Elizabeth Jia
Elizabeth Jia is a dynamic marketing and communications leader, currently serving as Marketing Manager at ClassFindr, an AI-powered ed‑tech platform designed to simplify transfer credits and streamline enrollment for higher-education institutions. She brings a unique blend of multimedia journalism and digital marketing expertise, combined with a strong interest in emerging technologies. Elizabeth excels at creating content that builds trust, engages stakeholders, and reinforces brand identity, while leveraging data and performance metrics to drive measurable outcomes. She is an intuitive relationship builder, fostering collaboration with C-suite executives, subject matter experts, and customers both online and in-person.
Elizabeth began her career in broadcast journalism at WUSA9 in Washington, D.C., where she spent nearly a decade as an award-winning multimedia journalist and digital producer, covering politics, business, health, and technology. She transitioned into corporate and startup communications, serving as Chief Marketing Officer and content strategist for SmartBridge Health, a telemedicine startup, where she led brand storytelling, social strategy, and influencer collaborations. She then spent seven years at Freddie Mac in internal communications, producing business-focused content, managing executive messaging, and launching innovative digital tools such as the “FAST Fundamentals” Q&A cards for onboarding and training. Most recently, she has applied her expertise to ClassFindr, combining AI and human-centered communication to enhance the student and institutional experience.
Elizabeth holds a Master’s in Journalism from Georgetown University and was a member of the Gemstone Honors Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she studied for four years. She combines her professional expertise with a thoughtful approach to technology, believing that AI can support brainstorming and first drafts, but that human judgment, creativity, and nuance remain essential in communications. Guided by her core values of integrity, respect, open-mindedness, and accountability, Elizabeth continues to drive impact through innovative storytelling, strategic communications, and leadership. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming, watching, and playing tennis, bringing the same focus and energy to her personal pursuits as she does to her professional endeavors.
• Digital Marketing Certified 2018
• University of Maryland - BA in Journalism
• Georgetown University - MA in Journalism
• Local Emmy Award
• Talent Development Program (TDP)
• Gemstone Honors Program — University of Maryland
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong inner compass developed early in life, which has guided me in making thoughtful decisions and pursuing meaningful work. Coupled with this sense of direction is a deep passion for what I do, motivating me to approach every challenge with dedication, focus, and a commitment to excellence.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never be afraid to try something new. I’ve learned to keep moving forward, forge ahead with determination, and always stay mindful of the bigger picture while innovating and exploring new opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
- Don’t be afraid to try something new; your path may not be traditional but it can open opportunities.
- Maintain confidence in your talents; careers are marathons, not sprints.
- Embrace ambiguity and continuous learning, especially as technology and platforms evolve.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the perception that communication and marketing are easy, when in reality the hard work behind the scenes is what makes the results seamless. Another challenge—and opportunity—is the misconception that AI can fully replace human insight. I embrace AI and technology and see it as a powerful tool, while striving to be a trusted voice in providing clear, accurate information about its responsible and effective use.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, respect, open-mindedness, and accountability. I strive to uphold these principles in every decision I make, fostering trust, collaboration, and meaningful connections with those around me.