Next Up Columbus 2023: Alyssa Maldonado
Interview by Derek Grosso
Name: Alyssa Maldonado
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Age: 27
Profession: Senior Social Media Specialist at RevLocal
Neighborhood: Grandview Heights
Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration – MBA
Community Involvement: Junior League of Columbus, Latina Mentoring Academy, Columbus Young Professionals, and MagLiteracy
Quote: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” – Steve Jobs
Connect: LinkedIn
Give us a snapshot of your path
I have always been a big Ohio girl! I was born and raised in Elyria, OH and knew I wanted to stay in state for college upon graduating high school. I went to the University of Toledo (Go Rockets!), where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Science and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. My goal was to move to Columbus after school, and I did so right after graduating. I took my first job out of college at The Ohio State University, where I worked with students to help them have the best experience living on campus for about 2.5 years. I knew I wanted to experience a corporate setting and have a passion for marketing, so I decided to take a position at RevLocal as a Social Media Specialist. I have been in this role for a little over a year and recently received a promotion to Senior Social Media Specialist. I work to create content for all our corporate social media accounts and manage our paid advertising. I am always looking to get involved in the Columbus community and have done so by volunteering for organizations such as StarHouse and MagLiteracy.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
My biggest motivator in life is my family. I have a big family with six siblings, and the opportunity to give back to them gets me up in the morning! I truly enjoy working in social media, so getting through the workweek is always fun with something new and exciting. The opportunity to collaborate with my coworkers and highlight our business online in the best way possible, whether through humor or education, is such an extraordinary experience.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
In graduate school, I had the opportunity to have some of the most incredible professors, including Dr. Clint Longenecker and Dr. Margaret M. Hopkins who taught me the most valuable information I still carry today. Dr. Longenecker taught me how to lead with confidence and be open to change. Dr. Hopkins instilled the importance of self-awareness and how this can help you in life, including your relationship with others and yourself.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
I recently started running, which has been one of the best ways for me to unwind and challenge myself. I also enjoy hiking and am on the journey of visiting every state park in Ohio with my dog Bella.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
We are so lucky in Columbus since there are so many great local spots to choose from! I love going to Grandview Grind to work remotely and grab a matcha latte. One of my favorite places to get brunch is High Bank Distillery. And you can’t go wrong with dinner at Aab India or The Avenue for an amazing steak.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
As a kid, I said I wanted to be either the president, a fashion designer, or an editor for Rolling Stone magazine.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
For inspiration, I will listen to a few different podcasts, including On Purpose with Jay Shetty or the Mel Robbins Podcast. If I want to get caught up on pop culture or just have a laugh, I’ll listen to Chicks in the Office.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
It means that I am taking the right steps to give back to the community in a meaningful and positive way. I am truly honored and blessed to be chosen for this award.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
The people! Columbus is so awesome because of the large mix of people who live here and the openness of those people. Before moving here, I would talk to people about the city, and the main response was always, “The people in Columbus are so nice; everyone there is so easy to befriend,” and I could not agree more! From joining a kickball team to just catching a Crew game, the pulse of Columbus is vibrant, and the people help make it that way.
The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. The Columbus Young Professionals Club would like to offer special thanks to our 2023 co-presenters, Discover Financial, Ohio Dominican University and Quantum Health for their support of this year’s awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2023” »
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