Building Out Loud

We are excited to welcome Suzie Zhang, alumna of the DC Public Library's inaugural AI Upskilling Labs, for this candid session on personal branding as a career catalyst. What you will learn Suzie has mastered "building out loud"—using public writing and thinking as a deliberate career strategy, not influencer theater or engagement bait, but real evidence of capability when credentials stop translating. She'll break down how this approach made her career pivots legible, attracted opportunities outside conventional job searching, and built credibility beyond closed networks. Topics include narrative control, signaling real skill, and creating proof of work that travels when résumés don't—plus how she used AI in her own job search to land her current role. What to bring Come ready to think about your own story: a project, pivot, or skill you haven't figured out how to make visible yet. No writing or personal branding background needed. What you will leave with A practical framework for turning your own work and thinking into proof that travels—along with lessons from Suzie's job search you can apply right away. Bio: Suzie Zhang served as Program Lead for Knowledge and Learning at the DC Public Library, where she helped build "FinLit," an AI money coach for young people. Originally from Singapore, she holds an M.A. in Economics from Johns Hopkins SAIS, with experience spanning the public sector, startups, and high-growth tech. She currently works as Customer Success Manager, Public Sector at Pexip. Join current Upskillers, alumni, and mentors for this conversation. No hacks, no gimmicks, just value.