Deacon Spotlight: Devin Williams
Devin Williams (2016, BA in English with Minors in Media Studies Communication & Film Studies)
Senior New Business Manager at Team Epiphany in New York, NY
Tell us about your current job role and employer. What are you currently working on?
As a Senior New Business Manager I field new opportunities for my creative marketing agency, Team Epiphany. I project manage the new business pitch process as I work collaboratively with our strategy, creative, social/digital & production departments through each step including proposal development, agency pitch presentations, budget build out, and contract drafting. I’m currently working on finalizing a few project contracts for some exciting brand partner activations we will be producing later this year onsite at key cultural moments like the US Open and CultureCon in New York City.
What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?
Prior to my current role and company, I was an NBCUniversal Page – a role that provided me with invaluable exposure and experience in the media industry across departments like the TODAY Show Booking team, USA & Syfy Network Publicity, and more. This program then lead me to roles I held following my time as a Page within the NBC Sports Communication department as well as in NBC Sports & Entertainment Trade marketing. Each experience strengthened my interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and my connectivity to culture which in turn have all paved the way to my work in brand partnerships as a new business professional today.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?
The most challenging aspect of my job is definitely in marrying creative direction with budget realities to solve brand challenges effectively. My teammates and I navigate this challenge together by building innovative programming that creates energy in culture without ever limiting our thinking when it comes to tackling the scenarios that may feel impossible – we instead deem them possible with curiosity, collaboration and creativity.
What advice would you give to Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?
My advice to Wake Forest graduates – stay open, curious & motivated in every area of your life! Give yourself lots of grace and love along the way as you are always learning, growing, and becoming – that is a beautiful thing!
We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?
To build and maintain my network I try to remember that connection is vital even in the in between moments when we feel like there is no time. I do my best to make time in the little ways like catching up with my peers and mentors over coffee before work or sharing work/life updates via text or email if we’re not able to meet in person. Staying connected with those you are cheering on and those who are cheering you on, even with a simple mid-week gratitude text, goes a long way in today’s work/life hustle & bustle.
Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?
Each mentoring relationship in my life has always served as such fruitful ground for growth/support through every stage of my career and season of life. I find so much value in mentorship rooted in an openness that creates a safe space for both parties to show up as their full selves and share experiences as a way to build each other up in wisdom and connection. I’ve always felt reinvigorated after a conversation with a mentee or mentor of mine – it’s always that magical power of connection at work that lovingly reminds me to keep going, to dream bigger, and to know that the sky’s the limit – so onward & upward!
What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?
To current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni interested in working in my industry: I say go for it! Bring your full self to work, especially your outside of work passions and the areas of culture you play in. Whether that be music, fashion, art, dance, sneaker culture, sports or beyond – share your interests and allow them to inform the work that you do with intention and authenticity. To me, tapping into your passions is your greatest superpower – this fearless act of being who you are allows you to shine bright, show up with joy and confidence in any room you walk into!
What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing?
As I continue to define and redefine what could be next for me in my career, my heart will always be in TV & Film, Sports, Culture, Community and Brand Partnerships so I definitely see a future for myself that continues to explore these areas and expands my aperture on what could be possible in each.
Story published in August 2025. For current updates about Devin, visit her LinkedIn profile.