From TikTok and Instagram to YouTube and Twitch, video-driven social media platforms have fostered an explosion of independent content creation, attracting keen interest from brands and media companies looking to collaborate with, hire, and learn from influential creators. Join us for a conversation with digital creators, influencers, and marketers about what it takes to make breakout social content.
Presented with the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and St. Francis College’s Center for Career Exploration and Communication Arts department
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
The Center's programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Alyssa Francois, Associate Content Lead, Dove; Wellness & Style Influencer
Alyssa Francois is a multifaceted professional, recognized as a distinguished content creator, lifestyle influencer, and holistic health coach. Holding a prominent position at Unilever, Alyssa is one of the esteemed Beauty & Wellbeing Content Leads, at Dove. Alyssa's unwavering dedication to helping women lead healthy, fulfilled lives has been the driving force behind her journey as a coach, which began after her endometriosis diagnosis in 2021.
Alyssa's exceptional skills and remarkable accomplishments as a content creator have earned her collaborations with top-tier brands such as Toyota, Timberland, Complex Magazine, Simplehuman, and Veracity. Her vision is to empower women to integrate simple yet effective, healthy, and sustainable lifestyle practices into their daily routines, helping them create lives filled with purpose and joy on their own terms. With her profound knowledge, passion, and expertise, Alyssa Francois is a trusted guide, inspiring women worldwide to prioritize their health and wellness while discovering their true potential.
Sarah Funk, On-Camera Host and Travel Influencer
Sarah Funk is an on-camera host, YouTuber, and entrepreneur. She hosts GoDaddy's School of Hustle, Wander home tours and travel guides, and vacation content for Travel & Leisure's social media. Sarah owns a tour and vacation planning company called Funky Experiences in NYC. Her following is 350K across social media and site with 21 million channel views on YouTube alone. Learn more at sarahfunky.com.
Mariya Moseley, Social Media Manager, Vice TV
Mariya Moseley is an Emmy-nominated Digital Producer who currently serves as Social Media Manager at VICE Media Group in NYC and oversees global social media strategies for VICE TV. Previously, she worked at ABC News, PEOPLE Magazine and ESSENCE Magazine. Her work has also been featured in Apple News, Yahoo and MSN. She holds a M.A. in Journalism from Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY and a B.S. in Journalism & Mass Communications from NC A&T State University.
Gabriela Rodiles, Social Media Manager, Food Network; Content Creator, Gourmet Gab
Gabriela Rodiles is social media manager at Food Network, and the content creator and recipe developer behind Gourmet Gab, the food blog she started in 2010. Gabriela has taught dozens of live cooking classes and judged television cooking competitions like Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America. She attended Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.
Moderator: Vanessa Santana, Brand Marketer, Unilever; Co-Host, Out of Office
Vanessa Santana is a purpose-driven marketer, culture enthusiast, and inclusion advocate. She currently manages global product innovation for Dove's haircare business; prior to joining Unilever, she worked at General Mills, NBCUniversal and Nielsen. She is a proud alum of Baruch College in NYC where she earned a BA in Corporate Communications & Journalism, was a dual sport NCAA athlete and co-hosted a radio show. When she's not marketing big brands or speaking at events, she enjoys traveling, podcasting, and quality time with loved ones.