CHRISTIANA N. UNAKALAMBA
Strategy & Business Analyst
Michigan
Summary
Strategy-minded business analyst and communications leader with 8+ years of experience translating market research, performance data, and stakeholder insight into actionable business recommendations. MBA in Business Administration paired with an MSc in Marketing Communication, combining analytical and strategic-planning skills with hands-on inventory, supply chain, and cross-industry operational experience in healthcare, higher education, financial services, and corporate communications. Skilled in market and competitive analysis, business case development, process improvement, and translating complex data into clear recommendations for executive stakeholders. Track record of driving measurable outcomes through data-informed decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Communications & Content Creator
GVSU Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Grand Rapids, MI
04.2022 - 08.2022
- Conducted market research and stakeholder interviews to identify trends, synthesizing findings into strategic recommendations for the Center's Money Smart Digital Studio.
- Authored, reviewed, and optimized website, blog, and marketing content based on audience and performance insights.
- Developed strategic communication plans supporting key initiatives, partnering cross-functionally with the creative team on promotional materials.
Research Assistant, Economics Department
Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MI
04.2022 - 08.2022
- Supported a Digital Inclusion research study for Kent County, designing and conducting in-person community surveys to gather primary research data.
- Coded, organized, and analyzed survey data, authoring findings in stakeholder-facing reports that informed recommendations.
Adjunct Lecturer, Business Communication
Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, MI
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Assessed student performance and course outcomes against quality standards, applying findings to refine instructional approach and course design.
- Coached and advised students on course selection, career planning, and professional development, translating individual goals into actionable growth plans.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with faculty and staff to align curriculum with student and institutional goals.
- Taught business communication/marketing classes in business operations, business procedures, and application of computer technologies.
Communications (Writing) Consultant
Grand Valley State University, Writing Center
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Developed and executed communication strategies informed by stakeholder engagement data, tracking key performance metrics and reporting impact to leadership.
- Delivered one-to-one strategic coaching and writing support to students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, driving measurable improvement in outcomes.
- Partnered with the Writing Center Director, Writing Center Coordinator, and Director of Writing Across the Curriculum to design shared resources, ensuring consistent messaging across programs.
- Analyzed workshop attendance and satisfaction data to optimize program design, achieving a post-workshop satisfaction rating of 85%+.
- Evaluated workshop and conference proposals to select presenters and supported instruction for organizational writing/communication courses.
Communications Specialist
Financial Street
Lagos
11.2019 - 04.2022
- Developed and executed strategic communication plans that advanced organizational initiatives, using engagement data to guide content strategy.
- Authored press releases and bylined articles that drove measurable increases in audience engagement across platforms.
- Built and nurtured relationships with key reporters and media outlets, creating new partnership opportunities.
Corporate Communications Manager
Stanbic IBTC Bank
Lagos
01.2014 - 10.2019
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and execute integrated communication strategies, driving alignment with corporate goals and strategic initiatives.
- Advised senior leadership and cross-functional teams on communication strategy, strengthening organizational coherence and decision-making.
- Measured communication campaign effectiveness using engagement and performance data to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
- Crafted key messages and narratives that clearly conveyed company vision, values, and initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Grand Valley State University
MSc - Media & Communication
Pan Atlantic University
B.A. - Mass Communications
University of Nigeria
Business Analysis Career Immersion Program - undefined
Business Analysis School
Skills
- Business & Strategic Analysis
- Market Research & Competitive Intelligence
- Data Analysis & Performance Reporting
- Business Case Development
- Process Improvement & Optimization
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Inventory & Supply Chain Analysis
- Project & Program Coordination
- Strategic & Executive Communication
- Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods
- Training, Coaching & Team Development
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
Publications And Recognition
- Social Media for Crisis Communication in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: A Study of NCDC, Unakalamba, C.N., 2021, International Journal of Media Research
- I AM GRANDVALLEY Award, recognized for leadership contributions
- Society for Advancement of Management, Honorable Mention for research on corporate innovation strategy for business growth, 2023
- Fellow, Cook Leadership Academy
Timeline
Adjunct Lecturer, Business Communication
Kalamazoo College
01.2025 - 05.2025
Communications (Writing) Consultant
Grand Valley State University, Writing Center
08.2022 - 06.2024
Business Communications & Content Creator
GVSU Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
04.2022 - 08.2022
Research Assistant, Economics Department
Grand Valley State University
04.2022 - 08.2022
Communications Specialist
Financial Street
11.2019 - 04.2022
Corporate Communications Manager
Stanbic IBTC Bank
01.2014 - 10.2019
Business Analysis Career Immersion Program - undefined
Business Analysis School
B.A. - Mass Communications
University of Nigeria
MSc - Media & Communication
Pan Atlantic University
MBA - Business Administration
Grand Valley State University