solcarioca with tag a

solcarioca

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  AKQA San Francisco

  After the 2+ years at the multi-layered, top heavy, IPG company, I was looking for something in the middle. A company that was independent (not owned by a holding company), that favored creativity to production, and that could allow me to grow from a client management perspective. I wanted to own a piece of business and see that business grow. AKQA provided the perfect place to achieve all those things, as well as bring my dog into the office :) Working on the Target account was a phenomenal opportunity, especially as Target is one of the most loved American brands- with their passion and inspiration to do cutting edge creative work. When I heard of the Amsterdam office opening I was vaguely interested: going to Europe was never in the books, I had always planned to move south (warmth!) instead of north. However, after doing some research I learned that Amsterdam is a hotbed of creativity and an international crossing. I approached the lead of the office and sold myself into that start up..

  jobim playing in the office

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  Buzz Branding

  I was able to secure a summer internship at a local branding agency. I was very well received and quickly became part of their full time staff. But unfortunately the dot com burst blew this bubble and the company shut down. Fortunately, I had the great experience of writing a business plan (from primary research, to situational analysis, to fiscal projections) as well as meeting with local companies to cross promote the product. It was a great experience and I also made one of my closest friends through that company.

  taco truck

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  Living in San Francisco

  In my efforts to avoid the city of San Jose, I moved to SF and commuted for nearly 2 years. SF became home quite quickly. I loved the new adventures, all the different things to do & see. Being in college and living in a city like SF was just thrilling. And after graduating I was fortunate enough to make my career in SF. Giving back to the community is close to my heart and I contributed back to the city that gave me so many experiences by volunteering- as a driver delivering food to homeless shelters, and also by becoming a big sister mentor.

  mission district dolores park

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  UC Berkeley

  With Portuguese being my second language, yet not being offered in High School, I pushed my principal to allow me to take Portuguese courses at Berkeley. After gaining approval by the UC, I took two years of the most advanced Portuguese courses. It was certainly fun to experience college even before I finished high school. And Berkeley rightfully, earns its reputation. On more than one occasion class was held at a local café, because we were all protesting… something.

  telegraph portuguese class

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  Diable Valley College

  After learning how to appeal to take college courses while still in High School, and separately excelling in my volleyball career, I tried out for the college volleyball team as a senior in high school. Once making a spot on the team, I had to become a full time college student to be a collegiate athlete- while also being a full time High School student, as I still had courses to meet graduation requirements! Should I also mention I had 2 jobs?? Early morning shift as a coffee "barista" at the local cafe, and a weekend job as a respite worker for families with mentally challenged children. I look back and ask myself, how did I ever pull this off. I was on the go from 4:30am to 10:30pm every weekday (5-10am Barista, 11-12:30pm Berkeley, 1-3 High School, 3:30-7 Volleyball practice, 7:30-10 College classes.) Perhaps this provided the juggling skills needed to be in client service :) Or better yet, prep me for when I will become a mom.

  volleyball training working

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  AKQA Amsterdam

  I feel in love with Amsterdam from the first day I arrived. It does feel like a 3rd home now, and I feel so lucky to be in a career that facilitates transcontinental experiences. It has been a huge growth experience in my career, to provide critical leadership within the office as well as growing and securing new accounts and projects. I want to continue to create breakthrough products for my clients. Continue to blur the lines of online & traditional communications. And continue to be innovative and creative, both in my personal life and at work.

  room with a view