About

Kakie Fitzsimmons is a Senior Project Manager, Consultant, Author, Blogger, Writer, Knowledge Broker, Problem Solver and Speaker.

Throughout her career, Kakie has worked across disciplines which to include project management (business and information technology), leadership development, business, communications, management and marketing consulting, social media and training. She spent nearly 20 years working across financial services, publishing, retail.

From 2005-December 2012, Kakie was Vice President and Founding Partner of a childrens publishing and product company, Farmer’s Hat Productions, where she co-created the award-winning Bur Bur and Friends, a cast of diverse characters who teach kids about sports and outdoors. Kakie speaks to large groups of people about publishing, managing your digital footprint and social media.

Kakie is an executive MBA candidate (est 2013) at The University of St. Thomas – Opus College of Business in Minneapolis. She also received her BA in business management and communications. In addition, Kakie has a PMI certified project manager, which was also acquired from The University of St. Thomas.

She is an author and blogger who has been the recipient of the following:

• Semi-Finalist – Minnesota Cup
  · Teachers Choice Awards
  · Disney iParenting Media Award
  · Mom’s Choice Awards
  · Nickelodeon Parent Picks, Best Local Blog Minneapolis/St. Paul
  · Website Semi-Finalist status -  AdFedMN“The Show”

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Clean Tech Open – A national small business incubator and competition for clean and green technology companies in the United States

• 2010-2011 Marketing and Social Media Co-Chair

American Express

• 2002-2006 Co-Chair, Women’s Interest Network Committee
• 2001-2002 Spanish Interest Network Volunteer Chair and Steering Committee
• 2001-2002 Community Partners Council Member – Philanthropic Committee

Member – Project Management Institute, Execunet Minnesota, Social Media Breakfast Minneapolis, St. Paul Participant

 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• 2007-2010 Boy Scouts of America
• 2000-2012 Board Advisor – La Oportunidad
• 1997-2000 Treasurer and Board Member – La Oportunidad
• Other volunteer work: Junior Achievement, Children’s Tumor Foundation,  Habitat for Humanity, Dorothy Day Center, Feed My Starving Children, Catechist, St. John Neumann Catholic Church

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Award winning author, blogger, writer. Recipient of multiple awards and recognition including:

• Teachers Choice Award
• Disney iParenting Media Awards
• Mom’s Choice Awards
• Nickelodeon Parent Picks, Best Local Blog Minneapolis
• Semi-Finalist in 2007 Minnesota Cup
• Website Semi-Finalist Advertising Federation of MN competition called “The Show”

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND MEDIA APPEARANCES

• Mall of America
• Science Museum of Minnesota
• Minnesota Children’s Museum
• Hubbs Children’s Literature Conference
• University of St. Thomas
• Book readings & signings: Hennepin County Library, Children’s Museum of Minnesota, St. David’s Center, Minnesota Saints Game,
• The Bookcase of Wayzata, The Red Balloon Bookshop, Toddler Tuesdays

STRENGTHSFINDER PROFILE RESULTS

1. Learner
2. Activator
3. Focus
4. Command
5. Input