By Leslie Jones
This year’s President’s Award Winner is a woman of many accomplishments. After graduating from Hollins University in Virginia, Cristen took her English and Creative Writing degree straight to Chicagoland and jumped head first into the Got Milk? Campaign.
Working for an experiential marketing agency in Chicago took Cristen to 42 states. She facilitated interactive events for brands like Verizon Wireless, Sony PlayStation, Baxter Healthcare, Boca Burgers and Walgreens.
After moving to Texas, she worked in a variety of agency and corporate settings before founding her own event marketing company, Electric Monkey, which she says was, “moderately successful, but its primary purpose turned out to be creating my magical friendship with Christy Agness and reminding me of the joy of working with non-profits.” Presently, Cristen is a project manager at Charity Dynamics, which perfectly blends her agency experience and passion for non-profit work.
Cristen will be honored at the 41st Banner Brunch on Saturday, April 12. Ahead time, she told us a bit about herself and her colorful career.
WCA: You traveled a lot early in your career. Do you have an off-the-wall story from that period you’d care to share?
Cristen: I was working with NutriSoy/Boca Burgers and the American Heart Association and traveling the country attending American Heart Walks. Because of a shipping issue, I had to drive from Atlanta to Tampa overnight to attend an early morning walk. I arrived in Tampa just in time to set up and train the staff. The walk organizers then notified me, that because NutriSoy was a national sponsor, I had to make an official announcement and welcome with the other national sponsor representative, Jared from Subway. So I was whisked backstage to the dressing room area to wait. There was Jared with his team, and me [with] no sleep, no makeup, no people trying to scribble on paper some kind of heart-healthy message to share and inspire. We were announced and I went running on stage with Jared from Subway and the Tampa Bay Buccaneer cheerleaders to officially start the race.
WCA: Wow, what a celebrity encounter! Sounds like you’re comfortable with risk, what’s the biggest one you ever took?
Cristen: I interviewed for a large ad agency early in my career and the interviewer told me I needed to pick one skill and become an expert in it. In the middle of the interview, I laughed. “Why would I do that?” I questioned. How can you truly understand a marketing or branding campaign if you only know one piece of the puzzle? Playing to your strengths is smart, but you have to understand the big picture. I did not get that job, but I have found in every interview and work situation since, knowing I had a large toolbox of skills to pull from has been really important and very comforting.
WCA: What was the biggest challenge switching from employee to entrepreneur?
Cristen: Becoming your own support system. You become the sales team, the HR team, the accounting team and the project manager. You have to balance more than just the work; you have to manage the business.
WCA: What would your advice be to someone going into business for herself?
Cristen: Set regular work hours. Whether that is 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, or you work every other Saturday morning, set your work hours and make yourself stick to them. If you don’t, you will find yourself ALWAYS working. And that tends to kill your drive and desire.
WCA: What’s been the most rewarding part of working with non-profits?
Cristen: Every time I work with a non-profit, as you are going through message campaigns, comparing headlines and images, and striving for the best combination, you suddenly hear a story or meet a person connected to the cause that makes you stop and take a deep breath. The personal connections always make me feel lucky to be doing what I am doing.
WCA: What advice would you give young women considering a career in advertising/PR?
Cristen: Recognize the connection between technology and marketing. Make your technology knowledge and skills as sharp as your creative and communication skills. It will only make you a stronger candidate in the workforce.
WCA: What are your goals now?
Cristen: Keep learning! I love to learn new skills and new tricks. I want to continue to be challenged in my work and grow with each project I take on.
WCA: Why is WCA important to you?
Cristen: The more I give to this organization the more I receive in return. I often feel like I have an invisible army behind me when I am working. If I hit a bump and need a tip on how to edit a video, proofread a document, introduce me to a reporter, or just talk out a strategy, I have a long list of strong, smart women that have those skills. The best part of this organization is everyone pays it forward. We all pitch in when we can.
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