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Sara Valkenburg
Problem solver, visual thinker, creative soul that strives to design compelling client solutions and believes in getting her dancing shoes on and getting the job done.
What I do
Web System Manager, Steelcase
Leading a web system team in the creation of compelling websites connecting salespeople to their customers.
Senior Graphic Designer, Steelcase
Created compelling digital and print materials for strategic accounts in the top 5% of contract sales. Platform managed and created 70+ WordPress websites (in addition to 100 created as Graphic Designer) helping the salesperson and customer in their workplace transformation journey.
Worked alongside Steelcase's Global Business Center from Monterrey, Mexico, I coached teammates in web design, conducted follow-up meetings, and presented project ideas to teammates and other departments.
Opportunities Included
3M, Allstate, Berkshire Hathaway, Morgan Stanley, ServiceNow, Visa, Sony, Uber, Wells Fargo, Verizon and many others.
Leadership Experience
Guest presenter on Digital Experiences for various sales regions, dealers, and leaders. // November 2020 - January 2021
Coaching and training interns and new teammates. // October 2019 - Present
Facilitated Digital Materials trainings to internal teammates. // February - March 2020
Co-facilitated Web Platform creative team training. // January 2020
Guest speaker at Global Proposals Conference in Mexico City, Mexico. // May 2019
Project Leader for new website platform CMS. // August 2018 - May 2019
Web Design Conferences
WordCamp Philly // October 5, 2019: Philadelphia, PA 1 day conference pass
Graphic Designer, Steelcase
Tasks included creating WordPress websites, editorial design in RFPs, and collateral support in Mock-up experiences for strategic accounts in the top 5% of contract sales. Worked alongside Steelcase's Global Business Center from Monterrey, Mexico; coached teammates in web design, simultaneously managed projects, conducted follow-up meetings, and operated on a production timeline.
Project Experience
Developed customer relationship websites for over 100 opportunities including Dow Chemical, EY, Google, Huawei, IBM, Lidl, Microsoft, PwC, and World Bank Group.
Provided significant RFP design contribution to Amazon, Anadarko, AstraZeneca, Broadcom, Cisco, Intel, Kaiser, Microsoft, Thyssenkrupp, and Schlumberger.
Leadership Experience
Project Leader for new website platform CMS. // August 2018 - May 2019
Facilitated Grand Rapids and Monterrey team break out session on improving our process by examining "A Day in the Life.” // March 2017
Led teams including HQ + Global Business Centers in quarterly Creative Community of Practice sessions, developing cohesion across teams in Monterrey, Mexico City, Strasbourg, Cluj, Rosenheim, and Kuala Lumpur. // January 2015 - October 2016
Facilitated WordPress training workshop in Monterrey, Mexico on development of customer websites. // May 2014
Web Design Conferences
WordCamp Philly // October 5, 2019: Philadelphia, PA
1 day conference pass
WordCamp Philly // October 27, 2018: Philadelphia, PA
1 day conference pass
An Event Apart // July 10-12, 2017: Washington, DC
2 day conference pass + 1 day workshop: Inclusive Design: At the Elbows: Derek Featherstone
An Event Apart // July 25-27, 2016: Washington, DC
2 day conference pass + 1 day workshop: Responsive Web Design: Content, Code, and Collaboration: Ethan Marcotte and Karen McGrane
An Event Apart // August 10-12, 2015: Washington, DC
2 day conference pass + 1 day workshop: Beyond Responsive: Accessible Design For Every Device: Derek Featherstone
Graphic Designer, Western Michigan University
Represented Development & Alumni Relations through website development and design, publication layout, event collateral, and photography. Provided art direction, photography, and production for major projects such as mywmu.com's design and content management as well as the Haworth College of Business Gift & Thank You Book for prospective donors.
Graphic Designer, Kendall College of Art & Design
Collaborated on a creative team to create a visual voice for the Wege Center for Sustainable Design.
Student, Kendall College of Art & Design
Transferred from Ferris State University and graduated with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.
Web Designer, Paradox Production & Design
Created site planning documents for clients while designing and developing company website in collaboration with owner.
Student, Ferris State University
Transferred from Delta College and graduated with an Associate's in Graphic Design.
Student, Delta College
Graduated with an Associate's in General Science. Originally in school for nursing, but transferred to Ferris State University to begin my dream of becoming of a graphic designer.