Funko Speakers Panel Recap: Behind the Fandom, Branding, and Creativity

On November 17th, ABSA hosted an exciting speaker panel featuring three talented marketing and social media professionals from Funko’s Everett headquarters. From collecting fandom merch to building brand identities and managing nationwide campaigns, each speaker shared unique insights on how passion and creativity fuel their careers in the pop culture industry. 

Meet the Panelists! 

Kim Tran — Social Media Manager, Pop Yourself | 8 months Favorite Series: Sanrio With seven years in communications, Kim leads social media strategy for Pop Yourself, bringing fan engagement to life through digital storytelling. 

Angelina Ly — Trade Activation Coordinator | 8 months | ABSA Alum! Favorite Series: Sanrio Angelina specializes in retailer partnerships, trade shows, displays, and ensuring Funko products shine in stores. She also runs a slime business on the side. 

Anushey Nasar — Social Media & Community Specialist | 2 years Favorite Series: Marvel Anushey works closely with fan communities, drawing from her own background in collecting and convention culture. She also runs a fandom-themed small business. 

Q&A 

How has personal and professional branding influenced your career? 

Kim: Branding helps you stand out and makes it easier for recruiters to recognize who you are and what you bring to the table. Establishing your identity differentiates you from other candidates. 

Angelina: Her personal brand stemmed from running her own business, which is an experience that set her apart and ultimately helped her get hired at Funko. She leaned into her uniqueness rather than fitting into traditional career expectations. 

Anushey: As a long-time collector, her passion for fandom directly led her to Funko. Her knowledge of conventions and fan culture helped her authentically connect with the community in her role today. 

What opportunities, on or off campus, have helped you pursue your career path? 

Kim: Internships helped her break into social media, but an unexpected turning point was taking a public speaking class, which strengthened her communication and presentation skills that employers value. 

Angelina: After transferring to UW, she made it a goal to get involved. She joined RSO’s such as Women in Business and VSA, as well as attended events that helped her network and expand her opportunities. 

Anushey: After struggling academically due to a car accident and later returning to school, she rebuilt confidence through new environments, from UW Tacoma to conventions. Her journey taught her to explore broadly but ultimately focus on what she truly wants. 

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone matters! 

How do you balance creativity with data-driven decision making? 

Kim: Data proves what works, but viral content often comes from risk-taking. She combines analytics with bold, creative ideas, such as filming a Demogorgon-themed Pop Yourself video while also producing traditional content to show a balanced strategy. 

Angelina: Trends matter, but originality prevents your brand from blending in. Create your own unique ideas rather than copying what's popular. 

Anushey: Build a consistent brand voice. Engaging authentically, like commenting on Duolingo or Marvel posts, helps Funko connect beyond typical brand messaging. 

What does a campaign lifecycle look like at Funko? 

Angelina: Planning ties closely to major events, anniversaries, and retailer partnerships. Her team designs store displays, signage, and promotional materials tailored to each collection. Licensing partners often drive what's prioritized. 

Anushey: Works alongside retail launches to promote presales and online engagement. Pushes products early for retailers, often collaborating with partners like Disney and Netflix, especially around anniversaries. 

What skills should students develop to be competitive in creative marketing roles? 

Anushey: Canva and Adobe tools are essential. AI tools like ChatGPT can help ideate content, but should always be personalized. 

Kim: Soft skills matter, especially communication and adaptability. Learn to collaborate with people who think differently and stay calm under pressure. Behavioral interview questions reflect this. 

Angelina: Learn Excel fundamentals, slide deck design, and project management. Visual communication and organized workflows are critical in marketing. 

As Asian and multicultural professionals, have you ever experienced any special situations and how did you manage them? 

Angelina: As the only female Muslim at a previous company, she faced discrimination, but it taught her to stand her ground and use her voice confidently. At Funko, she channels her personality directly into brand voice, ensuring she’s seen and heard. 

Anushey: Growing up in diverse environments helped her find community through culture, including organizations like VSA. Identity can be a bridge for making connections. 

Kim: Advocates for representation, especially in marketing spaces lacking diversity. In past roles, she pushed against campaigns featuring exclusively white models to better reflect the real community. 

How do you stay authentic while maintaining professionalism? 

Kim: Being yourself at work takes time. Show your personality gradually while remaining mindful and respectful. 

Angelina: Workplaces are human spaces and relationships matter. Get to know your team beyond work to foster genuine connections. 

Anushey: Authenticity grows with confidence and community. Surrounding yourself with supportive peers helps, but professionalism still matters. 

We hope you enjoyed these insights from Funko’s talented marketing team! Stay tuned for more events where we spotlight passionate professionals across industries. Let your creativity, identity, and brand drive your future!