Gratitude, Growth, and a Place to Belong: My Journey to Velir x Brooklyn Data

After more than 30 years in the digital experience industry, I’ve come to appreciate how rare it is to find a workplace that values not just what you do, but who you are. I’ve worked across a wide spectrum of organizations—large agencies, in-house teams, tech startups—each offering something different. But nothing quite prepared me for the experience of joining Velir x Brooklyn Data.

From the start, I could feel the difference. It wasn’t just the onboarding process or the impressive roster of clients; it was the people and the culture. The way team members genuinely supported one another. The openness to new ideas. The sense of community and collaboration that felt, frankly, refreshing in an industry that can sometimes prioritize speed and deliverables over human connection.

I joined Velir x Brooklyn Data at a point in my career when many people might expect to settle into a routine. I’ve held leadership roles, launched platforms, overseen redesigns, and managed large cross-functional teams. But I’m not someone who likes to coast—I thrive in environments where I can keep learning, where I can share what I’ve gained, and where my experience is respected while my curiosity is encouraged. Velir x Brooklyn Data checks every one of those boxes.

The culture here is more than a mission statement—it’s lived out in every interaction. There’s a strong emphasis on growth, not just for the company or our clients, but for each individual. I’ve seen this play out in the way knowledge is shared openly, how people step in to help when someone’s stuck, and the care that goes into making sure all voices are heard. There’s no gatekeeping of knowledge here. Whether it’s a junior team member or a senior leader, everyone is encouraged to bring their ideas to the table. That culture of collaboration is particularly meaningful to me as a woman working in the digital experience space. This field—especially when it comes to technical roles, leadership, and strategy—has long been male-dominated. I’ve been in rooms where I was the only woman, where I had to prove myself before even being heard, where “experience” was too often equated with a particular gender or background. It’s not always easy to speak up when you feel like you’re carrying the burden of representation on your shoulders.

But at Velir x Brooklyn Data, I’ve felt seen—not for being a “woman in tech,” but for being a professional in tech. That distinction matters. Here, I’m not reduced to a label. I’m a whole person with a deep well of experience, and that experience is welcomed, not questioned. I’m encouraged to lead, to mentor, to contribute—and just as importantly, to continue learning from the incredible people around me. There’s a refreshing absence of ego here. People are here to do great work, yes—but they’re also here to support one another, challenge each other respectfully, and grow together.

The digital experience landscape is constantly evolving. New tools, frameworks, platforms, and methodologies emerge every day. Keeping up can be a full-time job in itself. At Velir x Brooklyn Data, there’s a collective commitment to staying ahead of the curve, but not at the expense of burnout or unrealistic expectations. There’s a thoughtful pace here—one that balances innovation with sustainability. That’s rare in agency life, and it’s something I deeply value.

What also stands out to me is how aligned the company is around purpose. We’re not just building websites or launching digital campaigns—we’re helping organizations create meaningful, human-centered experiences for their audiences. That sense of purpose comes through in every project, and it makes the work feel more rewarding. I’ve been fortunate to contribute to initiatives that have a real-world impact, and that’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.

I’ve also found space to be myself here. To bring not only my professional background but my personality, creativity, and passion. Whether it’s through team meetings, cross-department collaboration, or even casual Slack conversations, I’ve felt a sense of belonging from day one. That sense of psychological safety—knowing I can ask questions, admit when I don’t know something, or suggest a new way of thinking—is something I haven’t experienced in many years.

Joining Velir x Brooklyn Data has been more than just a career move—it’s been a personal and professional renewal. It’s reminded me why I got into this industry in the first place: to solve problems creatively, to connect people through technology, and to make a positive impact with great teams.

I’m incredibly grateful to be here—to contribute, to grow, and to be part of a culture that doesn’t just talk about collaboration and inclusion but actually lives it. If my journey can serve as a reminder to anyone wondering whether these kinds of workplaces still exist—whether it’s possible to find a company that respects experience, encourages learning, and makes space for diverse voices—the answer is yes. I’ve found that place. It’s called Velir x Brooklyn Data.