Mariam Vadria

About Mariam Vadria

Program and Insights Leader with 10+ years of experience translating complex data into strategy, improving public services, and driving measurable results. I lead cross-functional teams to turn mixed-methods research into action: informing design, strengthening delivery, and enabling better decisions.I thrive at the intersection of spreadsheets, people, and structure. In my most recent role, I managed $25M+ in federal and global contracts, led 30+ research and strategy projects, and oversaw teams of 60+ consultants and 65+ staff. I build scalable systems and high-performing teams that turn raw data into insight, improve services, and create space for others to thrive.SELECT ACHIEVEMENTSPROJECT MANAGEMENT & DELIVERY• Delivered 30+ projects across 10+ countries with 100% on-time, on-budget execution• Managed $25M in contracts; streamlined operations to cut ramp-up time by 50%INSIGHT TO ACTION• Led evaluation of a $40M national health initiative, guiding redesign based on findings• Synthesized insights and facilitated 10+ workshops to inform executive strategyCROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION• Unified technical, client, and delivery teams to rescue a delayed CRM rollout (completed in 6 months vs. 1.5 years)• Partnered with design and product leads to launch peer learning sessions reaching public sector professionalsCHANGE MANAGEMENT• Built a knowledge transfer system across 39 projects, improving onboarding and retention• Designed engagement strategies for 8 decentralized teams post-reorg, boosting clarity and moraleI take a structured approach to messy challenges and pride myself on being a flexible problem-solver. I am a generalist by design, a \'management consultant\' who wears many hats! I\'m always looking for ways to improve outcomes, support strategic thinking, and strengthen implementation. These days, I am helping build Dandelion Works, a nimble, data-forward consulting company, while also exploring my next full-time role.I am open to new opportunities and love meaningful conversations. Whether you are hiring, seeking a thought partner, or simply curious about shared interests, I am glad we crossed paths. Colleagues often say I “make things happen”. I aim to do that with equal parts purpose, precision, and humor.

Experience

1. Senior Project Manager and Operations Lead

   Dandelion Works

   Mar 2025 — Present

   Dandelion Works is a nimble, people-centered consulting firm that helps mission-driven organizations move from complexity to clarity. We work with mission-driven companies to turn insights into action through strategy, data, and implementation support.As Head of Strategy & Operations, I draw on my background in program management, stakeholder relationship building, research, and change leadership to shape our services and internal operations. I support business development, design tools and frameworks, and help organizations navigate change with clarity and care.We are building Dandelion Works to make important work easier, with grounded thinking, collaborative processes, and practical tools that stick.Focus areas include:• Change strategy & facilitation• Program & workflow design• Data storytelling & insight synthesis• Strategic communications• Capacity-building & implementation tools• People-centered measurement & evaluationhttps://dandelion-works.com/

Education

• Columbia | SIPA

  Master of Public Administration (MPA), Economic and Political Development

  2014 — 2016

• Institute of Business Administration

  Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA, Business Administration and Management, General

  2006 — 2010