XDS Employee Spotlight: Fall 2021

 

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBERS!

Say hello to some new faces at XDS! With new clients rolling in and the team gearing up for new and exciting projects, XDS is bolstering our digital marketing squad. 

 

Jessica, Associate Digital Producer
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Q: If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

Coding, anyone who codes knows magic.

Q: Before working at XDS, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

The summer of my sophomore year in college, I was a packer for a moving company (I didn’t even know this role existed before then). It was interesting because, in this role, I would pack up the houses of military families before they moved to their next assignment. I met so many different people, from so many walks of life who had so much advice and wisdom to give to a young college student. A lot of their advice is still with me to this day. I wouldn’t change a thing about that summer (even though the labor was intense).

Q: Why did you choose to work at XDS?

I chose to work for XDS because I saw a lot of opportunities. The opportunity to learn, grow, and be mentored by the best. The opportunity to work for an employer that would not only respect me but my time. And the opportunity to work with a great group of people!

Q: What trend do you hope makes a comeback?

Early 2000s alternative rock music!

Q: What’s your favorite 90s movie?

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (The Brandy and Whitney Houston version). I still have the VHS from when I was a kid!

Q: Which fictional family would you want to be part of?

It’s a tie between The Winslows from Family Matters (yes, the T.V. show with Steve Urkel) or the Banks from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!

Q: What’s your superpower?

As the middle child, I have the ability to annoy my siblings without even trying. This is truly the gift that keeps on giving!

Q: What is your favorite quote?

“To inspire people, don’t show them YOUR superpowers, you show them THEIRS.” 

 

Alex, SEO Strategist
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Q: When I’m not at work I’m…

Riding my bike through the nearest forest preserve trails, playing my bass guitar/piano, watching the Chicago Bulls take on the NBA, shooting pool with friends, or playing with my two kittens.

Q: If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

Golf. I have been playing my whole life, but I am still far from considering myself an expert.

Q: What’s your favorite 90s movie?

Rookie Of The Year. It was always my dream, as a kid from Chicago, to play on the Chicago Cubs as a 12-year-old.

Q: If you could only eat one item for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Burritos. 

 

Gerald, Paid Media Strategist
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Q. When I’m not at work…

I’m planning on what country I would like to visit next.

Q: What’s your favorite 90s movie?

Being a big horror fan I would say my favorite 90s movie was Scream.

Q. What do you love most about your craft?

I love the fact that it’s always adapting and tends to change quickly.

 

Bridget, Associate QA Analyst

Headshot of Bridget

Q: If you could only eat one item for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ice cream. Absolutely my biggest weakness. Especially chocolate peanut butter or mint chocolate chip. Ooh, or peach with vanilla… I’m hungry.

Q: What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on in your professional career?

Back when I was in college, I worked with my professor on black hole research. We went to Arizona to collect data from a giant telescope and then I analyzed the photon output of different galaxies with active black holes. It was incredible and inspiring. One step closer to becoming a mad scientist!

Q: Where are you from? Where have you been? Where do you want to go?

I was born and raised in the Philly suburbs. I went to Germany to study abroad a few years ago and fell in love with it. I also got to see the Czech Republic and Austria. I plan on heading back to Germany to get my Master’s degree in astrophysics once I have some money saved up. My dream is to travel the entire world. I am so fascinated by different cultures, and I am always amazed at how beautiful the earth is. 

 

Emily, Digital Producer 

Headshot of Emily

Q: Before working at XDS, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I started teaching swimming when I was 14 years old and have had almost all pool-related jobs you can think of from lifeguard, to swim coach for a team of over 200 kids, to private instructor– I’ve done it all (and still continue to teach on occasion). I grew up swimming and love being able to share a life-saving skill with young kids!

Q: When I’m not at work I’m….

Outside somewhere, whether it’s on a hike; swimming at the pool, beach, or lake; or at a vineyard; I love spending as much time as I can outdoors.

Q: Where are you from? Where have you been? Where do you want to go?

From: McLean, VA (right outside of Washington, DC). Second Homes (aka places I live sometimes): Dallas, TX; Troutman, NC; and New Orleans, LA. Been: The Netherlands, Russia, Ireland, Tunisia, Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and a bunch of other places internationally and domestic! Want to go: Right now, I just want to go home! I’ve been house-hopping since COVID began and am looking forward to settling down somewhere. Considering Austin, TX and Nashville, TN. However, I’m also getting married soon and have been tossing around possibly honeymooning in Morocco, Istanbul, or Greece!

 

Mark, Developer
Headshot of Mark

Q: Why did you choose to work at XDS?

I love taking an idea and developing it from design to completion, solving all of the little challenges along the way. At XDS I get to work alongside other amazing team members to realize a design. Seeing that completed website, which started out as an idea, is what drives me.


Q: What’s your superpower?

Remembering a dog’s name (but forgetting their owner’s).

Q: When I’m not at work I’m….

Going for a hike (often with my Mom’s dog), doing more web development, working on or playing a video game. 

 

Join Our Team! 

We’re hiring! As we continue to grow and expand we are always on the lookout for tech talent and experience designers. Stay up to date with current XDS openings.

ABOUT XDS

Created with the purpose of providing big agency services without all the rigidness and overhead, The Experience Design Studio is a full-service East Coast-based digital agency that focuses on customer experience solutions in the health and wellness industry.

With strategy at our core, XDS makes our clients’ tools and technology easy to use, engaging, and effective by looking at the complete customer experience – analyzing every touchpoint with the core focus of understanding how real people, patients, doctors, mothers, fathers, and payers interact with an experience.