About Me

Startup operator, systems thinker, and hands-on creative.

I specialize in building thoughtful, people-centered processes that support clear communication, aligned execution, and healthy team culture. I thrive in fast-moving environments where I can bring structure to chaos and help teams move with more ease and clarity. My strengths lie in cross-functional ops, internal communications, strategic planning, and aligning big-picture goals with day-to-day realities. Whatever you hand me - I can figure it out.

I’ve owned and operated two small businesses, helped grow early-stage startups like Thrivebuild and Sekr, led Sekr through an acquisition as Interim CEO, and stayed on with PeaceVans as a consultant before moving into an operations role at Cohere Network.

I’m comfortable with a wide range of tools and regularly leverage AI to streamline workflows, generate content, and support efficiency. I enjoy designing systems that feel intuitive, sustainable, and genuinely helpful to the people using them.

Outside of work, I oversee the textiles department at a community makerspace, run a photography side-business, share meals with my close-knit community, and find joy in hands-on projects.

In every area of my life, I value diversity, authenticity, and environments that encourage people to lift one another up.

Work Experience

Download my resume!

Credentials

SD College of Continuing Education - Project Management Certification Program

Community College of Philadelphia - A.A. Psychology

Languages

English (Fluent), Russian (Working)

San Diego, CA (remote)
9/2023-10/2024
- Maintained financial and administrative systems using QuickBooks, Gusto, and Carta for payroll, accounts payable, equity distribution, and banking
- Led remote team alignment efforts using Slack, Clickup, and Zoom, improving project visibility and collaboration across departments
- Developed and documented scalable workflows in Coda, leveraged Google Analytics, and applied ChatGPT for data analysis and content generation to support strategic growth
San Diego, CA (remote)
11/2023-4/2024
- Directed ownership transfer and systems integration using Airtable, DocuSign, and Google Workspace, resulting in 100% asset retention post-acquisition
- Implemented tool stack recommendations including HubSpot, Trello, and Notion, boosting cross-team workflow efficiency by 35% within 60 days
- Facilitated brand-sensitive strategy sessions via Zoom and collaborative docs in Miro and Google Slides to ensure aligned messaging and culture continuity
San Diego, CA (remote)
6/2023-1/2024
- Strengthened strategic relationships across the outdoor recreation industry, securing partnerships that extended operational runway by six months
- Used Mixpanel, KPI dashboards, and internal app analytics to steer decision-making and sharpen the company narrative
- Executed company exit by aligning operations through Trello, Notion, and Slack, optimizing internal communication and task management
San Diego, CA (remote)
11/2022-6/2023
- Led an equity crowdfunding campaign, managing investor communications, compliance documentation, and operational strategy
- Produced visual assets using Canva and Google Slides, and authored SOPs and knowledge base content, reducing team errors by 15%
- Drove productivity using Sheets, Airtable, and Notion to create adaptable workflows and document repeatable systems
San Diego, CA (remote)
12/2021-9/2022
- Coordinated company-wide operations using Trello and Slack, ensuring team alignment on shared goals and KPIs
- Reduced hiring cycle from 6 weeks to 2 weeks by developing structured onboarding and recruiting pipelines in Google Workspace
- Built relationships with partners and sponsors, tracking engagement via HubSpot and Sheets to support workforce development initiatives
San Francisco, CA
01/2013-3/2020
- Managed a diverse client portfolio using HoneyBook and Trello, handling 8–12 ongoing, 2–4 monthly, and 1–2 seasonal contracts
- Oversaw design and operations for projects ranging from immersive pop-ups to Airbnb property transformations using Google Slides and Illustrator
- Produced and maintained budgets, vendor communications, and production timelines with Google Sheets, Slack, and event planning tools like Eventbrite

“As an entrepreneur, CEO, and serial founder, I’ve developed a hiring thesis that has always served me. I look for people who are hungry, humble, and resourceful: hungry to grow as individuals and with a team, humble enough to learn even if they’re experts, and have resourcefulness crucial for navigating the challenges of startup life. Marina is the epitome of all three. I brought her in for support and she became a partner. She can problem-solve in crisis with equanimity and compassion and she’s an ideal executor and operator for the messy and exciting early stages of a company.”

- Breanne Acio
Sekr, Inc Founder and CEO

Example Projects

Pitch Deck

Wellness industry startup concept proposal.

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Project Progress Report

Project management progress report. Created as an example.

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Notion Database

Internal operations reference and project tracking material created for SDColab.

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Website Design

Portfolio website designed for former Lead Women’s Apparel Designer at prAna.

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SOP Document

Standard Operating Procedure to onboard new employee (construction industry). Created as an example.

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Industry Report

Vanlife industry report created for PeaceVans. “In progress” version.

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Department Plan Proposal

New department proposal presented to the board of SDCAP.

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Product Promo Photoshoot

Advertising content and promotional material for NoName Whiskey brand.

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Laser-Cut Wares

Products designed in Adobe Illustrator and laser-cut at home. Sold in local stores.

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Band Merch

Graphic placement and brand design for band merchandise.

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Infographics

Simple and clear infographics made for website and pitch deck use.

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