I love engaging audiences by creating and sharing content that is original, authentic and valuable.

My name is Genesis Villarreal and I am a passionate social media storyteller and digital content creator. In my 8+ years of experience, I’ve helped brands bring their story and vision to life through one-of-a-kind social media strategies. My love for social media stems from its ultimate purpose—to engage with people and content. I enjoy connecting people to places, things and experiences.

My industry experience includes: hospitality, travel & tourism, nonprofit, CPG and retail. Most recently, I was spearheading Enjoy Illinois & The Westin Kierland’s social media marketing efforts while working as Social Media Manager at TimeZoneOne. I have a Master of Arts in Media Studies from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with a minor in Communications and Gender & Women's Studies from The University of Illinois at Chicago. Some key career highlights include:

  • In 2019, I was awarded Chicago’s “30 Under 30” by the Publicity Club of Chicago for my various social media accomplishments at Navy Pier. See here for examples.

  • In 2021, I was featured on WCUI’s Real Chicagoans series (video starts at 18:03). The video highlighted my work on Viva Chicago, the youtube series I created in 2020 to help promote Latino-owned businesses in the Chicagoland area.

  • In 2021, I was invited to serve as panelist for a TikTok session at the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism, resulting in a jam-packed room and a line out the door with people eager to ask me questions at the end.

I am currently freelancing and welcome the opportunity to continue to help brands grow and tell their story through social media and digital content creation. I have a particular interest in working with Latino and POC-owned businesses.

Things I #LOVE

For those who don’t know, I have a special love for donuts. You can find me on social as @donutmamii. I also love quirky attractions, unique experiences, traveling, sipping on tasty cocktails and all things Disney.