What was your course of study at Flagler and how did it equip you to enter your current professional industry?
When I was a student, I saw unlikely combinations of courses like Stage Combat for Theatre Arts and Accounting for Business Administration as opportunities to expand my own personal horizons; now, I look back and realize I was arming myself with invaluable critical thinking, spontaneity, logic, and an intrinsic gratitude for teamwork.
What was your first job after graduating from Flagler and how did you secure it?
Quickly after graduation, I migrated north to New York City and felt the unavoidable crunch of rent and generally stayin' alive. There were very few requirements in my job hunt: find a gig somewhere off the 1 train where I had enough flexibility to pursue my ambition of finding work (at least tangentially) in the performing arts while having enough time leftover to get to know my new surroundings. After being handed a flyer in Times Square and consulting a family friend who was serendipitously connected to their corporate office, I landed a part-time role at Ripley's Believe It Or Not. My sole mission was encouraging (read: luring) the good folks in America's tourism capital to come through the doors and experience all the "Odditorium" had to offer.
What role did this first job play in the course of your professional career?
For an introverted newcomer, being yelled at and swatted away by commuters at 8 o'clock in the morning was terrifying. It was also a perfectly harmless way for me to stretch out of my comfort zone and engage creative muscles and sales acumen I never knew I had. Within a few weeks, I made enough of an impression on the general manager to land a role in the Group Sales department leading tours for students and building educational curriculums. I quickly learned the value of never saying "no" immediately when offered the chance to do something a bit out of my normal day-to-day. It's led me down career and personal paths I never would have imagined, including 5 years directly in the Broadway industry and another 9 working with big brands like Marriott, Conde Nast, Citibank, Time Out, and now, The Coca-Cola Company.
Before graduating from Flagler, where could you see yourself living as a young professional and why?
I always had the ambition to live in a large city, with New York being my dream location given my love of theatre. I knew the intimacy of a small campus like Flagler would offer me the chance to grow in confidence and feel grounded and independent wherever I decided to go.
What were some of the factors that led you to move to Atlanta, professionally or otherwise?
During the pandemic, proximity to family became the number one priority for me and my husband. After living in New York for over 10 years, we'd thought about relocation to Atlanta but had never fully pursued the transition. One lockdown later, we decided Atlanta had incredible things to offer us both as far as employment, culture, and connectivity were concerned.
How common/ represented is your industry of work in Atlanta?
Even prior to my current role, almost every organization I've been part of in the marketing and media space had at least some presence in Atlanta. I have colleagues, peers, and friends in the advertising industry who call Atlanta home and find the same professional and industry opportunity as those in New York and Chicago. In the past few years, remote and hybrid work has made this even more true. I'm fortunate enough to be working for an incredible brand like Coca-Cola which, like many companies here, counts Atlanta not only as a headquarters but as a hometown.
How would you describe Atlanta as a place to work?
There are an endless variety of companies and organizations with various levels of representation in Atlanta. Although my work has flexibility with time in the office and working from home, it's the kind of city with enough balance to satisfy the stalwart in-office commuter who likes a lunch break walking through a park or museum and the remote worker alike. For those whom I've had the pleasure to know in the food and hospitality industry, there is a beloved culture of sharing and recommending; people take great pride in the work they do and in celebrating the work of others. I see that same appreciation no matter the profession or industry.
How would you describe Atlanta as a place to live?
Even though I'm newer to the city, I feel fortunate to claim Atlanta as an adopted home. With so much historical significance, a vibrant and constantly evolving food and beverage scene, and ever-present access to nature, it's one of the most vibrant and charming places I've ever had the chance to live. Atlanta's construct of neighborhoods offers something for everyone and is continuously evolving.
What are three things you love about living in Atlanta that you think would be hard to find somewhere else?
- First, the food and beverage scene is truly a thing of beauty and something which could be easy to take for granted coming from other big cities. There are culinary and cocktail artisans across every inch of Atlanta, each with something unique to share.
- Second, the vibrancy of multiple colleges and universities tucked into the city is something I'm constantly in awe of. It keeps the city dynamic, full of energy, and an area that's always evolving.
- Third, the Beltline (and the area's numerous other trails and connectors) can't be beat. There's a level of walkability to Atlanta that is at once unexpected and yet perfectly suited. It may be a town that loves its cars but there's no denying the investment and focus the city has put into bringing communities together one pathway at a time.