Imagine Exhibitions Celebrates International Women’s Day
According to the U.S. Census, women are nearly half of the U.S. workforce but only 27% of STEM workers. At Imagine Exhibitions, women make up a whopping 66% of our company! The women at Imagine Exhibitions come from a variety of backgrounds and expertise but come together with the same goal: to help Imagine Exhibitions provide venues with high-quality, educational, and experiential exhibitions that drive attendance for our clients. To highlight the amazing women who work here, we asked what inspired them to become part of this industry. Many of the team shared their advice here.
Meet Debbie Donohue, COO & VP of Sales
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
This field was a perfect match for my background in STEM education and love of entertainment and where those meet for amazing experiences.
Meet Amanda McKenzie, Creative Director
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
Design has transformative power. It inspires change, engages communities, and can influence and encourage meaningful connections between people and experiences. No two projects are alike, but every project presents the opportunity to inspire, innovate, and invite people to experience something unexpected and new.
Meet Laurie Squire, VP of Marketing & Communications
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
As an extrovert, I have always enjoyed planning events for my friends. I grew up a band kid performing in various musical groups in school. I enjoyed the time spent together rehearsing for performances and the thrill of the show itself. So this industry allows me to combine things that I've always enjoyed. I get to have a hand in organizing fascinating exhibitions and events while bringing people together to share these experiences.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
Wear all the hats! The interconnectedness of all of the elements of this business really benefits from people that have a broad understanding of all the parts.
Meet MacKenzie Rollison, VP of Business Development and Strategy
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
This industry is not for the faint of heart and forces you outside of your comfort zone which is extremely addicting! The excitement and bringing to life aspect of the exhibit and experience industry is unlike any other.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
Be flexible and embrace change, we are fluid industry and leaves room for tons of creativity.
Meet Leah Dick, Project Coordinator
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
I love art and museums (majored in Art History) and wanted to be a part of a team of people who create engaging and exciting experiences for everyone that visits a museum or garden in the hopes of sparking even a singular moment of joy for them.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
Organize, organize, organize! There may be times where you have 5-10 projects or fires to put out at any given time - don't panic! Plan as much of it ahead of time as you can so when the emergencies happen you'll be ready and won't feel so stressed or overwhelmed.
Meet Heather Greenleaf, Project Manager
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
I was an Art History major in college and started working in traveling fine art exhibitions right after graduation. I love working behind the scenes to bring important and exciting exhibitions to the public.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
Every day is different. Be ready to face challenges and problem solve!
Meet Kara Callahan, Director of Marketing
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
I started my career in politics on the campaign trail. I loved creating big events and generating crowds. That lead to live entertainment marketing - which is basically what campaigning is! - starting with Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice, and the Radio City Rockettes. Nothing beats the thrill of a packed house on Opening Day!
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
Get a broad cross training across all disciplines in the business, not just your department. For example, understanding how an exhibit gets created is paramount to being able to tell that story and ultimately sell the tickets. While you may excel in one part of marketing (copy writing, graphic design) understanding the whole of the business cycle will make you a more valuable asset to the team.
Meet Leah Koch, Digital Marketing Manager: Web + Eblasts
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
I've always had a passion for entertainment, as I was a professional dancer/performer after college. I'm also very passionate about education and worked in higher ed at Providence College for a number of years. Imagine Exhibitions is the perfect blend of both of my passions, combining storytelling, entertainment, and education into incredible experiences. I love that my passions match what I'm marketing.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
If you're working in marketing, be passionate and care about what you're promoting, and bring your ideas to the table — some will work, but many ideas will be horrible. And that's ok! That's how the good ones rise to the top. In this industry, spreading the word about an exhibition can make someone's day just a bit brighter, have them learn something new, and maybe even change their life based on their experience.
Meet Sarah Levy, Director of Marketing Operations
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
I grew up in concert venues constantly seeing shows. That's my happy place and where some of my favorite memories come from. I love being part of the behind the scenes machine that brings events to life for other fans.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field? (Sarah wants to change, FYI)
Whatever you do, do it with integrity.
Meet Brittany Vaill, Social Media Manager
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
Growing up I wanted to be a Marine Biologist and train dolphins. When I decided that going into a career for Marine Biology wasn't for me, I pivoted and went into Marketing, but I always had that passion. The best way I knew how to marry the two was to take a job working at a museum that had an Aquarium inside of it. This then grew my love of Museums and allowed me to be close to my passion of science while pursuing my other passion of social media.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
If you're going into social media marketing, it can get truly overwhelming very quickly. You will be asked to be the "expert" in hundreds of different fields and the best way to go about this is to find a subject you're truly passionate about and become the expert in that field. You get to share your love of that topic (for me, it's Museum experiences) with a large audience that shares the exact same love you do. It's very cool to see your audience connect with the things you post every single day.
Meet Victoria Weinbrecht, Brand Coordinator
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
Since childhood, I was a large consumer of the arts and pop culture. Most importantly, I wanted to be at a place where no two days are the same.
Meet Brianna Gribler, Marketing Account Manager
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
I was just a kid when Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones both came out and became enamored with the idea of being an archaeologist. It's silly, but that idea stuck and I ended up beginning my career as an archaeologist, which lead me to museums. Eventually, I decided that I cared more about sharing our cultural and natural history than I did studying it. 10 short years and a master’s in museum studies later, and I've finally landed in the right role that allows me to assist museums around the world in that same mission.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
There is no longer a 'right way' to operate in this field. Because museums are redefining our roles in our communities, it's time to share new perspectives, recommend new and innovative programs, and think outside the box. Don't be afraid to be bold!
Meet Angela K. Henry, Director of Sales
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
I come from the big studio world of entertainment and love exhibitions. This married the two together perfectly.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
Stay agile ... the world is changing around us but peoples thirst for knowledge and entertainment has never been higher!
Meet Tiffanee Green, Retail Assistant Buyer
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
Having an extensive retail background, I was inspired to learn all aspects of it. Being the person to evaluate the market and supply product to meet those demands is very exciting!
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
Have an open mind, set deadlines for yourself, be creative, and have fun!!
Meet Taylor Boyd, Finance Manager
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
I had a friend at the time who used to work for Imagine. She spoke so highly of the company and her co-workers. I started helping out and never looked back. I love working for Imagine and have learned many things over the years.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
Never give up when it gets hard. You will learn so much from your peers and vice versa.
Meet Segrid Turner, Director of Finance
What inspired you to get into your field or this industry?
I've always been intrigued by finance and number. This industry gave me the opportunity to explore those means in an exciting non-traditional business setting.
What would be your advice to someone working in your field?
Relax and be yourself! Ask questions, be a great listener, and you can never have too many notes, just make sure they're organized. LOL
There’s one thing we know for sure: Imagine Exhibitions wouldn’t be where it is today without the talented women who work here. A big thank you to everyone for all your hard work and dedication.
Meet the rest of the team at Imagine Exhibitions here.