Marisa Alvarado
Marisa Alvarado
Marisa Alvarado
Marisa Alvarado
Your Strategic Partner for Elevating the Employee Experience
Your Strategic Partner for Elevating the Employee Experience
Your Strategic Partner for Elevating the Employee Experience
Building People programs and processes that promote efficiency, improve engagement, and transform the workplace.
Building People programs and processes that promote efficiency, improve engagement, and transform the workplace.
Building People programs and processes that promote efficiency, improve engagement, and transform the workplace.
Tools I use to get the job done
Tools I use to get the job done
Tools I use to get the job done
Career Journey
Career Journey
Making The Move
Events v. HR
What I’m Looking For
Making The Move
After 6 years of working in the event industry, I pivoted to HR. What I loved most about working in events was implementing efficiency and creating authentic opportunities for engagement. As I moved through my early career, I found that many HR roles were well aligned with these intrinsic motivations.
I realized I wanted to make a career change while I was at IBM. Luckily, IBM offered many in-house HR courses through their L&D program, allowing me to pick up basic HR knowledge and learn more about the department processes. After completing these courses, I was unfortunately impacted by a reduction in force. However, IBM gave me access to a career coach as part of my severance package, which helped me pivot my resume and career goals and ultimately helped me land my first HR role.
Making The Move
Events v. HR
What I’m Looking For
Making The Move
After 6 years of working in the event industry, I pivoted to HR. What I loved most about working in events was implementing efficiency and creating authentic opportunities for engagement. As I moved through my early career, I found that many HR roles were well aligned with these intrinsic motivations.
I realized I wanted to make a career change while I was at IBM. Luckily, IBM offered many in-house HR courses through their L&D program, allowing me to pick up basic HR knowledge and learn more about the department processes. After completing these courses, I was unfortunately impacted by a reduction in force. However, IBM gave me access to a career coach as part of my severance package, which helped me pivot my resume and career goals and ultimately helped me land my first HR role.
Making The Move
Events v. HR
What I’m Looking For
Making The Move
After 6 years of working in the event industry, I pivoted to HR. What I loved most about working in events was implementing efficiency and creating authentic opportunities for engagement. As I moved through my early career, I found that many HR roles were well aligned with these intrinsic motivations.
I realized I wanted to make a career change while I was at IBM. Luckily, IBM offered many in-house HR courses through their L&D program, allowing me to pick up basic HR knowledge and learn more about the department processes. After completing these courses, I was unfortunately impacted by a reduction in force. However, IBM gave me access to a career coach as part of my severance package, which helped me pivot my resume and career goals and ultimately helped me land my first HR role.
Making The Move
Events v. HR
What I’m Looking For
Making The Move
After 6 years of working in the event industry, I pivoted to HR. What I loved most about working in events was implementing efficiency and creating authentic opportunities for engagement. As I moved through my early career, I found that many HR roles were well aligned with these intrinsic motivations.
I realized I wanted to make a career change while I was at IBM. Luckily, IBM offered many in-house HR courses through their L&D program, allowing me to pick up basic HR knowledge and learn more about the department processes. After completing these courses, I was unfortunately impacted by a reduction in force. However, IBM gave me access to a career coach as part of my severance package, which helped me pivot my resume and career goals and ultimately helped me land my first HR role.
Trusted People Partner
Trusted People Partner
Marisa is an outstanding Senior Program Manager. Her exceptional people program management skills, resourcefulness, collaborative spirit, and innovative thinking make her an invaluable asset. Our company is notably enhanced by her dedicated support of people programs to create a more positive and thriving workplace for our employees.
Sarah Miller
Recruiting Lead
Marisa is also one of the most even keeled people I've ever met--nothing rattles her. She easily handles the obstacles that come her way and is always willing to collaborate with others to help them achieve their goals… Marisa jumped in with both feet and truly committed to our team and Grafana Labs. It was a joy to work with her and I know she will be a tremendous asset to any organization she works with in the future!
Ashley Litsey
Senior Curriculum Designer & Facilitator
Her impeccable communication skills and poise allowed her to confidently build relationships at all levels of the organization. Her passion for the employee experience shined brightly from day one. However, Marisa's resourcefulness, program management skills and eye for process improvement are three of the abilities that really stood out to me in making Marisa's time here successful.
Head of Global Learning & Development
As the People Program Manager at a start-up organization, Marisa helped create the foundation for scalable processes within the HR department. This included establishing annual reviews, performance management practices, succession planning, and employee onboarding. Additionally, she served as a thought partner, providing invaluable support to me personally as an HR partner.
Sr. HR Business Partner
My Principles
My Principles
Honesty
Open communication can solve any problem
Empathy
Supporting people, not just employees
Efficiency
Making work life easier
1
2
3
1
Streamlined, compassionate solutions for all users
Streamlined, compassionate solutions for all users
2
Building trust with stakeholders
Building trust with stakeholders
3
Creating space for actionable feedback
Creating space for actionable feedback
Experience
Experience
Grafana Labs
Global Onboarding Program Manager
Contractor, January 2024 - November 2024
Partnered with stakeholders across the organization and reimagined the new hire onboarding experience to improve alignment with company goals. From the moment a new hire's contract is signed to the end of their first year at Grafana, each point of engagement is intentionally placed and meticulously crafted. Supported a global employee base, working with 30 - 50 new hires each month.
Project managed the creation of all new onboarding sessions
Implemented a new post-onboarding survey strategy, including enhanced data management and visualization for stakeholders
Revitalized the continued learning program, including promoting manager buy-in, introducing data tracking, and aligning program goals to new hire needs
Key Skills
Data Management & Analytics
Session Development
Process Automation
Results
Improved onboarding value for new hires by
22
%
Increased continued learning engagement by
15
%
Reduced admin workload by
10
hrs/wk
Grafana Labs
Global Onboarding Program Manager
Contractor, January 2024 - November 2024
Grafana Labs
Global Onboarding Program Manager
Contractor, January 2024 - November 2024
Partnered with stakeholders across the organization and reimagined the new hire onboarding experience to improve alignment with company goals. From the moment a new hire's contract is signed to the end of their first year at Grafana, each point of engagement is intentionally placed and meticulously crafted. Supported a global employee base, working with 30 - 50 new hires each month.
Project managed the creation of all new onboarding sessions
Implemented a new post-onboarding survey strategy, including enhanced data management and visualization for stakeholders
Revitalized the continued learning program, including promoting manager buy-in, introducing data tracking, and aligning program goals to new hire needs
Key Skills
Data Management & Analytics
Session Development
Process Automation
Results
Improved onboarding value for new hires by
22
%
Increased continued learning engagement by
15
%
Reduced admin workload by
10
hrs/wk
Grafana Labs
Global Onboarding Program Manager
Contractor, January 2024 - November 2024
Partnered with stakeholders across the organization and reimagined the new hire onboarding experience to improve alignment with company goals. From the moment a new hire's contract is signed to the end of their first year at Grafana, each point of engagement is intentionally placed and meticulously crafted. Supported a global employee base, working with 30 - 50 new hires each month.
Project managed the creation of all new onboarding sessions
Implemented a new post-onboarding survey strategy, including enhanced data management and visualization for stakeholders
Revitalized the continued learning program, including promoting manager buy-in, introducing data tracking, and aligning program goals to new hire needs
Key Skills
Data Management & Analytics
Session Development
Process Automation
Results
Improved onboarding value for new hires by
22
%
Increased continued learning engagement by
15
%
Reduced admin workload by
10
hrs/wk
The Zebra
People Program Manager; Senior People Program Manager
January 2021 - September 2023
As The Zebra’s inaugural People Program Manager, I partnered with the Head of People and supported all People functions to build and launch key HR programs and processes that shaped the employee experience. Supported roughly 300 hourly and salaried US-based employees.
Planned, managed, and executed all People programs, including the development of the performance management strategy, engagement survey strategy, job leveling architecture, ERGs, and more
Crafted employee-facing resources and documentation for all People programs
Created People team cadence, including implementing a communication strategy, project management tooling, and routine process upkeep
Key Skills
Strategic Consulting
Process Optimization
Internal Communications
Results
Built and launched the company’s first intranet
Introduced 2-5 new engagement initiatives per team, including goal tracking
Enhanced the performance review experience and standardized ratings
The Zebra
People Program Manager; Senior People Program Manager
January 2021 - September 2023
The Zebra
People Program Manager; Senior People Program Manager
January 2021 - September 2023
As The Zebra’s inaugural People Program Manager, I partnered with the Head of People and supported all People functions to build and launch key HR programs and processes that shaped the employee experience. Supported roughly 300 hourly and salaried US-based employees.
Planned, managed, and executed all People programs, including the development of the performance management strategy, engagement survey strategy, job leveling architecture, ERGs, and more
Crafted employee-facing resources and documentation for all People programs
Created People team cadence, including implementing a communication strategy, project management tooling, and routine process upkeep
Key Skills
Strategic Consulting
Process Optimization
Internal Communications
Results
Built and launched the company’s first intranet
Introduced 2-5 new engagement initiatives per team, including goal tracking
Enhanced the performance review experience and standardized ratings
The Zebra
People Program Manager; Senior People Program Manager
January 2021 - September 2023
As The Zebra’s inaugural People Program Manager, I partnered with the Head of People and supported all People functions to build and launch key HR programs and processes that shaped the employee experience. Supported roughly 300 hourly and salaried US-based employees.
Planned, managed, and executed all People programs, including the development of the performance management strategy, engagement survey strategy, job leveling architecture, ERGs, and more
Crafted employee-facing resources and documentation for all People programs
Created People team cadence, including implementing a communication strategy, project management tooling, and routine process upkeep
Key Skills
Strategic Consulting
Process Optimization
Internal Communications
Results
Built and launched the company’s first intranet
Introduced 2-5 new engagement initiatives per team, including goal tracking
Enhanced the performance review experience and standardized ratings
IBM
Partner Ecosystem Event Manager
July 2019 - December 2020
Owned all aspects of the Business Partner award programs and webinars to encourage and celebrate innovation among IBM Business Partners. In addition to Business Partner programs, I supported the LGBTQIA+ ERG as the scrum master and event planner.
Partnered with external vendors to build an applicant tracking system that streamlined the application process with an emphasis on the user experience
Designed the award program communication strategies, including creating branding, websites, and resources for Business Partners
Oversaw the IBM webinar tool, including conducting training sessions, creating resources, and regularly introducing process improvements
Key Skills
Stakeholder Collaboration
Leadership Presentation Design
Budget Management
Results
Increased award program web traffic by
400
%
Reduced award program help tickets by
70
%
Track record of satisfied internal partners
IBM
Partner Ecosystem Event Manager
July 2019 - December 2020
IBM
Partner Ecosystem Event Manager
July 2019 - December 2020
Owned all aspects of the Business Partner award programs and webinars to encourage and celebrate innovation among IBM Business Partners. In addition to Business Partner programs, I supported the LGBTQIA+ ERG as the scrum master and event planner.
Partnered with external vendors to build an applicant tracking system that streamlined the application process with an emphasis on the user experience
Designed the award program communication strategies, including creating branding, websites, and resources for Business Partners
Oversaw the IBM webinar tool, including conducting training sessions, creating resources, and regularly introducing process improvements
Key Skills
Stakeholder Collaboration
Leadership Presentation Design
Budget Management
Results
Increased award program web traffic by
400
%
Reduced award program help tickets by
70
%
Track record of satisfied internal partners
IBM
Partner Ecosystem Event Manager
July 2019 - December 2020
Owned all aspects of the Business Partner award programs and webinars to encourage and celebrate innovation among IBM Business Partners. In addition to Business Partner programs, I supported the LGBTQIA+ ERG as the scrum master and event planner.
Partnered with external vendors to build an applicant tracking system that streamlined the application process with an emphasis on the user experience
Designed the award program communication strategies, including creating branding, websites, and resources for Business Partners
Oversaw the IBM webinar tool, including conducting training sessions, creating resources, and regularly introducing process improvements
Key Skills
Stakeholder Collaboration
Leadership Presentation Design
Budget Management
Results
Increased award program web traffic by
400
%
Reduced award program help tickets by
70
%
Track record of satisfied internal partners
SXSW (South by Southwest)
Client Event Coordinator
September 2014 - July 2019
Owned internal process management and improvement for the Client Events team and supported the production of roughly 1,000 client-sponsored events per year. Ensured contractual obligations were fulfilled, including signage and virtual event promotion. In addition to event production, I supported the LGBTQIA+ ERG with planning fundraisers and coordinating inclusive experiences at SXSW.
Partnered with clients to research venues and vendors that met their event needs.
Designed and implemented a new database to track client event details for internal stakeholders and the City of Austin while maintaining a smooth client experience.
Enhanced an existing venue database to streamline venue searches, reducing the admin workload and improving the client experience.
Key Skills
Event Production
Client Management
Database Design
Results
Track record of satisfied, returning clients
Streamlined data tracking for 1,000+ events
Raised ~$15,000 for queer non-profits in Austin, Texas
SXSW (South by Southwest)
Client Event Coordinator
September 2014 - July 2019
SXSW (South by Southwest)
Client Event Coordinator
September 2014 - July 2019
Owned internal process management and improvement for the Client Events team and supported the production of roughly 1,000 client-sponsored events per year. Ensured contractual obligations were fulfilled, including signage and virtual event promotion. In addition to event production, I supported the LGBTQIA+ ERG with planning fundraisers and coordinating inclusive experiences at SXSW.
Partnered with clients to research venues and vendors that met their event needs.
Designed and implemented a new database to track client event details for internal stakeholders and the City of Austin while maintaining a smooth client experience.
Enhanced an existing venue database to streamline venue searches, reducing the admin workload and improving the client experience.
Key Skills
Event Production
Client Management
Database Design
Results
Track record of satisfied, returning clients
Streamlined data tracking for 1,000+ events
Raised ~$15,000 for queer non-profits in Austin, Texas
SXSW (South by Southwest)
Client Event Coordinator
September 2014 - July 2019
Owned internal process management and improvement for the Client Events team and supported the production of roughly 1,000 client-sponsored events per year. Ensured contractual obligations were fulfilled, including signage and virtual event promotion. In addition to event production, I supported the LGBTQIA+ ERG with planning fundraisers and coordinating inclusive experiences at SXSW.
Partnered with clients to research venues and vendors that met their event needs.
Designed and implemented a new database to track client event details for internal stakeholders and the City of Austin while maintaining a smooth client experience.
Enhanced an existing venue database to streamline venue searches, reducing the admin workload and improving the client experience.
Key Skills
Event Production
Client Management
Database Design
Results
Track record of satisfied, returning clients
Streamlined data tracking for 1,000+ events
Raised ~$15,000 for queer non-profits in Austin, Texas