NextNW Panel: Career-Building Hacks

Insider Strategies for Marketers, Creatives & Communicators

Whether you’re climbing the ladder, plotting your next pivot, or just trying to figure out what’s next, this panel brings together some of our region’s most insightful voices on career growth. From hiring to leadership to mentorship, they’ll share real stories, candid lessons, and practical hacks for navigating the ever-evolving marketing and creative world.

You’ll walk away with actionable insights on what employers really look for, how to build relationships that open doors, and how to stay relevant in a fast-changing industry, without losing your spark.

This session is for anyone who works in, around, or aspires to join the marketing and creative ecosystem, agency pros, brand marketers, freelancers, job seekers, career-switchers, and emerging leaders alike.

Moderator

Kent Lewis — Executive Director, NextNW; Founder, pdxMindShare
A fixture in Portland’s marketing scene, Kent founded pdxMindShare, the long-running professional networking community, and has built and led multiple agencies. As Executive Director of NextNW, he’s passionate about connecting creative professionals with the tools and community they need to thrive.

Panelists

Christina Post — Director of Marketing & Communications, Portland Opera
Christina has shaped storytelling for global brands like adidas, Google, and Nike—and now leads marketing and communications for Portland Opera. With experience spanning creative production, eCommerce, and brand leadership, she brings an insider’s take on how to grow a meaningful, lasting career in a creative field.

Trevor Graves — President & Co-Founder, Nemo Design
A creative visionary turned business leader, Trevor co-founded Nemo Design after a career behind the camera as one of action sports’ most celebrated photographers. He’s spent more than two decades helping brands and people find their authentic voice—and knows what it takes to stand out in a saturated market.

Brooks Gilley — President & Founder, 52 Limited
As the founder of Portland’s leading creative and technology staffing agency, Brooks has connected thousands of professionals to opportunity. With a front-row seat to hiring trends and employer expectations, he offers straight talk on what makes candidates irresistible—and what holds them back.

Marc Moran — Area Director, Advertising Programs, Portland State University
Marc bridges academia and industry, guiding PSU’s advertising students from the classroom to the boardroom. A former agency leader and long-time creative community advocate, he brings perspective on cultivating new talent and how continuous learning fuels long-term success.