About Me

Well, where to start? I grew up in a medium-sized town in southern Illinois, Collinsville. I did all the things kids do when growing up – played an instrument, played sports, went to the movies with friends, you know, all the typical stuff. I graduated from high school and went to Bradley University where I though I wanted to major in Actuarial Science. Um, yeah, right. I took one day of basic calculus and ran to my advisors office to switch majors. I decided the Communications was the next best direction for me and Bradley does have one of the best programs around with the Slane College of Communication and Fine Arts. So, I put in my four years and got a degree in Communications with a focus in public relations. I also picked up a minor in professional sales from the marketing/business dept.

Along the way at Bradley, I also joined a social sorority – Gamma Phi Beta. This organization of amazing women provided me with endless opportunities to grow within myself, develop my leadership skills and become the woman I am today. I also made some pretty amazing friends while I was there.

I moved to Boston right after graduation and was lucky enough that Aigner Prensky Marketing had a spot waiting for me as a account coordinator. I moved my way up the ranks and 5 years later I’m a senior account executive and social media specialist. This agency has provided me with every experience possible in the world of public relations. Everything from groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings to high-profile events for hundreds of people. I’ve created public relations campaigns from start to finish, managing every aspect from writing the materials to pitching the materials. My efforts have paid off with print placements in USA Today, The Boston Globe, The NY Times, The Miami Herald, The Union Leader, along with numerous tv placements throughout New England and Florida.

A few years ago, all of the talk about Social Media really started to hit me. I could feel that this where things were going and quickly. I knew that if I wanted to be successfull in this industry I was going to need to know as much as possible (which I quickly learned was impossible as aspects surrounding social media change hourly!). I started participating in webinars, attending networking events and going to conferences – taking in as much information as possible. Today, I feel confident that I have a solid grip on the ever changing world of social media. In addition to building my own reputation on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube, I’ve also been given the opportunity to work with several clients on these outlets as well. Another passion of my is working with bloggers. I love interacting with bloggers of all types and I pride myself on getting to know my fellow bloggers and working with them. The more friends the merrier!

Which leads me to now, I’m still learning about social media, I will always be learning. I’m also working on my entreprenuer skills. My husband, Austin, and I opened our own business last year. Photo Fun Box is a premiere photobooth rental company in Boston. We serve all of New England and bring one of our custom made oak photobooths to weddings, social events, fundraisers, corporate events, birthday parties, etc. Austin and I truly enjoy working with with clients as just last year we were planning our wedding as well.

I love my life, I love when people say to me, “when do you sleep?” I enjoy over extending myself I guess you could say. It keeps me going and I work well under pressure. I always love hearing from people and connecting with new and old friends.

EMAIL ME: marissa[at]marissasweazy.com