Meet the 2024 Fellows – Janel Ilagan

Meet the 2024 Fellows – Janel Ilagan

 

Born and raised in New York City and being first generation Filipino-American, Janel Ilagan embodies the hustle culture that defines her heritage. As a graduate from Baruch College with a B.A. in Digital Communication and Culture, she has continued to pursue her lifelong passion for creativity. Janel has explored various artistic outlets, including her early career as a makeup artist. Through networking during her time at Sephora she made the transition into the corporate world when a client encouraged her to consider new opportunities, ultimately leading her to a role at BMW and MINI Cooper’s flagship office.

Navigating this predominantly male environment was a challenge, as Janel quickly recognized the industry’s lack of diversity and inclusivity. Rather than feeling discouraged, she saw an opportunity to merge her creative instincts with professionalism. Janel pitched a social media growth strategy to her team, and her efforts quickly gained traction, showcasing her ability to innovate and adapt. This experience paved the way for her next role at a video production company, where she continued to refine her skills in social media management.

Currently, as a Social Strategist at Dentsu Creative, Janel collaborates with diverse teams to develop and guide social strategies for a variety of clients. She thrives in brainstorming sessions, always prioritizing a positive atmosphere where every team member feels heard and valued. “I celebrate everyone around me,” she says, embodying her commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, encouragement and inclusivity.

Janel is dedicated to making a difference in her field. She advocates for initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity, recognizing that true creativity flourishes when all voices are represented. Driven by the desire to make her parents proud, Janel continues to explore and embrace every creative outlet, blending artistry with strategy to shape a more inclusive future in the industry.

Connect with Janel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelilagan/

 

The 2024-2025 Fellowship bios were written by University of Florida’s Lorena Bacallao ’26, Paulina Navarro ’26, Zoe Punjwani ’26, and Sydney G. Pomeranz ’25.