KANAK BHARDWAJ
Chicago
Summary
Results-oriented marketing professional with expertise in campaign execution, data analytics, and brand development across diverse sectors. Skilled in utilizing Python, SQL, Excel, and Google Analytics to optimize prospecting efforts and enhance conversions. Experienced in designing multi-channel marketing campaigns that drive engagement and revenue while managing teams and budgets to support organizational growth.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Consultant
Art of Imagination
03.2026 - Current
- Directed the planning and execution of luxury weddings, corporate events, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and other upscale events from concept through completion.
- Managed multiple concurrent events by developing timelines, coordinating logistics, and ensuring seamless execution from planning through event day.
- Cultivated strong client relationships by translating event concepts into personalized experiences while providing consistent communication throughout the planning process.
- Oversaw event design, floral installations, décor selection, and production details to deliver cohesive, high-quality event experiences.
- Negotiated and managed vendor partnerships, coordinated venue logistics, and sourced event materials while maintaining project budgets and quality standards.
- Supervised event staff and coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure efficient operations and successful event execution.
- Managed inventory, rentals, and event assets to support operational efficiency and maintain production readiness.
- Identified process improvements that enhanced planning workflows, strengthened team collaboration, and contributed to exceptional client experiences.
Marketing & Office Operations Associate
UPS
12.2025 - Current
- Executed online and print advertising campaigns increasing outreach and brand visibility.
- Designed visual assets including flyers, posters, and digital content to support local marketing campaigns and events.
- Executed online and print advertising campaigns that enhanced outreach and increased brand visibility.
- Oversaw daily office operations, scheduling, and client support across marketing and admin teams.
- Supported advertising, communications, and growth strategies; adapted to flexible scheduling needs.
- Assisted in shaping on-brand materials by adapting layouts, typography, and messaging for diverse audiences, reinforcing brand consistency.
- Assisted in shaping on-brand materials by adapting layouts, typography, and messaging for different audiences.
- Collaborated with internal teams to align creative requests with operational timelines, ensuring timely delivery of marketing materials.
Chamber of Commerce
Chicago North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce
08.2025 - 09.2026
- Served as the primary liaison and group leader for the North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce, fostering collaboration among local businesses, community organizations, and stakeholders.
- Developed and implemented initiatives that supported small business growth, increased community engagement, and promoted local economic development.
- Built strategic partnerships with business owners, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to expand access to resources and strengthen neighborhood commerce.
- Organized networking events, workshops, and outreach programs that connected entrepreneurs with funding opportunities, business support services, and professional development resources.
- Advocated for local businesses by identifying community needs, promoting economic initiatives, and encouraging investment within the North Lawndale community.
- Coordinated cross-functional projects and community programs that advanced organizational goals and enhanced stakeholder engagement.
- Managed communications with members, partners, and community leaders to support collaboration and increase participation in Chamber initiatives.
- Contributed to long-term community development by supporting programs that encouraged local spending, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.
Administrative Assistant
Junior Achievement USA
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Delivered financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness programs to students through classroom instruction and experiential learning activities.
- Collaborated with educators, volunteers, and community partners to coordinate and facilitate youth development initiatives.
- Mentored students by fostering leadership, professional development, and critical thinking skills to prepare them for future academic and career success.
- Engaged with local business professionals to connect students with real-world perspectives on career exploration and entrepreneurship.
- Supported program planning and execution to ensure engaging, impactful learning experiences for diverse student populations.
- Encouraged student participation and confidence through interactive activities that promoted teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Marketing and On-Site Ambassador
Perplexity AI
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Spearheaded daily recruitment initiatives, engaging 200+ students per day through campus events, social media outreach, and peer networking, resulting in expanded Perplexity AI’s student user base.
- Analyzed engagement data and recruitment funnel metrics to identify high-yield outreach strategies, contributing to a 40% increase in active campus users over the semester.
- Collaborated with a team of ambassadors to design and execute data-informed marketing campaigns, tracking performance through conversion rates and participation analytics.
- Developed and maintained dashboards to measure recruitment growth, event success, and brand awareness, translating insights into strategies for continuous improvement.
- Partnered with Perplexity AI’s marketing division to present biweekly analytics reports, highlighting trends, user feedback, and campaign ROI to optimize future initiatives.
Growth Architect
LA Fitness / XSport
10.2024 - 01.2025
- Conducted data-driven prospecting using market and competitor analysis, resulting in increased revenue opportunities.
- Built Python dashboard visualizing sales KPIs, promo effectiveness, and corporate memberships to enhance decision-making.
- Created Excel-based prospect scoring systems using formulas, validation, and weighted scoring.
- Automated CRM/SQL refresh processes, increasing data accuracy and optimizing conversion tracking.
Education
B.S. - Marketing, Information and Decision Sciences (Business Analytics)
University of Illinois Chicago + Griffith University
Australia12-2025
Skills
- Python, R, SQL, Excel, Google Analytics, Data visualization, Tableau, Power BI, Statistical analysis, Data cleaning, Dashboard building, Exploratory data analysis, A/B test design, SEMrush, Canva, Adobe, GoDaddy, Wix, WordPress, News writing, AP style editing, Fact-checking, Investigative research, Multimedia storytelling, Podcast production, Copyediting, Social media storytelling, Newsletter writing, Event Planning, Branding, CRM Management
LANGUAGES
Hindi (Native), French (Proficient), Spanish (Proficient), Gujarati (Proficient).
English
Native or Bilingual
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- LEADERSHIP & CAMPUS EXPERIENCE American Marketing Association — Director of Student Affairs & Engagement—Executive Board
- Managed budgets, vendor coordination, and logistics for 10+ events per semester.
- Led recruitment campaigns increasing membership 17% YoY; events averaged 20+ prospects.
- Directed communications and engagement strategy across a 65 member chapter.
- LEADERSHIP & CAMPUS EXPERIENCE United Women’s Network — Director of Marketing— Executive Board
- Vice Director (2024) and Director of Marketing (2025).
- Led cross channel promotions increasing engagement 45% YoY.
- Managed a 3 person marketing team; executed 20+ events annually; boosted sponsorships and attendance 31%.
- LEADERSHIP & CAMPUS EXPERIENCE TEDxChicago — Head of Marketing & Committee— Executive Board
- Supported brand aligned social, email, and community campaigns for 100+ attendee events.
- Facilitated workshops promoting mental health awareness and open discussion.
- Created and led teams for brand-based campaigning and helped faculty push agendas on students.
Timeline
Project Consultant
Art of Imagination
03.2026 - Current
Marketing & Office Operations Associate
UPS
12.2025 - Current
Chamber of Commerce
Chicago North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce
08.2025 - 09.2026
Administrative Assistant
Junior Achievement USA
08.2025 - 12.2025
Marketing and On-Site Ambassador
Perplexity AI
08.2025 - 12.2025
Growth Architect
LA Fitness / XSport
10.2024 - 01.2025
B.S. - Marketing, Information and Decision Sciences (Business Analytics)
University of Illinois Chicago + Griffith University