Alicea Engquist

People-First Systems Architect | Belonging, Boundaries, Enablement

Castro Valley, United States (-08:00 UTC) English, Chinese, Frenchfrom Castro Valley, United States
Usually responds in 1 day
Free
Price per hour
15 min30 min
Time Blocks Available
5.00
2 reviews / 2 sessions
Sun
08
Next availability

Bio

I’ve been in tech and entertainment for over a decade, accumulating small-business and global-conglomerate experience along the way. I've worn all the hats, know how to be scrappy, but have also learned what it is to be in a niche role as a cog in the machine. My background has mostly been in Ops and Engineering, and while I don’t have a CS degree, I've had to learn how to speak the language, as I've had the privilege of working in IT, recruiting, and then as part of the dev arm at a movie-making company. I proudly share I was honored with a Hero Award during my latest stint at Pixar Animation Studios, and I've accomplished professional goals that I've set out for myself since entering the workforce as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed NCG (new college grad). I’m currently navigating a career transition as I set new, loftier, bigger dream goals for myself, and I'd love to be there to collaborate with you as you figure out and achieve yours. Whether you need help mapping your strengths, prepping for a tough conversation, or just untangling your thoughts—I’m here to listen, reflect, and guide.

Expertise

  • Career guidance

    I've helped and unofficially mentored colleagues to grow and functioned as a continuous sounding board as they navigated what they were after and how it aligned within the organization's structure

  • Community building

    If you're thinking of social media community building, this isn't what this is referring to. If you're interested in community building as a concept in the workplace, then I’m your person!

  • Imposter syndrome

    OOF. Who of us has not experienced this? What helps is having a strong community around us that reminds us what we can't see about ourselves, and I'd love to join your community of cheerleaders! Together we’ll work through what's going on with you and potential triggers (if any), but at the least, I’m here to listen and boost you up!

  • Remote work

    Who doesn't remember when the world shut down, and we were all forced into this? However, Remote Work (capital R & W) have been around long before that (remember telecommuting). As an advocate for FLEXIBILITY in work, I can share my experiences for all spectrum of interest on this scale of "Remote Work."

  • Venting frustration

    I have been there. We all have! This is a natural and completely acceptable response to what is going on in your life, because YOU are feeling it, and YOU are the center of YOUR world. What is important is how we can channel this into viable action we can live with. This includes being curious and introspective as to what is causing this, as sometimes the root cause of what's bugging us isn't the most immediate thing that triggered the reaction.

Toolkit

  • Zoom logo

    Zoom

    10 years of experience

    Practically a Zoom Wizard - I can help you troubleshoot, walk you through set up, on both the hardware and software side. Tips & tricks for how you appear on / off camera? Ping me, and I can help you get sorted.

Experience

  • Pixar Animation Studios

    Project Manager, Software Development
    •pixar.com

    Led the coordination and execution of high-impact software engineering projects to drive productivity and ensure seamless cross-team communication. • Improved team productivity 100% by redesigning Sprint processes and analyzing project data for actionable recommendations • Drove cross-functional collaboration across engineering, production, and leadership, resolving high-priority technical trade-offs and ensuring alignment with business objectives • Created and managed complex 6+ month project plans, tracking progress and coordinating priorities across 3-4 leads and 13-19 engineers • Codified best practices and implemented sustainable engineering workflows, including retrospectives and backlog optimization, to enhance efficiency, accountability, and knowledge-sharing

  • Pixar Animation Studios

    Executive Assistant
    •pixar.com

    Promoted to Executive Assistant managing two VPs’ schedules and departments while maintaining existing responsibilities. Cultivated positive rapport across teams and leadership. • Captained annual Disney-wide technology conference (Disgraph), establishing comprehensive documentation and templates to ensure sustainable framework for future organizers • Coordinated RenderMan Art & Science Fair, an annual showcase of innovations in visual effects and animation technology • Developed end-to-end content management system for Motion Capture team, including request tracking, documentation templates, and process workflows adopted studio-wide • Led regular stakeholder status meetings, ensuring alignment across teams and timely resolution of department issues • Prepped and shepherded VPs and senior leaders to high-level meetings

  • Pixar Animation Studios

    Senior Assistant
    •pixar.com

    Managed daily operations, including executive calendar coordination, travel arrangements, and departmental logistics. Served as a liaison between departments and assistants. • Coordinated ML/AI research initiatives and seminars, partnering with Disney Research and Imagineering partners to foster innovation • Established expertise in purchase order processes by administering departmental budgeting and vendor coordination • Advanced DEIB initiatives, fostering inclusive environments and supporting cross-functional teamwork across diverse groups • Stepped in as interim project coordinator during team transition, facilitating standups and critical scheduling and documentation assistance

  • Apple

    Recruiting Coordinator, Software Engineering
    •apple.com

    Coordinated comprehensive recruitment processes for software engineering teams (Siri, iCloud, Core OS, Maps), advancing from contract to full-time role with expanded responsibilities. • Tailored communication strategies to effectively engage executives, hiring managers, and candidates, ensuring alignment and successful outcomes • Developed and maintained comprehensive tracking system for international hiring process, including location-specific documentation and vendor coordination • Optimized data integrity in ATS by implementing data cleaning standardized processes for profile management and duplicate removal • Led Batch Day coordination, creating streamlined workflows for multi-day interview scheduling across global teams

    Consumer Electronics

  • Google

    Project Coordinator (Contract)
    •google.com

    Played a pivotal role supporting Google’s Information Technology Residency Program (ITRP), managing global logistics, team coordination, and resource allocation while improving cross-department communication and efficiency • Streamlined staffing and scheduling for nine IT Help Desk stations (‘Techstop’) across various locations, partnering with engineers to improve resource management to automate the process • Created standardized onboarding documentation and processes, streamlining new hire integration across teams • Founded and led events committee, establishing regular team-building and training sessions to foster collaboration and boost morale • Collaborated with senior managers and technical teams to ensure alignment, and acted as point of contact for administrative support, translating leadership needs into actionable tasks for the team

  • The Aji Network

    Logistics Coordinator (Acting Ops Manager)
    •aji.com

    Progressed through multiple roles, ending by stepping into a key leadership role, directly supporting CEO and President while overseeing high-impact operations and strategic logistics. Represented executive leadership in external vendor interactions, fostering strategic partnerships and advancing operational initiatives. • Partnered with CEO to expand national presence, managing venue selection and event logistics remotely across key cities • Orchestrated company's annual conferences (400+ attendees), managing end-to-end planning, logistics, and execution • Collaborated closely with President, managing Salesforce reporting and analytics to inform executive decision-making • Acted as primary liaison between executive leadership and staff, overseeing recruitment, office administration, team operations, and operational improvements • Instituted weekly standups for operations team to enhance communication, resolve blockers, and ensure alignment on priorities, improving efficiency and team cohesion

    business developmentFinancial services

  • The Aji Network

    Operations Coordinator
    •aji.com

    Coordinated operational procedures for a cyclical program. Administered Salesforce accounts. Managed web content administration. Supported recruitment. • Organized Salesforce accounts and maintained CRM integrity, dashboards, and reporting • Oversaw candidate tracking, including coordinating applicants, managing job ads, and maintaining our tracking system • Implemented new software and Learning Management System (LMS) • Directed proofreading and editing of company documents • Handled office administration, proofreading, document editing, marketing communications, and general office coordination

    business developmentFinancial services
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