Leslie Salgado

Strategic planning and digital transformation leader with 12 years of progressive experience in market research and consulting, advancing from research assistant to director at Culturati Research & Consulting. Leverages AI, automation, and technology solutions to improve operational efficiency, enhance research capabilities, and drive business growth through scalable processes and cross-functional leadership. Bilingual (English/Spanish) with deep expertise in multicultural consumer research.

Director, Strategic Planning & Digital Solutions at CULTURATI RESEARCH & CONSULTING, INC. (2022-02 – Present) Lead strategic initiatives, digital transformation, and innovation efforts across the organization, partnering directly with executive leadership.

• Drive adoption of AI, automation, and technology solutions that improve operational efficiency and enhance research capabilities.
• Optimize business processes and implement scalable solutions in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Develop forward-thinking client offerings that strengthen the firm's competitive position and support business growth.
• Manage cross-functional project teams through all execution phases, standardizing workflows to ensure high-quality, on-time project delivery. Sr. Manager, Online Community & Research at CULTURATI RESEARCH & CONSULTING, INC. (2017-07 – 2022-01) Led design, management, and execution of online research communities, qualitative studies, sample sales, and digital engagement initiatives.
• Oversaw participant recruitment, community moderation, client communications, and research delivery, ensuring high-quality insights and exceptional participant experiences.
• Partnered with clients and internal teams to develop innovative research approaches and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.
• Managed the market research community management department overseeing a nationwide database of 18,000 active participants, boosting survey response rates by 30% through targeted engagement strategies.

Project

Coordinator at CULTURATI RESEARCH & CONSULTING, INC. (2016-02 – 2017-06) Coordinated and managed qualitative and quantitative research projects across concurrent client engagements, supporting timelines, logistics, and deliverables.

Administrative Market Research

Assistant at CULTURATI RESEARCH & CONSULTING, INC. (2014-09 – 2016-01) Supported research operations, project administration, and client deliverables while building foundational expertise in multicultural market research.

Bilingual

Publicity & Promotions Intern at Allied Integrated Marketing (2014-01 – 2014-04) Developed publicity campaigns, grassroots events, and digital/social media efforts for major movie premieres, leveraging bilingual/bicultural expertise to shape multicultural marketing strategy.

Administrative

Assistant at SDSU Career Services (2012-07 – 2014-07)

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management – San Diego State University (2014)