Tara Rose O’Connor (she/her) is a graphic designer whose work has creative flair with a playful spirit. Tara’s venture into graphic design traces a path of passion, dedication, and curiosity. From her early days as the “Tech Ed kid” and the “Art kid” in high school to her current role as a visionary designer at Creative Repute, Tara’s design path shows determination and artistic innovation.

Tara’s journey into graphic design began in high school, where she discovered her identity as a tech enthusiast and an artistic expert. She embarked on a transformative path, fueled by the encouragement of her design mentor. These pivotal moments led to her affiliation with the Technology Student Association (TSA), kickstarting her growth in the world of graphic design. Within TSA’s canvas, she engaged in a series of design events, consistently leaving an impact. Over three TSA years, Tara’s steadfast dedication resulted in over ten top-three accolades, including second place for her “Children’s Story Design” submission at the National Conference.

Tara’s commitment to her education led her to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Thomas Jefferson University in May 2023, with a degree in Graphic Design Communications. She emerged not only with a top-tier education but also with a deep comprehension of design’s nuances and its potential for communication and captivation.

Throughout her academic journey, she fully immersed herself in diverse design disciplines, ranging from logo design and typography to editorial work, photography, and brand identity. Tara’s approach to design goes beyond the technical aspects; she genuinely enjoys getting to know her clients as individuals, ensuring that their brand reflects their personality and values. With a knack for adding personal touches to branding, such as incorporating favorite colors, unique marks, and an overall aesthetic, Tara aims to create successful brand identities that resonate with both the client and their target audience. She strikes a balance between her own creative vision and the client’s objectives, always emphasizing the importance of fun in the design process. Tara’s decision-making is guided by experimentation and reason, resulting in brand identities that companies are excited to showcase.

When faced with clients who are still in the process of defining their brand’s visual identity, Tara conducts extensive research on competitors and explores timeless design trends. This thorough approach ensures that her clients’ businesses stand out and make a lasting impression. One of Tara’s notable projects involved creating a brand identity for a mobile beer tap company, sparking her passion for working with food and beverage companies. She thrives on challenges and is always open to expanding her skill set, willing to figure out how to achieve any design task.

In addition to brand design, Tara has a profound interest in editorial design. By combining her photography and design talents, she creates visually stunning outcomes. One of her recent editorial projects, “Reveal,” emerged from her Publication Class at Thomas Jefferson University. In this publication, Tara showcases hidden gems from her travels, focusing on lesser-known places of exceptional quality, beauty, or value. The project features original photography, adding a special touch to the publication.

Photography serves as a creative outlet for Tara, allowing her to step away from the computer and immerse herself in the world around her. She cherishes the unique mindset that comes with capturing moments through a camera, as opposed to a phone. Tara aims to take pictures that provoke thought and contemplation, often delving into the realm of photojournalism. She finds joy in learning from others and hearing their stories.

Unapologetically outspoken, Tara always stands up for her beliefs while prioritizing the client’s needs in her work at Creative Repute. She actively participates in critiques and supports her fellow designers and colleagues, embracing each step of the creative journey as an opportunity for growth.

Aside from her design pursuits, Tara finds joy in simple pleasures like touching grass, playing with dogs, spending time with friends, and exploring the world. She considers herself a movie and TV buff, with “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” and Wes Anderson movies ranking among her favorites. Tara’s top TV show is “Ted Lasso.” Her adventurous spirit, talkative nature, and unwavering pride shape her approach to both life and work, and she looks forward to collaborating with you.

Alfred Muinde (He/Him) is a Software Engineer who loves building solutions to real-world problems. He has over three years of experience creating software and helping others learn how to build it. His work across a variety of industries has given him a deep understanding of both technical challenges and how to solve them efficiently.

Originally from Kenya, Alfred spent most of his childhood along the Coast—though, ironically, he’s a terrible swimmer despite growing up near the ocean. From a young age, he was fascinated with building things. He often convinced his friends to take apart their electronic toys just to experiment with the motors inside. Even then, he knew he was meant to be an engineer, though the specific path became clear only in his late teens as computers became more accessible.

Alfred’s professional coding journey began in his first year of university while studying computer science. Initially, he aspired to be a white-hat hacker, and while exploring hacking techniques, he discovered Python. That curiosity led him to Django—challenging at first—so he transitioned to Flask and joined a coding bootcamp. From there, he dove deeper into software development and discovered his passion for building full-stack applications. His early interest in security continues to influence his work, giving him an edge in building safe, reliable systems.

Alfred has contributed to several projects he’s especially proud of. One standout project was an internal tool for an EdTech nonprofit, designed to help mentors and trainers review learner submissions. The work required understanding the organization’s learning management system and integrating seamlessly with it. The tool has since been used for thousands of project reviews, supporting learners every day.

He also ventured into entrepreneurship as the technical co-founder of a restaurant operations platform in Kenya. The project brought together multiple restaurant processes into one cohesive system. Alfred delivered an MVP that helped the company secure angel investment—an experience that taught him the realities of building technology within a business context, where software, operations, and strategy intersect.

Alfred’s favorite tech stack is Laravel, thanks to its “batteries included” approach, which lets him build quickly without getting bogged down in unnecessary decisions. He values tools that work out of the box and support moving from idea to execution efficiently.

When approaching challenges, Alfred follows a simple philosophy: try first, research thoroughly, and ask questions when needed. He isn’t afraid to collaborate or seek guidance, ensuring that complex problems are solved effectively and solutions remain maintainable.

As a full-stack developer, Alfred brings a complete end-to-end skill set. He can take a project from concept to deployment—covering database design, code quality, UI considerations, CI/CD pipelines, and deployment on both bare-metal servers and serverless environments. He adapts quickly to new tools, confident that strong foundational knowledge transfers across technologies.

Alfred values clear communication and collaboration. He believes in defining responsibilities early and seeking clarity upfront to keep teams productive. Colleagues describe him as someone who consistently shows up, helps others, and goes above and beyond for the success of a project.

Outside of work, Alfred enjoys cooking and takes pride in preparing meals for friends and family. He’s also a casual gamer (especially competitive FIFA matches) and an avid reader of fiction. He mentors beginners learning to code, which keeps him sharp while allowing him to give back to the community.

Looking ahead, Alfred is excited about how AI is transforming technology. He sees AI as a force multiplier—lowering barriers to entry while raising expectations for experienced developers. His goal is to continue growing, build software that solves real problems, and make a meaningful impact through his work. He strives to follow the principle: “Build it once, make it work, and revisit only to add new features,” aiming for reliable, efficient, and high-quality software that clients can depend on.

Kristina Hernandez (She/Her) is an award-winning multidisciplinary creative marketing strategist, revenue-operations leader, and systems architect who brings a rare blend of artistic direction, technical expertise, and operational structure to every project she touches. She joins Creative Repute with over a decade of experience designing campaigns, optimizing marketing ecosystems, and guiding teams at the intersection of creativity and data-driven strategy.

At her core, Kristina is a storyteller. She grew up immersed in creativity—drawing, writing, and studying how visuals, words, and emotions shape experiences. That early curiosity evolved into a career built on two parallel strengths: crafting compelling creative campaigns and engineering the systems that make those campaigns scalable, consistent, and effective.

Her career spans a wide range of industries, including biotechnology, technology, automotive, finance, construction, fragrance and chemical manufacturing, entertainment, travel, real estate, health, SaaS, and professional services. She has contributed to global campaigns for Ford and Volkswagen, executed CRM and data migration initiatives for Cisco, managed marketing operations for MaxCyte, and supported organizations such as Sony, L’Oréal, and numerous nonprofits. She has also played a pivotal role in helping entrepreneurs, authors, small businesses, and regional organizations that needed not only marketing—but structure, direction, and clarity.

Kristina’s greatest value lies in her ability to merge creativity with operational rigor. She builds narratives and visual concepts that resonate while simultaneously designing the workflows, CRM foundations, automations, and reporting frameworks that allow those ideas to convert. Her approach ensures that creativity isn’t just expressive—it’s strategic, intentional, and tied to measurable outcomes.

Throughout her career, Kristina has demonstrated leadership across creative direction, content strategy, and marketing operations. She develops campaign concepts, brand storytelling frameworks, content calendars, video direction, social strategies, landing page narratives, and messaging guides. She knows how to shape cohesive creative direction that aligns with audience behavior, brand voice, and long-term goals—translating insights, emotions, and data into campaigns that deliver clarity and impact.

On the technical side, Kristina is an expert in HubSpot CRM architecture, workflow design, and lifecycle automation. She also brings significant experience with Salesforce, Pardot, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Mailchimp, Klaviyo, ActiveCampaign, and a wide range of analytics and optimization tools. Her work includes redesigning complex automation systems, improving sales cycle efficiency, building full-funnel nurture programs, enhancing email deliverability, auditing CRM infrastructure, and creating dashboards that unify marketing, sales, and revenue insights.

Her QA background—refined through high-stakes work with automotive and global consumer brands—gives her an exceptional eye for detail. She has built QA systems for marketing teams, tested campaigns across platforms and devices, enforced brand consistency at scale, and collaborated with development and creative teams to ensure every asset meets the highest standard before launch.

Kristina’s leadership style is collaborative, grounded, and intuitive. She values communication, clarity, and expectation-setting. She listens before she builds, synthesizes information quickly, and thrives in environments where creativity and structure work hand in hand. She gravitates toward teams that push boundaries and value thoughtful, well-executed work.

Her personal philosophy is shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to meaningful impact. As a mother who has navigated extraordinary challenges, she brings empathy, strength, and intention to every project. She values relationships, community engagement, and continuous learning. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new creative tools, discovering local experiences, deepening her spiritual practice, and spending time with her son, who remains at the heart of her purpose.

In addition to her creative and operational strengths, Kristina brings a consultant’s perspective refined through years of working with companies of all sizes. She knows how to enter a business, assess its systems, identify gaps, and build solutions that drive growth. Her work includes onboarding programs, buyer-journey architectures, sales enablement systems, training materials, persona frameworks, brand audits, and process documentation that help teams operate with coordination and confidence.

At Creative Repute, Kristina supports clients who need both artistry and structure—organizations seeking to elevate their visual identity, strengthen their messaging, improve marketing performance, or build internal systems that turn creative assets into measurable outcomes. She thrives in roles where she can shape creative campaigns, guide brand evolution, enhance operational excellence, and ensure that every idea is anchored in strategy.

Kristina brings the uncommon ability to make creativity operational and operations creative. She is here to build clarity, strengthen brands, and support Creative Repute’s mission of delivering thoughtful, meaningful, community-centered work that resonates, inspires, and endures.

During regular business hours, new callers will typically be connected with Nadine Livingston (she/her), who serves as the receptionist for Creative Repute. She is the mother of the organization’s founder, Nile Livingston, and a retired special education school teacher from the School District of Philadelphia. For over 35 years of service, Nadine has mentored staff members, taught children with wide-ranging learning styles, and interviewed applicants applying for jobs in the Philadelphia School District. Her other duties included co-teaching with regular-education teachers, facilitating staff development, and preparing and testing students for Pennsylvania state-wide exams. 

Nadine attended Cheyney University and graduated with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She also received a minor in Special Education during her time there. After that, she returned to school to get her Master’s degree in Special Education and her certification in Mathematics and Science for grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Nadine’s mid-career transition saw her take on new responsibilities, including Resource Support Teacher for Staff and Students and Special Education Liaison for several schools across Philadelphia. 

Nadine is outgoing and always eager to help those around her feel welcomed and supported. She can be a social butterfly. This is just one of the many reasons why she is now the person who answers the phone at Creative Repute and directs callers to the appropriate resources available within the company. Nadine treats others with respect and places a high value on being honest. She has a strong sense of integrity and equity. 

Nadine is a devoted wife and the mother of two beautiful daughters. As her children were growing up, she encouraged them to participate in various activities, such as dance, visual arts, Girl Scouts, music lessons, gymnastics, and karate, until they discovered what they were genuinely passionate about in life. Nadine raised her daughters to believe in themselves. One of her favorite quotes comes from a poem by Langston Hughes: “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams, for when dreams go, life is a barren field frozen with snow.

Nadine’s unquenchable desire to learn new things and expand her horizons, in addition to having excellent communication skills, allows her to take advantage of the technology available in today’s world to work remotely while performing receptionist duties at Creative Repute. The world, in Nadine’s eyes, is her greatest teacher. When she is not actively engaged in work or travel, Nadine likes to relax by reading for pleasure, gardening, and listening to a diverse array of music. The next item on her list of life’s goals is to improve her swimming ability.

Once she retired from the district, she was eager to continue using her skills to assist community members in any way she could, including pointing them toward the appropriate resources. Volunteer work is something that Nadine enjoys doing in her spare time. She is a member of the scholarship committee and greeter ministries at Saint Matthew AME Church. Additionally, she is a volunteer treasurer for the Walnut Hill Community Association and an active member of the Philadelphia Chapter of Chums, Inc., an organization that awards college scholarships to high school seniors with the highest grade point average.

Nadine’s favorite volunteer opportunity is with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) because it allows her to collaborate with more than 1.8 million members to deliver programs and resources to those who are at least 50 years old and because she enjoys assisting others in becoming more self-reliant as they age gracefully. 

Nadine developed new skills as a front desk receptionist at The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation in West Philadelphia. Among her responsibilities there, she updated the staff’s Google Calendar with meetings, collected and organized mail, and connected contacts to the appropriate people listed in TEC’s directory.

Nadine now takes great pleasure in serving as a receptionist for Creative Repute. She aims to ensure that a pleasant, kind, and responsible human greets callers during Creative Repute’s business hours. If she’s not in a good place to answer the phone right away, she will surely call you back, so we encourage people to leave a message with the best phone number and email address to contact.

Vlad Klimenko (he/him): is a highly skilled web technology expert and software engineer with over seven years of hands-on experience designing, developing, and implementing tailored digital solutions for clients across a range of industries. Specializing in e-commerce platforms and corporate web systems, Vlad combines strong technical proficiency with an intuitive understanding of user experience and business strategy. His expertise in PHP (particularly Laravel), Bootstrap, jQuery, and CMS platforms such as WordPress enables him to deliver scalable, efficient, and visually cohesive products that meet each client’s unique needs.

Vlad’s journey into web development began with a deep curiosity about how technology can shape human interaction and streamline business processes. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a passion for creating meaningful online experiences that drive growth and efficiency. He has since built a reputation for his ability to transform complex technical requirements into clear, functional, and beautifully executed digital products.

Throughout his career, Vlad has completed numerous projects spanning the finance, tourism, and corporate sectors. In the finance industry, he has developed secure and high-performing web applications designed to handle sensitive data while maintaining user trust through strong security measures and reliable performance. In tourism, he has built engaging, content-rich platforms that help businesses connect travelers to unforgettable experiences, blending storytelling with functionality to inspire exploration and ease of booking. His ability to adapt to the unique demands of each field has made him a trusted development partner for organizations seeking innovative, long-lasting digital solutions.

One of Vlad’s defining strengths lies in his collaborative approach. He firmly believes that the most successful web projects are born out of clear communication and shared understanding. Whether working directly with clients, collaborating with designers, or coordinating with other developers, he is known for fostering open dialogue and transparency throughout the process. Vlad consistently ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on goals, timelines, and expectations. His strong interpersonal and communicative skills allow him not only to execute but also to advise and offer recommendations on architecture, usability, and best practices that elevate the final product beyond the initial scope.

In his technical practice, Vlad relies on well-structured workflows and robust version control systems. He is proficient in Git and BitBucket, which he uses to maintain organized, trackable, and secure development processes. This disciplined approach supports smooth collaboration, enables efficient troubleshooting, and ensures that every line of code contributes to a stable and maintainable product. He is equally comfortable working independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team, and he thrives in environments that challenge him to push the boundaries of his skill set.

Beyond coding, Vlad is deeply invested in continuous learning and professional growth. The technology landscape evolves quickly, and Vlad makes it a point to stay current with emerging frameworks, methodologies, and best practices. His curiosity drives him to explore new tools that can enhance performance, security, and user engagement. He also takes an interest in mentoring and knowledge sharing to help less experienced developers understand not only how to code, but how to think strategically about technology’s role in problem-solving.

Vlad’s professional philosophy is rooted in the belief that good development goes far beyond functionality. For him, the true measure of success is when a website or application not only works well but also empowers its users and aligns seamlessly with the client’s business vision. Every project is an opportunity to merge form and function by balancing technical precision with creativity to produce results that are both practical and inspiring.

His long-term goal is to continue refining his craft and expanding his expertise in full-stack development, cloud integration, and advanced e-commerce systems. He aims to build digital ecosystems that are sustainable, adaptable, and positioned for the future, such as environments that support businesses as they evolve and scale.

Today, Vlad continues to help clients across the globe conceptualize, design, and develop web solutions that bring their ideas to life. His commitment to quality, communication, and innovation has earned him a reputation as a dependable partner in technology. Whether optimizing backend systems, improving user flows, or crafting bespoke digital experiences from the ground up, Vlad approaches each challenge with analytical precision and creative enthusiasm.

In every sense, Vlad Klimenko represents the intersection of technical excellence and human-centered design. He is a developer who not only writes clean, powerful code but also cares deeply about the people and businesses his work impacts. His career is a testament to the power of collaboration, adaptability, and a lifelong passion for building tools that make the digital world a more effective and engaging place.

Sewell Killingstad (They/Them) is a Baltimore-based Graphic Designer and Illustrator dedicated to creating bold, thoughtful, and inclusive design solutions. They bring curiosity, energy, and a collaborative spirit to every project, approaching each assignment as both a designer and a storyteller. They believe in the power of visual communication to inspire change, connect communities, and make complex ideas feel accessible. Their work at Creative Repute is guided by a commitment to delivering meaningful, purposeful, and visually compelling solutions that resonate deeply with clients and audiences alike.

A graduate of Towson University, Sewell earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art & Design with a concentration in Graphic Design and a minor in English Writing and Literature in May 2024. This combination of formal design training and literary study provides them with a unique perspective on communication: they are equally invested in aesthetics and narrative. Their academic background equipped them with a strong foundation in typography, layout, color theory, digital design, and research, as well as critical thinking and storytelling skills that enhance every project they undertake.

Sewell’s professional skill set spans a wide range of creative disciplines, including branding and logo design, editorial and layout design, website and digital design, illustration, photography, packaging, animation, and wayfinding systems. They also maintain a thriving freelance practice, producing merchandise designs for popular artists, developing logos and brand identities for small businesses, managing content, photography, designing animation, and producing film posters. Their illustration work has been featured in sticker books and is commissioned regularly. This variety of experience has allowed Sewell to develop a versatile toolkit, adapt to diverse client needs, and approach design challenges with flexibility, creativity, and strategic thinking, skills that are directly valuable to Creative Repute’s multidisciplinary team.

At Creative Repute, Sewell hopes to contribute their expertise to projects that reflect the company’s values of equity, inclusivity, and community impact. They excel in collaborative environments, bringing organization, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset to every project. They thrive in fast-paced settings and is comfortable navigating multiple priorities, ensuring that client work is delivered thoughtfully, efficiently, and to the highest standard. Their ability to translate conceptual ideas into cohesive, visually striking designs helps the team produce work that communicates clearly and resonates with diverse audiences.

Beyond technical skills, Sewell brings curiosity, creativity, and playfulness to the design process. They enjoy exploring bold concepts, asking questions, and conducting research to ensure their work is purposeful, innovative, and aligned with client goals. Whether developing a brand identity, crafting illustrations, or producing content for digital platforms, Sewell approaches each project intending to create meaningful, impactful work that amplifies client voices and strengthens their message.

Outside of work, Sewell lives in Baltimore with their partner, Sybria, and their two cats, Appa and Pabu, who often keep them company during long design sessions. In addition to their visual design work, Sewell sings and makes music with their partner, who produces music, reading fantasy novels, doodling in their sketchbook, or revisiting episodes of Adventure Time. They believe that great design is more than aesthetics; it is about solving problems, telling stories, and making experiences more inclusive and engaging.

Through both freelance work and their role at Creative Repute, Sewell continues to expand their skills and push creative boundaries while producing work that is purposeful and impactful. They are committed to delivering designs that not only look beautiful but also communicate, connect with audiences, and inspire meaningful action. By combining technical expertise, creative vision, and a thoughtful, empathetic approach, Sewell strives to contribute to the Creative Repute team in ways that enhance client projects and strengthen team collaboration.

Whether translating brand stories into cohesive visual identities, creating engaging illustrations, or developing digital content, they approach every project with intention, care, and dedication. Their work reflects a balance of creativity and strategy, professionalism and playfulness, and vision and attention to detail. Sewell’s ultimate goal is to use design to make a positive impact on clients, communities, and audiences, demonstrating that thoughtful, intentional design can both inspire and effect meaningful change.

Mike Conwell (They/Them)

Hi, I’m Mike, I am a designer and illustrator with over six years of experience creating work that intersects concept, personality, and visual storytelling. Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats, from hands-on designer to leading creative teams as a Creative Director, and each role has shaped the way I approach design today: with intention, curiosity, and a deep respect for process.

My process begins with a question: what’s the voice of this project? Design doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and I believe that good work listens first. Before I sketch a single line or open any software, I dive into the roots of the idea, where it came from, what it’s trying to say, and who it wants to reach. Once I have a sense of its story, I let that voice guide my creative decisions. That voice might be bold and loud, or quiet and contemplative, but it always has something important to say. My job is to amplify it.

Over the years, I’ve led projects across a wide range of industries and formats, from developing full-scale branding systems for restaurants to designing 90 foot murals, band merchandise, and many web-sites. My time as a Creative Director taught me how to balance big-picture thinking with fine detail, and how to guide teams toward a shared vision while keeping the work grounded, honest, and effective.

Illustration plays a huge role in my creative toolkit. I often bring in custom hand-drawn elements to make the work feel more “human”. Combining design and illustration allows me to approach projects with flexibility and personality. I don’t just want things to look nice, I want them to feel intentional. That might mean developing custom illustrations that give a brand a human touch or designing layouts that feel as organic as the content they carry. Each project becomes a balancing act between aesthetics and message. I’m not interested in trend-chasing. I’m interested in clarity, craft, and communication. I believe great design tells a story, and sometimes, that story is better told with a little personality.

I’m also deeply collaborative by nature. While I value independent creativity, I believe the best work happens when ideas are shared, challenged, and refined as a team. I love bouncing thoughts off clients, art directors, fellow designers, or anyone who’s invested in making something better. I don’t see feedback as a hurdle; I see it as fuel. My ego doesn’t live in the work, my curiosity does.

When I’m not designing, you’ll probably find me drawing for fun, flipping through dusty books in secondhand shops, or overthinking the type on cereal boxes. I love weird visual ephemera and am constantly archiving scraps of inspiration: matchbooks, flyers, print ads from the ’70s, even comic books. All of that stuff finds its way into my creative DNA.

Ultimately, I want to create work that resonates, something that’s not only smart and functional, but full of life. Whether I’m leading a team or building something solo, my goal is always the same: to make meaningful, memorable designs that connect.

Hollis Burnett (she/her/they) is a seasoned marketing professional with over a decade of experience helping clients navigate the complexities of marketing and reach their goals in creative, impactful ways. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Hollis grew up surrounded by music, culture, and a vibrant community that shaped their perspective on creativity and connection. From an early age, they played piano and cello, performing in orchestras and immersing themselves in genres ranging from classical to hip-hop. These experiences cultivated a love for collaboration and an appreciation for the importance of resonating with an audience – skills that would later define their approach to marketing.

Hollis attended a visual and performing arts high school, where their artistic talents flourished. While music was central to their life, they realized they didn’t want to pursue it professionally but still wanted it to remain an important part of their identity. They decided to study music business in college, a path that allowed them to combine their creative passion with their growing interest in strategy and organization. Their coursework included a mix of finance, marketing, and jazz piano, alongside classical music composition. Hollis enjoyed bridging the gap between creative expression and practical application, a balance they continue to pursue in their professional life.

After earning their degree, Hollis began their career in Boston, working in operations and sales for local arts organizations. During this time, they also interned in SEO, which sparked a deep interest in understanding how people search for information and how businesses can align with those needs. SEO appealed to their analytical side, offering a fascinating blend of technical problem-solving and consumer psychology. Eager to dive deeper into marketing, Hollis joined a small startup agency where they gained hands-on experience in paid search, SEO strategy, and reputation management. Working with clients ranging from small businesses to major fitness brands, they developed a holistic understanding of how different elements of marketing come together to drive success.

Over time, Hollis expanded their skill set by taking on roles at larger agencies, where they worked on diverse campaigns across industries. Seeking new challenges and a change of pace, they relocated to Philadelphia, a city that resonated with their artistic and personal sensibilities. Philadelphia’s rich arts scene, cultural diversity, and unique blend of grit and charm quickly made it feel like home. Professionally, the move marked a turning point in their career, as they took on a leadership role at a creative agency.

In their new role, Hollis helped build and lead the agency’s media team from the ground up. They established processes that streamlined workflows, evaluated new tools to enhance the agency’s tech stack, and hired and mentored a team of specialists. This team managed everything from SEO and paid search to programmatic advertising and traditional media campaigns. Hollis worked closely with research, strategy, analytics, and creative teams, ensuring that all campaigns were seamlessly integrated and aligned with clients’ objectives. They also took pride in being the media expert in the room, helping clients understand how each strategy contributed to their overall success.

Hollis has worked with a wide range of clients, including universities, e-commerce companies, B2B organizations, fitness brands, and consumer goods. They’ve developed integrated marketing plans that span paid search, social media, influencer marketing, programmatic buying, and more. What sets Hollis apart is their ability to combine data-driven insights with creative thinking. They don’t just focus on numbers; they use data as a tool to tell a story and create campaigns that truly connect with people.

Beyond their technical skills, Hollis thrives on collaboration. They love brainstorming with teams, problem-solving with clients, and finding innovative ways to tackle challenges. Whether it’s launching a campaign, building a team, or mentoring a junior colleague, Hollis brings a thoughtful and inclusive approach to their work. They believe that great marketing isn’t just about delivering results – it’s about fostering meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.

Outside of work, Hollis is a regular at live music events, often exploring new genres and local talent. Their love for music extends beyond listening; they’re currently teaching themselves guitar and rediscovering their passion for playing piano. Hollis also enjoys staying active, whether shooting hoops in a pickup basketball game or biking through the streets and trails of Philadelphia. They’re an avid traveler and love the thrill of discovering new places, cultures, and experiences. At home, Hollis enjoys spending time with their two cats, whose antics never fail to bring laughter and joy.

Hollis’s journey from Brooklyn to Boston and now Philadelphia reflects their openness to growth and change. Along the way, they’ve blended their love for creativity with a knack for strategy, building a career that allows them to make a meaningful impact on clients and colleagues alike. For Hollis, marketing is more than just a profession-it’s a way to solve problems, tell stories, and bring people together. Whether they’re crafting a campaign, mentoring a teammate, or discovering a new passion, Hollis approaches life and work with curiosity, care, and a drive to make things better for everyone they encounter. This blend of creativity, adaptability, and collaboration continues to define Hollis’s journey, making them a standout force in the marketing world and beyond.

Delaney Motter is a recent Philadelphia transplant originally from Portland, Oregon. She spent most of her formative years bouncing between the suburbs of Portland and a small family farm in the rural Willamette Valley of Oregon. She always felt a little too punk and weird for the country kids and a little too country and weird for the punk kids. 

She has a long history of working with creatives of all types and has spent most of her career in the music and fashion industries. She is deeply passionate about supporting artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds across many different mediums. Her goal is always to help make truly beautiful and meaningful work happen.

 As a longtime master of multi-tasking, she began putting on local concerts around Portland at the age of 16 while still finishing her senior year of high school. From there, she would go on to pursue her bachelor of arts in journalism from the University of Oregon while still booking shows in both Portland and Eugene, Oregon. Through booking and going to shows, housing touring bands, and generally offering a hand whenever possible, she became deeply engrained in the independent DIY music community both locally and beyond.  

As a writer, her focus was initially music, arts, and culture journalism and eventually grew to encompass press and copywriting as well. She has written for various publications, including The Portland Mercury, The Alternative, Modern Vinyl, and, at one point, her own independent music blog. In college, Delaney would also begin to produce larger-scale events, including showcases at the South by Southwest festival for three years in a row. 

Upon completing her degree, Delaney then worked in the music & tech space, where she became deeply knowledgeable about music publishing, digital distribution, rights management, social video monetization, and the music industry at large. Eventually, Delaney would take the opportunity to obtain her Project Management certification from Portland State during this time; before then pivoting her career to work in marketing and events in the fashion industry.

Most recently, Delaney planned and produced retail activations for a fashion brand that ranged from in-store concerts and drag shows to artist customization events. In this role, she was able to build a truly broad and deep bench of remarkable creative professionals and develop tight-knit, lasting relationships. She prides herself in having a wealth of contacts for just about every creative profession – musicians, photographers, writers, stylists, graphic designers, illustrators, tattoo artists, jewelers, painters, etc. You name the creative need, she probably knows someone who can do it for you, and she’s happy to put you in contact.

These days, Delaney is making a commitment to exploring Philly and getting to know the new city she calls home. She is accepting any and all recommendations for your favorite restaurants, coffee shops, records stores, thrift shops, and general good places to hang in town. She also still likes to spend many of her evenings going to shows, though she won’t stay out as late as she used to do so. (Especially if it’s a work night). If she’s not at a concert with friends, she’s probably at home working on whatever silly little craft she is currently obsessing over. Her past and current craft obsessions include collaging, rug tufting, punch needles, epoxy resin art, candle making, home decor DIYs, and more. As of late, she has taken to having a disposable camera in tow with her at all times. As such, she is making an effort to capture candid and sweet moments with her friends. She considers herself a bit of a sentimental sap, and this hobby really helps to remind her of the passing moments of joy that fill her life.

Yanfei Wang (She/Her), aka Elfie, is a well-rounded graphic designer and illustrator who thrives on storytelling through design. With a solid foundation in branding, UI/web design, and digital illustration, she combines creativity with strategic thinking and a keen eye for aesthetics to craft designs that are both visually captivating and purposeful. Whether creating a brand identity, designing an intuitive website, or working on social media campaigns, Elfie ensures every piece she creates is not only beautiful but also functional, serving the needs of her clients and their audiences.

Elfie’s journey into design started with a love for typography and digital composition. This passion led her to pursue graphic design professionally, where she quickly realized how much more there was to explore. Along the way, she discovered that her personal hobby of illustration could fit perfectly within her design work. What started as a simple creative outlet soon became a key part of her design process. She is capable of telling stories visually through layouts and illustrations that strengthen narrative coherence, but is also familiar with the process of print-production workflow. This integration has allowed her to work on various projects, including book and merchandise designs, from concept to production. 

As her career grew, Elfie expanded her skill set beyond graphic design and illustration into digital product design. Elfie has worked with a diverse range of clients, from individual entrepreneurs to startups and creative collectives. One of her strengths is her adaptability. She can take on projects across various industries and audiences, adjusting her design approach to suit each unique set of needs. She has a strong understanding of web fonts, modern design trends, and creating SVG graphics, in collaboration with the client and the developer team to optimize websites with CMS platforms, using innovative UI/UX strategies. Also, she can handle front-end coding (HTML, CSS), which gave her insight into bridging the gap between design and development, ensuring seamless user experiences across devices. Her ability to combine beauty with usability is one of the things that sets her apart in the world of web design.

Elfie also made a mark in social media design and marketing assets, where she’s helped businesses create engaging visuals tailored to different platforms. From striking visuals to calls to action, Elfie ensures her designs resonate with users and drive engagement, helping businesses build stronger relationships with their audiences. Therefore, a big part of what makes Elfie unique is how she integrates marketing strategies into her design work. She understands how design influences consumer behavior and uses that insight to create designs that support her clients’ business goals. She combines her design expertise with an understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, ensuring that each piece of work is not only beautiful but also effective in reaching its audience.

Outside of her client work, Elfie is always pushing herself to grow as a designer. She’s constantly experimenting with new artistic techniques, exploring fresh design tools, and staying updated on the latest industry trends. Her love for learning drives her to seek new challenges and expand her skills, keeping her designs current and fresh. She’s also passionate about exploring different artistic mediums, always looking for ways to combine them in her work. This continuous growth keeps her at the top of her game, allowing her to approach every project with creativity and confidence.

Elfie’s love for storytelling doesn’t stop with her design work. She’s deeply inspired by literature, animation, and visual culture, all of which fuel her creative energy. Recently, she’s explored video editing for short films as a new hobby, where she combines motion graphics and cinematography to create compelling visual narratives. This venture into video editing has opened up new avenues for her creativity, allowing her to use motion to elevate her storytelling in a dynamic and engaging way.

At the heart of everything Elfie does is a passion for design and a commitment to delivering high-quality, meaningful visuals. Whether she’s designing a brand, building a website, or creating social media visuals, her goal is always to create work that resonates with her audience and leaves a lasting impact. Every project is an opportunity for her to tell a story, whether it’s through an image, a website, or a visual campaign. With each new project, Elfie continues to grow as a designer, always striving to create work that’s not only beautiful but also purposeful, impactful, and memorable.

Nayana Satani (she/her)  is a self-taught graphic designer with a degree in Computer Engineering and over five years of diverse experience in the design industry. She worked for several graphic design agencies before joining the Creative Repute team, where she had the opportunity to blend her technical skills with her passion for creativity.

Nayana’s journey into graphic design began unexpectedly. After completing her Computer Engineering degree, she initially stepped into the tech world, focusing on software development. While she enjoyed the challenges that came with coding and system design, she soon realized her true passion was in visual communication. To pursue this interest, she began exploring graphic design through online courses and self-study. This self-directed learning path equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the design field, merging her technical background with her burgeoning creative talents.

Throughout her career, Nayana has worked with several companies, each providing unique opportunities and challenges. From startups seeking to establish their brand identity to more giant corporations needing a design overhaul, she has learned the critical importance of understanding a client’s vision and the needs of their audience—her approach to design centers on creating visuals that not only captivate but also communicate messages effectively.

At Creative Repute, Nayana has had the privilege of collaborating with an incredibly talented team of designers and developers. Her role encompasses a variety of design tasks, including logo creation, marketing materials, social media graphics, web designs, and digital content production. She is proficient in a wide range of industry-standard tools and software, including Adobe Creative Software like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign,  and other programs such as Figma, Canva, and Lottie Animation. 

Aside from graphic design, Nayana is also interested in augmented reality, using Adobe Aero to experience exciting new avenues for creativity. This technology allows her to develop interactive experiences that engage users in ways traditional design cannot. Additionally, her exploration of Lottie Animation empowers her to create engaging animations that integrate seamlessly into web and mobile applications, enriching the user experience.

Outside of her professional work, Nayana is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She volunteers as a quilling tutor at Bolbala Charitable Trust Rajkot, a nonprofit charitable trust, where she teaches students the art of quilling. Quilling is a delicate craft that involves rolling and shaping strips of paper to create intricate designs. This art form requires patience and precision, making it a wonderful outlet for artistic expression. Sharing this craft with her students is immensely rewarding, as she gets to witness their growth and confidence as they create their unique pieces. Teaching quilling not only fosters creativity but also helps students develop skills in focus and patience.

In addition to quilling, Nayana has a range of hobbies that keep her creative spirit alive. Singing is one of her greatest passions; music offers a joyful outlet for self-expression. She finds that singing not only lifts her spirits but also influences her design work, inspiring her to convey emotions through visuals.

Drawing is another significant aspect of Nayana’s creative life. She particularly enjoys cartoon drawing, Drawing not only enhances her design skills but also serves as a form of relaxation.

Cooking is another hobby that she cherishes. It allows her to express her creativity in a different way, experimenting with flavors and presentation. Whether she’s trying out new recipes or improvising with ingredients, cooking provides a satisfying and rewarding experience.

As a lifelong learner, she prioritizes continuous growth in her craft. She stays updated on industry trends and techniques. This commitment to learning ensures that she can bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to her projects.

Nayana is always looking ahead and finds excitement in the future of graphic design and its endless possibilities. She’s eager to take on new challenges, collaborate with inspiring clients, and continue pushing the boundaries of her creativity. As a graphic designer who combines technical expertise with a genuine passion for visual storytelling, Nayana finds passion in bringing visions to life through impactful and engaging design!

Dr. Jaz Riley, Ph.D. (they/her) is a dedicated scholar, strategist, and copywriter whose work bridges academic inquiry with impactful communication. With an MA in English, M.Phil in African American Studies, and a Ph.D.(Yale) in American Studies, Jaz brings a wealth of interdisciplinary knowledge to every project they undertake. Their background as prior military personnel further informs their disciplined approach to analysis, strategy, and storytelling.

At Creative Repute, Jaz serves as a Strategist and Copywriter, specializing in qualitative analysis and linguistic precision. They excel in crafting compelling narratives that not only enhance clarity and engagement but also ensure accessibility for diverse audiences. Whether refining grammar and syntax or shaping a brand’s tone, Jaz approaches language as both an art and a science—an essential tool for effective communication. Their ability to think both visually and linguistically allows them to transform complex ideas into messages that resonate deeply across different communities.

Jaz’s perspective is profoundly shaped by their lived experiences as a southern-raised, well-traveled, and highly educated Black person. Their writing and strategic thinking are grounded in a nuanced understanding of culture, identity, and power, allowing them to navigate the intersections of language, representation, and audience engagement with exceptional skill.

Beyond their professional work, Jaz finds joy in both lighthearted reading and deep intellectual exploration, particularly around Black and Brown politics. They see storytelling—whether through academia, branding, or activism—as a powerful means of shaping public discourse and fostering greater equity in the world.

Through their expertise in language, analysis, and strategy, Jaz continues to amplify voices, sharpen narratives, and craft messages that inform, inspire, and connect.

Soumik Biswas (he/him), also known as “SB,” is a passionate web developer with a deep-rooted fascination for the internet and its ever-evolving development landscape. From an early age, he was captivated by how websites worked and the endless possibilities that the digital world offered. His journey into the world of web development began with creating websites for friends and local technology enthusiasts. Back then, Soumik primarily used simple machine forum platforms to build these sites. While these early projects may have been basic, they were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the web development career he would later pursue. These initial experiences ignited his desire to continue learning and developing his skills in this fast-paced, dynamic field.

As he honed his abilities, Soumik became an integral part of the development process behind these small yet impactful platforms. He took on increasingly complex roles, not just creating websites but also managing their back-end functionalities. His involvement soon expanded beyond the simple machines forum platforms, where he cut his teeth, to a range of diverse web development projects. His portfolio began to include more advanced projects requiring higher proficiency in web design and development technologies. One of the most significant transitions in his career was his work with WordPress. WordPress opened a whole new avenue for Soumik, allowing him to explore a broader range of website designs, functionalities, and customizations. He quickly became an expert in WordPress, leveraging its flexibility to create dynamic, responsive, and user-friendly websites for a variety of clients.

Despite his strong command of front-end development, Soumik constantly seeks new challenges and pushes the boundaries of his knowledge and skills. This drive has led him to expand his focus to back-end development, website maintenance, server updates, and hosting administration. Soumik’s willingness to delve into this side of development has made him a well-rounded professional with expertise in both the front and back ends of website management.

At Creative Repute, Soumik serves as their Integration Manager, a role that perfectly aligns with his wide-ranging technical skills and collaborative spirit. In this position, he oversees the integration of various systems and platforms, ensuring that they work harmoniously to deliver optimal performance for clients and users. Soumik’s educational background in Computer Applications provides a solid theoretical foundation. At the same time, his diverse, hands-on experience with different web development technologies allows him to troubleshoot complex issues and find innovative solutions. His approach to integration is about ensuring that systems function correctly and optimizing them to be as efficient and user-friendly as possible.

In addition to his role as Integration Manager, Soumik has worked on many unique projects throughout his career. These projects have ranged from small-scale website builds for local businesses to large-scale, multifaceted web applications that require careful planning, strategic development, and ongoing maintenance. His versatility and ability to adapt to the specific needs of each project have made him a go-to professional for organizations looking to elevate their web presence. Whether it’s improving website load times, ensuring mobile responsiveness, or integrating complex third-party applications, Soumik approaches each project with the same level of enthusiasm and attention to detail.

When he’s not immersed in his work, Soumik enjoys a variety of personal interests and hobbies. Spending time with his family is a top priority, and he values the moments he gets to share with them. He is also an avid reader, diving into books that provide a welcome break from the technical world. Additionally, Soumik enjoys engaging in home improvement projects. Much like his approach to web development, he finds satisfaction in taking on challenges, learning new skills, and improving the environment around him.

Throughout his career, Soumik has maintained a commitment to lifelong learning. The web development field constantly changes, with new tools, languages, and frameworks emerging regularly. Soumik stays ahead of the curve by continuously updating his knowledge and skills, attending workshops, completing online courses, and watching the latest industry trends. His commitment to professional growth ensures that he remains at the forefront of the web development industry, ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities as they arise.

In summary, Soumik Biswas is an accomplished web developer with a rich history of hands-on experience in both front-end and back-end development. His expertise in WordPress, his ability to manage complex integrations, and his passion for creating functional, high-performing websites make him an invaluable asset to any project. With a focus on delivering quality results and a constant drive to improve, Soumik continues to make significant contributions to the ever-evolving field of web development.

Bhavesh Satani (he/him) is a seasoned Graphic and Layout Designer with over seven years of experience in the creative industry. Throughout his career, Bhavesh has honed his skills in creating visually compelling and strategically effective designs that tell stories and communicate messages in impactful ways. Since 2018, he has enjoyed expressing these skills in his role as a part of the Creative Repute team.

Bhavesh’s professional journey began with a Bachelor of Commerce, where he acquired a strong foundation in business principles and management. This background has proven invaluable in his design career, providing him with the ability to approach creative projects with a strategic mindset. While his business education was enriching, Bhavesh always felt a pull towards graphic design, where his creativity could be fully realized. He recognized that graphic design was a unique discipline that allowed him to blend art and strategy, giving him the freedom to tell compelling stories through visuals while also addressing the practical needs of businesses and clients.

Throughout his career, Bhavesh has worked on a wide array of projects that have challenged and inspired him. He has contributed to branding and marketing campaigns, web design projects, and multimedia content creation. Each project has offered new learning opportunities and contributed to his growth as a designer. His experience working with diverse clients has broadened his understanding of the design landscape and taught him how to adapt his creative approach to meet different business goals and audience expectations.

One of Bhavesh’s key strengths lies in his proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, an essential toolkit for any designer. His expertise spans across several Adobe programs, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. Each of these tools allows him to execute different aspects of design, from image manipulation and vector graphics to video editing and motion graphics. His knowledge of these programs enables him to tackle a variety of design challenges with confidence and precision.

In addition to Adobe Creative Suite, Bhavesh is skilled in using Microsoft Office, Canva, and Figma. Bhavesh enjoys the efficiency that these programs bring to team-based projects, allowing him to work collaboratively with other designers and developers on web design initiatives. His proficiency with these tools enhances his versatility as a designer, making him well-equipped to handle various aspects of graphic and layout design.

Bhavesh’s professional experience spans across several design disciplines, including video editing, layout design, and web design. In video editing, Bhavesh combines visuals and audio to create engaging narratives that resonate with viewers. His attention to detail ensures that the videos he produces are polished and professionally crafted, whether they are short promotional clips or longer-form content. In layout design, Bhavesh focuses on achieving balance and clarity, ensuring that each design he produces is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Whether it’s a brochure, magazine, or webpage, Bhavesh ensures that the design guides the viewer’s eye naturally and enhances the user’s experience.

In web design, Bhavesh places a strong emphasis on user experience (UX). He believes that a successful website should not only be visually attractive but also intuitive and easy to navigate. His web designs prioritize usability, ensuring that users can find what they need quickly and efficiently, while still enjoying a visually engaging experience. Bhavesh’s commitment to user-centric design reflects his understanding of the importance of balancing form and function in his work.

In recent years, Bhavesh has expanded his skill set by exploring new technologies and design techniques. One of his latest pursuits is learning how to work with Lottie animations and Adobe Aero. Lottie Animations enables him to create lightweight animations that can be easily integrated into apps and websites, providing a dynamic and interactive user experience. Meanwhile, Adobe Aero has opened up new possibilities for Bhavesh in the field of augmented reality (AR). With this tool, he is able to create immersive AR experiences that bring designs to life in new and exciting ways. Bhavesh’s dedication to learning new tools and technologies reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of the design industry.

Beyond his professional work, Bhavesh has several hobbies that fuel his creativity. One of his favorite pastimes is doodling, an activity that allows him to freely express his ideas without the constraints of formal design projects. Through doodling, Bhavesh often stumbles upon unexpected insights and creative breakthroughs that he can apply to his professional work. He also enjoys watching animations, drawing inspiration from the artistry and storytelling techniques used in animated films and series. Additionally, Bhavesh loves to read, nurturing a thirst for knowledge keeps him informed and inspired.

Sandra Skinner (she/her) is a versatile professional from Philadelphia, balancing multiple roles as a writer, sales manager, coordinator, and mother. As the Lead Account Manager at Creative Repute, she is known for her bright and professional demeanor, making her a pleasure to communicate with. Sandra’s passion for building and maintaining long-term relationships has been a cornerstone of her career, honed over more than a decade in customer service and client relations. She is dedicated to ensuring her clients know that their best interests are always her priority, and she guides them toward solutions that align with their needs. In addition to her client-facing role, Sandra supports her fellow Account Managers, establishes sales management guidelines, and secures resources that help the Creative Repute sales team succeed.

Sandra’s love for creative media started at a young age. Growing up in Southwest Philadelphia, she developed a deep appreciation for film and theater, which played a significant role in shaping her understanding of creativity. She often reflects on how film and television influenced her upbringing, providing her with a sense of direction and inspiration. Sandra began expressing herself creatively through poetry and singing in various school choirs. Her involvement in the Drama Club and Creative Writing clubs during high school solidified her desire to pursue the arts on an academic level. She decided to stay close to home and attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing for Film and Television. Her academic experience further fueled her passion for storytelling and provided her with a strong foundation in the arts.

After graduating, Sandra immersed herself in Philadelphia’s independent film scene, working on several projects that allowed her to gain valuable experience in various roles, including assistant directing, producing, production design, and social media marketing. These roles taught her the importance of collaboration and adaptability, as she often found herself juggling multiple responsibilities on set. The experience she gained during this time was invaluable, helping her develop a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be part of a creative team and manage complex projects. However, like many artists, Sandra faced the challenge of balancing her passion for creative work with the practical need to support herself financially.

In late 2013, Sandra made a significant career shift. What began as a temporary solution to supplement her income while working in the film industry turned into a growing interest in sales and management. Over time, customer service became her main focus. She held various managerial and leadership positions in the service and hospitality industries, where she continued to refine her client communication and management skills. Sandra played key roles in opening restaurants from the ground up, traveling to train staff, and developing training programs that improved operational efficiency. She created resources to help businesses streamline their day-to-day functions and effectively manage their teams. Her leadership and organizational skills were critical in these roles, enabling her to make a significant impact on the businesses she worked with.

Despite her success in the food and beverage industry, Sandra began to feel a longing to reconnect with her roots in creative media. She remained an active participant in the Philadelphia food community, but she missed the creative elements that had once been a central part of her daily work. Determined to find a position that would allow her to utilize both her creative and professional skills, Sandra decided to transition out of the hospitality industry and into a role that aligned more closely with her passions. This decision led her to Creative Repute, where she found a perfect balance between her sales acumen and her love for creativity.

At Creative Repute, Sandra combines her extensive sales experience with creative thinking, working alongside talented artists and designers. She leverages her creative writing and design skills to draft proposals and respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), contributing to the agency’s success in securing new projects. Sandra particularly enjoys learning about innovative brands and initiatives that are making a positive impact on her community. Through her work at Creative Repute, she has had the pleasure of connecting with a diverse array of clients, including Mural Arts Philadelphia, William Way Community Center, The Gender Justice Fund, PowerCorpsPHL, and Olney Community Collaborative. Each of these collaborations has deepened her appreciation for the role that creative media plays in driving social change and community engagement.

In her free time, Sandra enjoys exploring Philadelphia’s vibrant restaurant scene, visiting her favorite cafes, listening to podcasts, and rearranging her collection of 171 books in her cozy apartment. She has a keen interest in tarot readings, interior design, and wellness practices, particularly massage therapy. Despite her busy professional life, Sandra continues to nurture her love for film and television. She often finds herself sharing this passion with her two children, introducing them to movies from her childhood and discussing the stories and characters that have inspired her throughout her life. This blend of personal and professional passions makes Sandra a unique and dynamic individual who is continually growing and evolving.

Tina Armstead (she/her/they) is a project manager and creative professional who blends technology, design, and art. She’s known for keeping projects on track, meeting deadlines, and delivering results that resonate with clients and communities.

Tina plans, organizes, and completes digital projects of all sizes, helping teams work together and get things done efficiently. She’s skilled at breaking down complex workflows and improving communication to make processes smoother and deadlines easier to hit. Tina uses a blend of  Agile and Waterfall methodologies to keep work moving and make space for fresh ideas, often designing custom frameworks to keep budgets in check and resources well-used.

She’s also a mentor, training new project managers and creating step-by-step tutorials – both written and video – that make learning straightforward and accessible. Her approach emphasizes clarity and practical tools that help others succeed.

Tina’s approach to project management is grounded in a strong foundation of training and hands-on learning. She honed her skills through rigorous programs like the Digital Project Management School, where she earned a certificate in mastering digital project management. This program gave her practical tools for handling the complexities of modern projects, from balancing competing priorities to improving team collaboration.

In addition, Tina expanded her expertise with training from Google’s project management series. Courses like “Project Planning: Putting It All Together” and “Foundations of Project Management” offered her strategies for laying strong project foundations and guiding them through to successful completion. These certifications deepened her understanding of planning, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication.

Her technical background stems from completing the University of Oregon’s Full Stack Coding Boot Camp. There, she gained experience with technologies like React, Node.js, and MongoDB, and more, which gave her a deep appreciation for the technical side of digital projects. This blend of management and coding experience allows Tina to bridge the gap between creative vision and technical execution.

One of her client-facing project management highlights was leading a team to create a new website and a 10-minute impact video celebrating over a decade of empowering young adults and building community. She kept everything on track by running discovery meetings, staying on top of details, and making sure the team stayed focused. For the video, she took extra care to balance the voices of the people interviewed with the heart of the mission. The final result was clear, polished, and deeply connected to the community it represents.

Tina’s background in music and programming shapes the way she works. She is a professional musician who found a love for programming during her college commutes. As she learned more, she couldn’t help but notice how much programming feels like music. In music, it all starts with a single note. That note becomes part of a phrase – maybe a melody or harmony – that plays a small role in the bigger picture. In programming, it starts with a single tag or line of code. That line might grow into a snippet, like a function, that performs a specific task. Eventually, all those snippets come together, just like musical phrases, to create a finished masterpiece – a website, an app, or any fully functional product. Both music and programming build something larger than the sum of their parts, one piece at a time. Tina is grateful to have a mind that allows her to immerse herself in computer programming from a creative perspective. 

In her early development career, Tina has taken the lead on several projects, many of which she came up with the initial concept of. She dreamt up two projects in particular that she could proudly see from start to finish while leading and collaborating with large and small teams – Grocery List Helper and U-Notes. 

Grocery List Helper lets users track what they have and what they need. Items are easily moved between “have” and “shopping” lists, and a recipe generator suggests meals based on available ingredients. With its simple interface, the app streamlines grocery planning and meal prep, making everyday tasks effortless.

U-Notes is a video note-taking tool that helps users save and organize their notes. It allows users to save time stamped notes directly alongside videos, so users can quickly jump to key moments without having to sift through an entire video to find a particular segment. Ideal for students and professionals, Tina developed this application from her own need for a better study tool, ensuring it was practical, accessible, and effective. 

Having graduated from a prestigious contemporary music school, Tina is an accomplished musician with a background in film scoring, music business, and saxophone performance. Today, she writes old-time bluegrass songs performed on the banjo, which she uses as an essential teaching tool in reminding the public that the roots of bluegrass and old-time music are in Black America. Tina’s musical background revolves around the history of American music and how it’s connected to race throughout centuries.

When she’s not managing impactful projects or making music, Tina enjoys escape rooms, swimming in natural waters, and sharpening her trivia skills (she’s a dedicated Jeopardy! fan). 

Tina’s work is about more than checking tasks off a list. She builds connections, brings out the best in her teams, and creates meaningful results. Whether she’s leading a digital project or writing a song, Tina’s focus is always on creating something that matters.

Alison Lutren (she/her) is our Accountant and resident accounting enthusiast! She has strong attention to detail and a passion for financial analytics. Alison loves leveraging her understanding of numbers to help make a positive difference and educate others. Outside of work, you can find her enjoying time with her husband and three dogs, going on hikes, traveling to car shows, cycling, or indulging in a good movie or book.

Nahid LaCiura (she/her) is a seasoned Chief Operations Officer (COO) with a proven track record of driving organizational growth, delivering technical innovation, and fostering team success. With over 17 years of experience spanning project management, consulting, business development, and full-scale technical implementations, Nahid combines her strategic leadership with deep technical expertise, making her an invaluable asset in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Nahid’s career is deeply rooted in design, where her ability to create visually compelling and user-friendly interfaces has been a defining strength. With a strong foundation in graphic and web design, she seamlessly blends creativity with functionality to craft engaging digital experiences. While her expertise lies in design, Nahid has also honed her programming skills, particularly in web and mobile app development, giving her a well-rounded understanding of both the aesthetic and technical aspects of digital projects. Her knowledge of programming languages and frameworks allows her to collaborate effectively with development teams, ensuring that design concepts are brought to life efficiently and aligned with business goals. This blend of design and technical acumen enables Nahid to oversee projects from concept to completion, maintaining a strong focus on user experience and functionality while ensuring all stakeholders are on the same page.

In addition to her design and development expertise, Nahid has mastered both Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies, which have been instrumental in her role as COO. Her ability to tailor management approaches to fit project needs ensures efficient execution and timely delivery. As a serial entrepreneur, Nahid has launched and scaled multiple businesses, providing her with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. Her keen business acumen and passion for innovation drive her to continuously optimize processes and deliver value to clients, balancing visionary thinking with practical, actionable strategies.

Social media marketing is another area where Nahid has demonstrated her expertise. She understands the power of digital marketing in today’s business landscape and how to leverage social media platforms to reach target audiences effectively. Whether it’s creating content strategies, running paid campaigns, or engaging with followers to build brand loyalty, Nahid knows how to position companies for growth in the competitive digital space. Her proficiency in this area has allowed her to lead successful campaigns that drive engagement, increase brand visibility, and generate leads for her clients.

As Chief Operations Officer, Nahid LaCiura’s leadership goes beyond technical execution and marketing. She excels in building collaborative, inclusive teams, motivating members to work toward shared goals while understanding their individual roles in the broader mission. Her open communication and ability to manage both people and processes make her a trusted leader who brings out the best in her teams. With a strong focus on excellence, Nahid streamlines operations, reduces inefficiencies, and boosts productivity, all while staying committed to continuous improvement and embracing the latest trends in technology and design to ensure peak organizational performance.

Her focus on user experience (UX) sets her apart from many operations executives. Nahid collaborates closely with clients to ensure that the products and solutions delivered are not only functional but also user-friendly and visually appealing. Her attention to detail ensures that the end product exceeds client expectations, whether it’s a website, mobile app, or technical implementation. By prioritizing UX, Nahid ensures that the solutions her team delivers are intuitive and easy to use, contributing to the overall success of her projects.

In addition to her professional achievements, Nahid is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She believes in the power of mentorship and actively participates in programs that support aspiring professionals, particularly women and underrepresented groups in technology. Through her mentorship, Nahid helps others navigate the challenges of the industry, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals. Her advocacy for a more equitable workplace is a testament to her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

On a personal basis, Nahid is an avid reader and dedicated researcher in the fields of health and wellness, human psychology, spirituality, and self-growth. This passion for lifelong learning and personal development fuels her leadership approach and allows her to incorporate a holistic perspective into her work. Nahid is also an FAA-licensed remote pilot with a passion for drone photography as a creative outlet, combining her technical skills with her appreciation for capturing unique perspectives from the sky.

Nile Livingston (she/her/they) is a Philly-born award-winning Visual Artist. Institutions have recognized their work far and wide, including the Philadelphia Business Journal, Rad Girls Awards, and Mural Arts Philadelphia. In 2017, Livingston founded Creative Repute, where they work with a team of specialists in graphic design, website & app development, strategic marketing, and brand identity. In 2020, Livingston ranked amongst Philly Magazine’s 76 “Most Influential People” in the city. In 2022, Livingston’s street artworks were listed in Australia’s Thrill List as attractions to Philadelphia.

As a fourth-generation Philadelphian, Nile’s precocious spirit was nurtured within a village that instilled the importance of community. Growing up in 1990’s West Philly (and, no, the Fresh Prince was not around) with family and neighbors who honored Black progress and its promise, Nile inherited cultivation from social strides of African American trailblazers. In the in-between time of absorbing the fruit of rigorous labor and protests from earlier Black culture workers invested in Philadelphia, Nile spent countless hours constructing worlds using discarded blueprints, kneaded erasers, and paper clips from their dad and pop-pop’s architectural work. Their immediate community’s ubiquitous encouragement of their inventiveness led to Nile’s entry into Philly’s talent-laden Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA), where they began charting their formidable art career via enrollment in an after-school art program at Mural Arts Philadelphia (MAP). Nile would go on to study large-scale metal fabrication at Kutztown University.

Energized with the enduring tenacity of someone whose entire life has been tilled in art, Nile Livingston returned home to Philly, post-graduation, with their refined talents, communal love in tow, and a creative, resolution-based headspace ripe for business. They quickly began organizing and completing volunteer mural projects and various forms of street art with childhood friends. This practice garnered Nile’s attention from interested people and organizations like MAP (again), who contracted them for projects. Over time, Nile’s public art demands grew to a size simply unmanageable for one person. Nile harnessed their social and organizational skills acquired as a third-generation Civil-Rights kid alongside their aesthetic instincts to establish Creative Repute in 2017.

Creative Repute, Inc. Design & Development Agency is the result of her solution-oriented personality. With a background in public art, Nile quickly realized how imagery could orient people’s attention toward new realities. While tending to an overwhelming influx of requests during their solo practice, they asked for help from other specialists in their early efforts of what is now a mature, streamlined, and developed business regimen. Nile’s solution-turned-business uses crafted imagery and informed audience comprehension to curate distinctive visual encounters and stories attuned to our world.

Creative Repute is a design, website development, app development, and marketing company that boasts an impact-driven vision informing its work and hiring practices. As a Black-queer person, Nile was intimately aware of the disproportionate representation of multiple marginalized people in their industry: as of 2022, “70.2% of all US graphic designers are white, and only 13% identify as LGBT+.” This glaring lack of diverse perspectives is one central issue Creative Repute actively challenges. By hiring an expansive range of creatives and strategists, the company occupies a unique lane, which fosters culturally competent work in a business world growing increasingly dependent upon visuals and seeking to keep pace with a necessarily progressive culture. Creative Repute has spearheaded captivating and relevant visuals and invigorating platforms for organizations whose heft ranges from using 100% of its funds for mission-aligned change, like the Nathan Cummings Foundation, to highlighting scholarship from marginalized persons with Colored Convos Media.

With the hard work of Nile and her team, Creative Repute has helped redefine a design agency and what it can accomplish. Creative Repute brings a deep bench of expertise in public art, brand strategy, and data to deliver well-designed solutions. Having earned a host of recognition, such as the Global Indigo Award and a ranking in the Philadelphia Business Journal, Creative Repute continues to do more with even greater impact each coming year.

In 2020, Livingston ranked amongst Philly Magazine’s 76 “Most Influential People’’ in the city. In 2022, Livingston’s street artworks were listed in Australia’s Thrill List as attractions to Philadelphia and were voted Best Artist/ Painter by Metro Philly’s Best for mulitble years.

Outside of work for Creative Repute and her public art practice, Nile enjoys eating plant-based meals, meditating, lounging with her three cats, gardening, listening to good music, traveling, and reading anything her curiosity leads her to.