In Conversation With 360i’s Ashley Evangelista
Associate strategy director Ashley Evangelista is inspired by difference. Whether it’s cheering on expat Vloggers or dreaming about a new home in Southeast Asia, embracing the unorthodox has empowered her to lead standout creative campaigns and challenge agency models for some of 360i’s largest accounts.
Q> How would you explain your job to a small child?
Ashley> I work with of-the-internet people and brands to put out cool content. If I were to put it in kid terms though, I would say that I'm a teacher who can help them figure out what they're good at and then help them decide on coursework that's specific to their interests. Everyone might like different things and the school might have its own rules for what needs to be taught. But I help to customise your experience so you're getting the most out of it and actually learning about subjects you like.
Q> Tell us about your favourite project you’ve worked on and why?
Ashley> My favourite project involved a cool looking girl riding a lowrider bike with a bunch of her friends. It was fun and we got to work with a famous director.
Q> How is your job uniquely creative?
Ashley> I need to know a little about a lot of things. That’s made me really good at trivia now.
Q> What is your biggest career accomplishment thus far?
Ashley> Being named on the Business Insider's 2021 Rising Stars of Madison Avenue list. I’ve never received any kind of professional award before, so it’s my first and only one. I’m going to keep learning and hopefully work on more projects that inspire and excite me, though.
Q> Tell us about your career path?
Ashley> I started working at a start up for online reputation management where I learned all about SEO. Then I worked at another start up where I was able to learn the marketing ropes - branding, social, CRM and experiential activations. Eventually an ad agency took a chance on me as a social media manager, and the rest is history.
Q> What advice would you give to your younger self?
Ashley> Stop being a perfectionist and take even more chances - place even bigger bets on yourself.
Q> What is something that inspires you?
Ashley> Watching YouTubers vlog from overseas. I took that leap to live in China after I graduated college, and I loved my experience. I get that inspired feeling whenever I watch expats finding their creativity abroad.
Q> What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had?
Ashley> I taught English to over 650 1st - 3rd grade students in a suburb of China.
Q> What was your dream job when you were younger?
Ashley> I wanted to be an artist! I'm in the process of making that dream a reality in my free time. I create small acrylic paintings that are mostly still life.
Q> What TV show are you currently binging?
Ashley> Ted Lasso
Q> What is your secret superpower?
Ashley> I'm an early bird. So, I'm good at catching 6am flights.
Q> Bucket list item?
Ashley> I’d like to live in Southeast Asia. I don’t have any ties to the area; I like the food. The culture is just different, and I like to experience different things. I believe it gives you a more well-rounded world view. Americans are very US centric in their views, but the world is much bigger than just us.
Q> Have you ever met anyone famous?
Ashley> I met Tyler the Creator, and he was very nice.
Q> What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?
Ashley> That I have great taste/style
Q> What is your theme song?
Ashley> Britney Spears - Work B****
Q> One thing that makes you happy?
Ashley> Good food
Q> What is your plan for the holidays? You staying up late or going to bed early New Year’s Eve?
Ashley> For the holidays, I plan to relax. My friends jokingly call me 'abuela,' so I’m going to bed early – but also getting up early! I’ll make everyone breakfast and mimosas.
Q> Do you make New Year’s resolutions?
Ashley> I’m not a big believer in resolutions. Self-improvement can and should happen at any time. A new year’s resolution is just a fancier version of “my diet starts on Monday.” Start whenever you want!
