Amy Folkestad
Technical leader, Strategic Analyst and Data Scientist
I am a driven, self-starter who thrives in analytical roles that enable me to use my passion for data, math, and visual storytelling to solve complex problems.
Analytical Technology: Python, Jupyter Notebook, Visual Studio Code, SQL, SSMS, AWS, Azure, Excel, Tableau, PowerBI
Analytical Experience: Strategic Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Mapping (ERD diagrams), Data Mining, Data Cleaning, KPI’s, ROI, Forecasting, A/B Testing, Marketing Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Correlation Matrices, Regression Analysis, Research, Machine Learning, AI
Professional Experience
Senior Business Analyst
BLN24 | Remote | June 2024 – Present
- Managing GA4 web analytics for the Census Bureau, including researching user behavior and root cause analysis of KPI trends
- Applying advanced analytics to optimize the Census search experience, improving data accessibility for all users
Tech: Google Analytics, Adobe Launch, Python, Jupyter Notebook, Tableau, Excel and Jira
Data Science Consultant & Continuing Education
Contract Data Consulting and Continuing Education | Denver, CO | November 2023 – May 2024
- Developed a custom retirement forecasting data application utilizing machine learning and probability theory, packaged with Streamlit
- Statistical analysis, visualizations, and business insights through a machine learning and AI program via UC Berkley
- Built a mathematical foundation for advanced analytics through the Calculus sequence and Linear Algebra at Arapahoe Community College
Tech: Python, Visual Studio Code, GitHub, Jupyter Notebook, Tableau, PowerBI, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite
Enterprise Data & Business Analyst
Stanley Consultants | Centennial, CO | January 2023 – October 2023
- Created the first complete applicant tracking process that pioneered the use of a custom field to link candidate data to the hired employees
- Defined business logic and calculations for human resources, sales, KPI, and forecasting dashboards
- Improved data quality by implementing ERP data entry logic to prevent data errors proactively
- Tripled report engagement by defining new data initiatives and improving the visual storytelling of Enterprise reporting, including creating a custom JSON PowerBI theme and branded backgrounds
- Significantly improved department efficiency through the development of the Enterprise reporting life cycle, including setting up the ticketing system to maintain and document report requests
Tech: SQL, SSMS, Excel, PowerBI, Deltek, ServiceNow, Sharepoint, PowerAutomate, JSON
Data Analyst
Bii Consulting | Contract with MosaicCo | Centennial, CO | January 2022 – July 2022
- Increased automation and optimized storage use through data analysis and modeling
- Data loading and testing to identify optimal Azure architecture
- ERD diagrams and data definitions to create clarity for data engineers
- Created PowerPoint presentations of data processes and findings utilized by Bii Consulting to present our data research findings to the MosaicCo executive team
Tech: Azure, SAP HANA, ETL, SSMS, SQL, Parquet, PowerBI, JSON
President, Analyst, and Technology Consultant
Design Web Design Studio | Centennial, CO | January 2013 – January 2023
- Led business growth through data-driven web design, spearheaded digital strategy and marketing campaigns with a network of freelancers, researched and managed technical solutions
- Reduced admin time by 5+ hours per week and optimized customer experience by automating scheduling processes (Zapier, form triggers)
- Doubled online leads via comparative market research to enable lucrative digital strategies and optimized product offerings
- Developed strategic insights through the setup and maintenance of Google Analytics Dashboards
- Lowered page load time to under 1 second to increase customer engagement (lower bounce rates) through network and content optimization
- 15% increase in customer engagement through MailChimp drip campaigns
- Amplified product growth by partnering with marketing to create trade show designs, product specification materials, and A/B testing designs for Lat-Lon (GPS tracking solutions)
- Secured payment gateways by integrating SaaS applications via API
- Halted cyber attacks by adding security features to payment gateways, blacklisting known malicious IP addresses within the server settings, and customizing database architecture within WordPress to prevent known points of attack proactively
Tech: WordPress, Bootstrap, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, OAuth, API, Authorize.net, IoT, DNS, GitHub, Adobe Suite, PHP, CSS, Html, Python, Excel, Camtasia
Education
Arapahoe Community College | Mathematics
Calculus II & III and Linear Algebra, 4.0 GPA
Lesley University | Master in Education
Specialization in visual storytelling
Calvin University | Bachelors of Science | Biology Major & Art Minor
Principal chair clarinet, Dean’s scholar
Excerpt from my performance of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto
UC Berkley Executive Education | Machine Learning & AI
6-month intensive certificate program
Graduated June 2024