Maria Iakimenko
Lead Project Manager, Talent Acquisition
LinkedIn
✉ contact@forgeave.com
.
Lead Project Manager, Talent Acquisition
Maria holds a Bachelor of Design in Advertising and brings 6+ years of industry experience to Forge Ave. Combining creative vision with sharp project management, she guarantees your brand’s goals are met seamlessly.
Education
Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD U)
Bachelor of Design - Advertising
Graduated: May 2022 | Toronto, ON
Relevant Coursework:
- Communications
- Public Relations
- Marketing
- Media Relations
- Marketing Design
Capabilities
| Strategic Communications & Planning |
Team Leadership & Staff Development |
Brand Identity & Visual Communications |
| Social Media Strategy & Management | Website Buildout | SEO & Web Management (WordPress, Divi) |
|
Public & Media Relations |
Digital & Print Content Creation |
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) |
Work History
Communications Project Manager & Content Lead
- Led end-to-end communications and creative campaigns across digital and print, ensuring brand consistency and audience engagement.
- Developed and executed website overhauls for clients, increasing client profits by 200%.
- Acted as a communications advisor for clients, developing content aligned with public-facing brand goals.
- Oversaw internal project workflows, approvals, and team deliverables to maintain high-quality standards.
- Managed public messaging during client rebranding phases, including community-facing announcements.
- Provided staff supervision and training for new team members learning company software.
- Coordinated company budget planning and executed crisis communication strategies to resolve client issues efficiently.
Design Consultant
- Designed integrated visual communications aligned with organizational goals.
- Conducted business analysis and competitor benchmarking to guide communications strategy.
- Delivered strategic proposals to clients for brand positioning and messaging rollout.
Event Designer & Communications Lead
- Designed exhibition branding and managed digital communications across web and social platforms.
- Led social media timelines, content development, and event promotion strategies.
Event Consultant
- Supported planning, marketing, and digital promotion of institutional education events.
- Developed video content for promotional materials, encouraging increased student participation.
Web & Visual Designer (Freelance)
- Created and implemented content strategies for small business and education clients, including website wireframes, Google Ads, and promotional assets.
- Collaborated with clients to align design communications with business objectives.