Liz, a Midwest native, embarked on her professional journey while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood. Despite the challenges of being a new parent, Liz was determined to continue pursuing her career aspirations. Initially, she earned an Associate's degree in medical coding. However, her heart wasn't in it, prompting a return to her initial roots in the bartending and serving industry.

What many might see as a setback wound up serving as the setting for suggestion that would spark the rest of Liz’s career. Recognizing her intelligence, charm, and creativity, a regular at the restaurant she worked at suggested Liz explore the field of marketing. This suggestion ignited a passion, leading her to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Rasmussen College, where she completed her degree in an impressive year and a half.

During her studies, Liz took the initiative to manage the restaurant's social media, showcasing her marketing talents before each shift. Her dedication and talent didn't go unnoticed. Liz’s initiative led to her landing a role in a guerilla marketing campaign for Cornell University to launch an Executive Development program. This successful venture marked the beginning of a flourishing career in marketing.

Liz's dedication to her son, Bennett, has been a driving force behind her accomplishments. She fondly recalls Bennett's enthusiastic cheers during her graduation, a moment that highlights her journey and motivations.  

Joining Blend back in 2021, Liz has thrived in the dynamic world of marketing, bringing her expertise in copywriting and creative design to the forefront. Her innovative ideas and engaging personality have not only endeared her colleagues but also helped boost engagement and sales.  

Reflecting on her career, Liz accepts and acknowledges the challenges, including navigating nonprofit bylaws and adapting to the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Despite these hurdles, she remains passionate about utilizing her various skillsets. Her unique ability to turn analytics into actionable insights aids in the development of customer-centric marketing strategies.  

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, Liz foresees specialization becoming more prominent in the Marketing industry. She believes marketers can and will play a crucial role in helping to integrate data to help further personalize marketing efforts.

“I believe that marketing will continue to expand into more specialized areas, particularly with the rapid changes in landscape, such as Facebook ads and email marketing. There will be a growing need for hyper-expertise in various fields, like we see with SEO.”

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As the Marketing industry changes, Liz's advice to aspiring professionals is inspiring. She emphasizes the importance of not yielding to societal pressures or comparing oneself to others, highlighting that success knows no age limits. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the belief that with determination, one can achieve their dreams.

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“I believe it's important not to let societal pressures dictate your path. Graduating later or achieving milestones at a different pace doesn't diminish your potential for success. Your journey is unique, and comparisons to others fueled by social media can be misleading. Focus on your goals and progress at your own pace.”

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Encouraging others to continue to focus on upskilling and following their goals. Liz is excited that she has found a supportive environment at Blend where her ideas are valued, and her growth is nurtured. She appreciates the team's readiness to assist and the open communication channels, fostering a collaborative and fulfilling work experience.

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“Honestly, it's been great. I think the team is super supportive. Everyone is helpful. I can always be easily connected to who I need to if I have questions or concerns. I can simply send a text to my team lead at Blend and next thing you know, I'm copied on an email with someone who is full boots on the ground ready to tackle the task at hand which I appreciate tremendously.”

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Liz's story is one of resilience, passion, and continuous growth. Her journey from succeeding at motherhood to a successful marketing professional is a testament to her determination, serving as an inspiring example for others to keep pushing through their professional journeys.