Ileana Manzanilla

Applied Behavioral Science | Mixed Methods Research | Data Analytics | Consumer Insights

Chicago, Illinois, United States

About

I am a behavioral scientist with 7+ years of experience specializing in mixed-methods research and user experience within consulting, digital, academic, and financial sectors. I am passionate about using evidence-based approaches to create solutions that address barriers to positive behavior change across various industries and human challenges. Most recently, I earned my master’s degree in behavioral and decision sciences from UPenn where I honed skills on rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methods and learned how to best apply them to solve real world problems. I strive to find opportunities that enable me to work with innovative teams and apply both my analytical and behavioral backgrounds to elevate the experience and well-being of customers through data-driven insights.

Experience

  • Stellar Health (Full-time · 1 yr 6 mos)
    • Senior Associate, Provider Success
      Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    • Associate, Provider Success
      Jan 2025 - Jan 2026 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Behavioral Science Student Consultant at Behave Technologies (formerly Syntoniq, Inc.)
    Dec 2023 - May 2024 · 6 mos

    • Generated valuable insights into personalized AI messaging by clarifying client research questions and identifying target behaviors through secondary research on behavioral traits. • Improved customer segmentation accuracy and financial recommendation effectiveness by developing an AI-driven model that tailored responses to varying levels of specific behavioral traits. • Proposed key customer experience improvements using in-depth interviews and usability tests to enhance client accountability and empowerment towards their financial goals.

  • Peer Wellness Coach at University of Pennsylvania
    Oct 2023 - May 2024 · 8 mos

    • Conducted +15 hours of personalized coaching sessions each week with undergraduate and graduate students, utilizing a peer coaching model to foster student agency and holistic well-being. • Completed 160 hours of comprehensive training to acquire essential coaching skills and knowledge, including onboarding, content instruction, practice coaching sessions, and mentorship.

  • Design Thinking Student Consultant at M13
    Aug 2023 - Dec 2023 · 5 mos

    • Created a mobile application prototype aimed at reducing doom scrolling among Gen Z following goal focused interventions based on qualitative user research. • Uncovered key needs and areas of opportunity for intervention by employing in-depth interviews, field observations, and projective methods, and conducted comprehensive competitive analysis to highlight unique value propositions and potential market gaps.

  • Restaurant Acquisition Senior Analyst at DiDi
    May 2022 - Jul 2023 · 1 yr 3 mos