Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019

2:00 – 2:45 PM, Herscher Hall, Guerin A, Live Webcast

Instagram: A Deep Dive

Panelists will help you build an understanding about:

• How to leverage your personal brand and style as an influencer to thrive on Instagram

• An in-depth look into crafting your Instagram profile, goals, strategy, and content

• The latest on Instagram's algorithm and feature changes

• How to manage your audience and build a strong community

Ayoub Omar, Co-Founder, GOAT Marketing, (@clips)

Donnoven Nguyen, (@donnoven)
Robert Palmer Watkins, (@robertpalmerwatkins)

Sara Mills, (@saraontheinternet)

Serena Laurel, (@serenalaurel)

Colby Jackson, (@outcastcity)

Moderator - Alex Hager, Tinysponsor, (@alexhager)

Sara Mills, Head of Creator Relations, Tinysponsor: Sara Mills is a verified influencer, content creator, and community manager with an audience of 1.2MM across social platforms. With several viral videos under her belt, she decided to turn her expertise towards connecting other content creators to brands. Her unique experience makes her a valuable asset, offering insight from the perspective of the creator wile also understanding the needs of the brands.

Donnoven Nguyen, Director and Filmmaker: 21 year old Aspiring Hollywood director and filmmaker, Donnoven dropped out of the University of California moved to California from Seattle in pursuit of that dream. He uses Instagram as an outlet for his artistic creations and gained a following over time.

Serena Laurel, Award-winning actress, Singer-songwriter, Brand Influencer/Model: Serena Laurel at just 18 years old is an award-winning actress, singer-songwriter, brand influencer/model. She is best known for the lead role as "Lucy" in the feature film Summertime Dropouts with international punk sensation Simple Plan and Quinton Aaron (Blindside). Film Fest LA Live awarded Serena best actress in category for her starring role in Bird Song, a Game of Thrones fantasy film. She's been awarded three best actress laurels for her starring role as "Georgia Dean" in the thriller Nasty Habits directed and written by Allisyn Arm (AP Bio). She has appeared on the Brat TV series Total Eclipse and is a series regular as "Jessica" in NC-16 TV series. She created her own Youtube series titled Record Rant. Serena's passion for music shines through in her single GOLD (2019), available on iTunes, Spotify, and all popular downloading and streaming music sites. Her singer-songwriter style provides a fresh, blend of acoustic pop jazz. She performs at venues like the Whisky Go Go, House of Blues, Roxy, The Hotel Cafe, State Social House while working on recording a full album. Some of her brand partnerships include Fender, Coca-Cola's Peace Tea, Kollectin, Bare Minerals, Speechless Dresses, STS Blues.  As a way to give back, Serena mentors as an artist ambassador for BreakingtheChainsFoundation.org, art therapy for patients recovering from eating disorders and Free2Luv.org, cheering on kindness, Luv and diversity.

Robert Palmer Watkins, IG: @robertpalmerwatkins: Robert Palmer Watkins caught the acting bug early on, beating out hundreds of other teens for the coveted role of Danny in Barksdale Theater’s production of GREASE. After 2 years studying musical theater at Christopher Newport University, he left everything behind to move west where he would graduate from the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood. Robert’s professional journey began when he booked his first guest stars on Spike’s 1000 WAYS TO DIE and Lifetime’s MY CRAZY EX. Soon after, he was elevated to leading man status in his first feature, SAFARI. Rob now boasts a robust resume including credits such as FRAT HOUSE MUSICAL for Subway, web series SKETCH JUICE, feature film BACK TO AWESOME, and Cinemax’s THE GIRL’S GUIDE TO DEPRAVITY. Watkins racked up 191 episodes in his two and a half years as Dillon Quartermaine on ABC’s iconic GENERAL HOSPITAL and most recently starred in the action thriller LAST THREE DAYS. Robert also has a pilot under his belt with CW Seed’s CUPID’S MATCH, starring as the titular Cupid. When he’s not on set you’ll find Robert at the gym, the beach, on hikes, or in jam sessions with his buddies. He also values quality time with his family back home in Richmond, VA and North Carolina.

Alex Hager, Sales & Marketing, Tinysponsor: Alex Hager is an American musician, entrepreneur, and social media strategist. In 2016, he started boldly in the music industry, with his viral song sensation, “Drive Me Crazy.” Using the momentum of his music video release, Hager quickly established a loyal fanbase online. Alex began actively working with brands as an influencer as a result of his newfound growth. Fast-forward to his relocation to Los Angeles, Hager now works extensively as a social media strategist. While his musical aspirations remain, he focuses his efforts on consulting and bridging the gap between brands and influencers.