Yahoo Black Network Profile: Jeremy Smith, Tumblr Brand Strategist
posted by Michael McGovern, Talent Community Manager
Meet Jeremy, Tumblr Brand Strategist, based in our New York, NY office where he offers Tumblr’s platform services to east coast based entertainment clients. Prior to Joining Yahoo in 2015, Jeremy was a Content and Digital Strategist with New York-based advertising agency Commonground/MGS where he integrated digital content into 360 advertising campaigns for clients like The Estate of Tupac Shakur, Verizon Wireless, and MillerCoors. For nearly 2 years, Jeremy created content strategies, executed social strategy, and managed Tupac’s social media community. His two person team earned Tupac 10 million+ followers making Tupac the 3rd most followed deceased celebrity in the world. Prior to working in social media, he worked in sales and marketing roles after his internship with Cintas Corporation. Jeremy received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Black World Studies from Miami University.
How did you get interested in tech?
I began typing at 5, and playing computer games soon after. My first computer entered my life around 11. By 15 all I wanted for Christmas was a 56K modem. I liked to learn and the Internet was an information rabbit hole. Meeting new people was the fastest way to learn. Next I was message boards and joining every social network that came about. Soon enough I was obsessed with web design, building computers and social media.
Growing up in Cincinnati, Silicon Valley seemed to far away to reach. After graduating from Miami University (OH) I spent several years working as a sales rep in facility services and 3PL industries. One day I had enough. I quit my job and free-lanced as a social media strategist. For the first time I used my passion for tech and people to make a living. I applied for jobs with every social and tech company I could find. I soon discovered “who you know” was extremely important. I decided working for an ad agency was the best way to use my skills and meet the right people. After interning with the Marcus Graham Project in Dallas I was hired by an agency in Chicago. That position allowed me to work with MillerCoors, Jordan Brand, Verizon Wireless and Coca-Cola.
In June of 2014 the Estate of Tupac Shakur became our newest client. As a lifelong Tupac fan, this was an extreme honor. For nearly 2 years, I created content strategies, executed social strategy, and managed Tupac’s social media community. My two person team earned Tupac 10 million+ followers making Tupac the 3rd most followed deceased celebrity in the world. In the process, I met some great friends with Tumblr. In September of 2015, I joined Tumblr as a brand strategist.
What is it like working for Yahoo?
The Tumblr and Yahoo combination allows me to see the past, present and future of tech at once. Yahoo is the established industry veteran that survived the dot.com era and continues to innovate. Tumblr represents the “cool kids lunch table” except anyone can have a seat especially if they create great content.
What’s your connection with the Yahoo Black Network?
Everyone is friendly. There is a desire to advance the tech industry by including the input of a more diverse workforce. I’m in support of anything that makes the internet a better place and advances my people.
Why is diversity important to you?
Diversity ensures that everyone is involved when innovation takes place. This allows for accurate advancements that are true to the people that will use them.
What is your advice to aspiring youth who are considering a career in STEM?
Never let anyone out work you.
Video credit: Jeremy Smith on Season 2 Episode 5 of the “The Pitch”
pixelskylines
areudirty
vaporwave
origamiaround
izzy806
jacobvanloon
stormborns
snowghoul
andulkaphoto
germansingergirl