1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your creative background.

My name is Rebecca Nunez, and I am the founder and CEO of The MRN Agency. We are an award-winning, international, woman- and minority-owned full-service marketing agency that services the largest brands on the globe. Specializing in US Hispanic and LATAM brand strategy, sponsorship negotiations, experiential marketing, and live/virtual event activations, my philosophy is anchored by the mission of

2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a creative?

I don

3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

The MRN Agency is a woman- and minority-owned cultural intelligence marketing agency that ideates and executes both B2B and B2C initiatives led by data-driven strategy. Our core client base is rooted in the tech and wireless industries, and we have expanded outside the US and into the international arena with our newest

4 What does “creativity” mean to you?

I believe creativity has three pillars: Innovation, Disruption, and Evoking Emotion. When done correctly, a creative idea challenges the status quo, inspires action, and demands conversation.

5 To you, what makes a “creative” idea and/or design?

The most creative campaigns are designs that take risks and challenge the status quo, while at the same time, are open to being challenged. While creativity is obviously subjective and up for interpretation, the best concepts are ones that invite a conversation and spark interest.

6 Tell us about your creative and/or design process.

Data drives strategy and strategy drives creativity. Believe it or not, MRN is not a creative agency. We are much more than that. We replace random acts of marketing with data-driven decision-making. As I said before, creativity is subjective

7 What's your favorite part of the creative process and why?

Using creativity and data as building blocks! I love to use the context and subtext of data to enable creativity. I'm fact-oriented and as I said before, strive to eliminate random acts of marketing. Too many people market for marketing

8 Describe your creative style and its main characteristics.

I always start with data as my foundation and draw on my experiences and moments to build on top of it. There is this big myth in the agency world that creative and data are separate processes belonging to separate agencies, but MRN proves the strength of harmonizing both. INGISHT is what bridges them together: we interpret data and creativity brings flexibility and fluidity.

9 Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your creativity process?

Being a first-generation Mexican American meant I had to work twice as hard to be invited to the table. That experience, along with my strength as an entrepreneur, inspired me to mentor and lead young minority individuals. Now, my company is an example of true diversity, inclusion, and equity, with 90% of my employees being either women or people of color. I make a point to always invite my team to the table because I KNOW that it can be hard to see yourself in spaces where no one else looks like you. In Mexican culture, we value family over everything and I have cultivated this value in my workspace. Our team goes above and beyond, helping each other outside of the office

10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

This distinction solidifies the importance of what we're doing to change the landscape within marketing. We are happy to be at the forefront and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a marketing agency each and every day. We want to continue to be agents of change through ACTION, not just example. Growing up, I didn

11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 MUSE Creative Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

The AT&T Fan Zone brings various interactive digital and social stations utilizing advanced technology to create a unique live experience dedicated to fans. This experience is created on behalf of the most impactful national and local teams in Mexico, like La Selecci

12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?

AT&T was competing alongside other brands for the SAME public

13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?

My agency has won not one, but three different awards across multiple categories for our campaigns and events. It is so exciting to add to our collection of MUSE Awards and lends us credibility in the creative space. This is a TREMENDOUS honor

14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?

1. Cultural Intelligence: Hispanics represent 18.9 percent of the total U.S. population, the nation's second-largest racial or ethnic group after non-Hispanic whites. There is no doubt that this demographic is the future of our country and business strategies, and we are excited to help expand the face of the industry to include them. 2. Experiential Marketing: Because of experiential marketing, we can partner with our clients to produce interactive and fully-customized virtual events tailored to fit any budget and scope. After implementing more than 600+ virtual events, our tech clients have seen post-event engagement with their prospects increase by more than 33% and a 70% increase in event attendance. 3. Grassroots Marketing: Grassroots marketing is the best marketing dollar a brand can spend. There is no better way to get your value across than through one-on-one interactions which allows consumers to become your brand advocates. Connecting eye-level marketing with high-level marketing creates organic advertising.

15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the creative industry?

My goal with The MRN Agency is to become an agent of change, by hiring and championing people of diverse backgrounds, colors, and experiences. It is very clear to every team member that we all have a seat at the table and every voice is heard without any bias. Inclusivity is a top priority for us. I see the creative industry following a similar path, as it evolves to more fully reflect the world around it. We are living in a time of social change in the US, and this evolution aligns with my personal convictions. Starting my own minority-owned, women-led agency, I fostered the ability to teach everyone 1:1, mentor, cultivate, and push to break barriers in an industry that wasn

16 Where do you see the evolution of creative industry going over the next 5-10 years?

You have to embrace evolution. The use of AI and general advancement in technology is going to test agencies. Those who push back against evolving alongside this technological revolution become obsolete. It

17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Creative Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?

If you want to become creative, you have to be creative during your time as a student and young professional. Take every class to explore--you might surprise yourself! As a young professional, go to different agencies and companies--learn the different pieces of the industry so you can find what you're really passionate about. Don't put your eggs all in one basket. The creative industry is one of the most dynamic career paths you can take; take advantage of that!?? Regardless of the amount of experience you have, there is no way to be prepared for the challenges that you

18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the creative industry?

Practice makes perfect

19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.

I did go to a community college before I went to a state school

20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?

In December 2020, both my parents contracted the Coronavirus. As 34M families know, COVID is unpredictable & relentless. As my parents recovered, my sister got sick and 72 hours later she was gone. What gave me the strength to continue was the memory of my sister being so proud of me for starting my own business. She rooted me on, constantly encouraged me, and even helped with some administrative tasks. The idea that by succeeding I was keeping her memory alive was my motivation. I knew she would have pushed me to continue. Even today, when things are hard, I can hear her voice telling me,

21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

Be a reflection. I make sure to see myself in my clients so our goals are closely aligned. My wins are their wins. Our deep expertise is anchored by the fact that we are representations of the faces, skin tones, languages, backgrounds, and identities that our clients are aiming to reach. Lean into your individuality

WINNING ENTRY

Integrated Marketing
2023
MUSE Winner - AT&T FanZone Activation

Entrant Company

The MRN Agency

Category

Integrated Marketing - Integrated Mobile Experience

Event
2023
MUSE Winner - Virtual Holiday Gift Exchange

Entrant Company

The MRN Agency

Category

Event - Virtual Event

App
2023
MUSE Winner - National Camino A Qatar World Cup App

Entrant Company

The MRN Agency

Category

App - Consumer