Originally from the Philadelphia area, Ali Smallwood developed a strong sense of community early on, which sparked her enthusiasm for collaborative team initiatives and cross-functional work. She pursued a degree in Business of Creative Enterprises at Emerson College, where she refined her ability to bridge the gap between strategic business thinking and creative execution.

Ali began her professional journey at SAP Software Solutions, working on the Premium Engagements team. There, she gained a deep understanding of client relations, enterprise operations, and high-stakes project management. While this experience sharpened her skills in communication, coordination, and cross-departmental collaboration, it also highlighted her desire to work in a more creatively driven space.

That desire led her to intern at Chris Boals Artists (CBA), where she was introduced to the dynamic world of artist representation and creative production. It was there that Ali discovered her passion for the creative industry—immersing herself in the fast-paced environment and learning how to support both artistic vision and business strategy. Since then, she has worked with a range of notable brands and publications, bringing her strategic insight and creative sensibility to projects across production, editorial, branding, and agency collaboration.

Her work is defined by a strong commitment to storytelling—both visual and narrative—and a deep understanding of the people behind each project. Ali’s approach is rooted in authentic interpersonal connection. She believes the most compelling creative work stems from truly understanding individuals—their perspectives, goals, and stories. By building meaningful relationships and fostering collaboration across departments and teams, she consistently brings bold ideas to life through projects that resonate, inspire, and drive lasting impact.

Now, Ali continues to build on her multifaceted background, striving to deepen her creative expertise while expanding her strategic capabilities. With an eye toward innovation and a passion for meaningful collaboration, she is focused on growing within the creative industry and contributing to work that is thoughtful, culturally relevant, and visually powerful.