About me

I'm a passionate leader committed to supporting sustainable companies and those dedicated to fostering green spaces.

With a dynamic mindset, a passion for nurturing diverse perspectives, and a strong inclination towards collaboration, I elevate team energy and draw out innovative thoughts with an entrepreneurial mindset. My expertise lies in biophilic design, project management, data analysis and system optimization, enabling me to contribute significantly to organizations' goals and objectives. My goal is to become an influential leader who excels in simplifying intricate concepts, making data relatable, and igniting inspiration for meaningful action and impactful results in the sustainability of our interconnected world.

Maria Zimmer

Education

Bachelors Of Marketing

2015- 2019
Grand Valley State University

Bachelors of Management Information Systems

2015- 2019
Grand Valley State University
Certifications

Foundations of Biophilic Design

March 2024
International Living Future Institute

Registered Yoga Teacher RYT200

November 2022
Yoga Alliance
Experience

Founder & Contract Biophilic Designer, Foster Spaces

November 2021─ Present

Curating a diverse portfolio across commercial and residential projects in the built environment, blending natural elements with human-centric design. Clients trust me as their consultant, overseeing every aspect from initial concepts to final installation, including plant selection, layout optimization, and application of biophilic principles. Beyond design, I have led interactive workshops aimed at demystifying the world of plants and empowering individuals to cultivate green spaces of their own. With a focus on innovation and inclusivity, I am committed to fostering connections between people and nature, one green space at a time.

Technology Consultant, Deloitte

May 2022─ January 2024

As project manager, I functioned as the functional scoping lead for procure-to-pay in a global SAP software implementation spanning 6 continents. Successfully supported insight workshops to identify critical elements within the workflow, aligning systems with the client's needs and future state requirements.

Business Technology Analyst, Deloitte

January 2021─ May 2022

Conducted client meetings to gather functional and technical requirements, collaborating with design and technical teams to configure innovative and user-friendly reporting solutions. Skillfully managed defect coordination throughout multiple testing cycles.

Business Analytics Intern, Haworth

August 2018─ February 2020

Led client design workshops to define business KPIs and metrics for global dashboards. Built 8+ business intelligence reports based on user feedback cycles for global sales and executive teams. Managed solution implementation and delivery of user reference guides and conducted 6+ live training sessions.

Founder & Lead Gardener, Maria's Row

May 2006─ October 2016

Pioneered "Maria's Row" at age 10, demonstrating a lifelong devotion to biophilic design and sustainability. Cultivated environmental stewardship, annually donating organic produce to local food pantries, addressing food insecurity and promoting equitable access to nutrition.

Strengths
Logical Visioner

Purpose-driven leader simplifying complexities to drive innovation for sustainable organizations.

Resourceful Self-Starter

Excels at initiating and driving projects, ensuring they align with goals and objectives.

Good Listener

Collaborative team player, fostering innovation through active listening.

Wellness Advocate

Certified yoga instructor, wellness expert, and DEI champion.

Global Citizen

Having traveled through 23+ countries, I bring a global perspective that enriches my approach to problem-solving and creativity.

Analytical Leader

Proficient in data analysis, project management, and fostering sustainable solutions for impactful results.

05
School
Awards
150
Projects
Delivered
730
Serving
Hours
13
Personal
Hobbies
Portfolio

Here are a few samples from my portfolio!

Click to review them.

High
Medium
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High
References

"Maria has excellent communication skills, a well-developed analytical aptitude, and an unmatched curiosity and quest to learn and experience new things. Maria can work independently with little direction. She demonstrates a high degree of initiative and holds herself accountable to complete tasks on time and in a quality manner. Maria will be an excellent addition to any organization and has my highest recommendation."

~Jeff Harrison, VP of Global Strategy at Haworth
References

"Ms. Zimmer is an excellent collaborator and has a growth mindset. Never ‘stuck in her own way of thinking,’ I count on Maria to bring creative ideas to small and large group discussions. I enjoy watching her work in a group setting as she has a unique ability to bring out the best in those around her. She demonstrates a compassionate humility balanced with an air of confidence – a nice blend."

~Leslie Lynch, Management Professor at GVSU
References

"We are amazed at how well [Maria’s] design matched our vision and has brought new life to the space. The office not only looks polished and professional and alive, but it uplifts and brightens the workplace, making it a more productive environment overall."

~Auric Capitol, Foster Spaces Client
Languages
100%

English

95%

Spanish

80%

German

Contact Details

Email

mzimmer56@gmail.com

Phone

+1 (616) 648-8717

Address

Denver, Colorado. USA

Contact me

Would love to connect! Send me a message below and I will reach back out within 24 hours.

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