Who is Alicia Katopodis? - Senior Technical Product Manager

Overview
Current PositionSenior Technical Product Manager at Nike
LocationPortland, Oregon, United States
IndustryProduct Management, Customer Service, Sales, User Experience
EducationB.A. in Social Sciences from Portland State University
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Honors & AwardsNPA's 2021 40 Under 40
CertificationsCPACC, PMC Levels IV & V, Pragmatic Certified Product Manager, Build, Focus, Foundations, UX Research & Design, Product Management, Web Design

Early Education and Career Beginnings

Alicia Katopodis embarked on her professional journey after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences at Portland State University, located in Portland, Oregon, from January 2005 to December 2009. Portland State University is known for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, providing a solid foundation for students like Alicia to develop a broad understanding of societal issues.

Professional Development

Alicia's career began at the YWCA of Greater Portland, where she served as an Assistant Case Manager from July 2009 to January 2011. The YWCA is a renowned organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Here, Alicia provided direct services to women transitioning from federal prison, showcasing her commitment to social responsibility early in her career.

Advancing in the Tech Industry

Alicia transitioned into the tech industry, joining HireMojo Inc., a company based in the San Francisco Bay Area that offers an all-in-one hiring automation platform. She progressed through various roles, starting as a Technical Support Specialist in April 2014, where she was responsible for crucial support functions and client retention. She then became the Support Team Lead in October 2014, providing leadership to customer service staff and identifying system and workflow improvements. Her success led to her role as Account Manager from June 2015 to May 2016, where she implemented strategies that increased client retention by 25%.

Specialization in Product Management

Alicia's passion for product management led her to T2 Systems in the Portland, Oregon Area, where she began as a Product Consultant in May 2016. T2 Systems is a company that provides comprehensive parking solutions. In this role, she provided technical sales assistance and consulting services. She then became a Sales Engineer in December 2016, ensuring the delivery of effective parking technology solutions. Her expertise in product management was further solidified as she became a Product Manager in March 2019, driving strategy for user experience and interface, and representing T2 as a brand ambassador.

Achievements at Nike

In August 2021, Alicia joined Nike, a global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment, as a Technical Product Manager in the Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area. She guided the success of enterprise service products and led cross-functional teams using agile methodologies. In July 2022, she was promoted to Senior Technical Product Manager, where she continues to deliver value through purpose-built solutions and strengthen customer relationships.

Volunteer Work and Community Engagement

Alicia has also been an Active Transportation Ambassador at the Portland Bureau of Transportation and served as a Board Member at the Portland Women's Crisis Line, demonstrating her dedication to community service and advocacy.

Recognition and Certifications

Alicia's professional excellence was recognized when she received NPA's 2021 40 Under 40 award by the National Parking Association, highlighting her as a young professional and leader in the parking industry. She has also pursued continuous education and professional development, earning numerous certifications from the Pragmatic Institute, General Assembly, and UX Night School, which underscore her commitment to her field and her desire for lifelong learning.

Alicia Katopodis's career journey is a testament to her dedication to product management, customer service, and user experience, as well as her commitment to community service and professional development. Her achievements and recognitions reflect her impact on the organizations she has been a part of and her potential to continue shaping the industry.