
Wissensdurst (Ger.) /vɪsənsdʊrst / noun: thirst for knowledge.
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You may know me as "Nena" (pronounced 'Neh-nah', like henna) — or you might not know me at all yet.
Either way, I'm glad you're here.
I'm a marketing and communications leader with 13+ years of experience building brand strategy, executive and crisis communications, and public relations programs for organizations moving through big change — rebrands, acquisitions, and international expansion among them. I'm at my best translating ambitious ideas into messaging, campaigns, and systems that different audiences can actually understand, whether that's a C-suite executive, a cross-continental team, or a community meeting an organization for the first time.
Along the way, I've managed seven-figure budgets, led in-house teams and outside agencies, and written more press releases and executive talking points than I can count. I'm bilingual in English and Spanish, and I still get a thrill out of finding the right word — this bio is already shorter than my first draft. Take a look around, reach out, or request access to my portfolio to learn more.
Hello! I'm Maria Elena
Marketing & Communications leader who turns complexity into clear, compelling stories.
Quick facts about me
Things I've been
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Director of Marketing
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Educator
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Marketing Manager
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Marketing Coordinator
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Teacher
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Server
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Salesfloor Rep
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Radio co-host
Favorite Podcasts
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Stuff You Should Know
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The Digital Marketing Podcast
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TED Radio Hour
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Diary of a CEO
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What Now?
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The Artificial Intelligence Show
Random Facts
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I've lived in 5 different countries
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I got to go to a sumo wrestling match in Tokyo!
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I have killed one succulent & one bamboo
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I don't like talking about myself (ironic, I know)
Tickles Heart
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Learning
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Good people
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Traveling
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Coffee
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Nature
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Creativity
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Tacos al pastor
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Historical fiction books











