MARIA PAOLA FERRARIO
Chicago,Illinois
It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.
Grace Hopper
Summary
Results-oriented Business Development Executive with a strong track record of achieving global organizational objectives and driving strategic initiatives. Recognized by the United Nations for building impactful partnerships. Skilled in guiding SMEs and cross-functional teams to design, analyze, and execute partnerships for economic development. Proficient in networking, project management, and negotiation. Known for fostering lasting relationships with key stakeholders and staying abreast of market trends for sustained success
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Development Planner
Region Nine Development Commission
06.2022 - Current
- 2023 Aliceann Wohlbruck NADO Impact Awards Recipient (National Associations of Development Organizations)
- Winner of NREL, DOE HERO X Challenge ($100k Prize) for Development of BDO Zone Certification Project
- Led 20 government officials on international relations trip to Germany, managing logistics and coordinating key stakeholder meetings.
- Spearheaded program leading to regional acceptance of Green Energy Rural Circular Economic vision.
- Conducted research and analysis to identify business growth opportunities, formulating strategic recommendations.
- Established relationships with stakeholders including business leaders, government agencies, and community organizations, advancing economic development goals.
- Provided technical guidance and support to local businesses in startup or expansion, offering expertise on funding sources, compliance, and workforce development.
- Orchestrated partnerships and collaborations between businesses, government agencies, and community organizations for mutual advancement.
- Developed and executed marketing and outreach campaigns to position Region Nine as premier business investment and economic growth destination.
- Monitored and evaluated economic development initiatives, offering adjustment recommendations for desired outcomes.
- Conducted presentations and training sessions to educate stakeholders on economic development strategies and relevant topics.
- Managed and administered grants and funding sources, overseeing reporting and compliance.
- Conducted workforce analyses and recommended training programs to address local business workforce needs.
- Actively participated in local and regional economic development organizations and task forces, ensuring awareness of best practices and emerging trends.
SXSW
Pitch Advisory Board
01.2018 - 12.2022
- Judged over 160 projects on the platform
- As part of the advisory board, helped establish contacts and partnerships around the world, particularly focused on LatAm, bridging the language barrier for entrepreneurs.
Business & Talent Initiatives Specialist
Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce
03.2022 - 10.2022
- Conducted comprehensive research to identify and prioritize relevant grant opportunities at local, state, and federal levels.
- Orchestrated a dedicated grant writing team, aligning expertise in grant application development, project management, and subject matter knowledge.
Successfully customized grant proposals, addressing specific criteria and priorities outlined by granting organizations.
Developed compelling narratives highlighting the Chamber's mission, community impact, and strategic alignment with grant objectives. - Demonstrated financial transparency by creating detailed budgets and allocation plans for grant funds.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and government entities to showcase community support.
- Proactively engaged with granting organizations to address inquiries and provide additional information as needed.
- Monitored and tracked grant progress, ensuring compliance with all deadlines and reporting requirements.
- Built and nurtured relationships with granting organizations, fostering potential future collaborations.
Vice President
Entrepreneurship Network Paraguay
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Achieved global recognition by securing a nomination as the second-best worldwide in the Best Global Entrepreneurship Week Marketing Strategy.
- Directed all aspects of event coordination, organization, and alignment.
- Spearheaded the largest Global Entrepreneurship Week campaign to-date, orchestrating a dedicated team of volunteers.
- Facilitated high-profile attendee participation, including Jeff Hoffman, co-founder of Priceline.com and Global Entrepreneurship Network Board member.
- Played a key role in the successful execution of the past three Global Entrepreneurship Conferences (GEC) in Colombia, South Africa, and Turkey.
- Pioneered the establishment of the Business Angel Network in Paraguay, fostering investment opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to formulate and execute strategic initiatives and long-term objectives for the organization.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams
Chief Operating Officer
Asuncion, Challenger Paraguay
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Led comprehensive event coordination and strategic alignment efforts as Vice President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Paraguay.
- Established the first Agtech incubator in Paraguay, pioneering innovation in the agribusiness sector.
- Orchestrated impactful pitch innovation events including the Future Agro Challenge (Agtech) and Creative Business Cup (Orange Economy), leading to over 50k in seed funding secured by entrepreneurs.
- Mentored competition winners, enabling them to effectively present their ideas in international markets and bridging potential language barriers.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and enhancing Paraguay's global entrepreneurial presence.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations to keep organization running smoothly while meeting business goals
- Identified and pursued business development opportunities to grow organization and increase revenue
- Monitored and analyzed industry trends to identify opportunities for organizational growth and competitiveness
- Negotiated contracts and agreements to secure favorable terms and maximize profits
Coordinator
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
- Spearheaded the coordination, organization, fundraising, and recruitment of keynote speakers for the largest Women's Entrepreneurship Day event to date,drawing an audience of over 400 women.
- Successfully raised $20,000 in funding for the event through strategic fundraising efforts and sponsorship acquisition.
- Managed and orchestrated a diverse range of events throughout the year, ensuring seamless execution and engagement of attendees.
- Strategically marketed and elevated the brand, resulting in its recognition at both national and international levels, and uniting a distinguished community of accomplished female entrepreneurs.
- Established and sustained the foremost female-centric entrepreneurial platform in the country, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for women in business nationwide.
Education
Project Management Certification – Google - Information Technology Project Management
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Business retention and expansion International Economic Development Council :Issued Mar 2023
Skills: bre · Economic Modeling · Economic Development
- Economic Development Credit Analysis Economic
International Economic Development Council Issued Mar 2023
- Basic Economic Development course Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Issued Oct 2022
Skills: Community Economic Development · Economic Development · Local Economic Development · Community Development · Community Engagement · Foreign Investment · Community Outreach · foreign direct investment · Community Organizing · Community Management
- Fundamentals of Business Expansion
YLAI- Young Leaders of Americas Initiative Issued Nov 2016
- Professional development completed in [Subject]
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
12.2023
Business retention and expansionBusiness retention and expansion International Economic Development CouncilInternational Economic Development Council Issued Mar 2023Issued Mar 2023
- Skills: bre · Economic Modeling · Economic Development
Certification in Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Haifa, Israel. MASHAV/YABT (2018) Medical Interpreter Certification -
2015
Skills
- Project management
- Project roadblock identification
- Performance management evaluation
- Team building & leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Development Planning
- Marketing Strategies
- Sales Expertise
- Customer Service
- Revenue and Profit Maximization
- Relationship building and management
- Key decision making
- Forecasting ability
- Systems and software programs
- Networking strength
- Business development and planning
Timeline
Google - Project Management Certification – Google , Information Technology Project Management
01.2023 - 06.2023
Community Development Planner - Region Nine Development Commission
06.2022 - Current
Business & Talent Initiatives Specialist - Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce
03.2022 - 10.2022
SXSW - Pitch Advisory Board
01.2018 - 12.2022
Vice President - Entrepreneurship Network Paraguay
01.2016 - 01.2019
Chief Operating Officer - Asuncion, Challenger Paraguay
01.2016 - 01.2018
Coordinator -
01.2016 - 01.2018
National University of Asunción - Bachelor of Arts, Communication
New York University - Certification in Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Haifa, Israel. MASHAV/YABT (2018)
Medical Interpreter Certification,
Additional Information
- ADDITIONAL CAREER EXPERIENCE , Youth Ambassadors Program – Mentor – Amigos de las Americas – US Department of State Ministry of Women – Cooperation and International Relations – Government of Paraguay Amigos International – Program Mentor – US Department of State Alumni exchange program
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
German
Full Professional
Portuguese
Full Professional
guarani
Native or Bilingual
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