About me

As an Event Director and Social Media Strategist with 15+ years in the industry, I excel at orchestrating memorable events that captivate audiences and elevate brands. My forte lies in merging strategic marketing with immersive event production, crafting experiences that foster community and drive engagement.

With a history of transforming concepts into high-profile events, I thrive on innovation and have a proven track record of leading initiatives that resonate deeply with participants and viewers alike. From large-scale festivals to intimate gatherings, I've crafted events that not only entertain but also build lasting connections.

My approach is holistic, blending creative direction, content strategy, and community building to not only meet but exceed expectations. I've nurtured numerous brands and organizations to success, leveraging my entrepreneurial acumen and a keen eye for opportunity.

I lead with innovation, leveraging emerging AI technology to stay ahead of industry trends and enhance strategic marketing efforts. This forward-thinking approach has seen me transform concepts into celebrated events and grow brands into community cornerstones.

My entrepreneurial journey has been defined by a flair for identifying opportunities and the resilience to bring visionary projects to life. My leadership style is rooted in inclusivity, nurturing diverse teams to unite behind common goals, fostering creativity, and driving tangible growth.

I bring to the table a unique perspective enriched by years of diverse marketing experiences. As a result, I am consistently able to drive growth, produce captivating content and event experiences, and foster fan community engagement on an unprecedented scale.

For those seeking a seasoned marketing professional who can deliver results through innovative strategies and inspire teams to greatness, I am open to conversations and connections. Let's collaborate and chart new heights in the marketing landscape together.

Head of Social Media & Event Director

Nexon America

Nov 2022 - Present

In my current role at Nexon, I lead the social marketing strategy for a diverse portfolio of video game titles. My key responsibilities span creative direction, team management, content strategy, video production, event management, and international business collaboration.

Two of my recent larger initiatives where I had the primary leadership role:

• MapleStory Fest

  • Fan convention to celebrate MapleStory and MapleStory Mobile

    • https://maplestory.nexon.net/maplestoryfest

• KartRider: Drift | Pit Stop | Season 3

  • Global promotional video to launch new season

    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvvtREVXj7k

My responsibilities include:

• Produced and directed MapleStory Fest, Nexon's flagship fan engagement event.

• Produced and directed promotional video content targeting a global market.

• Conceived and rolled out innovative social campaigns.

• Fostered close collaboration with internal teams across SEO, PR, CRM, Content, Design, Video, and Influencer Marketing departments.

• Instituted regular analysis and monitoring of campaigns via social platforms to optimize ROI.

• Nurtured a culture of success within the social media team, providing mentoring, coaching, and support to ensure achievement of KPIs.

• Managed Nexon's social marketing technology stack for efficient execution and monitoring of social media initiatives.

• Played a key role in international business collaboration, successfully liaising with global teams to align strategies, executions, and goals.

Founder, Producer, and On-Camera Host

Fandom Social

March 2023 — Present

At Fandom Social, I co-founded and spearheaded an interactive livestream show on YouTube that delves into social and cultural issues through the lens of pop culture and geek culture. Our platform serves as a unique intersection of entertainment, community engagement, and insightful discussions.

You can check out some of our episodes here:

• Episode 1 - Healing Through Fandom: Thor's Journey in the MCU

• Episode 2 - The Evolution of Geek Fandom

• Episode 3 - Toxic Fandom: The Psychology of Hating What You Love
  

My responsibilities include:

• Co-created and developed the brand identity and vision for Fandom Social, positioning it as a leading voice in live interactive pop culture commentary and analysis.

• Produced and hosted regular livestream sessions, curating content that resonates with our audience and sparks meaningful conversations.

• Managed and nurtured the Fandom Social community, fostering a space for fans to connect, share, and engage on various platforms, including our main Facebook group.

• Collaborated closely with my partner, Paul Hernandez, to ensure innovative production, content creation, and community management.

• Built a dynamic team from scratch, recruiting and mentoring producers, designers, social media managers, and community managers. Led this team with a clear vision, ensuring alignment with our brand's goals and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

• Leveraged my expertise in social media, community management, and livestream production to grow the brand and expand our reach.

• Continuously innovated our content strategy, introducing new segments, guest appearances, and interactive elements to keep the audience engaged and invested.

• Played a pivotal role in brand management, ensuring that all content, promotions, and community interactions align with our brand values and mission.

• Explored and capitalized on marketing opportunities to enhance brand visibility and attract a wider audience.

• Established regular team meetings, feedback sessions, and training programs to ensure continuous growth, skill development, and alignment with Fandom Social's objectives.

Social Media and Marketing Event Director

Sideshow, Inc.

Sep 2018 - Nov 2022

At Sideshow, I transformed the social media department from a one-man operation to a highly structured and effective team of over 65 employees, freelancers, and moderators. My strategic vision and ability to identify and nurture talent led to the creation of a powerhouse team that drove the social media and community success for a wide range of brands.

I honed my skills in producing and hosting livestreams and creating online events. From small-scale livestreams to large-scale digital events, my work focused on creating immersive experiences that bring our community closer together.

My responsibilities included:

• Conceptualized and implemented the strategic and structural foundation for the social media, community, and livestream team, including recruiting, training, and development.

• Drove social media strategies across all platforms for Sideshow and its sub-brands, tailoring unique strategies for each platform by leveraging best practices and emerging trends.

• Collaborated with internal teams across SEO, Content, PR, Events, Influencer, Design, Video, and Brand to create and execute integrated omni-channel marketing campaigns.

• Launched and managed a successful User Generated Content (UGC) campaign, tapping into the creative potential of our community.

• Produced and hosted livestream programming on multiple social media platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, fostering authentic engagement and humanizing the brand for consumers.

• Oversaw a team of moderators, managing multiple active Facebook groups with over 100k members combined.

• Utilized analytics to implement real-time changes and larger-scale shifts based on long-tail data.

• Ensured the effective and efficient use of our Marketing Technology Stack for managing social media initiatives.

• Mentored and developed the social media team members, improving team output and creating career growth opportunities.

Event Producer & Marketing Director

WhedonCon - Charity Fan Convention
(Now known as Hellmouth Events by Fandom Charities)

Apr 2017 — Sep 2018

As Director of Marketing for the non-profit charity convention WhedonCon, I also contributed by creating programming and events that embraced the opportunity to connect talent with fans on a deeper level, transcending the traditional boundaries of fan-talent interaction.

My responsibilities included:

• Pioneered innovative fan experiences, such as the crafting sessions and the 'Whedon Poetry Reading', creating an enriching atmosphere of genuine connection between fans and talent. These sessions, enabling fans and their admired celebrities to perform emotionally impactful monologues from the shows, were praised for their uniqueness and creativity. Another notable fan experience I created was the crafting sessions allowing fans to create show-inspired crafts in small, intimate groups alongside their favorite celebrities. This engaging experience was enthusiastically received by both fans and talent, resulting in additional revenue for the charity and exceptional fan engagement.

• Developed and implemented a holistic social media strategy that ensured wider reach and engagement, leading to increased event attendance.

• Recruited and managed a diverse crew of volunteers, including photographers, videographers, social media assistants, and bloggers during the event, fostering a cohesive, effective, and motivated team.

• Orchestrated effective press coverage strategies to publicize the event and devised online promotional activities to boost badge sales.

• Implemented successful cross-promotional strategies and spearheaded a brand awareness campaign that significantly enhanced the convention's recognition within the fan community.

My tenure at WhedonCon solidified my ability to create immersive fan experiences and drive engagement through original and thoughtful programming. This fan-focused approach made WhedonCon a cherished destination for talent and attendees alike.

Social Media & Marketing Event Consultant

Autumn Glading Social Media & Events Strategies

Feb 2012 — Sep 2018

As the principal consultant of my own venture, I delivered bespoke social media and event marketing services to a diverse clientele, ranging from startups to established brands across various industries, but primarily focused on pop culture entertainment, retail, and ecommerce. My dual expertise in digital strategy and event production allowed me to offer a comprehensive suite of services that drove brand engagement and growth.

This chapter of my career honed my ability to forge strong client relationships, deliver creative solutions, and adapt to the evolving digital landscape, affirming my reputation as a versatile and resourceful marketing strategist and event producer.

My responsibilities included:

• Established and grew a successful consulting business, providing end-to-end social media and event marketing solutions including strategy development, brand building, and campaign execution.

• Conceptualized and executed innovative social media strategies for clients, including Hello Kitty Wines, National Cannabis Industry Association, Geek Girls Society, Brave New World Comics, and many more, driving increased follower counts, engagement, and website traffic.

• Conducted comprehensive social media analyses, developed in-depth company profiles, and interviewed key personnel to fully understand client goals and brand visions, crafting strategies tailored to their unique needs.

• Designed and supported numerous events, leveraging social media for promotion, engaging communities, and enhancing the overall brand experience.

• Led blog creation and management, including hiring and managing quality writers, devising content calendars, and optimizing the value of each post through social media strategies.

• Pioneered distinct strategies for each client, effectively utilizing the nuances of each social media platform to enhance reach and audience engagement.

Founder

Geek Girls Society

May 2015 — Sep 2016

Leveraging my passion for popular culture and advocacy for women in geek culture, I founded Geek Girls Society - an after-school initiative aimed at empowering girls aged 8-18. I also developed a sister program, Geek Girls Forever, catering to adult women, providing them a space to connect and explore their interests.

My work with Geek Girls Society allowed me to combine my professional experience in social media and event management with my personal passions, providing me with the unique opportunity to empower and inspire through the lens of geek culture.

My responsibilities included:

• Established a unique platform for fostering creativity and individuality in young girls and adult women, bridging the gap in the geek culture niche.

• Conceptualized, developed, and managed enriching programming, workshops, classes, and experiences that engaged the interests of members, promoting a sense of belonging and self-confidence.

• Built and directed a dedicated team, ensuring the smooth operation and quality of our offerings. Handled all aspects of the operation, including marketing, membership management, scheduling, and logistics.

• Forged connections with industry professionals in comics, pop-culture convention planning, television, and movies to provide unique and inspirational experiences for the members.

• Crafted the organization's brand identity, including the design and development of logos, websites, social media accounts, and promotional materials, encapsulating the spirit of empowerment and creativity.

• Oversee the organization's growth strategy, spearheading initiatives aimed at expanding membership and enhancing community outreach.

Social Media & Events Manager

Brave New World Comics

Mar 2013 — Apr 2016

In my role at Brave New World Comics, an Eisner Award-winning retail store, I trailblazed a unique, female-friendly approach to comic book retailing that won national recognition and led to a feature in the documentary "She Makes Comics."

My time at Brave New World Comics was a testament to the potential of creativity, inclusivity, and strong commitment in reshaping the narrative around women's role in the comic book industry.

My responsibilities included:

• Pioneered an inclusive environment in our comic book store, directly challenging industry norms. This innovative approach earned a feature in "She Makes Comics," a documentary celebrating the history of women in the comic book industry.

• Architected an effective social media strategy, resulting in over a 400% increase in follower growth and cultivating an engaged user base, thus extending our influence both locally and beyond.

• Conceptualized and executed an eclectic mix of special events aimed at attracting diverse demographics. These included Geek Girls Night, Geek Singles Night, Geek Prom, artist signings, and craft events, solidifying our status as a hub for geek culture in our community.

• Co-hosted the world premiere of the documentary "She Makes Comics," a film celebrating the history of women in the comic book industry, further enhancing our store's reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

• Invited as a speaker at multiple conventions and industry conferences due to our innovative approach to comic book retailing, enabling us to share our experiences and inspire industry peers.

• Partnered closely with the store owner to champion the store's vision, leading to recognition as a female-owned & operated and female friendly comic book store – a rarity in the industry.