Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Evan Samson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Evan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
One of the most meaningful and recent projects I’ve worked on is Barrio Fiesta 2024, a fundraiser for hurricane relief benefiting those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Charlotte County. The event wasn’t just a celebration of Filipino culture but a rallying point for our community during a time of need.
The backstory is deeply personal. Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated local communities, leaving many families needing support. As the Public Relations Officer for the Filipino American Society Inc. and Chairperson for this event, I felt a responsibility to take action. The idea for Barrio Fiesta 2024 stemmed from a desire to help those affected while also showcasing the rich heritage of the Filipino community.
Planning the event was both challenging and rewarding. It required mobilizing volunteers, engaging attendees, and uniting organizations across different counties. We brought together cultural performances, Filipino food vendors, and fundraising activities that not only celebrated our traditions but also raised much-needed funds for hurricane relief. The most meaningful part for me was witnessing the unity and generosity of everyone involved—people showed up, shared their resources, and brought their energy to make a difference.
This project stands out because it represents everything I value: collaboration, cultural pride, and using our collective strength to uplift those in need. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces and knowing we were helping rebuild lives reaffirmed my belief in the power of community.
Evan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Evan Samson-Sera, and my journey has been one of blending creativity with strategy, community-building, and representation. I’m currently the Marketing Communications Director at Diversified Material Specialists Inc. (DMSI), a fiber optic manufacturing company in Nokomis, FL. My work focuses on crafting innovative marketing strategies and solutions that highlight our cutting-edge technologies and fiber solutions.
I started as a graphic designer in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, and my passion for visual storytelling naturally evolved into a love for marketing. Over time, I pursued opportunities that allowed me to bridge art, strategy, and technology. When I joined DMSI, I was eager to take on a leadership role in an industry that’s crucial to modern connectivity, bringing my creative expertise to a field driven by precision and innovation.
At DMSI, I oversee a full spectrum of marketing communications, including branding, advertising, website development, and content strategy. My role involves making these technical advancements accessible and compelling to our audience, helping clients understand how DMSI’s products can optimize their operations.
What sets me apart is the way I integrate creativity, innovation, and a deep commitment to representation into everything I do. From rebranding DMSI with a modern, cohesive identity to launching initiatives that support young professionals, I approach every project with a blend of artistry and strategic impact.
My background as a graphic designer has given me a unique perspective on marketing—it’s not just about delivering information; it’s about telling a story that resonates. Whether I’m designing a campaign or leading a community event, I aim to connect people and ideas in ways that inspire action.
I’m incredibly proud of transforming DMSI’s brand identity to reflect its leadership in the fiber optics industry. It was a comprehensive overhaul, including a redesigned logo, an intuitive website, and a suite of marketing materials that captured our innovation and reliability. Seeing the positive response from clients and industry peers was incredibly rewarding.
On a personal level, I’m proud of my volunteer work. From organizing Barrio Fiesta 2024 for hurricane relief to advocating for Filipino American representation through proclamations and collaborations, these efforts have allowed me to give back to the community in meaningful ways.
I want people to know that my work—whether at DMSI or in the community—is rooted in a desire to make a positive impact. At DMSI, we’re pushing boundaries in connectivity solutions, offering products that help our clients stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry. On a broader level, I’m committed to fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and representation in everything I do.
If there’s one thing I’d love readers to take away, it’s that I’m driven by the belief that innovation and compassion go hand in hand. Whether it’s solving technical challenges or rallying a community to help those in need, my work is about creating connections that matter.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely! My creative journey is deeply driven by a mission to elevate representation, foster meaningful connections, and bridge creativity with impact—both in my professional and personal life.
As a Filipino American, I’ve often seen how underrepresented voices can be overlooked in broader community narratives. This realization has fueled my passion for creating opportunities where diverse perspectives are not only included but celebrated. Whether it’s advocating for a proclamation of Filipino American Month in Manatee County or connecting organizations across different regions, my goal is to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.
I believe in the power of collaboration, both within teams and across communities. Outside of work, this means organizing events like Barrio Fiesta 2024, which unite people for a common cause, such as hurricane relief. My mission is always to create spaces where connections spark action, innovation, and positive change.
From redesigning DMSI’s branding to launching community initiatives, I’ve always sought to blend creativity with purpose. My work isn’t just about aesthetics or strategy—it’s about telling stories that inspire and empower. I want every project I undertake to leave a lasting impact, whether it’s a marketing campaign that reshapes industry perceptions or an event that uplifts an entire community.
Ultimately, my mission is to use my platform and creativity to make the world more connected, inclusive, and compassionate. Whether it’s through art, marketing, or volunteerism, I’m committed to building bridges—between people, industries, and communities. That’s what drives me every day.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Early in my career, I believed I had to rely solely on my knowledge—doing everything myself. I didn’t ask many questions, thinking it would make me seem less capable or that I should know everything already. I pushed forward without taking the time to pause and reflect. This mindset led to a lot of stress, setbacks, and, eventually, some shortcomings. The more I tried to do it all alone, the more I realized I wasn’t making the progress I wanted.
It wasn’t until I faced a series of failures—times when I felt overwhelmed by the weight of trying to juggle everything—that I understood the value of collaboration. I came to realize that two heads are often better than one. I don’t know everything, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s by leaning on others and tapping into their expertise that I’ve grown both personally and professionally. Collaboration has become my greatest asset.
The turning point came when I understood that the best way to expand my knowledge was to ask questions and learn from the experiences of others. I don’t need to have all the answers—I just need to be open to different perspectives. Taking time to pause has also helped me reflect on my decisions and avoid rushing. Pausing allows me to recalibrate and find the best solution rather than simply following a path out of sheer momentum.
Today, I know that collaboration is not only about getting things done more efficiently—it’s about creating better solutions, learning, and making smarter decisions. My advice to anyone who is still holding on to the idea that they must do everything alone is simple: collaborate. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from others and the impact it will have on your personal and professional growth. The best teacher is experience—and it’s even better when shared.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/evansamson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansamson/
