Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarissa Bullos
Hi Clarissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I like to describe myself as a multi-faceted storyteller. From as far back as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by the power of communication—how words, images, and ideas can connect people in truly profound ways. My interests weren’t just limited to traditional communication, though. I was always obsessed with pop culture and trends, following the latest celebrity moments or viral phenomena. I loved how these cultural touchpoints sparked conversations and shaped movements, and it made me realize just how powerful a well-told story can be.
As I grew older, it became clear that my love for storytelling and my natural understanding of trends would lead me to a career in public relations and advertising. I was so captivated by how to make brands come alive at all creative and communication touchpoints. I began studying and transforming my love for communication and pop culture into something tangible—helping brands tell their stories in a way that resonates with people. I began to understand the unique way brands tell their stories and build meaningful connections with their audiences leveraging trends, and engaging in a way that truly resonates. This shaped me not only as a publicist but also as a digital strategist.
At 23 years old, I feel really fortunate to have already gained a lot of valuable experience in my career. I earned a bachelor’s in advertising and a master’s in communications with a focus on digital strategy from the University of Florida. Along the way, I interned at amazing places, took part in immersive growth opportunities, and eventually found myself at BODEN Agency—a Latina-owned, independently operated communications agency based in Miami that has been nothing short of transformative for my career. I’ve had the chance to work on campaigns for incredible clients like Target, the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, McDonald’s, Stellantis, and the National Safety Council. These experiences have allowed me to soak up so much knowledge and rapidly grow in the industry. I’ve been able to combine my passion for communications and pop culture with real-world strategy, helping brands not only get results but tell stories that resonate on a deeper level.
But more than the titles or the brands I’ve worked with, lately I’ve been challenging myself on how can I push past my comfort zone. A perfect example of this was last year when I had my heart set on attending the Forbes 30 Under 30 conference. The ticket alone was thousands of dollars, and that didn’t even include travel and accommodations. But I wasn’t about to let that stop me.
So, I took a deep breath, drafted a pitch, and sent it to Forbes, explaining why I felt like I needed to be there. Honestly, I didn’t expect much, but to my surprise, they offered me a free ticket. It was one of those moments where I realized the power of just putting yourself out there.
I traveled to a city I’d never been to before, completely on my own. I didn’t know anyone, and I’ll be honest, it was intimidating at first. I kept thinking, “What am I doing here?” But I decided to embrace the discomfort and make the most of the experience. And I’m so glad I did. I ended up meeting some of the most incredible people, sitting in on inspiring sessions, and leaving with this newfound confidence that I never knew I had. It was a reminder that you have to ask for what you want, even if you’re unsure of the outcome.
That experience taught me two things: first, how much these sessions fuel me, and second, the reminder that the only chances you miss are the ones you don’t take. It was empowering to realize that I had the courage to step into the unknown and make it work. That experience ignited something in me—to keep pushing harder, growing, and challenging myself. Seeing how big and creative the world is, and how driven people are, only makes me want to keep going.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road definitely hasn’t always been smooth. My journey started when I first moved from Venezuela to Chile, where I lived for two years before relocating to the U.S. at 13. Rebuilding our lives over and over again in different countries and cities was challenging, but it gave me a deep understanding of the power of communication. I had the chance to learn from different cultures, connect with so many people, and each experience shaped me in some way. That constant change taught me how to adapt, listen, and really understand the importance of connecting with people on a deeper level.
My parents gave up so much to give us a better future, and that kind of sacrifice sticks with you. When we moved to the U.S., it became clear that I didn’t have the built-in connections that others might have when they’re starting out in their careers. My parents didn’t have family friends in high places, and as the oldest of three girls, I didn’t have older siblings to guide me or show me the ropes. I had to figure it out on my own, and there were times when it felt isolating.
But don’t get me wrong—I’m incredibly lucky to have parents who are hardworking, successful, and always pushed me to be the best version of myself. Still, navigating the communications industry felt intimidating at first. I didn’t have anyone to teach me the “unspoken rules” or mentor me through the little nuances of how things really worked. It was a lot of trial and error, and at times, I felt like I was playing catch-up.
Over time, though, I’ve been fortunate to meet some incredible people who have taught me so much and helped me grow.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: you can’t be afraid to ask for what you want, even when it feels daunting. That mentality has opened doors I never imagined possible. I also realized that what I once thought were disadvantages—like not having a traditional network—could actually become strengths. Being bilingual, for example, has been a huge asset in my career. It’s allowed me to connect with a diverse range of people and work across different markets, giving me an edge in understanding and communicating with various audiences.
It’s been a game-changer, both personally and professionally, to turn those initial challenges into opportunities that have helped me thrive.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my career, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with some amazing brands and clients. While I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far, I know there’s still so much more growth ahead, and so many more goals I’m eager to reach. At this stage in my life, I am feeling more driven than ever. I’m always learning, evolving, and pushing myself, and I’m honestly excited to see what comes next. There’s still a lot more I want to achieve!
That drive to keep growing is something I think about often. I regularly take a step back, look at where I am, and ask myself, “What’s next? How can I keep pushing myself further?” That’s when I noticed something: as I continue to move forward in my career, I’ve realized there’s always this pressure to know exactly what comes next.
Whether you’re just graduating or years into your career, so many of people feel that uncertainty around, “What should I be doing now? What’s the next step?” And honestly—that’s okay! It’s that feeling of uncertainty that inspired me to create Women in Comms.
Women in Comms is a community for women in the communications and marketing industry who are in transition. And let’s be real—when are we not in some kind of transition? Whether you’re landing your first full-time role, navigating that tricky move from entry-level to mid-level, or eyeing the next big step in your career, this space is for you. It’s for anyone asking, “What’s next?”
The idea behind Women in Comms is simple: connection. I’ve been lucky to meet incredible people who have helped guide me along the way, but not everyone has access to that. This community is about creating a space where ambitious, motivated women can come together, share knowledge, and empower each other.
While building my career, I recognized a gap in Miami’s growing pool of communications professionals. The city has so much talent, but there wasn’t really a centralized hub for networking or connecting people. That’s when I knew I had to do something. I just started Women in Comms with the goal of building a community right here in Miami—a place where women could come together in a friendly, safe space to meet like-minded professionals, build genuine relationships, and have access to opportunities for growth. It’s still in its early stages, but my focus now is on growing this network of people and expanding our reach in the city.
In the communications world, success isn’t just about doing good work—it’s about going the extra mile. It’s about understanding the unspoken rules of the game and building the right relationships. Some people have had the advantage of being mentored, of having someone guide them through those unwritten rules. But many talented women don’t get that insider knowledge, and it can feel overwhelming or isolating trying to figure it all out alone.
That’s where Women in Comms comes in. We’re here to bridge that gap. It’s a free space where passionate women can come together and grow. We host exclusive events like happy hours, social gatherings, and professional meetups where women can expand their networks in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re looking to meet potential mentors, connect with like-minded women, or simply exchange ideas, our events are all about building real, meaningful connections that last.
It’s not just about professional networking either—it’s about forming genuine friendships with women who understand the unique challenges and rewards of working in communications. my goal is to ensure that you always have a community of women behind you, supporting you as you grow, learn, and tap into new career opportunities.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is baking alfajores with my grandma. She was an absolute angel in the kitchen—everything she made was delicious! I can still remember standing on a little stool next to her, mixing ingredients and watching her work her magic.
But those moments weren’t just about making a dessert; they taught me so much more.
Baking with my grandma instilled in me patience, curiosity, and the importance of teamwork. We followed the recipe, but she always encouraged me to ask questions, explore new flavors, and even get a little creative. She made sure I listened to instructions but also showed me it’s okay to experiment and make the process your own.
Looking back, I realize baking is a lot like strategy in my career. Just like in the kitchen, you need a solid foundation—the recipe—. You follow the steps, making sure every ingredient is in place, but along the way, you find room for creativity. You tweak things here and there, test new
What I value most is that my grandma wasn’t just teaching me how to bake; she was showing me how to approach life—and work—with a balance of structure and creativity. She also taught me to give myself grace when things didn’t turn out as planned—whether it was burnt cookies or a recipe gone wrong. You can always start over, adjust, and try again. That’s a lesson I carry with me to this day. Life is about mastering the basics but allowing yourself the freedom to innovate and the grace to start over if things don’t go as expected. Just like those alfajores, the best results often come when you blend creativity with our tried-and-true methods—and embrace the mistakes along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clarissabullos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissabullos/
- Other: https://www.clarissabullos.com/womenincomms
