What I Do Best

I’m an entrepreneurial, people-first leader who is passionate about designing community focused cultures and experiences for teams that create purpose, self-fulfillment, and results. I bridge the gap between organizations and their stakeholders, through thoughtful communication strategies and humanizing brands.

I believe the best strategy to success is having clear vision, mission and core values as well as empowerment throughout the team to be creative in reaching their goals. I have expertise in leadership, marketing, communications, change management, business operations, and culture development.

Resume

  • Master of Science in Entrepreneurship, 2019

    University of Washington | Seattle, WA

    Bachelor of Science in Global Wine Studies, 2012

    Central Washington University | Ellensburg, WA

    Associates Equivalent, 2010

    Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA

  • Human Resources Management | HRCI 2024

    Systems Thinking | Cornell University 2023

    Executive Women In Leadership | Cornell University 2022

    Project Management Basics | PMI 2021

    Sommelier Certificate | Central Washington University 2012

    Wine Trade Professional | Central Washington University 2011

  • Brand Manager @ HICC Pet Inc | Dec 2023 - Present

    Digital Consumer Marketing @ Woodinville Wine Country | July 2023 - Present

    Startup Consultant @ Good Mountain Collective | March 2023 - Present

    Marketing Director + Head of People & Culture + Head of Special Projects @ Atomo Coffee | January 2019 - January 2023

    Founder @ Good Mountain Cider Co. | September 2015 - January 2019

    Front of House & Marketing Manager @ Moonshine BBQ | October 2015 - September 2018

    Tasting Room Manager & Social Media Director @ Alexandria Nicole Cellars | June 2013 - October 2015

    Assistant to the Director of Wine, Beverages, and Gastronomy @ Central Washington University | August 2012- June 2013

    Adjust Professor, Global Wine Studies @ Central Washington University | August 2012 - June 2013

    I also have about 10 years of hospitality, culinary, and beverage experience woven in from my late teens all the way through grad school including:

    Bartender @ Carnivore | 2018 - 2019

    Production Assistant and Taproom @ Locust Cider | 2018

    Baker, Prep Chef, Bartender, Waitress, and Assistant Events Manager @ Swiftwater Cellars | 2010 - 2012

    Seasonal Production Assistant + Tasting Room Lead @ Heymann Winery | 2008 - 2010

  • Entrepreneur Mentor @ University of Washington | Sept 2019 - Present

    Clover Creek Restoration Team Member @ Tahoma Audubon Society | August 2023 - Present

    Events Assistant @ Offset Ciderworks | July 2023 - Present

    Volunteer @ Pierce Conservation District | Summer 2023

    Production Assistant @ Locust Cider | Fall 2015 (returned as an employee in 2018)

    Production Assistant @ Dreadnought Brewing | 2015 -2016

    Events Assistant @ Eventor Inc | 2008 - 2013

For more information about roles, responsibilities and results from my work experience, please visit: Portfolio.

Recommendations

  • "As Head of People and Culture, Cara spearheaded shaping our company culture and set the example for upholding core values, elevating morale, and fostering collaboration across the organization. Her commitment to welcoming new hires and candidates from the first interview through the onboarding process was unwavering and her warmth always left a lasting positive impression."

    Jade Ogoshi, Operations Manager

  • “The first thing you'll notice when you meet Cara is how warm and welcoming she is. No matter who you are or where you come from, when you meet Cara, you'll feel like you've known her your whole life. Maybe it's because Cara is so at home with herself. Whatever it is, she makes you feel at home when you're with her and immediately you know you're in good hands... Cara knows so much and yet she's also a consummate student of life and industry. She makes the impossible seem not only possible, but effortless and to me that is so inspiring!”

    Heather Sutton, PMP

  • "Cara excelled at whatever position she was asked to fulfill - and you could rely on great communication, an honest and informed opinion and an overall amazing human to work beside. Just an absolute asset to whatever company she works with. She is at the top of my list of people to hire if I ever started a company - because you can count on her top effort and amazing results."

    Trevor Niekowal, Product Developer

  • "Cara's skills as a marketer are exceptional, but it's her incredible management ability that truly sets her apart. She effortlessly commands the respect of all those she works with, bringing together diverse teams to deliver timely results with unmatched precision. Working alongside her is an opportunity for growth and learning."

    Betsy Noll, Digital Marketer

  • "Cara is simply a marketing machine. Her ability to incorporate core business capabilities into brand strategy is only foreshadowed by her personal drive. Cara is also a cultural force within teams. Her attitude motivates teams to push themselves while maintaining a positive mindset. At the executive level Cara is undoubtedly capable of managing multiple teams and projects from roots to success."

    Taylor Moore, Product Manager & Creative Director

I’d love to connect.