Mikayla Marinko
Stratford,CT
Summary
Mission-driven leader with 8+ years of experience in team leadership, advocacy, and operational management, with a personal commitment to improving accessibility and support for the Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) community. As a Type 1 Diabetic of 20 years and a lifelong T1D advocate and seasoned manager, I bring expertise in strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and community engagement. Selected by the American Diabetes Association to participate in national-level advocacy efforts, I have effectively influenced policymakers and elevated awareness of T1D issues. Skilled in communication strategy, stakeholder engagement, and fostering impactful relationships with diverse audiences.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
KinderCare Learning Centers
Ridgefield
10.2024 - Current
- Lead a team of educators, fostering professional growth and ensuring alignment with high-quality early childhood education standards.
- Cultivate relationships with families, community partners, and state licensing authorities, promoting the value of education and expanding community presence.
- Oversee all operational aspects of the center, including budget management, compliance with state regulations, and staff recruitment.
- Develop and execute marketing initiatives to increase enrollment, achieving 5% enrollment growth within my first 2 months of employment.
- Implement strategies to maintain high customer satisfaction, consistently achieving parent engagement scores of 75% or higher.
Key Achievements:
- Improved staff engagement and retention rates by 15% through targeted professional development initiatives.
- Successfully managed a $20,000 operating budget, maintaining fiscal responsibility while enhancing program quality.
Executive of Specialty Sales
Target
North Haven, Connecticut
02.2021 - 10.2024
- Led operational management tor a $75M store, overseeing 84 team members and 12 department managers executing strategies to optimize workflows and achieve sales targets.
- Developed and implemented communication strategies to engage teams, driving a 48% improvement in employee engagement scores.
- Analyzed sales metrics and KPIs to refine priorities and align with company objectives, resulting in the highest originated comp % in the Northeast region.
- Managed high-impact projects, including training initiatives, inventory processes, and visual merchandising campaigns, increasing operational efficiency by 32%.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with district leadership to deliver consistent customer experiences and achieve sales goals.
Key Achievements:
- Spearheaded innovative sales strategies that increased revenue in specialty departments by 40%.
- Designed and implemented training programs that reduced onboarding time for new hires by 23%.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT05-2025
Skills
- Advocacy Campaign Development
- Public Policy Communication
- Strategic Messaging & Content Creation
- Community Engagement & Volunteer
Coordination
- Budget & Financial Management
- Team Leadership & Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Data-Driven Decision Making
Advocacy Experience
Diabetes Advocate & Policy Representative
American Diabetes Association - Call to Congress | Washington, D.C.
- Selected to advocate for the rights and needs of the Type 1 Diabetes community at Capitol Hill, engaging with congressional leaders to influence healthcare policies.
- Developed and delivered impactful messaging to raise awareness of T1D challenges, focusing on access to care and quality improvement initiatives.
- Partnered with federal policymakers and nonprofit organizations to drive legislative change and community-focused programs.
Volunteer Advocate
Various Diabetes Organizations
2008- Present
- Actively participate in T1D advocacy walks and fundraising events, raising awareness and contributing to community-based initiatives.
- Utilize social media platforms to educate and engage the public on advancements in diabetes care, fostering a growing network of advocates.
Professional Accomplishments
- Mobilized community engagement efforts, increasing advocacy campaign participation by 18%.
- Reduced staff turnover rates at Target by 24% through strategic team-building initiatives.
- Developed educational content for diabetes advocacy campaigns, reaching hundreds of participants.
- Recognized by Target for exceptional leadership and impact in advocacy efforts.
Technical Proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Communication Tools (e.g., MailChimp, Canva)
- Social Media Platforms (e.g., Twitter,
Instagram, Facebook) - Advocacy Management Tools (e.g., VoterVoice)
Timeline
Director
KinderCare Learning Centers
10.2024 - Current
Executive of Specialty Sales
Target
02.2021 - 10.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Bridgeport