MARIA A. ELISHA-SANMIGUEL

Bilingual, detail-oriented, and creative communications professional with a strong foundation in customer-facing roles, higher education, and journalism. Passionate about technology’s role in human interaction and eager to contribute to the responsible development of AI. Experienced in analyzing complex information, delivering high-quality work under tight guidelines, and thriving in dynamic, collaborative environments. Known for quickly adapting to new challenges, maintaining confidentiality, and bringing a human-centered lens to data-driven work. Excels in fast-paced settings where precision, flexibility, and clear communication drive impact.

• Senior Program Coordinator, Harvard Business School, 10/24, Present, Oversee the end-to-end execution of executive education programs, including pre-program planning, on-site logistics, and post-program follow-up., Serve as the primary point of contact for executives, faculty, and internal teams, ensuring a high-touch, customer-centric experience., Manage program logistics, including scheduling, materials distribution, catering, and technology support., Work closely with faculty, guest speakers, and cross-functional teams to ensure programs run smoothly and meet HBS’s high standards., Track key program metrics, maintain participant records, and generate reports to support continuous improvement., Identify and implement best practices to enhance program efficiency and participant satisfaction.
• Program Coordinator, Harvard Business School, 10/22, 10/24, Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of various Executive Education Programs., Responsible for pre-planning through the delivery of Executive Education Programs, coordinating all logistics, both on-site and virtual., Anticipated and supported participant, client, and faculty needs, handling all primary communications., Used Salesforce to track and manage participant enrollment, cancellations, and other program-related data.
• News Producer, Univision Communications (Televisa Univision) Inc, 06/22, 10/22, Develop and produce news to inform, empower, and alert the community in Phoenix, AZ., Responsible for daily news production, news series, and station promotions., Worked closely with reporters, editors, and community managers.
• Assistant Manager, J. Crew, 03/22, 06/22, Fostered genuine connections that built customer loyalty and strong guest engagement., Provided feedback and coaching to staff members to help them achieve their highest potential.
• Sales Specialist, Apple Inc, 11/21, 02/22, Provided retail store and customer service while advising, selling, and setting up Apple products., Maintained visual merchandising and assisted team members.
• Store Customer Experience Coordinator, TD Bank, 07/21, 11/21, Provided retail store and customer service in both teller transactions and platform customer service., Served as a trainer and mentor to new tellers.
• General Merchandiser, Target Corporation, 09/20, 10/20, Led inbound, outbound, replenishment, inventory accuracy, and promotional signing processes for all GM areas of the store., Maintained and evolved a knowledge of guest service fundamentals.
• Marketing and Communications, Journalist – Volunteer, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC), 03/19, 08/19, Conducted interviews throughout the community culminating in producing articles and blogs via WordPress., Created and guided visual marketing strategy.
• Press Officer/Senior Advisor to Senator Alexander Lopez Maya, Senate of the Republic of Colombia, 10/15, 12/16, Led digital content administration for Senator Alexander Lopez Maya., Coordinated all interviews, events, and outreach projects across the region.
• Television Journalist, RCN Television, 03/15, 08/15, Prepared daily live programs including content research and compilation of media and interview assets., Managed social networks for RCN.
• Radio Host, Radio University Cooperative of Colombia, 01/10, 08/16, Hosted digital radio by engaging with audience through providing relevant news topics., Managed advertisement spot hosting.

I was raised in Guaviare, Colombia small town nestled in the heart of the Colombian Amazon. Growing up surrounded by one of the world’s most vital ecosystems shaped my resilience, curiosity, and deep respect for diverse communities and environments.