I’m Sonya Forrest, a digital marketing and communications professional with over a decade of experience driving growth for purpose-led brands. I have deep experience in the early learning and children’s education sector and have led digital marketing for a First Nations–led online store that stocks hundreds of titles for families, educators, and early learning services. I’m skilled at developing multi-channel campaigns across social media, email, websites, and paid advertising, with a strong focus on audience segmentation, conversion optimization, and community engagement. I translate complex cultural and educational content into accessible messaging, collaborate with creatives, and analyse performance data to refine campaigns and improve ROI. I’m self-directed and comfortable with part-time, contract, and freelance roles, delivering strategic planning and day-to-day execution that delivers measurable digital sales, engagement, and brand visibility.

Sonya Forrest

I’m Sonya Forrest, a digital marketing and communications professional with over a decade of experience driving growth for purpose-led brands. I have deep experience in the early learning and children’s education sector and have led digital marketing for a First Nations–led online store that stocks hundreds of titles for families, educators, and early learning services. I’m skilled at developing multi-channel campaigns across social media, email, websites, and paid advertising, with a strong focus on audience segmentation, conversion optimization, and community engagement. I translate complex cultural and educational content into accessible messaging, collaborate with creatives, and analyse performance data to refine campaigns and improve ROI. I’m self-directed and comfortable with part-time, contract, and freelance roles, delivering strategic planning and day-to-day execution that delivers measurable digital sales, engagement, and brand visibility.

Available to hire

I’m Sonya Forrest, a digital marketing and communications professional with over a decade of experience driving growth for purpose-led brands. I have deep experience in the early learning and children’s education sector and have led digital marketing for a First Nations–led online store that stocks hundreds of titles for families, educators, and early learning services. I’m skilled at developing multi-channel campaigns across social media, email, websites, and paid advertising, with a strong focus on audience segmentation, conversion optimization, and community engagement.

I translate complex cultural and educational content into accessible messaging, collaborate with creatives, and analyse performance data to refine campaigns and improve ROI. I’m self-directed and comfortable with part-time, contract, and freelance roles, delivering strategic planning and day-to-day execution that delivers measurable digital sales, engagement, and brand visibility.

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Work Experience

Event Management, Special Projects & Marketing Strategy at Koori Curriculum
October 1, 2024 - February 1, 2026
Lead communications for major projects, events, and campaigns, including conferences, retreats, in-person training, and digital programs. Manage paid digital campaigns, including content development, reporting, and refinement to support awareness and engagement. Oversee communications components of strategic projects, including a major website upgrade and new digital initiatives. Develop and refine email marketing strategy, auditing existing systems and implementing improvements to engagement and conversion. Provide on-site communications and content support during filming and live events, coordinating crews, managing run sheets, and capturing visual content. Work closely with educators, facilitators, and stakeholders to ensure communications are culturally respectful, accurate, and aligned with organisational values.
Digital Marketing Manager, Part-Time Contractor at Pip Magazine
June 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Delivered integrated digital communications and marketing campaigns to support subscriptions, products, and brand awareness. Managed and updated website content, including articles and ongoing editorial content, with attention to clarity, audience relevance, and SEO. Developed and scheduled content across social media platforms, including posts, stories, and short-form video. Managed podcast content production and promotion. Led email marketing strategy and execution, including campaigns, automations, and audience segmentation. Conducted customer journey mapping to improve engagement and retention. Prepared regular performance reports across digital channels, providing insights and recommendations. Collaborated closely with editorial, product, and operations teams to support new issues, product launches, and day-to-day digital needs.
Sales, Marketing & Content Lead - Full-Time at Hale Pule Ayurveda and Yoga
February 1, 2023 - May 1, 2024
Design and implement the Digital Marketing Strategy, including goals for online offerings, in-person immersions, campaigns, lead generation and nurture, community growth, conversion and retention. Manage the sales, marketing and content team members (7 full-time). Campaign planning and management, including task allocation across multiple teams, campaign optimization and reporting. Implemented marketing reports with budget tracking and ROI analysis. Led events planning and promotion (in-person and digital).
Senior Project Manager – Full-time at Orchard
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Senior Project Manager leading cross-functional initiatives, project delivery, and client liaison within an agency setting.
Senior Project Manager at AKQA
July 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021
Senior Project Manager engaged in delivering digital marketing projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring project milestones and quality.
Founder (Freelance) – Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, and Copy at sonyaforrest.com
January 1, 2016 - May 1, 2021
Founded and managed freelance digital marketing, graphic design, and copy services for diverse clients, including brand development, content creation, and creative assets.
E-Commerce & Digital Projects Manager at Global Soho Flordis International
January 1, 2018 - October 1, 2019
Managed e-commerce and digital projects for product brands, coordinating online content, marketing campaigns, and online store performance.
Senior Producer & Account Manager at Webqem
March 1, 2016 - August 1, 2017
Senior Producer and Account Manager handling creative projects, client relations, and campaign execution within an agency setting.
Senior Project Manager / Producer at Webqem
August 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Senior Project Manager / Producer delivering multi-channel campaigns and digital production.
Director at CADRE Design Pty Ltd (eLearning Agency)
January 1, 2015 - August 1, 2015
Directed e-learning design projects, overseeing creative and production for digital learning solutions.
Operations Manager / Executive Producer at CADRE Design Pty Ltd (eLearning Agency)
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015
Managed operations and production for e-learning projects, coordinating teams and schedules.
Media Sales Consultant - Features at Central Queensland Newspaper, APN
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011
SOLD advertising features and managed client relationships in a regional media sales role.
Sales at Canberra Motorcycle Centre (Retail)
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Retail sales role supporting product demonstrations and customer engagement.
Senior Project Manager at Ogilvy Advertising Agency
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009
Senior Project Manager delivering large-scale advertising and digital projects.
Senior Account Manager & Senior Project Manager at CADRE Design Pty Ltd (eLearning Agency)
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2008
Senior roles overseeing account management and project delivery for e-learning clients.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Macquarie Graduate School of Management
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Bachelor of Design (Visual Communications) at University of Western Sydney
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Diploma in Project Management at Australian Institute of Management
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Diploma in Commercial Art at Harcourt Learning Centre
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026

Qualifications

Certified Permaculture Design Course
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Visual Storytelling – Skillshare
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Google Analytics Academy
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Diploma in Project Management
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Diploma in Commercial Art
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services