CHRISTINA STARKO
Edinburgh
Summary
A dynamic intrapreneur with a proven track record of leading enterprise programmes, driving organisational growth, and delivering innovative solutions. Experienced in managing teams, coordinating stakeholders, and fostering entrepreneurial support for startups. Skilled in designing bespoke enterprise initiatives and collaborating with academic and industry leaders to deliver top-tier educational programmes, elevating entrepreneurial education to a gold standard.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Enterprise Executive
Edinburgh Innovations
Edinburgh
11.2024 - Current
- Lead the Skills and Delivery Team to deliver world-class enterprise education, both extracurricular and in-curriculum.
- Shape entrepreneurial support through high-level contributions to the Curriculum Transformation Project (CTP).
- Develop an agile, modular approach to enterprise education, ensuring excellence in student engagement.
- Foster innovation and best practices to enhance student experience and operational efficiency.
- Build key academic and stakeholder relationships to embed enterprise across the curriculum.
- Design and deliver inclusive workshops and initiatives, impacting over 1,500 students annually.
- Expand national and international partnerships to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Enterprise Executive
Edinburgh Innovations
Edinburgh, Scotland
08.2022 - 11.2025
- Managed a team of student ambassadors, improving hiring and training processes.
- Led the delivery of Inspire Launch Grow, the University’s flagship entrepreneurship awards.
- Implemented digital badging for enterprise programmes, enhancing student recognition.
- Delivered enterprise education internationally and analyzed global entrepreneurship trends.
- Designed and facilitated high-impact in-curricular and extracurricular workshops.
- Strengthened academic engagement by integrating enterprise education into lectures.
- Developed a modular approach to in-curricular enterprise education across disciplines.
- Aligned enterprise initiatives with strategic priorities to enhance student experience.
Enterprise Officer
Edinburgh Innovations
Edinburgh, Scotland
11.2021 - 08.2022
- Delivered projects as part of the Enterprise Team, ensuring impactful results.
- Managed and organised events, workshops, and stakeholder engagements.
- Built relationships with academics, key University contacts, and external partners.
- Developed collaborations in student enterprise, female entrepreneurship, PhD entrepreneurship, and research commercialisation.
- Designed and delivered enterprise workshops in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
- Researched and applied best practices from related enterprise programmes.
- Led initiatives aligned with the Student Enterprise Operational and Strategic Plan.
Education Coordinator
Educational Institute of Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland
08.2018 - 11.2021
- Managed deadlines, incoming requests, and event logistics.
- Developed educational materials for the Refugee Welcome Pack initiative.
- Organised and delivered professional learning events.
- Designed and facilitated health and well-being training for teachers.
- Provided support for additional support needs educators.
- Liaised with the Scottish Government and Edinburgh Council on key initiatives.
- Led national working groups focused on disability inclusion.
Documents Coordinator of International Trade
The Government of British Columbia
Victoria, Canada
10.2017 - 05.2018
- Primary liaison for the Deputy Minister of Jobs and Trade.
- Contributed to the restructuring of British Columbia’s education curricula.
- Managed briefing paper development for senior government officials.
- Oversaw provincial and international stakeholder relations.
- Applied expertise in trade and international relations.
- Coordinated the distribution of 100+ government documents monthly.
- Strengthened collaboration between the Minister’s and Deputy Minister’s offices.
- Supervised and mentored new staff.
Political Staff for the Ministry of Justice
The Government of British Columbia
Victoria, Canada
09.2016 - 07.2017
- Managed provincial stakeholders and government relations.
- Briefed the Minister ahead of press conferences and major events.
- Trained and mentored new staff members.
- Coordinated with the Deputy Minister’s Office, handling confidential documents.
- Analyzed political developments and policy impacts.
- Managed scheduling, travel, and event coordination.
Education
World Chefs Commis Chef - Culinary School
Rouxbe Online Culinary School
Vancouver, British Columbia2020
Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Nutrition - Nutrition
Royal Society for Public Health
London, United Kingdom2019
Bachelor of Arts - History and Theology
University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia2014
High School French Diploma and Fine Arts Diploma - General Studies
École Neelin High School
Brandon, Manitoba2010
Skills
- Effective Communication
- Exceptional Organisation and Planning
- Critical Analysis
- Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency
- Enterprise Education and Activity Design
- Programme and Project Management
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building
- Strategic Planning & Delivery
- Networking with Academia & Industry
- Data Analysis and Reporting
- Creative Leadership and Management
- Effective Communication
Languages
English, French
Native language
Accomplishments
- Supported the foundation of "Althete Always." 2018-present
- Creator of “The Fierce Fig” nutrition advice. 2020-present
- Creator of “The Fierce Fig” online cooking classes for ages 15 and up. 2020-2022
Volunteer Work
- Well-being Committee Member for Edinburgh Innovations 2022-present
- Head fundraiser for the Educational Institute of Scotland's “Christmas for a Cause.” 2018-2022
References
Bonnie Hacking
Programme Manager, Entrepreneurship Centre - St. Andrews University
Email:bsm9@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dora Handrea
Enterprise Manager, Aspire Programme - Oxford University
Email:
Simone Dimartino
Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering - The University of Edinburgh
Email: simone.dimartino@ed.ac.uk
Timeline
Lead Enterprise Executive
Edinburgh Innovations
11.2024 - Current
Enterprise Executive
Edinburgh Innovations
08.2022 - 11.2025
Enterprise Officer
Edinburgh Innovations
11.2021 - 08.2022
Education Coordinator
Educational Institute of Scotland
08.2018 - 11.2021
Documents Coordinator of International Trade
The Government of British Columbia
10.2017 - 05.2018
Political Staff for the Ministry of Justice
The Government of British Columbia
09.2016 - 07.2017
World Chefs Commis Chef - Culinary School
Rouxbe Online Culinary School
Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Nutrition - Nutrition
Royal Society for Public Health
Bachelor of Arts - History and Theology
University of Victoria
High School French Diploma and Fine Arts Diploma - General Studies
École Neelin High School
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