Hey, I’m Vrinda.
Driving Success through Innovation and Leadership.
I’m a storyteller with a penchant for crafting narratives through data, strategy, and design. From Mumbai to Chicago, my journey has been shaped by curiosity, technology, and a passion for impactful solutions. A proud University of Illinois graduate, I’ve spent years exploring the intersections of product, analytics, and user experience.
When not crafting digital transformations, I explore new cities, capture moments, and dive into compelling reads. Travel fuels creativity, and food is a love language embraced with every new cuisine. A tennis court is often a favorite escape, perfecting a backhand with the same precision applied to problem-solving.
Whether solving complex challenges, designing intuitive experiences, or curating stories, the focus is always on new perspectives and meaningful impact.
Tools & Technologies
Professional Background
Academic Projects
Explore my innovative academic projects and see how I've applied my skills in real-world scenarios.
Core skills & tools
Learn about my skills in Agile methodologies, ERP systems, and cross-functional team leadership.
Project Management
Discover how I develop personalized project management strategies tailored to specific business goals and operational needs.
My Resume
Education
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Master of Science, Technology Management
Aug 2023 – Aug 2024 | GPA: 3.8
Mumbai University
Bachelor of Technology, Information Technology Engineering
Aug 2016 – Oct 2020
Experience
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Data Analyst - Research Assistant | Mar 2024 – Aug 2024
- Led the launch of an AI-based product with OSF HealthCare and the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Peoria to develop a model for prioritizing healthcare allocation in rural areas.
- Collected and preprocessed large-scale open-access data (zip-code/county level) using G-Suite to map healthcare gaps and inform allocation decisions.
- Assisted in developing an AI-driven algorithm using empirical methods, Copilot, and Gen AI to optimize kiosk placement based on population health needs and accessibility constraints.
Extuent
Lead Program Manager | Mar 2023 - Aug 2023
- Optimized UX, workflows, and system efficiency, driving productivity and increasing customer satisfaction across the B2B Enterprise Platform.
- Implemented 5 ERP projects involving inventory and manufacturing, streamlining workflows, redesigning wireframes, and enhancing automation, boosting productivity by 15% and reducing order processing time by 2 weeks.
- Led a team of two engineers and a project manager, ensuring milestone achievement through KPI tracking and data-driven performance analysis.
- Managed cross-functional IT and Customer Service teams, collaborating with stakeholders to enhance system reliability, applying Six Sigma methodologies and root cause analysis, reducing site downtime by 25%.
Frappe
Project Manager | Oct 2020 - Jan 2023
- Led a cross-functional team, streamlining workflows and saving $200K in operational costs annually.
- Implemented Agile methodology and streamlined product road mapping via JIRA, increasing team efficiency by 20% across APAC, EU, and NA, while saving $150K through improved resource allocation.
- Achieved a 100% on-time delivery rate, leveraging data analysis and proactive issue resolution, refining Hypercare processes, and increasing client satisfaction scores by 20%.
- Led 30+ ERPNext implementations for manufacturing and retail clients, specializing in inventory, sales, and purchase workflows, delivering projects 10% ahead of schedule, saving $50K annually.
- Delivered 4 Enterprise projects with API Integrations and Cloud Migrations, leveraging the Waterfall methodology, ensuring smooth execution with minimal disruptions post-implementation.
- Authored and translated SEO-optimized help articles in Malayalam, reducing regional support queries by 25%, enhancing self-service support, and improving local market expansion.
Linking Plants
Co-Founder | Aug 2019 - Aug 2020
- Founded a Distribution and Services company targeting India’s horticulture market during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Orchestrated lean product development and drove a multi-channel Go-To-Market strategy, targeting 10K customers and 10+ SMEs.
- Built an E-Commerce presence for seamless ordering and payments, generating $3K MRR and securing large-scale orders through SME negotiations.
Skills
Technical Skills
- Programming & Data: R, SQL, Python, Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Google Analytics, JIRA, Copilot Studio, MIRO, Figma, GitHub, GenAI tools
Core Competencies
- Product Strategy & Roadmap, Backlog Prioritization, Data Analysis, Market Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, User Research
- Stakeholder Management, Agile and Waterfall methodologies, GTM Strategy, Cross-Functional Collaboration
- UAT and A/B Testing
Testimonials
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Head of Ops, GO DESi
“I highly recommend Vrinda to any organization seeking a skilled and reliable Project Manager”
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Director, Square Stack
“She demonstrated outstanding analytical skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of marketing principles.”
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Head of MArketing, Frappe
“Vrinda’s positive attitude and proactive approach create a great team atmosphere, inspiring everyone around her“
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HOD IT, SAKEC
“Vrinda was inquisitive and diligent, excelling in discussions, assignments & projects. She demonstrated strong analytical skills & creativity, & maintained high standards in her work”
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Lead Consultant, Frappe
“Vrinda’s strategic approach to Project Management has been pivotal in our projects, ensuring & driving remarkable success”
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Course Assisstant , UIUC
“She excels in understanding problems and adopting a fundamental approach to validate problem discovery and uncover user insights.”
Academic Projects
Throughout my academic journey, I have engaged in numerous projects and publications. These experiences have allowed me to develop a strong foundation in research, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Driver Drowsiness Detection
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The project was necessary to improve road safety by monitoring driver alertness. Accidents often occur due to lack of driver concentration, so continuous monitoring is crucial. This project proposes a method to detect driver drowsiness by analyzing eye and mouth movements in real-time using a CNN algorithm, providing accurate alerts to prevent accidents.
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The project methodology involves using an infrared camera to capture real-time images of the driver's face, which are then processed by a Raspberry Pi.
The system utilizes Haar cascade classifiers to extract facial features, specifically the eyes and mouth. These features are input into a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, which analyzes them to detect signs of drowsiness.
If the model determines the driver is drowsy, a buzzer sounds to alert the driver. This approach ensures continuous monitoring and timely alerts to prevent accidents due to driver fatigue.
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The project was published in the ‘International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering (IJRASET)’
Month of publication: April 2020
ISSN: 2321-9653
Guardian Alert
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Guardian Alert emerged from the growing need for comprehensive personal safety solutions in today's society. Existing options often offer limited, reactive features, failing to address the diverse safety concerns of users. This project aimed to fill this gap by developing a compact, user-friendly device that combines proactive and reactive safety features to empower individuals and enhance their security.
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The project followed a systematic approach, starting with needs assessment and market research to identify user concerns and preferences.
Design and development focused on integrating advanced technologies such as high-decibel alarms, bright LED lights, Bluetooth connectivity, and GPS tracking into a portable device. Prototyping, testing, and iteration ensured the device met high standards of functionality and reliability.
Marketing strategies targeted tech-savvy individuals through online platforms and social media, emphasizing the unique value propositions of Guardian Alert.
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Project Management for AYR
AYR Wellness has been selected due to its potential to significantly
enhance the company's operational efficiency and integrate various business processes into a
single, cohesive system.
