Alicia Pettis
Brand Strategist & Design Thinker.
I build brands by understanding people.
My background combines fundraising, design thinking, consumer research, and MBA brand management. Across nonprofit, higher education, entrepreneurship, and CPG, I’ve led qualitative and quantitative research that uncovered unmet consumer needs and translated those insights into products, services, and growth strategies.
Portfolio
Consulted on Youth Workforce Development Program for Sitar Arts Center. Brought urban development lense to create partnership model with local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). At pitch competition, we won “People’s Choice Award.”
Timeline
4 Months
Organization
Sitar Arts Center
Role
Design Thinking Consultant
Date Completed
April 2023
Spearheaded research, creation, and strategic visioning of millennial giving service solution: the GOLD Network. Directed comprehensive quantitative & qualitative research to gain insights into what drives them to give. Implemented solution, involving organizational design and change management.
Timeline
1 year
Organization
James Madison University
Role
Lead
Date Completed
August 2016
Leveraged deep trends in tech to advocate for more digital solicitations, resulting in 24% increase in donors. Led collaboration of cross-functional team to create first Career & Networking Month, engaging 1k alumni.
Timeline
1 Year
Organization
James Madison University
Role
Lead
Date Completed
August 2016
Pitched to investors a business proposal to increase young alumni giving resulting in $12k of seed-money for 2 new service ventures.
Timeline
1 Month
Organization
James Madison University
Role
Co-Lead
Date Completed
June 2022
First hire of early-stage liquid nitrogen ice cream venture. Won “people’s choice” at 2013 D.C. Scoop competition within 4 months of creation. Developed brand & marketing strategy for entrepreneurial venture that within 1 year had 3 brick and mortar locations.
Timeline
4 Months
Organization
Nicecream LLC
Role
Marketing & Events Manager
Date Completed
June 2022