Hello everyone, my name is Jazzlyn McPherson, and I am a Marketing and Communications Specialist with Ensemble. I’m excited to introduce and highlight one of Ensemble’s newest employees, Amanda Buchanan, who recently joined our team. I had the pleasure of discussing Amanda’s background, what led her to Ensemble, and what she finds most exciting about her work as she joins our team!
Q: Can you provide a brief summary of your position at Ensemble?
As a Challenge Manager at Ensemble, my role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including the management of Prize Challenges and Open Innovation Projects. This involves the full end-to-end program execution, from challenge design and strategy to account and client relationship management, and stakeholder coordination. I am also responsible for digital marketing strategy implementation and occasionally support Ensemble’s business development, digital, and website marketing efforts.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background before coming to Ensemble?
Before joining Ensemble, I worked in the non-profit sector, where I focused on project management within the areas of grants, marketing, and fundraising campaigns. Most recently, I served as a Program Manager for the University of Arizona Center for Innovation, where I managed the support effort of prize competitions the American Made Challenges and funding opportunities with the Department of Energy.
Q: What led you to join Ensemble?
I was initially introduced to the Ensemble team through the American Made Network and had the opportunity to work collaboratively with them on a program through the Department of Energy. Having been familiar with the excellent work they were doing, I felt I had valuable skills and experience to contribute to the team.
Q: What part of your position at Ensemble are you most excited about?
I am most excited about the collaborative problem-solving process with organizations, particularly as it relates to their core missions and strategic objectives. Ensemble’s proven track record of successfully leading diverse projects is a major draw. Their client portfolio demonstrates a consistent ability to deliver solutions but also drive significant, lasting change across various sectors, and I am excited to be a contributing member.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?
So far in my career, the most rewarding aspect has been establishing meaningful relationships. This includes connections with a broad range of groups, such as individuals supported by non-profits, donors, clients, and innovators. I have greatly valued the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, which has personally contributed significantly to my growth.
Q: How do you see your role evolving over the next few years at Ensemble?
I hope to continue to build relationships with the teams that are solving the problems of the future and to take on increasing responsibility in leading key strategic projects within Ensemble.
Q: Can you share a memorable project or accomplishment from your previous work experience?
My experience includes a significant focus on advancing the missions of non-profit organizations over 15 years, where I supported causes such as youth development, child abuse prevention, and providing vital services to vulnerable adults and children with developmental disabilities.
In addition, I had the privilege of working closely with innovators and entrepreneurs at UACI, guiding them as they developed solutions for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Annual American Made Solar Prize competition. It was an honor to contribute to the advancement of their innovations.
