Mariame Diagana

• Intern at a Harvard-backed, award-winning beauty-tech startup focused on reimagining braided hairstyles through inclusive, user-centered innovation
• Conducted in-person salon visits across Boston to assess product-market fit and operational integration, informing product hardware decisions such as mobility features
• Developed braiding tutorial videos and cultural guides to enhance engineers' understanding of technical and cultural nuances in protective styles
• Advised on product positioning and training material development to ensure cultural relevance and usability within the textured hair community
• Created braiding tutorial videos and cultural guides to help engineers understand technical and cultural nuances of protective styles
• Advised on product positioning and training material development, ensuring cultural relevance and usability for the textured hair community

• Grew Instagram account @siminaafricanhairbraiding and TikTok account @siminaafricanhairbraidin, contributing to overall business growth.
• Developed engaging content that highlighted hair braiding techniques, customer transformations, and behind-the-scenes processes.
• Enhanced customer engagement and brand awareness through consistent content creation and active audience interaction.

• Guided customers in product selection, enhancing their shopping experience through personalized service.
• Oversaw inventory levels and arranged merchandise displays, ensuring optimal presentation on the sales floor.
• Performed market research to pinpoint customer preferences and trends, informing product offerings.

• Selected for invite-only influencer accelerator to engage Gen Z with Prime memberships
• Gained expertise in product marketing, contract management, branded storytelling, digital monetization

• Selected through a competitive application process and personally recommended by the Executive Director to serve as student staff at the 45th and 46th Annual Youth Energy Conference & Awards.
• Facilitated workshops and events for 280+ student participants from U.S. and Colombia, enhancing their understanding of energy issues.
• Led Offshore Challenge, a STEM activity simulating offshore energy production, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills under pressure.

*Selected as a 2026 NEED Youth Energy Leadership Award recipient, recognizing outstanding leadership, energy literacy, and commitment to sustainability and community engagement

• Launched Redbubble sticker shop in 2020, designed viral products inspired by TikTok trends and internet culture, and achieving 402 sales.
• Developed innovative product designs leveraging consumer feedback and market trends.
• Managed end-to-end operations, ensuring timely fulfillment of customer orders.
• Collaborated with artists to enhance product visibility and increase sales potential.

• Hosted by the Bluedot Institute in partnership with UCSB's Bren School of Environmental Science.
• Selected for a 5-day climate leadership program focused on environmental storytelling, climate communication, and conflict negotiation
• Enhanced public speaking, collaboration, and narrative-building skills to advocate for urgent climate issues
• Presented persuasive speech on dangers of fast fashion, raising awareness among peers
• Enhanced commitment to environmental advocacy to youth-led environmental action