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Marie E. Mahovetz Social & Digital Media Manager
I'm a Florida native who grew up in the small town of Stuart in sunny South Florida. I was raised in a primarily single parent family as an only child who naturally learned how to be outgoing and make friends. My mom is my best friend and animals are my go-to support network. I'm a proud vegan who drives a Prius and yep, it even has
bumper stickers talking about my love for humankind. I love where I am in life but if being a mermaid is an option, I'd be a mermaid.
School/Chapter/Year of Graduation:
Florida State University/North Florida Alumnae Chapter/2013
Major/Degree: Psychology & Criminology/B.S. for undergraduate work
Tell us a little about what you do & how you got your job:
I like to say I'm sharing SSF (Southern Scholarship Foundation) with the world. We provide rent-free housing to college students through a community living program in 27 scholarship houses located in Tallahassee, Gainesville, and Fort Myers. I absolutely love this program and the fact that our students are experiencing an enriching off-campus living program that will impact their futures. My role is to maintain the marketing of the scholarship to alumni, guidance counselors, parents, high schoolers, and current college students. I am responsible for developing a voice for all aspects of the organization's online presence, managing the growth, brand, and development/program content for the company's social and digital media sites.
Was your major a direct connection to this job?
In a tiny way since Psychology can play a part in a majority of fields. I originally chose Psychology & Criminology because of my interest in the human mind, particularly the mind of serial killers (I know, it's awkard to say that so casually). Following an internship that dove deep into that area, I decided that it wasn't necessarily what I wanted to do for a living. Luckily, I had the privilege of living in the SSF housing program during my undergraduate career. I worked in the office as a Federal Work Study student during that time so because of my rapport with the team, I was offered a position as the Foundation Liaison about 3 months following graduation. I joined my team of rock stars September 2013 and earned a promotion to Social & Digital Media Manager in April 2015.
Do you think you are using your degree directly or indirectly?
I feel that my Psychology knowledge plays a part in many things that I do in every day life such as personal connections, student/staff relationships, student affairs, networking, communications, etc. As far as my degree in Criminology, I try to utilize this knowledge through volunteering efforts such as Prison Pen Pals and working with organizations to promote social issues.
Is this a job/career that you’ve dreamed about since a child or was this a career you never imagined having?
Being a millennial, social media is a big part of my networking, business, and social life. I did not foresee a career in communications but appreciate all of the learning I get to do in this ever-changing field.
Is it what you thought it was going to be? Why or why not?
I would say that the field is much more active than I ever expected. New analytics and technologies are being released almost every week and benefiting organizations such as SSF. Technology is the way of the future and without social media, many of us would never connect.
What is a typical conflict that you have encountered (if any) that KDChi has taught you to deal with or resolve?
My comfort zone is taking the lead on a project or offering to complete a large portion of a task. Following my intake process and making a position change, learning how to lean on others for assistance or to just tell me that something does not have to take a spot on my priority list has been life-changing for me. Being able to say "no" is a new power I am utilizing.
What are you responsible for on a day to day basis?
That is a loaded question :-) I love having my hand in anything I have time for so I have taken on a few responsibilities this year including my "day job". For February on a daily basis I am... gathering donations for my usual spring cleaning, handling PR for Business & Professional Women of Tallahassee, scheduling volunteer opportunities for the North Florida Alumnae Chapter of KDX, co-chairing the Steering Committee for Equality Florida in Tallahassee, organizing volunteers for the annual Celebration of Women & Girls event in Tallahassee, and of course, being the marketing queen for SSF.
What advice do you have for sisters looking to go into this field?
Be ready to have a profile on all social media sites. You may not be active on all of them but seeing what other companies are doing to keep their brand fresh and seeing all of the new algorithms from month to month will have you more prepared than the next person. Remember to take breaks from social media! (I typed that to remind myself and my sisters!)
What is the best piece of advice every received?
Kill 'em with kindness. No matter what, be the bigger person. You are the only one who sees yourself in the mirror at the end of the day.
What would you consider your biggest failure? What did you learn from this?
I truly believe everything happens for a reason so my thoughts on biggest failure are blurred into more of the biggest regret. I was able to graduate from high school with my Associate's (2-year) degree through dual enrollment so I had the option of completing my desired double major in only 2 years at Florida State University. I loved my courses and the major-specific lectures but I always regret not being more involved on campus and in the community. Part of me wishes I stayed for four years, spaced out my courses a bit more, participated in more internships, etc. but as I said, everything happens for a reason.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I will be applying for my Master's degree in December of this year in hopes to begin more graduate work in August 2017 through the Higher Education program at Florida State University. In 5 years, I see myself completing my program and potentially moving back to South Florida with my partner and our animals to start a new adventure.
What do you do for fun?
I LOVE traveling. Not only is it a big stress reliever for me, I love being around new people and soaking in the scenery of an unexplored place/festival/excursion on my to-do list. I also love to volunteer in the community since it requires my hands to form the community I want to live in.
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