Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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Denise Gabrielle Colon

Worcester

Summary

Inclusive and results-driven executive leader with a dynamic track record of transforming operations, driving strategic initiatives, and elevating organizational culture. Selected for Unum’s prestigious Professional Development Program—an elite, multi-rotation experience designed to accelerate future executives—where I led high-impact projects across business units. Known for blending analytical precision with emotional intelligence, building high-performing teams, and delivering measurable outcomes in complex environments. Currently pursuing an MBA to expand strategic capabilities and deepen business acumen for broader enterprise impact.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Operational Effectiveness

Unum
Worcester
07.2023 - Current
  • Served as strategic partner to senior leadership, translating business priorities into cross-functional initiatives that drive enterprise-wide impact.
  • Spearheaded launch of organization’s inaugural leadership forums, strengthening trust in leadership and commitment to growth.
  • Co-led execution of transformative projects, fostering innovation and alignment across teams.
  • Championed people-first culture, enhancing employee experience and engagement within Benefit Services.
  • Cultivated partnerships with business leaders and SMEs to identify opportunities for scalable solutions.

Program Manager, Small Business Operations

Unum
Worcester
03.2022 - 07.2023
  • Spearheaded implementation of benefits platform API, facilitating real-time data exchange and unlocking $11M in projected premium growth.
  • Developed sales competency tool, enhancing representative performance and operational efficiency.
  • Designed support frameworks to expand leadership bandwidth and drive accelerated growth.
  • Directed employee engagement initiatives during peak season, managing over 22K service requests and achieving top-tier ESAT scores.

Manager, Absnece Management Center

Unum
Portland
01.2021 - 04.2022
  • Managed team of 11 Client Liaisons, achieving above-average ESAT results through enhanced clarity and engagement.
  • Engineered custom Salesforce and Excel tools to optimize performance tracking and auditing practices.
  • Collaborated with L&D to launch soft skills curriculum, strengthening customer relationships and internal collaboration.
  • Led initiatives for caseload equity and talent realignment across West Region, enhancing operational balance.
  • Chosen by Benefits leadership for AMC Project Delivery team, conducting over 50 leadership interviews to deliver strategic recommendations.
  • Served as Team Lead for Virtual Think Tank Project, assessing employee-submitted ideas to promote grassroots innovation.

Program Manager, Learning and Development

Unum
Portland
06.2019 - 12.2020
  • Orchestrated first enterprise-wide Career Fair, attracting over 500 employees and facilitating cross-functional networking.
  • Implemented career transition vendor to support employees affected by job elimination, improving program reach and analytics.
  • Transitioned leadership development programs to virtual formats during pandemic, ensuring continuity and engagement.
  • Led initiative to evaluate and recommend advanced digital learning solution for enterprise-wide implementation.

Accountant and On-site Coordinator

Student Bridges Agency at UMass Amherst
Amherst
09.2018 - 05.2019
  • Managed $150K budget, realigning programming to offset cuts and maximize savings.
  • Led team of 7 ambassadors in mentorship, workshops, and college preparation at Springfield High School.
  • Designed and piloted curriculum on unconscious bias and self-discovery to enhance student leadership.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Economics

University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amherst, MA
05-2019

MBA -

University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT

Skills

  • Strategic Planning & Execution
  • Operational Effectiveness & Process Improvement
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
  • Change Management & Organizational Transformation
  • Employee Experience & Culture DevelopmentProject Management & Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Business Case Development & ROI Analysis
  • Inclusive Leadership & Team Facilitation
  • Strong Written & Verbal Communication
  • People Management & Team Development
  • Client-Facing Communication & Presentation Skills
  • Market Research & Competitive Analysis
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
  • Salesforce CRM
  • Power BI & Data Visualization

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Director of Operational Effectiveness

Unum
07.2023 - Current

Program Manager, Small Business Operations

Unum
03.2022 - 07.2023

Manager, Absnece Management Center

Unum
01.2021 - 04.2022

Program Manager, Learning and Development

Unum
06.2019 - 12.2020

Accountant and On-site Coordinator

Student Bridges Agency at UMass Amherst
09.2018 - 05.2019

Bachelor of Science - Economics

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

MBA -

University of Connecticut

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Denise Gabrielle Colon