Our team is composed of many different people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skills. Each person brings new elements to the table that are essential in creating a well-rounded company. In this series of blog posts, we hope to let our readers get to know our team as well as we do. From what they do both inside and outside of the office to their tastes in TV and music, these posts are a chance to learn about about what makes our team members tick.
Meet Allyssa - designer, runner, and coffee enthusiast.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Allyssa began as an intern in 2015 and soon became the first person hired for the design team. Before professionally designing websites and identities, she spent four years designing sets and props with the award winning Theater Xavier program throughout high school. I sat down with Allyssa and talked about running, service trips, and what she loves about working at Vector:
Q: Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
A: I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and now I live in North Park Slope in Brooklyn.
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: I went to the University of Cincinnati and studied Graphic Communication Design in the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP).
Q: How did you start working at Vector?
A: I graduated in the Spring of 2014 and freelanced full time for a few months. I really wanted to move to New York so I applied to work at Vector. I started working here in January of 2015 as an intern, advancing to my current position a little over a year ago. I work directly with the development and digital marketing teams to watch my team and our client partners' ideas come to life. I have been able to work on more complex projects and get even more involved in the process.
Q: What is your favorite thing about working at Vector?
A: I like getting to work on a variety of projects in different industries, from music, to kids to legal to education. The culture at Vector is very unique. As our team grows, I realize how great Vector is at hiring people with unique backgrounds. There is always music playing, which goes along with people arguing about the music that is playing on slack. The office is open, so it's easy to talk and have fun with your team or members of other teams. In addition to our annual summer BBQ, we have a kickball league and participate in many events in our industry like the annual AIGA gala.
Q: What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix?
A: I always enjoy kicking back with friends to watch tv (as seen below). I’m currently re-watching Parks and Recreation. It is my favorite show right behind Gilmore Girls.
Q: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
A: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
A: Michael Pollan - I could hear him talk about food and the environment all day.
Q: What is your favorite spot in New York?
A: Prospect Park
Q: What's your favorite place you've been outside of New York?
A: I went to Jamaica in high school and El Salvador in college for service-related trips. If I were to plan Vector's next employee event, I would like to see us go on a service outing where we all volunteer at a local NYC organization.
Q: What does your ideal day off look like?
A: My ideal day off starts with making and enjoying some coffee and a big brunch - I've been a vegetarian for almost 7 years, and breakfast food is my favorite. After brunch, I would love to go for a run in the park. I am an active runner - I have run multiple 5k and 10ks, and I am working up to a half marathon (check out Allyssa's post about the Vector Running Team). Then I would sit back with friends and enjoy some fancy cocktails - gin is my favorite.
Q: If you were put in charge of the office playlist, what would it include?
A: Kanye. All day. Everyday.
