Building Community Connections Through Digital Storytelling

In this episode of ReImagining Community, host Garland Fuller sits down with Eugenia Chien, a strategic planning powerhouse with over a decade of experience shaping how communities connect and engage online. From launching Muni Diaries to leading initiatives at PopSugar and Meta, Eugenia has seen firsthand how digital storytelling can strengthen communities, amplify voices, and foster meaningful partnerships. Together, Garland and Eugenia break down the evolution of online engagement—from throwing ideas at the wall to refining strategies that create real impact. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in fostering connection post-pandemic and share actionable insights on how to build digital spaces that bring people together in powerful ways. What You'll Hear in This Episode: 00:00 | Welcome to ReImagining Community 00:55 | Meet Eugenia Chien: Strategic Planning & Digital Storytelling Expert 01:40 | College Days & Career Beginnings 02:50 | From Engineering to Journalism: A Career Pivot 05:34 | The Birth of Muni Diaries: Storytelling as Community Building 08:27 | Creating & Sustaining Digital Communities 14:09 | Career Growth & The Rise of Influencer Marketing 16:47 | Navigating the Ever-Changing Digital Landscape 21:47 | The Future of Community-Building in a Hybrid World 28:46 | Expanding the Boundaries of Digital Storytelling 30:10 | The Power of Testing, Experimentation & Adaptation 31:37 | A Surprise Success Story: The Art Market & Digital Connection 36:41 | Finding the Right Partners for Sustainable Growth 41:01 | Reimagining Community Engagement Post-Pandemic 48:20 | Building Intentional Connections That Last 51:07 | Final Takeaways & Next Steps If you're looking to deepen your understanding of digital storytelling, build stronger communities, or refine your online engagement strategies, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Connect with Garland: https://prodigious-designer-8603.kit.com/2998145cf6 Connect with Eugenia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeniachien 🔗 Tune in and join the conversation! #Changemakers #CommunityImpact #DigitalStorytelling