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Sara Stump
Strategy, Design and Research
Professional Background
Sara Stump is a highly accomplished design strategist and educator with a robust professional background that reflects her passion for education and innovative design. With extensive experience in both the academic and corporate sectors, Sara has made significant contributions to various organizations that focus on experience strategy, digital innovation, and educational design methodologies. Her career journey has taken her from freelance design projects to leading strategic design teams, demonstrating her versatility and expertise in the field.
Sara began her professional journey as a Freelance Designer, creating impactful design solutions that met client needs. This initial foray into the design world paved the way for positions with increasing responsibility, including her roles at Gemline where she served as an Industrial Designer and later as a Designer & Product Manager. Her tenure there involved bridging the gap between design, development, and market needs, showcasing her ability to manage projects effectively and drive results.
Progressing through her career, Sara transitioned to Curriculum Associates as a Design Researcher where she employed her educational insights to inform innovative approaches in student learning. This role not only enhanced her understanding of educational design but also allowed her to contribute valuable research that impacts curriculum development.
Her most notable role as a Senior Experience Strategist at Velir allowed Sara to leverage her extensive experience in digital strategy and design to craft meaningful customer experiences. Her strategic thinking and ability to synthesize insights from various digital environments led to transformative project outcomes for clients, further solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in design strategy.
Throughout her career, Sara has consistently nurtured her entrepreneurial spirit; notably, she co-founded STEAM Adventures during her time in the Harvard Innovation Lab, where she played a pivotal role in merging education and creative design to foster engaging learning environments. Her commitment to serving the educational community through innovative design continues to inspire her current work at Sara Stump R&D, where she focuses on design strategy as a freelancer, integrating research and development into practical solutions for her clients.
Education and Achievements
Sara's academic journey has significantly influenced her professional trajectory. She earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the prestigious Harvard University Graduate School of Education, an experience that not only sharpened her pedagogical skills but also instilled a deep understanding of the intersections between education and design. Her studies equipped her with advanced knowledge and best practices, which she applies to her work today.
Prior to her M.Ed., Sara obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Rochester Institute of Technology, where her foundation in design was established. During her time there, she honed her artistic talents and learned to navigate the complexities of design principles and practices.
Additionally, educational exploration at Danmarks Designskole enriched her design sensibilities and exposed her to innovative design practices from a European perspective. These experiences collectively empower her to approach challenges with a unique lens, balancing creativity with functionality.
Notable Achievements
Sara Stump’s career is marked by numerous significant achievements that highlight her expertise in design and education. Her leadership at Velir has awarded her recognition for excellence in experience strategy, demonstrating her capability to not only meet, but exceed client expectations.
Additionally, as co-founder of STEAM Adventures, Sara played an instrumental role in developing a program that engages students through integrated learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). This initiative has had a lasting impact on young learners, fostering an exciting and innovative approach to education that aligns closely with modern educational goals.
Sara's passion for continuous improvement and lifelong learning is evident in her constant pursuit of new knowledge and innovations in design. Her freelance work at Sara Stump R&D continues to showcase her entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to explore new trends and methodologies in design strategy, while directly impacting her clients' operational successes.
tags':['Design Strategy','Educational Design','Freelance Designer','M.Ed. Harvard','Senior Experience Strategist','Digital Innovation','Rochester Institute of Technology','Creative Design','Curriculum Development','STEAM Education','Product Management','Industrial Design','Venture Incubation','Design Research'],
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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