Founder & CEO

Why I founded Soapbxx

I've been a Web strategist and producer since graduating from college more than a decade ago. Three years ago, I decided to start Soapbxx because I am passionate about the Web's ability to create authentic connections free of physical boundaries and limits. I cannot think of anything more exciting then helping groups as diverse as wine lovers, teachers, activists, recyclers -- you name it --  create community online.

Find me on the Web

I'm very active in the following social networks: LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. I spend far too much time on youbemom.com, a mothering forum. I also love reading professional Web strategy websites like AListApart and BoxesAndArrows.

My life so far

Born and raised in downtown Philadelphia, I have always identified with urban culture and lived an urban lifestyle. Lacking discipline and motivation in my early teen-age years (and knowing it), I agreed to enroll at the Baldwin School – an all-girls prep school in suburban Philadelphia – a move that I credit with completely changing the course of my life. After graduating from high school, I attended Columbia University , where I studied Urban Planning and Architecture. I never thought I'd leave New York – in fact, I was sure I’d live out my days like a Woody Allen movie, surrounded by densely packed book cases and neurotic people. After having my first child (amazing how babies change things), I decided that moving closer to family and having a bigger house would be better for us. So I moved my husband (we're moving where?), son and Soapbxx headquarters to Philadelphia in the summer of 2007.

Professionally, I've spent my entire career developing websites. From 1999-2003, I was the managing director in charge of sales for CitySoft. From 2004-2006, I was the director of Internet operations for the American Civil Liberties Union. Soapbxx seemed to me to be a natural continuation of these two experiences.

Looking for my professional bio for an event panel or RFP response? Email me (amanda (at) soapbxx.com) and I will gladly send it to you.

Things I like and don't like

As an Extrovert with a capital “E,” I love large crowds like those you find at conferences and festivals. Before I became a mother, you could find me at Social Venture Network conferences and the Burning Man festival. Now that I have two munchkins under the age of three, I don't travel and therefore spend more time watching Burning Man footage on CurrentTV. My work is also my hobby. My latest project is a start-up called DailyWorth.com, an online community dedicated to empowering women around issues of personal finance and self-worth. I love my neighborhood, Mt Airy in Philadelphia – it’s one of the most socio-economically and racially integrated communities in the country.  Things I can’t stand: when colleagues don't use "reply-all" when I ask them to, evil dictators, whining and ambiguity.