Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Contreras.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Hialeah. My parents are both Ecuadorian, so being raised in a city that’s 96% Hispanic helped me really develop a love and understanding of my culture without any barrier.
When I was a child, my dream was to be a veterinarian until I realized that I’d have to see animals in some sort of pain, and that was something I just couldn’t handle. Then in my teen years, I came up with the idea of being in the FBI and saving the world, which did not last very long either. In high school, I joined my high school’s Student Council and helped planned our prom, homecoming, pep rallies, etc. I loved seeing someone enjoying something I put together. That’s where my love of event planning was born.
I started off with the City of Hialeah in their Communications & Special Events Department, which for me was perfect because I always felt like I was working to improve and promote the amazing things that were happening in my own hometown. One of my favorite childhood memories was going to see the fireworks on Fourth of July with my family at Milander Park. It was a memory I held close when planning events with the City because it reminded me that what we were doing was more than an event, this was something that families held dear and would remember decades to come as being part of their family traditions. While I worked events, I dabbled in marketing and social media. I, of course, had personal pages in most channels, but business marketing was a whole other monster. Learning how these platforms work from a business standpoint, creating content with my graphic designer, and interacting with residents online was inspiring. Using these channels to highlight the amazing progress being made in my city was important to me on a personal level and propelled me further into the marketing world.
This led me to expand this goal I had of inspiring “hometown pride” from just Hialeah to South Florida as a whole, which took me to the doors of HistoryMiami Museum, South Florida’s oldest museum. HistoryMiami Museum gave me the platforms and the resources to share my love of Miami with the world. History isn’t always black and white photography. Miami is an ever-changing city, and our Museum looks to hold on to some of those relics for people to cherish for years to come. Something as simple as posting a photo of that famous Burdine’s “B” sparked a conversation on Instagram and people were quick to share their memories or memories of loved ones in the comments. To me, that’s what makes my job worth it. They’re more than comments and likes, you’re bringing people together through an image, a memory, a moment. That is the true power of social media.
I’ve had the privilege of working with companies like the Miami Film Festival, Armstrong Creative Consulting, and even local businesses like Jerry & Joe’s Pizza in Hialeah. Small businesses and local nonprofits are the backbone of Miami, and I take great pride in helping them achieve their highest potential in marketing and event operations.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think there’s such thing as a smooth road. There will always be obstacles in your path, the question is, how will you handle them? When I was younger and still to this day, I look to my mom and think of everything she’s been through. She became a single mother when I was only eight years old, yet she made sure my sister and I had the best childhood we could have under our circumstances. I carry that with me constantly in the back of my mind and use it to fuel me. She inspires me to find my inner strength, hold my head up, and keep moving no matter what.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with HistoryMiami Museum – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am currently the Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager at HistoryMiami Museum. I specialize in all things digital, from managing the social media channels to curating newsletters and at times editing video. I also have the pleasure and honor to work with content creators, or “influencers”, and this has allowed me to foster friendships and connections along the way.
In my time at the Museum, one of the things I’m most proud of, not just for myself, but for my institution, is the fact that we brought an entirely LGBTQIA+ exhibition to our galleries, Queer Miami: A History of LGBTQ Communities! We took a chance and gave a voice to a community that often gets shut down. I had the opportunity to work with some pioneers in the LGBTQIA+ community and hearing their stories reminded me why I love the work I do. That exhibition was one of a kind, and it received multiple awards from numerous agencies, including awards for our social media campaign, #QueerMiamiStories.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love what Miami has given my family and I, a safe space to call home and freely speak our native language. Miami has given me friends and colleagues from different parts of the world! You never need to travel very far to find authentic Cuban, Peruvian, Indian, Thai, or French cuisine.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessamcon/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VanessaMCon
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