Olympia Friday

marketing + Engagement Strategist

olympia
friday


 

Professional Background

Strategic Marketing & Engagement | AUDIENCE outreach and ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES for arts, humanities, and cultural institutions

I started my career with a marketing degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. My education remains a constant thread in my professional roles across various sectors. My early career stints in corporate marketing made me a well-rounded professional adept at strategy and execution. After my time in corporate, I focused on building a career with purpose and mission-driven institutions.

In my current role, I direct strategic marketing and engagement for a national nonprofit organization focused exclusively on the humanities. I also offer marketing communications services as a digital outreach and audience engagement strategist for arts, humanities, and cultural institutions.   

I honed my skills in the arts and humanities sector while serving as the public relations and communications officer for a university-based cultural center. My efforts transformed the institution’s digital and print communications, helped draw capacity crowds at programs and events, and earned consistent media coverage. 

Community volunteerism and giving back are essential components in my life. I’ve been a member of The Junior League, a leadership and service organization, since 2011. In 2020–21, I served as a Board Member and VP of Community Relations for the American Marketing Association Triangle NC Chapter 2020 21. In addition to my BS in marketing, I earned an MA in English, Technical and Professional Communication from East Carolina University. 

 

Areas of expertise

Nonprofit & Mission-Driven Organizations
Audience Outreach & Engagement
Strategic Planning & Execution
Marketing & Communications
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Relationship Building & Collaboration
Affinity Groups
Data-Centric Action & Planning
Digital Engagement Strategies
Community Impact Programs


 

Education

East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
MA, ENGLISH, TECHNICAL & PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION

university of nc at charlotte, charlotte, NC
BS, BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

documenting the impact of the humanities in higher education Certificate, national humanities alliance, 2025

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, 2021

S.P.A.R.C Nonprofit Board Leadership Training, UNITED WAY OF THE GREATER TRIANGLE, 2016