Amra Tilahun

Market Research Analyst | DEI Advocate

The Driving Force Behind My Work

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Having worked extensively in the field of market research, I have honed my skills in collecting and analyzing data to uncover trends, patterns, and make actionable recommendations. My expertise lies in examining the intersectionality between diversity initiatives and mental health, recognizing the essential role they play in creating thriving workplaces.

I have collaborated with various subject matter experts, assisting them in developing comprehensive worlplace training programs that embrace individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Additionally, I am deeply committed to raising awareness about mental health in corporate settings. I believe that fostering an environment that supports employees' well-being ultimately leads to increased engagement, productivity, and overall organizational success. I provide valuable insights on how companies can prioritize employee mental well-being, reduce stressors, and implement policies that encourage work-life balance.

University of California, Santa Cruz

B.S Cognitive Science

Human Computer Interaction and AI

2020

Data Analytics Certification

Google Coursera

2023

This opportunity allowed me to combine my passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, wellness and mindfulness practices, along with strengthening my skills in market research, product management, and curriculum development.

I primarily worked on the product development of REAL Vision VR Training + Wellness, an immersive training platform to provide corporate compliance training, DEI education and wellness experiences.

I was responsible for creating and managing ten company-wide database libraries to support our product development for REAL Vision. This library included over:

• 1200 research papers
• 70 organizations
• 200 potential clients

My responsibilities also included developing our commercial strategy, product roadmap, and competitive analysis.

I was fortunate to collaborate with various teams at Penumbra which provided us with new perspectives on the product.

This role allowed me to grow not only as a market researcher, but as an individual who is passionate about DEI and wellness.

Penumbra Inc.

Market Researcher, 01/2022-08/2022

Alameda, CA

This was my first professional experience shortly after graduating from University. The pace of working at a start up was initially intimidating, but I am so grateful to have worked in a cross collaborative environment where I held responsibilites in product development, marketing, research, quality assurance, and recruiting.

The company was inspired by the BLM movement that was at its peak during my first few weeks of working at Sixense. This was the inspiration of my first assignment: creating a new immersive DEI corporate training program. I was involved in the early stages of naming and defining the objectives of this platform, all the way to creating a business proposal to our board members. This work led to Penumbra's $300 million acquisition of Sixense Enterprises.

I initiated diversity recruiting and training efforts for new interns and undergraduate hires in 2021. By designing and implementing these programs, I aimed to foster a more diverse and inclusive work environment while providing valuable opportunities for emerging talent.

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Sixense Inc.

Product Specialist June 2020-December 2021

Los Gatos, CA

Social Media Marketing

As a freelancer social media marketer and digital creator since November 2022, my primary responsibilities have included building relationships with brand marketing teams and developing engaging and visually appealing content to drive brand awareness and enhance online presence.

I create content on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube to hit both short and long-term business goals for over 40 brands in the beauty, lifestyle, and wellness industries.

One of my key achievements has been building and maintaining a thriving online community of 25,000 engaged followers generating over 6,500,000 views.

References

Co-worker

Project Supervisor

Direct Manager

In the time Amra and I worked together, I was constantly impressed by both the content of her work and the integrity of her character. The lighthearted, cheerful attitude Amra brings to work with incredible consistency is matched only by her diligence, dedication, and attention to detail. For over a year, Amra and I worked closely together on brand/product development, research, strategy, and general marketing efforts. There was no challenge too complex for her, and she could be relied on to complete work quickly, creatively, and intuitively organize databases and presentations, and would always find ways to improve processes. Amra sets an incredible example as a dedicated and methodical coworker

My first impression of Amra was in a professional development class I was leading where she distinguished herself with impressive insights and knowledge of the subject area; the resulting conversation was at a much higher level than it would have been without her participation. Subsequently, Amra was the point person between her team and mine as she developed material related to some of our team's previous work. In all the interactions with my colleagues and I, she continually impressed us with her organization, cross-functional collaborative skills, broad perspectives, and solution-oriented approach. She is someone you will want to work with.

I had the absolute honor of managing Amra at Sixense and then post-acquisition at Penumbra. Amra is a true “go-getter”. She is a self-starter who can solve any problem that comes her way. She has a deep understanding of the goals of her immediate team but also has the ability to relate that directly to the overall company goals. This allows her to develop and execute on projects that significantly contribute to our success.

I relied on Amra to get things done and she never disappointed. Amra displayed poise, confidence, and subject matter expertise throughout her time at Sixense and Penumbra. I am forever grateful to have had Amra as a member of my team. Amra would be an extremely valuable asset to any team/company.

University of California, Santa Cruz

B.S. Cognitive Science - AI and Human Computer Interaction

June 2020

On-Campus Employment

African American Resource Center - Student Program Coordinator 2017-2020

Student Health Center- Peer Health Educator 2017-2018

Residential Assistant - 2018-2020

ITS Computer Lab Administrator 2019-2020

Extra Curriculars

National Society of Black Engineers

African Student Union = Boardmember

Black Student Union

Research

Advanced Cognitive Research Lab Assistant 2019-2020

Advanced Cognitive Research Lab Assistant 2019-2020