About Us

Valerie G. Fong is a senior at Northwestern University studying Communication Studies, International Studies, and Integrated Marketing Communications. Inspired by the power of brands to drive impact through purpose, Valerie is passionate about uniting values-driven communications, strategic planning, and data-driven solutions to build brands that connect with audiences authentically and employ marketing as a force for good. This summer, Valerie is supporting American Express’ Corporate Affairs and Communications Business Unit as an Analyst Intern, developing and executing a strategy to align the company’s Philanthropy and Colleague Engagement frameworks with its ESG priorities. An avid fan of film and live entertainment, Valerie also serves as the Director of Communications of Empire Lakes Productions, where she leads partner and talent acquisition and launched the .MOV Film Festival to highlight the work of young independent artists. Prior to American Express and ELP, Valerie has interned with Facebook, Bevel PR, Sullivan & Co, Ecolution kWh, and Northwestern Global Marketing & Communications. Outside of work, Valerie can be found kickboxing at her local studio, planning her next travel adventure, enjoying a Broadway show with her family, or exploring small businesses.

Sam Liu is the social media manager at Empire Lakes Productions. Born in Miami and raised in both Florida and Fuzhou, China, Sam is now based in Evanston, IL. They are a senior at Northwestern University studying communications, environmental policy and culture, and integrated marketing communications. Their interest in social media and digital communications began with their first work-study job as a social media assistant in Northwestern's Global Marketing and Communications department. Sam's experience in digital communications ultimately fused with their passion for sustainability and environmental justice, which is leading them down a career path that includes the intersection of those two things. They are currently the digital communications intern at The Climate Reality Project, and prior to that, worked in communications at Northwestern’s Office of Sustainability and Seven Generations Ahead, an environmental non-profit in Chicago. In their spare time, Sam enjoys practicing taekwondo, exploring Chicago with their friends, and taking photos when they can get their film camera to work.