Today we’d like to introduce you to Hana Ferguson.
Hi Hana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My professional has been on quite a journey for the last decade. My path has been shaped by nothing but plenty of curiosity, experimentation (and error), and a willingness to learn as I go. I walked into the University of North Florida in 2010 as a Biomedical Sciences major and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications: Public Relations and a minor in Community Leadership. Somewhere along the way, I learned the power of saying “yes” to new opportunities until I figured out what truly gave me purpose and passion.
That clarity started to take shape during my internship with Downtown Vision, Inc. in 2014. I quickly found myself drawn to work at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and problem-solving. Over the next few years, I grew from intern to Marketing and Events Assistant, then Events Manager, and ultimately Director of Experience, a role I held until 2017. Each step taught me something different—how to think more strategically, communicate with intention, and stay adaptable in fast-moving environments. Those experiences layered on one another and helped me understand where my strengths and energy truly lived. This is where my love for placemaking grew over the years, wanting to be a part of public projects, city engagements, Downtown development and event a bit of local politics.
With this in mind, I took a leap and started my own business, Ferg Creative, expanding on what I had come to do best: community collaboration. I spent years working closely with small businesses, helping them connect with their audiences through social media management, grassroots marketing, block parties, and large-scale events—some growing into festivals with more than 10,000 attendees.
I spent five years “hustling,” learning firsthand what it takes to build something from the ground up. That chapter taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of relationships. It also clarified what kind of work I wanted to be doing long-term and the impact I hoped to make.
After COVID, we really took a hit—both financially and mentally. Like many small business owners, I was forced to slow down and reassess what sustainability truly meant for me. I wanted stability, but I didn’t want to lose the impact or creativity that had fueled my work for years. I knew I could do more and do it better if I had the right team behind me.
That’s when I came across a job opening at Wingard Marketing and Communications in July of 2022. From the moment I learned about the company, its mission and values aligned closely with my own. It felt like a place where community, strategy, and purpose all lived under the same roof.
Joining Wingard allowed me to bring the relationships I had built over the years into a larger, more collaborative environment. I was able to apply my background in community-building, partnerships, and experiential marketing while learning from a talented team and expanding my skill set even further. Having that support not only reignited my passion for the work, but also gave me the stability and space to grow—both professionally and personally.
Today, I’m where I am because of that progression—following opportunities that challenged me, learning from both successes and missteps, and staying open to growth. I’m still driven by the same motivation that started it all: building meaningful things, working with thoughtful people, and continuing to evolve both personally and professionally.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I spent much of my time at UNF unsure of what direction I was meant to take, and even more time afterward working to prove that my passion for community-building was not only real, but valuable. Being seen as a true community champion required patience, resilience, and a deep belief in myself—especially as the youngest person in the room. That reality often came with added pressure, as I worked to earn the trust and respect of people who had spent years, sometimes decades, in their roles. I spent my time showing up to anything and everything offering support when and where I could while also being a resource to those that needed it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Wingard, my work centers on building meaningful connections between brands, people, and the communities they serve. I specialize in community-driven strategy, partnerships, and experiential marketing—helping clients show up in ways that feel authentic, intentional, and aligned with their values. I’m most often brought in when a client partner wants to deepen trust, expand its reach through relationships, or turn an idea into an experience that truly resonates.
I’m known for my ability to bridge strategy and execution. I can see the long-term vision while also rolling up my sleeves to bring it to life. Whether I’m developing partnerships, activating campaigns, or supporting experiential initiatives, I focus on collaboration and clarity—making sure every effort connects back to a larger purpose and measurable impact.
What I’m most proud of is the work we do at Wingard that creates real value beyond the campaign. Helping clients engage authentically with their communities, elevate local voices, and build lasting relationships is incredibly meaningful to me. Being able to bring my background in community-building and entrepreneurship into a team that shares those priorities has been a full-circle moment.
What sets me apart is my lived experience. I’ve been on both sides—building my own ventures from the ground up and now supporting clients through a strategic agency lens. That perspective allows me to approach challenges with empathy, creativity, and practicality. At Wingard, I’m able to combine heart-led work with thoughtful strategy, ensuring our efforts aren’t just seen, but felt, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wearewingard.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hana.ferguson_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hana.n.ferguson/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hana-ferguson-4a053a63/
