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Erin Reilly
Creator - Strategist - Educator
Professional Background
Erin Reilly is an esteemed innovator and educator with over 20 years of extensive experience in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, and media literacy. As the inaugural Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Moody College of Communication, Erin is committed to cultivating a culture of creativity and strategic thinking among students and faculty alike. Her professional journey is marked by trailblazing roles that demonstrate her dedication to transforming education through emergent technology and interactive storytelling.
Prior to her role at Moody College, Erin was a significant contributor to the University of Southern California, where she held multiple prominent positions including Managing Creative Director and Research Fellow at the Annenberg Innovation Lab. Her leadership in this role enabled her to spearhead groundbreaking initiatives that explored the intersection of media and technology. Furthermore, Erin's expertise as the Research Director for Project New Media Literacies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) solidified her reputation for harnessing innovative approaches to enhance digital literacy.
Erin is also the founder of ReillyWorks, LLC, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations strategize around the themes of storytelling, engagement, play, and learning. Her passion for developing new interactive tools has encapsulated the idea of 'phygital' play products, seamlessly blending physical and digital experiences. Two notable projects currently in development under her guidance are Winklebeans, an interactive sensor-based toy connecting children to a vast, data-driven storytelling world, and CARPE', a collaborative augmented reality experience designed for family engagement in outdoor play.
Education and Achievements
Erin's academic foundation is equally impressive, with degrees that span the arts and sciences. She graduated from Emerson College with a Bachelor of Arts in Television, Communications. Additionally, she received a Bachelor of Science in Entomology from the University of California, Riverside, showcasing her varied interests. Her Master of Fine Arts degree in Multimedia and Film from Maine Media Workshops + College allowed her to delve deeper into the creative arts, blending her educational pursuits with her professional aspirations.
Erin's collaborative efforts extend far beyond the academic setting. As a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, she not only contributes to the entertainment industry but also actively engages with organizations like the National Association for Media Literacy Educators (NAMLE) where she serves as Board President and lends her expertise to entities such as Disney Junior and PBS on their advisory boards. These roles reflect her commitment to improving media literacy and championing socially responsible storytelling for younger audiences.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Erin Reilly has received accolades for her impactful work in social entrepreneurship, particularly with the establishment of Zoey’s Room, noted as one of the first social media initiatives aimed at empowering young girls. Her innovative spirit and commitment to social causes demonstrate her belief in the transformative power of media and technology.
Erin has shared her insights on engagement and storytelling through numerous publications, including her widely recognized “Fan Favorites” article in Strategy + Business, where she presented compelling case studies and explored best practices for creating empathetic connections through narrative experiences. Her ongoing research on the development of her framework titled 'Leveraging Engagement' signifies her continuous pursuit of excellence and thought leadership in the industry.
As she continues to inspire future innovators at Moody College, Erin Reilly exemplifies the role of a transformative educator and leader, dedicated to fostering an environment ripe for creativity and technological advancement.
