Meet Ayanna Castro | Founder & Chief Maven

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayanna Castro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayanna, what is the most important factor behind your success?
There are several factors behind the success of my brand such as knowing my target audience, providing a unique value proposition, and consistency in content creation. However, the most important factor is authenticity and trust. My diverse professional experiences, certifications and professional journey, spanning city government, law, public relations, and media, add credibility. I show up authentically whether I’m speaking in front of an audience of hundreds or facilitating a workshop with a small team. That authenticity builds trust, and trust is essential for long-term brand success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Reflecting on my career journey fills me with immense gratitude and a sense of purpose. It’s been a path defined by unwavering commitment, innovative thinking, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

From my early days as an Administrative Assistant to my current role as an Employee Engagement Program Manager at WSSC Water, my professional trajectory has been shaped by a deep-seated passion for fostering positive organizational culture and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. I’ve always believed that people are at the heart of any successful enterprise, and my mission has been to empower and uplift individuals within the workplace.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to project management and employee engagement. I don’t just focus on tasks and deliverables; I prioritize building meaningful relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating environments where every voice is heard and valued. This approach has allowed me to not only meet but exceed expectations consistently.

My journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has been an opportunity for growth and learning. Whether it was managing a cross-functional team for a corporate centennial celebration or navigating the complexities of corporate event coordination, I’ve always approached obstacles with resilience and a solution-oriented mindset. I’ve learned adversity is a catalyst for innovation and success is often born out of perseverance.

Throughout my career, I’ve gleaned invaluable lessons that have shaped my professional ethos. I’ve learned the importance of adaptability in the face of change, the power of empathy in leadership, and the significance of continuous learning and self-improvement. Every experience, whether triumph or setback, has contributed to my growth as a leader and strategist.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is simple: I am deeply committed to driving positive change within organizations, empowering individuals to reach their full potential, and creating inclusive and equitable workplaces where everyone thrives. My story is one of passion, purpose, and unwavering dedication to making a difference.

As I continue on this journey, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether it’s spearheading new employee engagement initiatives, delivering impactful presentations, or empowering audiences through my global speaking engagements, I am committed to making a lasting impact and inspiring positive change wherever I go.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Maryland for a week, I’d create an exciting itinerary to showcase the best of this diverse state. Here’s a mix of historical, cultural, and scenic experiences: Day 1: Baltimore – Urban Charm and Seafood Delights
• Start with a hearty breakfast at Miss Shirley’s Cafe in Baltimore. Their Southern-inspired dishes are a treat.
• Explore the Inner Harbor, visit the National Aquarium, and stroll along the waterfront.
• Visit Fort McHenry, where the Star-Spangled Banner was born.
Day 2: Annapolis – Sailing and History
• Drive to Annapolis, the charming capital of Maryland.
• Tour the United States Naval Academy campus.
• Lunch: Grab a crab feast at Cantler’s Riverside Inn.
• Explore the historic streets, visit the Maryland State House, and take a harbor cruise.
Day 3: Assateague Island – Wild Horses and Beach Bliss
• Drive to Assateague Island and explore the pristine beaches and look out for the famous wild horses.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic and enjoy it by the dunes and hike the trails and take in the natural beauty.
• Evening: Watch the sunset over the bay.
Day 4: Frederick – Art and Craft Beer
• Visit the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and visit explore downtown Frederick’s art galleries and boutiques.
• Visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
• Sip local craft beer.
Day 5: College Park – Aviation and History
• Visit the College Park Aviation Museum and explore the University of Maryland campus.
• Discover the Montpelier Mansion.
Day 6: Annapolis (Again) – Sailing and Seafood
• Take a sailing tour on the Chesapeake Bay.
• Visit the Banneker-Douglass Museum and learn about African American history.
• Enjoy live music at Rams Head Tavern.
Day 7: Annapolis (Yet Again) – Pirate Adventures and Farewell
• Embark on a Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake and explore the Annapolis Maritime Museum.
• Bid farewell with a sunset cruise.
Maryland offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and culinary delights.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The group that deserves the biggest shoutout is my personal board of directors. Some decisions are hard to make, and some mistakes can be too embarrassing to learn a lesson from. But when you are honest in your pursuit of being a better version of yourself, having a group of people who have your best interest at heart is invaluable. They are the people who push you further and beyond your comfort level. They challenge your thought process. They make you see things from a different perspective. They hold you accountable for the plans you make; and they encourage you when your plans don’t work out as planned. They lovingly demand that you do better. I’m a better person, woman, professional and entrepreneur because of my personal board of directors.

Website: https://ayannacastro.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayanna_castro/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayannacastro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workyourpackage

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AyannaCastro

Image Credits
Moment in Time Photography Xavier Mcaden Photography