Stephanie Free
Chicago,IL
Summary
I’m a proactive and adaptable professional with a knack for time management and problem-solving, and I’m passionate about creating positive work environments where people from diverse backgrounds feel supported and empowered. I love learning, coaching, and making a meaningful impact in roles that encourage both personal and professional growth. With experience in building engagement strategies and improving client relationships, I’m skilled at bringing teams together and fostering strong connections. Known for my strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with individuals from all walks of life, I focus on clear, inclusive communication and delivering results that make a difference.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Engagement
Refound
06.2023 - 12.2024
- Optimized resource allocation based on project requirements, ensuring each team member was utilized efficiently while working at their maximum capacity.
- Built and maintained relationships with stakeholders, program participants, contractors and employees.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to junior staff members, fostering professional growth and development.
- Met with clients to understand needs and develop proactive solutions.
- Consulted with teams on established best practices and process improvements.
- Collaborated with sales, delivery and service teams to manage seamless client experiences.
- Managed client expectations and mitigated potential conflicts, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction throughout the engagement process.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, resulting in long-term partnerships and increased revenue.
Project Manager, People Operations Manager
Refound
02.2021 - 06.2023
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
Youth Mentor Volunteer
Wood Family Foundation (Pitch In)
08.2011 - 05.2024
- Mentored 5th. 6th, and 7th grade students at Moos Elementary in Humboldt Park.
- Creating relationships with students and families to support them through middle school years and transitioning to high school.
Parent Association Vice President & President
Catherine Cook School
05.2016 - 05.2018
- Managed Executive Committee and over 30 co-chairs of 16 committees
- Resolved committee issues and recommended actions
- Created and managed annual budget of $55,000
- Created agenda for monthly parent association meetings and led meeting
Volunteer Manager
Wood Family Foundation (Pitch In)
06.2011 - 03.2018
- Developed volunteer policies and procedures, including guidelines for volunteers for many different programs.
- Recruited 50+ volunteers and supported over 100 volunteers by providing training, mentoring, and volunteer appreciation.
- Organized volunteer schedules and assignments to maximize efficiency and program effectiveness for Woody's Winter Warmup, baseball clinics and Warm Wishes volunteers.
Board of Directors Member
Emerald City Theatre Chicago
07.2012 - 07.2017
- For 4 years co-chaired Emerald City's Community Board of 40+ thoughtfully selected community members who provided advice and feedback to leaders within Emerald City's organization.
- Co-chaired annual fundraiser for 2 years surpassing event goal each year.
- Co-chaired One Fund which provided live theatre experiences and companion books to over 100,000 low-resourced CPS students.
- Recipient of Emerald Award in 2015 and 2016.
- Recipient of 2018 One Fund Supporter Award.
Operations Manager
PCG (now 4Front)
04.2015 - 08.2016
- Planned and supervised networking event for 75 people.
- Administered finances and led business operations, including running payroll, making bank deposits and analyzing income and expenses to maintain cost-effective operations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, INSkills
- Networking
- Relationship building
- Team collaboration
- Event Planning
- Volunteer coordination and management
- Engagement strategy
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication
- Active listening
- Efficient in Google Suite, Slack, Asana, Coda
Certification
SEED Training - [2019-2020] - Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity
Refound's People Leader Training Program (2022, 2024)
Timeline
Director of Engagement
Refound
06.2023 - 12.2024
Project Manager, People Operations Manager
Refound
02.2021 - 06.2023
Parent Association Vice President & President
Catherine Cook School
05.2016 - 05.2018
Operations Manager
PCG (now 4Front)
04.2015 - 08.2016
Board of Directors Member
Emerald City Theatre Chicago
07.2012 - 07.2017
Youth Mentor Volunteer
Wood Family Foundation (Pitch In)
08.2011 - 05.2024
Volunteer Manager
Wood Family Foundation (Pitch In)
06.2011 - 03.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Indiana University Bloomington
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