Karla Salcedo, MBA
Karla Salcedo, MBA, is a Brand and Digital Strategy Consultant and Content Strategist at Serotonin Creative Consultancy with more than seven years of experience across industries including CBD, wine and spirits, ice cream, non-profits, and purpose-driven organizations. Her expertise centers on brand storytelling and content strategy, helping organizations connect authentically with consumers while transforming creative campaigns into measurable business growth. Throughout her career, she has developed and executed strategies for product launches, digital campaigns, and brand positioning, often within highly regulated industries that require a strong balance of creativity, compliance, and strategic precision. Karla is recognized for her ability to translate complex brand narratives into clear, compelling messaging that drives engagement and long-term value.
Karla has built her career across both corporate and consulting environments, with experience spanning social media strategy, digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and integrated campaign development. She has worked with leading organizations such as Gallo and TOGO’S Eateries, where she supported multi-brand portfolios, strengthened digital presence, and contributed to cross-functional marketing initiatives. As a consultant, she partners with agencies and mission-driven clients, including non-profits and mental health-focused organizations, to develop culturally informed strategies that elevate brand voice and deepen audience connection. She is also expanding her interest in emerging sectors such as technology, where she hopes to continue applying her storytelling expertise in new and evolving spaces.
Outside of her professional work, Karla is deeply committed to sustainability and purpose-driven living. She operates a side business called “Friends,” focused on reselling thrifted clothing, reflecting her passion for conscious consumption and creative reuse. She is especially drawn to organizations that create positive social impact and continues to seek opportunities that align with her values of authenticity, service, and community. Karla attributes much of her resilience and perspective to her faith-based upbringing, which has shaped her approach to growth and perseverance. Through her upcoming Influential Women feature, she aims to expand her professional network, build credibility for her brand, and inspire other young women to remain adaptable, advocate for themselves, and pursue meaningful, purpose-driven careers.
• Speaking Confidently and Effectively
• Agile Digital Marketing Badge
• Introduction to Social Media Strategy
• Social Media Marketing: Strategy and Optimization
• Social Media Specialist
• California State University, Stanislaus - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General
• California State University, Stanislaus - BS, Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services
• Canvassing
Mi Familia Vota
• Member
Tri Alpha Honor Society
What do you attribute your success to?
Karla attributes her success to adaptability, resilience, and her faith-based upbringing, which taught her to see failures as opportunities for learning and growth. She believes remaining flexible and open to change has helped her succeed across multiple industries and evolving market conditions.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To remain adaptable, continue learning, and not allow setbacks to define future success. Karla values mentorship and believes growth comes from staying open to new opportunities and perspectives.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay adaptable, advocate for yourself consistently, and do not be afraid to use your voice. Karla encourages young women to remain authentic, build strong relationships, and continue learning as industries evolve rapidly through technology and AI advancements.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Karla believes one of the biggest challenges in marketing today is maintaining authenticity while adapting to rapidly changing technology and AI-driven tools. Brands are also struggling to determine the right digital investments while maintaining meaningful consumer trust. At the same time, she sees tremendous opportunity for brands that prioritize storytelling, transparency, sustainability, and purpose-driven messaging.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, authenticity, and trust are the core values that guide both my professional and personal life. I believe strong relationships whether with clients, colleagues, or communities are built on transparency, integrity, and genuine communication. In my work, I prioritize showing up consistently with integrity and ensuring that the brand stories I help shape are grounded in truth and alignment with each organization’s purpose. I am also deeply committed to sustainability, purpose-driven work, and meaningful human connection, and I am intentional about aligning myself with organizations and initiatives that create positive impact. For me, success is not only measured by outcomes, but by the ability to contribute to work that is responsible, values-aligned, and rooted in authentic connection with people and communities.
Locations
Karla Salcedo
Modesto, CA 95358