Christie Unakalamba

Research-oriented communications professional with a published, survey-based empirical study on public trust, engagement, and behavior change during a high-uncertainty crisis (COVID-19 government communications), plus applied experience as an economic research assistant analyzing data to inform strategic recommendations. Over a decade of experience translating research findings and organizational priorities into clear, actionable writing for technical and nontechnical audiences. Drawn to the Anthropic Institute's Economics & Policy work studying how AI reshapes labor markets, institutions, and society, and to communicating research findings — including null or unexpected ones — with clarity and rigor.

Business Communications Consultant at GVSU Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors (2022-08 – 2024-06)

• Served as liaison to cross-campus offices and programs supporting online instruction, providing counsel and communication support to cross-functional academic leaders.
• Partnered with the Writing Center Director, Writing Center Coordinator, and Director of Writing Across the Curriculum to develop communication resources for faculty and students.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create and execute communication plans supporting the center's strategic initiatives, and led writing training workshops for students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Volunteer Marketing Consultant at Latrice Consulting (2023-10 – Present)

• Conduct marketing research and communications planning support on a volunteer basis.

Business Communications & Content Creator at GVSU Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (2022-04 – 2022-08)

• Wrote, reviewed, edited, and updated the Center's Money Smart Digital Studio website, blog, and marketing materials.
• Conducted research and interviews on current trends and perceptions, contextualizing findings for broader audiences.
• Created and implemented strategic communication plans supporting the center's strategic initiatives, and supported the creative team on promotional material design.

Research Assistant at GVSU Economics Department (2022-04 – 2022-08)

• Conducted empirical research and quantitative analysis to identify economic trends, patterns, and opportunities, interpreting complex data sets using statistical software to support strategic decision-making.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define research requirements and prepared detailed reports and presentations communicating findings to stakeholders, contributing to a 20% increase in project efficiency on a new research initiative.

Corporate Communications Manager at Stanbic IBTC Bank (2019-03 – 2019-10)

• Led corporate messaging and communication strategy in a fast-paced financial services environment, partnering with cross-functional leaders to ensure alignment with business objectives.

Corporate Communications Officer at Diamond Bank Plc (2014-01 – 2019-03)

• Led and executed 17 tactical and strategic communication and change management projects, including planning and cross-functional coordination across the organization.
• Increased cross-functional collaboration by 30% through the development and execution of communication plans supporting strategic initiatives.
• Achieved a 40% increase in stakeholder engagement by crafting compelling narratives, key messages, and communication strategies that conveyed company vision and values.
• Provided communications counsel to cross-functional leaders and evaluated the impact of engagement programs against core performance metrics, reporting results to organizational leadership.
• Ensured content adherence to messaging and branding guidelines, strengthening organizational coherence around company initiatives.

MSc in Business Administration (MBA) – Grand Valley State University, Pew Campus

Certificate in Business Analysis School - 3-month Business Analysis career immersion bootcamp – Grand Valley State University

MSc in Media & Communication (Marketing Communication) – Pan Atlantic University, Lagos

BA in Mass Communications – University of Nigeria, Nsukka