How did you become interested in marketing?
My professional career has been a circuitous journey full of surprises, challenges and small successes. I began as an editor/producer for dallasnews.com, a job that I happened upon through a dear friend of mine who is a sorority sister and Rhodes alumna. From there I ventured to Boston to work for New York Times Digital on Boston.com. Then my path took a sharp turn. I moved back to Dallas to pursue a career in marketing. After meeting my future husband and working with him on a pro bono campaign for The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas, I was inspired to try something new. I wanted to be in a more creative environment, but still manage the client service, new business and operational aspects of business. I am currently vice president of Account Service/Operations for The Brand Hatchery, our branding, design and interactive agency. Working in a creative agency has allowed me to feel "creative" within the comforts of my own skill set. We also launched a second company in 2010 called Three Blind Ants, which makes Boxal, a modern, eco-friendly picnic box that we invented, produced and now sell.
Those sound like great successes! What are some of your personal milestones?
Raising $1 million in 2005 for The Make A Wish Foundation of North Texas with my husband, Aaron, designing and building a modern house in Dallas, and the birth of our daughter, Isabel “Izzi” Marie.
How did you decide to attend Rhodes?
I had a wise college counselor who had coached me in soccer and softball throughout high school and he knew that I needed a small school environment that was intellectually challenging. When I visited Rhodes with my father, I was immediately drawn to the intimate campus, the incredible architecture, the friendly people, the stimulating classrooms, genuine professors and the opportunities to study abroad. Being awarded a scholarship only made it easier to say "yes" when I was accepted.
What were some of your extracurricular activities while you were a student?
I experienced many parts of Rhodes outside the classroom. I pledged Tri Delta, a source of lifelong friends, and served in a couple of sorority leadership roles. I also helped establish the Rhodes field hockey team. The sorority and sports experiences both helped me learn to lead, motivate others and build teams, which is part of what I do every day. I worked in the bookstore and babysat for a professor′s children, which taught me to roll up my sleeves, work hard and take pride in whatever I do. I also interned at Memphis magazine which provided invaluable writing and research opportunities. Additionally, many of the resources and contacts I established through Rhodes have helped my husband and me build our business.
It sounds like Rhodes had quite an effect on who you are today.
Rhodes gave me a solid foundation from which to build my personal relationships and professional roles. It fostered my creativity, desire for knowledge and commitment to growth. It encouraged my quest for a lifetime of learning and exploration. It helped establish my passion for children, literacy and the arts.
By: Charlotte Young ’13