I am an MBA with 10+ years of senior leadership experience using design to improve quality of life, while convincing others that business strategy is primarily a creative endeavor.

// designer

// innovator

// business & impact strategist

// systems thinker

Motivators

I love this work, in part, because it aligns with my intrinsic motivations.

// Primary Sparketype® //

Strongest impulse for effort and work that fuels me and makes me come alive.

The Scientist

“I figure things out.”

I love to solve complex or “impossible” problems, especially those that improve people’s quality of life.

// Shadow Sparketype® //

Second strongest impulse that amplifies and partners with my Primary Sparketype.

The Maker

“I make ideas manifest.”

I am also deeply motivated by the ability to exercise creativity and bring ideas to life through prototypes and launches.

Strengths

I asked colleagues what reliably shows up in the room when I do. And they said:

Problem-solving

// methodical approach to addressing challenges

// makes insurmountable problems feel manageable

// finding solutions to complex issues

// developing step-by-step processes for execution

Leadership

// motivates with vision and purpose

// creates purposeful problem-solving environments

// brings clarity and direction to discussions

// facilitating for small and large groups

Systems & structure

// creating clarity from complexity

// breaking down problems into manageable pieces

// architecting organizational systems and frameworks

// processes that create efficiency

People development

// empowering colleagues and entrepreneurs

// holding space while challenging others to grow

// helping others see their potential more clearly

// demonstrates thoughtful leadership

Interpersonal qualities

// empathetic and compassionate

// thoughtful and intentional

// honest and trustworthy

// insightful and wise

// reliable and focused

  • Alaina has an uncommon ability to see through the business challenges and use customer insights to create a focused solution based on the existing strengths of the company.

    Eli Gerson, Business Strategy & Innovation Manager

  • Collaborating with Alaina is inspiring. She has an uncanny ability to listen deeply, find the human truth in every challenge, and turn it into a solution that feels both innovative and practical.

    Martha Vega, Education Leader

  • I was incredibly fortunate to work under Alaina... Her mentorship changed the way I serve others and helped me understand the difference we can make when we lead with purpose, compassion, and high expectations.

    Leti Bocanegra, Operations Leader

Origin story

I launched a nonprofit while I was still in high school.

While I was still a high school student in Detroit Public Schools, I observed two common problems faced by my peers:

Lack of consistent access to academic support outside of the classroom

/ 1 /

Lack of opportunities for students seeking part-time jobs

/ 2 /

It inspired me to design a first-of-its-kind peer tutoring service, and I built a business plan around that design. Then, I secured funding to launch this nonprofit at the high school I was attending at the time. The service delivered results, doubling the number of students on the honor roll school-wide after only one semester and creating 16 jobs. All before I graduated from high school. I’m incredibly proud of my work there and have been chasing that feeling ever since.

Affiliations

I am fortunate to belong to some distinguished groups of talented people.