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Melinda Kozel

Melinda Kozel

Student

Omaha Data Science Academy | Omaha, Nebraska

Technologies

My Portfolio Highlights

My New Track

SQL Fundamentals

My New Project

Introduction to Notebook Projects

My New Course

Introduction to SQL

My New Track

SQL Fundamentals

Data Steward/Engineer with user-centered focus and design background

My Work

Take a look at my latest work.

course

Introduction to SQL

course

Intermediate SQL

course

Joining Data in SQL

DataLab

Storm Chasers Project

course

Introduction to SQL

My Certifications

These are the industry credentials that I’ve earned.

Other Certificates

Omaha Data Science Academy Data Visualization with Tableau

Omaha Data Science Academy Business Intelligence

Omaha Data Science Academy Data Engineering

DataCamp Course Completion

Take a look at all the courses I’ve completed on DataCamp.

Courses

Introduction to Python
Introduction to SQL
Intermediate SQL
Joining Data in SQL

My Work Experience

Where I've interned and worked during my career.

Community Foundation of Western Iowa | Jul 2024 - Jun 2025

Grants and Data Manager

• Led multi-system data cleaning to standardize donor, fund, and grant records to improve reporting accuracy and campaign segmentation • Designed and managed custom evaluation processes for a variety of granting committees • Mapped and visualized data workflows to identify redundancies and automation opportunities • Contributed to data governance efforts by recommending standards for field entry, data schema, and storage practices • Supported software integration with a public-facing grants portal to improve fund advisor access and transparency • Leveraged APIs to automate data flows between systems, reducing manual processes and improving operational efficiency • Designed dashboards for internal stakeholders to support decision-making on grant allocations and financial reporting • Presented findings and walkthroughs to non-technical stakeholders and executive leadership • Produced process documentation and technical writing
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Omaha Data Science Academy | Sep 2023 - Present

Curriculum Developer, Digital Designer

Built and taught a pilot Intro to Artificial Intelligence curriculum in partnership with DoSpace to introduce children and adults to what AI can do and how to use it effectively & responsibly.

Paragon IT Professionals | Feb 2022 - Feb 2023

UX/UI Designer

Across several product teams, I contributed to the development of mobile and desktop applications that kept truck drivers and their support teams moving efficiently. To do this I: • Applied usability evaluations and consulted data to problem-solve updates and feature developments • Balanced business requests with user needs, product team resources and other stakeholder concerns • Interpreted user needs with accessible, responsive designs using Figma • Built prototypes in Figma and tested for quality assurance • Accumulated data by performing user feedback scenarios and conducted interviews to understand pain points, behaviors and workflows • Deployed walkthroughs, popups and surveys to encourage user engagement and gather feedback using Pendo • Created visualizations on user data using Pendo and FullStory

TEAM Software | Mar 2020 - Feb 2022

Curriculum & Instructional Designer

As part of the Learning & Development team, I was tasked with building a training curriculum or internal and external learners as wells as creating the resources they would need to learn and use a network of workforce management systems. This included: • Assessing internal skill deficits to strengthen onboarding and ongoing training • Developing training rubrics for consistent assessment of implementation specialists • Maintaining help center articles using Madcap Flare • Building video and interactive learning resources that met learning objectives using Adobe Creative Cloud, Camtasia and Audacity • Establishing accessibility best practices in documentation and video production • Introducing bilingual job aids to meet all end-user needs • Working with subject-matter experts to develop or adapt curriculum for better understanding • Maintaining version control of files and upkeep of media/file repositories

Freelance | Jul 2018 - Present

Website Designer & Developer

I set my clients up for success with intuitive and visually appealing websites that provide a valuable user experience. This includes: • Discussing client’s wants/needs, abilities, and maintenance expectations • Applying UX research methods, UI best practices, accessibility standards, and learning models to ensure engaging and rewarding user experiences • Setting up WordPress with theme, necessary plugins, site-wide settings and other API • Building pages in WordPress with customization using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery • Creating documentation so clients can maintain and update as desired • Delivering a finished product on time and in-budget

Boys Town | May 2018 - Mar 2020

Curriculum Coordinator

The National Training team delivers the Boys Town curriculum to schools and institutions throughout the country. To support this I: • Reviewed curriculum materials for 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day training workshops on a 3 year cycle • Solicited feedback directly following the workshop and after 6 months to assess effectiveness • Collaborated with subject-matter experts to determine new practices, terminology and goals for each workshop and its audience • Built, edited, tested and deployed eLearning, print, presentation and interactive learning resources • Maintained version control of files and upkeep of media/file repositories

Mineral Interactive, LLC | Aug 2017 - Feb 2018

Web Developer

• Translated designs from inVision to full WordPress sites • Updated sites with customization • Managed projects with internal and remote teams • Customized marketing materials and templates using HTML and CSS • Built coded email campaigns • Prioritized tasks with a team

University of Nebraska at Omaha | Aug 2014 - Aug 2017

Creativity Library Manager

As manager of a satellite branch of the UNO library, I: • Grew and maintained collection of print and digital materials by assessing deficits in the collection and purchased new resources following technology trends • Installed and maintained technology tools, hardware and software • Conceptualized programs and conferences to enhance participation with the library and develop creative endeavors in the community • Reviewed budget and ordered supplies and materials • Conducted routine problem-solving and assessment measures to determine next steps for operations, collection-building, and programs

Norfolk Arts Center | Sep 2011 - Sep 2013

Program Coordinator

As program coordinator, I oversaw programming across three departments, strategized and implemented all marketing needs, participated in fundraising and assisted with guest services. This included: • Managing contracts and budgets for art exhibits, traveling theater performances, art and lifestyle classes, and fundraising and community events • Seeking out fundraising opportunities including writing grants and acquiring sponsors • Engaging new markets to broaden program offerings • Implementing new technology and digital services to better serve patrons • Connecting artists, educators, community members and regional stakeholders to build better access to the arts • Exceeding sales and participation goals, enabling growth in programming and scope

Morning Star Preschool | Aug 2007 - Sep 2011

Art Teacher

I created an art curriculum for children ages 2-6 that focused around art history. During school breaks, children up to age 12 participated in other visual literacy study. To support these classes I: • Developed multi-modal learning materials including PowerPoints, maps, and timelines • Facilitated discussion on variety of art styles and artists • Conducted artmaking activities that related to the day's topic • Managed art supply inventory • Organized annual art show with curated work

My Education

Take a look at my formal education

Certification in Data EngineeringOmaha Data Science Academy | 2025
Certification in Business IntelligenceOmaha Data Science Academy | 2024
Certification in Data VisualizationOmaha Data Science Academy | 2024
Web development/WordPressInterface School | 2017
Master of Arts (M.A.), Arts EducationUniversity of Nebraska at Kearney | 2011
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Art History, Criticism and ConservationUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln | 2008
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Art History, Film StudiesUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln | 2008

About Me

Melinda Kozel

I am a certified Data Analyst and Visualist pursuing my Data Engineering certification. I have a design background and a user-centered mindset for presenting and organizing information that is engaging and meaningful.

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