This week, we welcome a new Marketing Strategist, Aislinn Willander!

"Hi everyone, my name is Aislinn Willander. That’s pronounced “Azlin,” and before you ask, no I am not named after the main character in the C.S. Lewis Series, The Chronicles of Narnia. My parents were just creative.

I was born and raised in good old Edmond, Oklahoma, and I attended both Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma. I do bleed orange. After exploring engineering, education, and ultimately marketing, I obtained a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

Upon graduation, I couldn’t wait to leave the homestead and set my sights on Indianapolis, Indiana. Most Midwestern born-and-raised would head for the more glamorous lifestyle of New York, Los Angeles, or even Chicago, but this girl headed straight to Indy for one reason- the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. How did a native Oklahoman get bitten by the not-often-seen-in-Oklahoma motorsports bug? I literally grew up at the racetrack. My first babysitter was a German Shepherd who wouldn’t let me get too close to anything dangerous. I spent my early summer vacations with my mom and dad, travelling across the country. In later years it was little brother who was bitten by the bug, but as a driver, and I was happy to experiment on him with marketing tactics and promotional gimmicks.

After making my way through the ranks, I eventually took over the reigns as PR Director for a team competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series. After many long, hard years, I had attained my goal, and finally got to work the Indianapolis 500. Standing on the bricks in such a historic place was a memory I will not soon forget.

Several years later, I found myself drawn back to my roots in Oklahoma City, and I was pleasantly surprised at the growth and progressive movement. I feel very fortunate to have found a new home at VI Marketing and Branding and from the moment I first interviewed, I knew it was going to be a good fit. It was like the feeling when you are trying on wedding dresses, (okay men, or a great suit or golf shoes) and then you put on “the one” and you just know that is it. I had a similar feeling of euphoria and am thankful that the powers that be at VI felt it about me.

I am married with child (age 4) and enjoy running, reading, cycling, snowboarding, travelling, drinking wine, crafting, and still occasionally can be found at a racetrack near (or far from) you."