People of Barkley: Avalon Troiola
Avalon Troiola Sr. Project Manager
After spending the majority of my childhood in Kansas City, I was the brooding teenager convinced that I needed to escape “boring Kansas.” After finally escaping (read: four hours south) for college in Stillwater, OK, followed by starting my career in Detroit, I felt drawn to return to the place that shaped so much of who I am today, eventually leading me to Barkley. Thank the Universe for that, because now I’m in a career that marries two of my favorite things: creating and planning.
“For as long as I can remember, I have felt drawn to create and plan. These two loves have shown up in many ways: cooking a meal for friends, painting, planning vacations or camping trips, and the occasional (okay, daily) spreadsheet. I’ve found that the more I’m setting a foundation in the form of a plan, the more I can embrace the inevitable spontaneity and chaos of life - and that’s where the magic happens.”
After spending the majority of my childhood in Kansas City, I was the brooding teenager convinced that I needed to escape “boring Kansas.” After finally escaping (read: four hours south) for college in Stillwater, OK, followed by starting my career in Detroit, I felt drawn to return to the place that shaped so much of who I am today, eventually leading me to Barkley. Thank the Universe for that, because now I’m in a career that marries two of my favorite things: creating and planning.
For as long as I can remember, I have felt drawn to create and plan. These two loves have shown up in many ways: cooking a meal for friends, painting, planning vacations or camping trips, and the occasional (okay, daily) spreadsheet. I’ve found that the more I’m setting a foundation in the form of a plan, the more I can embrace the inevitable spontaneity and chaos of life - and that’s where the magic happens.
Five questions with Avalon Troiola
What is one thing you can’t live without?
My family. This comes in many forms: my incredible parents, my brother, my friends, my cat Uno, and my pup Chief.
What is one thing about you that most people at work don’t know?
I absolutely love to cook. I started cooking and baking when I was six years old, and it has been my tried and true favorite way to relax ever since. I love the way food brings people together and the stories that different foods can tell. I’ve even started outlining my own cookbook - Anyone have fun title suggestions?
What's an unpopular opinion you feel strongly about?
Raccoons are the cutest animals - hands down. Those little hands!
Life without social media or life without music?
Easy - Life without social media. The internet and social media can obviously connect others, but the most pure and “together” experiences of my life have all revolved around live music. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Why Barkley?
Since day one, Barkley has challenged me to be the best version of myself. It might sound cliche, but when you are surrounded every day by creative geniuses, it’s impossible to not be inspired. We push ourselves and each other, and have a good time doing it.
Why do you serve on the DEI+B Advisory Council?
When it comes to work, business, and the "hustle" of life, things can be forgotten if they aren’t embedded in you or your organization. Moving the needle forward on DEI in the advertising space is one thing, but actually creating spaces where people feel like they genuinely belong - that's another part of the equation. When joining Barkley, I quickly realized that creating those spaces was the true mission of the Council, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The work is never finished, but serving on the DEI+B Advisory Council allows us to take action and empower and educate others to do the same.
When you go to a campground, you'll often see signs reminding you to keep the grounds in good condition, frequently with the phrase "Leave it better than you found it." Our job is as simply put as those signs - to leave the world better than we found it.
For more on the People of Barkley, check us out on Instagram: @barkleyus.
People of Barkley
Diversity and inclusion fuel original thinking — and we’re committed to turning this belief into action every chance we get, from the partners we work with to the ideas we create.