This month, we catch up with Angela Nguyen, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Alliance for Pioneer Square. Angela supports the Alliance’s marketing campaigns and initiatives across all channels, including digital advertising, social media, events, and more. In her role, she helps tell the unique and vibrant story of Pioneer Square, its businesses, and the people who make up the neighborhood.
Angela talks to us about her first few weeks with the Alliance, her experience in the neighborhood so far, and what she’s excited about in the coming months.
Since you are new to the team and the community, could you tell us a little about yourself? What made you interested in working with the Alliance?
Born and raised in the Seattle area, I’ve been drawn to Pioneer Square since I was a kid. I remember going on Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour as a part of a field trip in elementary school, and I was absolutely amazed by everything I saw that day. I also lived in the neighborhood a couple of years back, so Pioneer Square has always had a place in my heart.
I was interested in working with the Alliance because I admire the advocacy and programming they do in the community. After eight years in the marketing industry, it was my goal to transition into nonprofit work—so the opportunity was a perfect alignment!
In your role as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Alliance, what are you most excited to be working on or starting to work on?
We’re working on the upcoming holiday market in December, which I’m very excited to be a part of. I’m a fan of buying unique, locally-made gifts for my friends and loved ones, so the event is a great way for folks to explore local businesses, artisan goods, and crafts. Keep an eye out for more information on the holiday market coming soon or reach out to us if you’re interested in becoming a vendor.
Another project I’m excited to take on in the coming months is producing our 2024-2025 Pioneer Square Neighborhood Map & Guide. Coming upon its eighth year of production, the Map & Guide is an important resource for local visitors and out-of-towners to help navigate the neighborhood. It is also a helpful tool for businesses and their employees, especially when they get asked for recommendations (which is often!).
With fall around the corner, what can the Pioneer Square community look forward to in the neighborhood this season?
With the event-filled summer winding down, fall is the time to settle back into work, school, or just a more consistent schedule in general. I also think it’s the perfect time to reconnect with our neighbors after a busy couple of months.
The Alliance of Pioneer Square is hosting a free networking event on Thursday, September 28th, from 4-6 p.m. at LMN Architects – The Shop. It’ll be my first networking event, so I’m excited to have the opportunity to meet more folks in the neighborhood. We host networking events regularly, so if you’re unable to attend this upcoming event, subscribe to our newsletter to get the scoop on the next one.
What are some of your recommendations for visitors to Pioneer Square, particularly in the autumn months?
Pioneer Square is a beautiful neighborhood to be in year-round, but it’s especially lovely in the fall. I love spending time browsing the shelves of Arundel Books. They have a great selection of new and classic titles, so you’ll definitely find a book that’s perfect for you.
Once you find the right book, I highly recommend grabbing a latte at Heard Coffee and enjoying it at Waterfall Garden Park. The park is one of my favorite places in the neighborhood, offering a quiet-ish place to relax and read in the middle of a hectic city.