10,000+ in fundraising efforts

• Implemented data-driven enhancements to digital platforms based on user analytics, improving user experience and increasing engagement metrics

• Established bilingual (English/Spanish) content strategy that expanded library services to diverse community members and increased engagement with underserved populations

• Led library-wide Canva implementation that reduced communications team workload while improving design quality and brand consistency across departments

• Collaborated with cross-departmental teams to create cohesive multichannel marketing campaigns for major library initiatives and events

UX Design

• Redesigned library website content strategy using user research and analytics to create an intuitive information architecture that improved navigation and accessibility

• Implemented data-driven enhancements to digital platforms based on user testing and analytics, decreasing bounce rates and increasing session duration

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

• Designed and optimized mobile-responsive email templates that increased click-through rates by 22% through improved readability and navigation

• Conducted community engagement surveys and user interviews to gather qualitative feedback for improving digital service offerings

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

• Implemented bilingual (English/Spanish) UX design solutions that expanded accessibility and improved user experience for diverse community members

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to transform complex information into intuitive user flows for the library website and digital resources

• Incorporated accessibility best practices into digital content to ensure inclusive user experiences

Event Planning

• Led the planning and execution of the library's centennial celebration, coordinating multiple events that engaged over 45,000 community members

• Orchestrated successful themed events including LEGO extravaganza, "Par-Tee in the Stacks" mini golf fundraiser, and award-winning Fourth of July parade float

• Spearheaded annual staff Halloween celebrations, increasing participation by 25% through innovative engagement strategies

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

• Created comprehensive event planning systems including timelines, vendor coordination, and detailed documentation

• Developed engaging promotional materials across multiple platforms that generated high attendance rates for library events

• Collaborated with cross-departmental teams to ensure cohesive event execution within budget constraints

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

Digital Marketing

• Developed and executed comprehensive digital marketing strategy that increased company awareness by 35% within the Chicagoland area

• Designed and launched new company website using Square Space that improved user engagement by 40% and increased online quote requests by 65%

• Created targeted social media campaigns that generated 45+ qualified leads per month and increased business in underserved geographic areas

• Implemented SEO optimization techniques that improved organic search rankings by 25% for key service-related keywords

• Established consistent brand messaging across all digital platforms, resulting in 28% higher brand recognition in customer surveys

• Designed and executed email marketing campaigns with 30%+ open rates that effectively promoted seasonal services and special offers

• Analyzed marketing performance data to optimize campaign strategies, increasing ROI on digital ad spend by 20%

• Managed the digital components of the 25th anniversary marketing campaign, including social media promotions and email communications

UX Design

• Redesigned company website using Square Space, implementing user-centered design principles that improved navigation, increased engagement by 40%, and generated 65% more quote requests

• Created intuitive customer journeys across digital platforms that streamlined the path to conversion

• Conducted user research to identify pain points in the customer experience and implemented solutions that improved satisfaction ratings

• Designed mobile-responsive email templates and landing pages that increased conversion rates by 35%

• Transformed complex service information into easily understandable content for diverse user groups

• Applied UX research methodologies to inform website navigation, information architecture, and content strategy

• Incorporated accessibility best practices into digital content to ensure inclusive user experiences

Event Planning

• Managed all aspects of the company's 25th anniversary celebration, including customer loyalty promotions and on-site events

• Coordinated comprehensive marketing initiatives for special events that increased community engagement by 35%

• Developed detailed project timelines and budgets for company events while maintaining cost-effectiveness

• Created cohesive branding materials for anniversary celebrations that strengthened company visibility in the community

• Designed and implemented event logistics that showcased the company's services to potential clients

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

• Development and implementation of social media marketing strategy on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for a Class C Medicinal and Adult-Use cannabis company.

• Responsible for community engagement and brand management to continue expanding community awareness of this new company 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

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

Digital Marketing

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator/Audition/Premiere/Rush/XD)

• All Social Media Platforms & Analytics

• Canva

• Google Analytics (Certification)

• Mailchimp & Email Marketing Platforms

• SEO/SEM Tools

• Google Ads

• Content Management Systems

• Patron Point

• Square Space

• Social Media Management Tools

• Web Analytics Software

UX Design

• Adobe XD

• Figma

• Wireframing & Prototyping Tools

• User Testing Platforms

• Information Architecture Tools

• Claude A.I.

• User Research Software

• Usability Testing Tools

• Survey Monkey

• Google Analytics

• A/B Testing Platforms

Event Planning

• Event Planning Software: Planning Pod, Cvent, Eventbrite

• Project Management: Trello, Canva

• Design Tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Cricut Design Space

• Budget Management: Excel, Trello

• Floor Plan Design: Social Tables, AllSeated

• Email Marketing: Patron Point, Mailchimp, Constant Contact

• Registration Systems: Eventbrite, RSVPify

• Contract Management: Adobe Acrobat

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint

• Photo/Video Editing: Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Lightroom, Canva

General Professional Skills 
Strategic communications planning and implementation 
Project management and oversight 
Cross-functional team collaboration 
Data analysis and reporting 
Community engagement 
Professional development (workshops, conferences, networking) 
Photography and videography 
Volunteer coordination 
Public speaking/presentation 
Brand management 

Digital Marketing Skills 
Social media strategy and management (all major platforms) 
Content creation and development 
Email marketing campaigns 
Digital advertising 
SEO/Search marketing 
Marketing trend analysis and research 
Website content strategy 
Digital analytics (Google Analytics certification) 
Community building and engagement 
Campaign performance tracking 
Multimedia content production 
Marketing automation 

UX Design Skills 
User experience research and testing 
User-centered design approach 
Data-driven design improvements 
Website communications optimization 
User journey mapping 
Content strategy based on user needs 
Usability testing and feedback collection 
User experience evaluation and reporting 
Interface enhancement recommendations 
Google UX Design certification 

Event Planning Skills 
Event coordination and management 
Anniversary and special event planning 
Customer loyalty promotions 
Community outreach events 
Volunteer orientation sessions 
Committee leadership 
Exhibit curation 
Professional development events 
Event marketing and promotion 
Venue management and coordination 

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