Meet Brownthought Academy’s Class of 2022: Gianna Dolor
Brownthought Academy is a marketing bootcamp / 5-month internship program from Kultivate Labs. Through their specific roles, interns have the unique opportunity to learn about digital marketing through campaigns for cultural and community-centric projects. The program was inspired by Marco Jastillana (1976 - 2020), our late friend, marketing mastermind, and co-founder of UNDSCVRD Night Market and Plinth Agency. A talented visionary, Brownthought Academy was founded to honor his memory to uplift the next generation of thought leaders and change makers.
In its second year, Brownthought Academy welcomed 4 talented new interns - becoming the first cohort to hold specific roles in the program. As the Social Media Intern, Gianna Dolor elevated Kultivate Labs’ presence on Instagram and TikTok, while designing eye-catching graphics that highlighted the essence of each project/campaign. Below she reflects on working quickly, creating to inspire, and connecting with fellow Pinays through Brownthought Academy.
“From how to be an effective marketer, to building brand strategy, to promoting events, to intangibles like how to be a good meeting member, and how to manage time wisely - everything I learned at Kultivate was valuable!”
— Gianna on what she learned as a Social Media Intern
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Brownthought Academy?
My name is Gianna Dolor (she/her) and I’m the Social Media Intern for Kultivate Labs. I currently reside in Alameda, CA, and am in school at San Francisco State University majoring in Sociology and minoring in Marketing. In my free time, I love to do freelance art and graphic design. I draw inspiration from my friends, family, and the scenery around me - the Bay Area is a well for creatives to explore and express themselves!
What made you decide to apply for the internship?
I applied to this internship for several reasons! One of the main reasons was to connect to my Filipinx roots and to serve the Fil-Am community here in the Bay Area. It also seemed like a great opportunity to gain hands-on marketing experience, and to collaborate with other like-minded creatives.
What has been your favorite project/campaign that you worked on?
My favorite project was highlighting the women of Balay. It was my very first collaboration with the other interns in the cohort and I love the way it came out, from the blog, to the interviews, to the social posts. To go from the drawing board, to seeing our vision executed was a delightful experience, and it made it even better knowing that we were highlighting powerful Pinay creatives.
Graphics made by Gianna for Balay Kreative’s Powerful Pinays campaign.
Brownthought Academy’s Spring 2022 Cohort (from left: Jada Montez, Nikki Ramos, Gianna Dolor, Chloe Samillano)
What were some challenges that you faced in your role?
It was a bit of a struggle adjusting to all of the roles that came with my position, so finding time to effectively balance work between my job at Starbucks and internship at Kultivate was definitely an adjustment. You also have to be able to work and pivot quickly, as the non-profit is always on the go & changing.
How was it like being in a cohort and working with your fellow interns?
It was amazing to work with the other interns, I loved collaborating with fellow Pinay creatives. We established a supportive and uplifting environment and it definitely helped in getting through the internship. Each intern, from Chloe, to Nikki, to Jada, all have crazy work ethic and talent which makes it easy to enjoy the work despite the craziness.
How was it like to be part of the Kultivate Labs family?
It was amazing to be apart of the Kultivate family! I’ve always known about Kultivate and I’ve said from the beginning that it’s an honor to collaborate them and serve our community.
Overall, what would you say you learned from the internship? How do you see yourself applying these skills moving forward?
I definitely learned a lot from the Brownthought internship. From how to be an effective marketer, to building brand strategy, to promoting events, to intangibles like how to be a good meeting member, and how to manage time wisely - everything I learned at Kultivate was valuable!
Any advice for future Brownthought interns? Or for those thinking of applying?
Be quick on your feet, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and communicate with your leads! We’re all working together!
Enjoyed reading about Gianna’s experience? Connect with her through her social platforms below!
