Our newest employee, Alyssa Mariano, joins AHCMC’s marketing team just in time for a busy and exciting summer. We paused to chat with her about her role as our new Digital Marketing Programs Assistant Manager, her love for art, and more.  

AHCMC: Let’s get started, tell the readers a little about yourself! 

Alyssa: I’ve worked in marketing for nearly six years, and I love that the field relies on creativity. I’ve always been a creative person, sort of eccentric and introverted, so I’ve searched for professional positions that fit the mold. That’s why I’m very happy to join AHCMC! 

I’m a second-gen Filipino American with a large, colorful family, so I like analyzing and learning about people. Storytelling is a big part of my life, and I enjoy learning what makes people tick. In my free time, I like to discover new music, try new foods, and spend time with my loved ones.  

AHCMC: What interested you in working for AHCMC? 

Alyssa: I wanted a job that combined my personal passions with my professional experience. I believe the best position for me is one where I can exercise my personal values, so I was stoked when I saw this role was open. I studied art history at UMD, and it’s been quite some time since I’ve been able to bring that knowledge to the forefront of my work. I also enjoy the sense of community you experience at arts events and festivals. I’m grateful I get to promote events like these on a daily basis. 

AHCMC: We hear you have a creative background; can you tell us more? 

Alyssa: I’m an introvert who’s occasionally possessed by a blabbermouth ghoul, so I like having thoughtful discussions about film and literature. I’ve always loved writing and am currently drafting a horror novel. I’ve also made short films in the past, and my secondary project is a short screenplay for my boyfriend. 

AHCMC: How have your first few weeks at AHCMC been? 

Alyssa: Amazing. I love that everyone comes from a creative background and is so welcoming. We share a similar sense of humor, which is always a good thing. I’ve already learned so much about my coworkers on a personal level, which is amazing because I usually find office social culture hard to navigate. But when I’m here, I feel like I belong. 

I’ve worked with Joe on client-focused tasks, such as launching exciting marketing initiatives for local creatives as we prepare for the next fiscal year. I’ve also worked with Brittney to promote local arts and culture events and maintain CultureSpotMC’s social presence across all platforms. I get to film so many cool things! 

AHCMC: Tell us a fun fact! 

Alyssa: I do nail art! I like creating something that’s meant to be destroyed, something that’s not meant to last forever. It subverts my perfectionist tendencies and the need to get something right or not do it at all. With nail art, if I make a mistake, I can just remove it and do it again in two weeks. I’ve gotten better since I started, and I’m quite proud of myself. 

AHCMC: As you settle into your role as Digital Marketing Programs Assistant Manager, what are you most excited about? 

Alyssa: I’m definitely excited about meeting creative, brilliant-minded people in Montgomery County. I’ve already met lots of amazing people who express themselves in various ways. I’m particularly excited to film social media videos for MarketPower subscribers, getting my boots on the ground and capturing content at the source. I’ve learned that there are tons of things going on in the county that I never knew about before, and I’d love to discover even more.