From the French Program at Silicon Valley International School (INTL) to the heart of Silicon Valley itself, Luma Hamade’s journey is a story of hard work, global connection, and a growth mindset. Her experience at INTL laid the groundwork for her success, instilling a strong work ethic and multicultural perspective that continue to guide her professional and personal achievements.
Building Skills and Gaining Perspective Through Language
Luma spent nine years in INTL’s French Program, where she attended from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Her years at INTL were filled with enriching experiences and inspiring mentors, but one teacher, in particular, left a lasting impression.
“Mrs. Publicover was a truly innovative teacher who fostered my love of math,” Luma reflects. “She was always patient when a concept was tricky to me, and she consistently found a way to make tough topics feel relatable. I looked forward to her classes most of all, and math remained my favorite subject all throughout my academic journey.”
After her time at INTL, Luma attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. Shortly after her graduation in 2020, Luma was hired by Google at their San Francisco Bay Area office. The skills she cultivated through INTL’s language immersion program became an invaluable asset in her career, helping her connect with clients on a deeper level.
“The ability to speak multiple languages directly correlates to the ability to connect with people—which is such an important part of life personally and professionally,” Luma says. “My client relationships are key to what I do, so it’s been an immensely helpful tool.”
A Career Path Fueled by Client Success and Curiosity
In her time at Google, Luma has risen through the ranks from an Account Strategist to a Senior Account Executive, driven by her passion for helping businesses succeed. Reflecting on her career path, she shares, “through my previous work in finance, I knew that I found client-facing work truly energizing. I realized that I had a passion for helping businesses succeed. Google gave me an opportunity to do just that. Recently, I got the opportunity to become a Senior Account Executive. It allowed me to keep doing what I love while leading a small team, which is really exciting. This is my favorite role I’ve held out of my 4+ years with the company!”
On the Pulse of Global Trends
Luma’s work is fast-paced and dynamic, with one of the most exciting aspects being her appearances on NBC, ABC, and CBS to discuss recent Google search trends. Earlier this year, she was on television discussing the top trends from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris—a highlight in her career.
The constant need to stay on top of monthly trends is demanding, but Luma’s approach is simple: “Staying curious—whether I see something on the news or on social media. Making sure you’re in learning mode even with your hobbies. You’ll be surprised how any conversation can turn into an educational moment about what’s happening outside your communities! I find life gets more fun this way.”
Watch the video of Luma, courtesy of NBC Bay Area:
A Collaborative Approach to Marketing Success
Throughout her nearly half-decade with Google, Luma has become a valuable asset to the Marketing and PR teams. She finds immense satisfaction in seeing the tangible results of her work.
“There’s no better win than collaborating with a CEO or CMO of a business that I love, and creating a successful marketing plan that leads to millions in returns,” she explains. “I love feeling like an extension of the marketing teams of so many large businesses. I truly thrive on collaboration, teamwork, and positive energy.”
Eyes on the Future
Looking ahead, Luma is enthusiastic about her future, both professionally and personally. “I’m definitely looking forward to the progression of my career. I have learned through my current role that I love leadership, so I’m curious to see how I can bake that in more to my day to day. The possibilities are endless! Personally, I’m a huge travel buff. I usually do a few ski trips in the winter, so I’m looking forward to those!”
Luma’s journey is a testament to the power of a global education and a passionate work ethic, making her a shining example of Silicon Valley International School’s alumni.
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