Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Leila Wakefield

Edmonds,WA

Summary

Creative leader with proven expertise in developing scalable brand systems and storytelling strategies across diverse sectors. Skilled in transforming complex challenges into inclusive design solutions that enhance engagement and drive business growth. Experienced in mentoring teams and leading cross-functional strategies, consistently achieving impactful results at an enterprise level. Recognized design leader with a strong track record in brand strategy and user experience enhancement, proficient in agile workflows and collaborative project execution.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Manager, Design

Starbucks
Seattle, WA
01.2024 - 01.2025
  • Led creative strategy for enterprise-scale training programs across global markets, managing 5–6 initiatives simultaneously.
  • Directed brand, UX, and content design to enhance digital, print, and in-store learning experiences.
  • Collaborated with vendors and cross-functional teams to deliver accessible, scalable solutions aligned with brand standards.
  • Implemented agile workflows and project management best practices, accelerating speed-to-market and improving execution excellence.
  • Developed scalable brand systems and modular design tools, ensuring localization and brand consistency across all touchpoints.
  • Acted as brand steward, leading visual storytelling efforts while maintaining high standards for quality and accessibility.
  • Translated business strategy into actionable creative briefs that aligned user-centered design principles with operational goals.
  • Drove diversity and inclusion initiatives, enhancing design accessibility scores through campaigns and educational efforts.

Manager, Design (Time-Limited Assignment: Talent Experiences & Partnerships Team)

Starbucks
Seattle, WA
01.2024 - 08.2024
  • Directed global hiring campaigns and employer brand initiatives, enhancing overall engagement.
  • Oversaw launch of mobile-responsive career site, shaping brand and content direction.
  • Served as creative advisor to executives, aligning visual storytelling with DEI objectives.
  • Led enterprise hiring campaigns, coordinating teams and stakeholders for optimal impact.
  • Designed integrated campaign materials that increased diverse talent engagement at key events.
  • Collaborated with marketing and vendors to execute multi-channel campaigns, driving 23% YoY site traffic increase.
  • Optimized digital asset libraries and established archiving systems to improve efficiency.
  • Crafted executive storytelling materials, strengthening leadership communication during all-hands events.

Senior Designer

Starbucks
Seattle, WA
01.2019 - 01.2023
  • Designed branded content systems and creative toolkits to accelerate production and improve accessibility across learning channels.
  • Delivered high-quality graphics, UX assets, and photography to support internal campaigns.
  • Collaborated with marketing and operations to ensure brand consistency at scale.
  • Built branded, self-serve content templates, reducing design request volume and significantly accelerating production workflows.
  • Designed custom iconography, graphics, and UX-optimized assets for retail learning platforms, increasing learner comprehension and boosting engagement metrics.
  • Led cross-functional design reviews to uphold brand guidelines, driving quality control, and ensuring document accessibility across enterprise-wide learning initiatives.
  • Managed digital asset libraries, streamlining access, maintaining quality control, and supporting faster time-to-market across digital and print campaign launches.
  • Edited and optimized photography assets to eliminate need for reshoots, saving production costs and protecting brand visual standards across global marketing channels.

Lead Packaging Designer

World Wide Gourmet Foods
Woodinville, WA
01.2018 - 01.2019
  • Owned packaging and brand design for national retail and airline clients, boosting visibility and sales.
  • Led creative execution from concept to production, including dielines and photography.
  • Delivered cost-effective solutions that enhanced brand presence.
  • Directed product photography, crafting cohesive narratives across packaging and digital assets.
  • Developed innovative prototypes, accelerating launches and enhancing retailer engagement.
  • Created custom dielines, ensuring compliance with FDA standards and technical specifications.
  • Collaborated with teams, aligning creative vision with functionality and operational goals.
  • Implemented flexible label systems for seasonal transitions, maintaining visual impact.

Education

Certificate - Visual Communication and Technology

Shoreline Community College
Shoreline, WA

Bachelor of Science (BS) - Interior Design

Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX

Certificate - An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL

Skills

  • Brand strategy and development
  • Design system creation
  • Creative direction and concepting
  • Cross-platform branding
  • UX/UI design principles
  • Project management
  • Visual storytelling
  • Executive communication
  • Event branding and design
  • Accessibility and inclusive design
  • Packaging design
  • Brand strategy
  • Social media graphics
  • Presentation design
  • Design project management
  • UI and UX design
  • Responsive design
  • Digital design
  • Corporate branding

Certification

  • Luma Institute Human Centered Design Practicioner

Websites

Timeline

Manager, Design

Starbucks
01.2024 - 01.2025

Manager, Design (Time-Limited Assignment: Talent Experiences & Partnerships Team)

Starbucks
01.2024 - 08.2024

Senior Designer

Starbucks
01.2019 - 01.2023

Lead Packaging Designer

World Wide Gourmet Foods
01.2018 - 01.2019

Certificate - Visual Communication and Technology

Shoreline Community College

Bachelor of Science (BS) - Interior Design

Stephen F. Austin State University

Certificate - An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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