This 24-Year-Old Was a Patron at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Bar. Now, She's Her Campaign Designer

The brain behind the materials for one of the country's buzziest political candidates

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

Two years ago, Maria Arenas had just graduated from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn (where she earned a BFA in graphic design and worked in the school’s print labs). She sent her resumé to “over 50 places” before she was hired as a graphic designer for New York design agency Tandem in September 2016. At the time, she was Tandem’s third employee, and the company was about a year old.

Around the corner from the Tandem offices in Union Square is Flats Fix, a Mexican restaurant that previously counted congressional hopeful Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a bartender.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in

Adweek magazine cover
Click for more from this issue

This story first appeared in the August 6, 2018, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.