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