I’m an idea person and a problem solver.
Bio
René is a partner in AMF Media Group and leads the Connext Services team. Prior to her current role, she was founder and CEO of Connext, Silicon Valley’s resource for marketing and communications consultants. She has an infectious passion for empowering the entrepreneurial spirit that results in innovative and flexible workforce solutions for her clients.
In 1997, after having three children in five years, René left her corporate job to start her own freelance PR business. That evolved into High Tech Connect (later rebranded as Connext), with the mission of making life easier for her overworked corporate friends while also helping freelance friends thrive. Since then, René and her team have supported thousands of technology clients with specialized consultants ranging from recent grads to senior strategists.
René is also a multigenerational workforce advocate for the next generation of professionals. She is an adjunct public relations professor at her alma mater, San Jose State University, and also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Lucas College of Business. Among her many public speaking experiences, she has been a featured speaker at the Public Relations Society of America International Conference and the Watermark Conference for Women. She’s also a contributing writer for Forbes and Inc.com.
Experience
Connext
San Jose State University
Novell
SynOptics
3Com
Agilis
TFB/BBDO
Sytek
I was a very quiet, insecure and shy person growing up. I didn’t know how to speak up— to the point where I lost a spelling bee when the teacher didn’t hear me. (Gah! Cupboard!)
I got to college with plans to study engineering but took a risk, entered a pageant and spent a year with publicists promoting global brands and representing the Bay Area Asian community. Over that year, I found my voice and saw firsthand how it empowered and helped others. That’s when I fell in love with communications.
When I got back to school, I changed my major to public relations and I’ve been helping others find their voice and tell their story ever since. I’m giving that awkward, nerdy kid a chance to shine through by sharing my vulnerability and authenticity as a creative communicator.
My grandmother led a long life, but it was a hard life. She did not have an education and was a young mother with two children when she was sent off with all she could carry to an internment camp in Utah during World War II.
Despite everything being taken away from her, and all her struggles, she was always so positive. Grandma told me that good things come to good people, and to remember that nothing ever comes to you unless you go out and get it. I’ve carried her wise words with me throughout my life.