Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Amanda Natividad — marketer, podcaster, and former trained chef — to tackle a challenge every social media manager and content creator eventually faces: handling negative comments and trolls online. From understanding the difference between criticism and trolling to learning when to clap back and when to scroll on, Amanda shares real-life stories, personal missteps, and practical strategies for keeping your cool in the chaotic world of online engagement. If you’ve ever let one bad comment ruin your day, this conversation is your crash course in building resilience and reclaiming perspective.

Guest Name: Amanda Natividad, VP of Marketing, SparkToro

Guest Socials: 
LinkedIn
Instagram
Meme Team Podcast

Guest Bio: Amanda Natividad is VP of Marketing for audience research startup, SparkToro. In her spare time, she co-hosts the Meme Team podcast and writes a marketing newsletter called the Menu (with over 16k subscribers). She’s also the creator/teacher for Content Marketing 201, a contributor for Adweek, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, and a former journalist. Amanda previously led marketing for Growth Machine, led marketing for Liftopia, built Fitbit’s B2B content program, and led content and communications for NatureBox.

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Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Chelsey Holts, Director of Content Strategy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chelsey recounts her firsthand experience managing campus communications during not one—but two—active shooter incidents at UNC. This powerful conversation explores the evolving role of social media in emergency communications, the need for cross-functional collaboration, and how crisis preparedness can shape a content strategy that’s both compassionate and clear. If you're responsible for social media in higher ed, this is a must-listen.

Guest Name: Chelsey Holts, Director of Content Strategy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Guest Socials:
LinkedIn
Instagram

Guest Bio: Chelsey Holts is the Director of Content Strategy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, overseeing the development and implementation of campus-wide communications content in support of the University’s brand strategy and key messages. In her role, she advises leadership on strategy and reputation and works with a team to identify, produce and amplify impactful content for Carolina’s various audiences on its website, social media channels and email newsletter. She consults with colleagues across campus on strategy and crisis management and leads collaborative initiatives with departments and schools. 

Previously, Chelsey served as the Director of Social Media for Carolina. Her experience in social media and digital marketing spans various industries, including automotive, entertainment, agricultural and higher education. Chelsey is a graduate of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and has published several articles in the Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing.

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Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Christina Garnett—fractional chief customer officer, online community strategist, and author of the upcoming book Transforming Customer Brand Relationships. Together, they dive deep into what it really means to build authentic relationships with your audiences online. From mourning the loss of Twitter to embracing fan-driven engagement, this episode explores the nuances of online connection, community building, and why higher ed institutions need to stop treating social media like a digital billboard. This is a must-listen for anyone shaping digital engagement strategies in higher ed.

Guest Name: Christina Garnett, Fractional Chief Customer Officer, Customer experience strategist, and author

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: I believe great brands aren’t just experienced, they are felt.

As a Fractional Chief Customer Officer, CX strategist, and communications advisor, I help brands design intentional customer journeys, build thriving communities, and tell stories that get noticed. I work at the intersection of customer experience, social strategy, and community-building, creating strategies that foster real connection and long-term loyalty.

I also help agencies and in-house teams craft communications plans that celebrate their work, spotlight their wins, and earn industry recognition. Whether it involves preparing award submissions or amplifying customer success stories, I make sure impact gets the visibility it deserves.

My insights are featured in HubSpot Academy, HeyOrca, and Semrush, and I’ve spoken at INBOUND, Digital Summit, and other leading industry events. You can also find my work in Adweek, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Campaign US.

Transforming Customer-Brand Relationships, my book coming out with Kogan Page in September 2025, is a hands-on guide to building stronger connections and deeper loyalty through empathy and emotional intelligence.

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Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Grant Schol, Associate Director of Communication and Project Management for the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Together, they unpack the evolving meaning of authenticity in higher ed social media and why it’s not as simple as just “being real.” Grant shares strategies for humanizing institutional accounts, empowering student voices, and creating content that speaks directly to your campus community. This conversation dives deep into community building, student-first messaging, and how to balance fun with institutional integrity—all through the lens of a social media manager’s lived experience.

Guest Name: Grant Schol, Associate Director of Communication and Project Management for the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: As Associate Director of Communications and Project Management for Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas, Grant leverages his multimedia storytelling skills to champion the incredible stories found on a university campus. With more than nine years of experience in public relations, social media, and photography, Grant has a passion for inspiring change and showcasing the stories of the U of A community.

In his previous roles in higher education, Grant has been a full-time social media manager for the Sam M. Walton College of Business, also at the U of A, worked as the full-time campus photographer for the University of Central Arkansas, and directed a study abroad campus in Italy for his undergraduate alma mater, Harding University. 

Additionally, he has worked as a project manager and story producer for a corporate video production team and ran his own creative consultation and freelance photography business. He has also won multiple awards for his work in breaking news and sports photography, and published work in yearbooks, newspapers, art shows, and other digital and print materials. Grant holds a B.A. in public relations and is continuing his education at the U of A in the M.A. in communication program. He is always eager to learn new skills, explore new perspectives, and collaborate with others to deliver high-quality, meaningful, and impactful content.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, host Jenny Li Fowler chats with Erica Colaianne, Director of Social Media at the University of Michigan, about the critical art of understanding your audience and staying nimble on social. From building out detailed platform-specific personas to crafting crisis-proof content, Erica shares how her newsroom roots and strategic thinking shape her approach to higher ed communications. If you're looking for real-world strategies for smarter social media management, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

Guest Name: Erica Colaianne, Director of Social Media, University of Michigan

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Erica Colaianne is the Director of Social Media at the University of Michigan where she leads the social communications team that creates dynamic content every day for audiences of more than 2.6 million. Representing a world-class institution known for academic excellence, innovative research, and a vast global alumni network, she strategizes content to continuously educate and engage all audiences. She also drives the coordination of cohesive content strategies for the university, bringing social communicators across U-M together. Through her work cultivating engaged communities and building trust with audiences, she leads strategies that successfully demonstrate the immense impact of the university and encapsulate the Wolverine experience.

Erica previously worked in communications and marketing at Wayne State University and prior to joining the higher education community she led communications and marketing efforts for a range of organizations including healthcare, media companies and nonprofits. She graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and received a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Eastern Michigan University.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

In this energizing episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, host Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Chi Thukral, Content Creator and Social Media Strategist, to unpack the nuances of trust, creative freedom, and the realities of navigating approval processes in social media management. With real-world anecdotes, industry hot takes, and tactical advice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone managing—or approving—social media content in higher ed. Learn how creative risk-taking, clear communication, and earned trust can radically improve your institution’s digital voice.

Guest Name: Chi Thukral, Content Creator & Social Media Strategist

Guest Social: LinkedIn

Guest Bio: Chi Thukral is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Webby-nominated marketing leader with 10 years of global experience growing audiences, shaping digital brands, and leading full-funnel content strategies. From India to Japan to North America, her expat lens and psychology background fuel bold, culturally fluent storytelling. A creative strategist who’s chronically online, Chi blends internet instinct with data, sentiment, and AI tools to craft scroll-stopping, soul-hitting content. Her work lives at the intersection of culture, content, and connection—helping brands show up with purpose in a chaotic digital world. Chi is passionate about sustainability, climate action and animal welfare causes where she dedicates her time when she is finally offline.

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Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

In this thought-provoking episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, host Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Safaniya Stevenson, a seasoned higher ed social strategist, to challenge one of the industry’s sacred cows: the audience persona. Together, they explore the limitations of personas in higher ed marketing and advocate for a more human, community-driven approach. This episode is a must-listen for enrollment marketers, brand strategists, and social media managers navigating a diverse and evolving student landscape.

Guest Name: Safaniya Stevenson, Marketing Consultant

Guest Socials: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/safaniyastevenson/
Portfolio Website: https://safaniyastevensonportfolio.my.canva.site/

Guest Bio: Strategist. Storyteller. Status quo disruptor. Safaniya "Safy" Stevenson transforms brands by understanding what makes audiences tick. With over a decade of experience spanning TV news to digital leadership, she has orchestrated viral campaigns and led multimillion-dollar rebrands for institutions like NC State, Boise State and Cal Poly Humboldt. Named a 2024 AAMA "Marketer to Watch" and SXSW EDU presenter, Safy brings her signature optimism to clients across Agribusiness, Food & Beverage, Tourism, and Education. This Raleigh-based Lego enthusiast (20+ builds and counting) applies her omnichannel expertise to create authentic narratives that elevate brands beyond conventional boundaries.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Jenny welcomes Tara Mikaelian and Hattie Wilkinson from Sprout Social to unpack the powerful role of social media data in higher ed marketing. They dive into why this data matters, how it connects to institutional goals, and how social media managers can use real-time insights to drive strategy, demonstrate ROI, and advocate for their role. With real-world examples and actionable tips, this conversation offers a fresh take on using social data as a strategic tool rather than just a performance report.

Guest Names: 
Hattie Wilkinson, Senior Solutions Engineer, Sprout Social 
Tara Mikaelian, Sr. Enterprise Account Executive, Sprout Social 

Guest Socials: 
Hattie LinkedIn
Tara LinkedIn

Guest Bios: 
Hattie Wilkinson is a social media expert with over 10 years of experience across diverse industries. In her current role as a Solutions Engineer at Sprout Social, she collaborates closely with higher education social teams, leveraging Sprout Social’s capabilities to streamline workflows and establish the tangible ROI of their social initiatives. Hattie’s passion lies in all things social data and helping social teams navigate the ever-evolving social landscape.

Tara Mikaelian is a seasoned social media strategist with over six years of experience driving digital engagement across a range of industries. In her current role as a Growth & Strategy Partner at Sprout Social, she works with higher education institutions to optimize their social media efforts—streamlining operations, unifying data, and demonstrating the measurable cross-institutional impact of their work. Guided by a passion for using technology to empower deeper human connection, Tara is dedicated to helping organizations simplify complexity and elevate their impact.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

Host Jenny Li Fowler is joined by Christina Le, a strategic social media pro currently leading marketing efforts at the social listening startup Plot. Together, they dig deep into what it really takes to launch a successful social media campaign—especially when you’re operating with little to no budget. From identifying the "why" behind a campaign to finding creators on LinkedIn who will amplify your message (even for free), this episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact with minimal resources.

Guest Name: Christina Le, Head of Marketing, Plot

Guest Socials: 
LinkedIn
Substack

Guest Bio: Christina Le has built social media from the ground up at six different companies across a range of industries. Now, she’s the Head of Marketing at Plot, a next-gen social listening platform that helps brands extract insights from video content. With over a decade in social, she’s passionate about making social media marketing more strategic, sustainable, and—most importantly—recognized as a core business function, not an afterthought.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.

In this episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager, host Jenny Li Fowler sits down with Samuel Harriman and Olivia Finch from Oxford University to unpack the inner workings of their incredibly unique roles as a two-person university-wide campaigns team. Titled “How Oxford University Built a Campaigns Team to Reshape Their Global Brand,” this conversation dives deep into the hows and whys of Oxford’s centralized campaign strategy—one that touches all 57 departments and positions the institution as a forward-thinking, globally connected research powerhouse. If you're curious about higher education content marketing, centralized campaign models, or the strategic integration of social media in research comms, this one’s for you.

Guest Names: 
Samuel Harriman, Campaigns Project Manager, University of Oxford 
Olivia Finch, Campaign Producer, University of Oxford

Guest Socials: 
Samuel: LinkedIn, Instagram
Olivia: LinkedIn

Guest Bios: 
Samuel Harriman (He/him) is responsible for the delivery of large scale multimedia campaigns as Campaigns Project Manager at the University of Oxford. He has previously worked in digital media management at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, student recruitment and marketing at the University of Leicester and in stakeholder engagement at the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Olivia Finch (She/her) plays a pivotal role in delivering campaigns in her role as Campaigns Producer at the University Oxford. She has previously been responsible for marketing languages and library content at Oxford University Press and worked as a marketing executive at Auckland Writers Festival.

- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Jenny Li Fowler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/
https://twitter.com/TheJennyLi

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com.