Babes Only Head of Partnerships & Social Media

As a key member of a five-person team at a leading women's non-profit, Colleen Mayer was responsible for cultivating and maintaining organizational partnerships. She managed all social media platforms, driving engagement and successfully increasing the following by 4,000 individuals. Colleen also served as the event photographer, capturing moments at all organizational gatherings. As the project manager for monthly events, she orchestrated initiatives such as an all-women's comedy show and a cleanup effort on the south side. In addition, Colleen spearheaded the creation of an all-women's blog, led a team of writers, and conducted monthly Instagram Live interviews to promote the platform. She actively engaged in outreach to prospective partners, effectively communicating the organization's mission and objectives. A critical aspect of her role included managing negotiations with sponsors on behalf of Babes Only, ensuring partnerships that aligned with and supported the organization's initiatives and goals.

The LGBTQ+ Creative Networking event was a two-part series where I offered free or pay-what-you-can headshots to attendees. I took on the responsibility of organizing, promoting, and managing the event, ensuring its success from start to finish. This initiative was presented in partnership with Dorothy's Downstairs, a vibrant venue in Chicago known for its support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Throughout the evening, I facilitated a welcoming and inclusive environment where creative professionals could network, connect, and collaborate. By providing accessible headshots, I aimed to empower

Laughs on 25th was a three-part LGBTQ+ comedy showcase, spotlighting some of the most talented queer comedians in Chicago. I took on the roles of organizer, host, and event manager, ensuring the seamless execution of each show. From coordinating with comedians and securing the venue to overseeing the event logistics and marketing efforts, I was deeply involved in every aspect of the showcase. This series was a collaborative effort with Virgin Hotel, which provided a dynamic and supportive platform for the event. The partnership allowed us to create an inclusive space where the LGBTQ+ community could come together, celebrate diversity, and enjoy an evening of laughter and entertainment. Through Laughs on 25th, we not only showcased the remarkable talent within the queer community but also fostered a sense of unity and visibility, making it a memorable experience for both performers and attendees alike.

I was honored to be part of the Mirror Mirror gallery at The Martin Chicago, where my piece, "Being the Mirror," was featured. This exhibition brought together a diverse array of artists, and I was thrilled to have my work included among such talent. "Being the Mirror" received significant attention during the gallery and was successfully sold, marking a proud moment in my artistic career. Participating in this event allowed me to connect with other creatives and engage with the Chicago art community, further enriching my experience as an artist.

The LGBTQ+ Photography Panel was created to showcase some of Chicago's top queer photographers, providing them with a platform to share their work and experiences. I took on the responsibility of organizing, promoting, and hosting the event, ensuring that it was a successful and engaging experience for both the photographers and the audience. This event was presented in partnership with Dorothy's Downstairs in Chicago, a venue known for its support of the LGBTQ+ community. The panel not only highlighted the exceptional talent within the queer community but also fostered meaningful conversations about the challenges and triumphs of working as an LGBTQ+ artist.

The My Queer Life gallery, held at South Facing Studios, was created to showcase the photography series My Queer Life 2.0. I took on the roles of organizer, manager, promoter, and host, ensuring that the event ran smoothly and effectively highlighted the essence of the series. This gallery not only provided a platform to celebrate the diverse experiences captured in the My Queer Life 2.0 series but also created an inclusive space for the community to engage with the art and its powerful messages.

Chicago Love Chronicles is an initiative designed to foster community connection and facilitate open discussions on love, dating, self-love, and desire within the vibrant urban landscape of Chicago. Acknowledging the limited opportunities for individuals to openly discuss the complexities of being single, navigating relationships, or facing challenging romantic situations in the city, this platform seeks to bridge that gap. Love and dating, with all their complexities, can evoke a spectrum of emotions—from exhilaration to frustration—often leaving individuals feeling both connected and isolated. Chicago Love Chronicles offers a space for individuals to share their stories, either anonymously or openly, encompassing personal experiences with dating, love, self-discovery, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships. Our goal through Chicago Love Chronicles is to raise awareness of the diverse love experiences within the city, promoting mutual understanding and growth through shared vulnerability and candid dialogue.

Under the auspices of Impulse Chicago, I led the coordination of the My Queer Life portrait project. This initiative was designed to showcase the vibrant diversity of queer individuals within the Chicago community, involving the photography of 24 distinct participants in a single day, each sharing their unique stories and experiences. The resulting portrait series was prominently featured on Impulse Chicago's digital platforms throughout June 2022, in celebration of Pride Month. This project was made possible through the generous funding and support of Impulse Chicago, with organizational efforts spearheaded by Colleen Mayer.

I led the organization of a benefit concert dedicated to supporting the people of Ukraine during their time of need. This role involved coordinating artists, overseeing event photography, and serving as the host for the evening. The event, titled #Whatchuneverdo, was designed to raise awareness and solicit donations for Rescue.org, featuring performances by Frank Heaney, Evyn, Stevie Thompson, and Rich Robbins, promising attendees an evening of entertainment and solidarity. As the host, I aimed to create an atmosphere of unity and meaningful dialogue, encouraging attendees to engage with the pressing global issues affecting our world today. A portion of the ticket sales was allocated to support Rescue.org's humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. The event received overwhelming support from the community, resulting in a sold-out venue, highlighting the collective commitment to standing in solidarity with those in need.

 How The Hell Did They Do That? is a compelling Instagram Live interview series that spans 10 months, dedicated to highlighting impactful and inspiring individuals. Through candid conversations, we explore the journeys of those who captivate us from behind the screen, all while pondering the question: How the hell did they do that? Each month, we feature a diverse lineup of guests, including musicians, photographers, educators, designers, and more. Our mission is to ignite inspiration, promote learning, and foster meaningful connections with our audience. By showcasing real-life success stories, we emphasize that dreams are achievable for anyone willing to pursue them. During these engaging interviews, we delve into the intricacies of our guests' creative processes, uncover the stories behind their work, and connect with their personal experiences. Think of this series as a dynamic booth at the career fair of life—a platform where attendees can gain insights, build connections, and chart their own paths to success.

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Coaching By Zen temporarily paused its operations. However, during this period, I worked closely with the organization to enhance its social media presence across various platforms. This collaboration involved direct engagement with all the coaches, developing social media analyses, designing graphics, and managing multiple accounts. As a branch of Zen Leadership, Coaching By Zen is committed to making a positive impact on individuals' lives, one person at a time. It has been a privilege to contribute to their creative growth and development. Through this experience, I gained valuable skills in team management, copywriting, and recruitment, further enriching my professional capabilities.