Annamaria Chen

Annamaria Chen is the quintessential California girl, currently residing in the resurgent Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. Raised in San Francisco, Annamaria’s Chinese-Italian ancestry is a reflection of the Bay Area’s ethnic diversity and the inspiration for her profound interest in global travel. Visiting more than 15 countries has left her eager to immerse herself in even more cultures.

In 2008, Annamaria graduated from the University of Portland, where she earned a BS in Organizational Communication with a minor in Entrepreneurship. During her time at the private university on the banks of the Willamette River, Annamaria received the Arthur Schulte Academic Scholarship, was selected for the prestigious Entrepreneur-Scholars program, and – of course – was voted “Best Dressed” by her college peers.

In college, Annamaria began exploring her three primary vocational interests: finance, fashion, and entertainment. As a member of the Entrepreneur-Scholars program, Annamaria’s business plan for a socially conscious clothing line to benefit homeless youth, earned 3rd place in a university business plan competition. In addition, Annamaria worked for a Portland lifestyle magazine as a feature writer and enjoyed her opportunity to write and record “Business –Tips” for a financial radio program.

After graduating and relocating to New York City, Annamaria joined Manning Selvage & Lee, the acclaimed global public relations firm, as a member of their Consumer Beauty Practice. Following her time at MS&L, Annamaria pursued her long-held passion for fashion and joined a boutique fashion PR agency in Manhattan where she worked alongside some of the industry’s most successful designers and artists. While working in the city, she was cast in an MTV pilot as part of the re-branding team for an international clothing brand.

Currently, Annamaria is the assistant to the CEO of a film production company while pursuing a career in front of the camera.