Daily Inspiration: Meet Seena Akita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Seena Akita.

Hi Seena, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Japan and grew up between there and the SF Bay Area. After college, I moved to LA and spent some time working in radio, ending up as an on-air and on-camera talent for LA radio stations and Hollywood red carpet events. After my years in radio, I was asked to join The Weeknd’s artist management team, and these days you can find me as the Senior Creator Partnerships and Marketing Manager at metaverse music event company Wave. I also happen to be Wave’s on-camera host, where I interviewed Dillon Francis and hosted the pre-show for our Justin Bieber virtual livestream. I handle artist/client relations at our Culver City HQ and am a member of our awesome Marketing Team, leading social media initiatives.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It wasn’t what I’d exactly call a smooth road, but it’s definitely been an adventure! When I first got into radio broadcasting, I deeply felt the underrepresentation of AAPI talent and management. It’s exciting to see that getting better in Hollywood and entertainment now, but we still have a long way to go.

I think in creative businesses, there isn’t always a “point A-to-B” career path. It takes a lot of hard work, making mistakes, gaining more confidence in yourself, and choosing the right network to surround yourself with. In the fast-moving LA industry, this can be a challenge. It also means you have so many wonderful resources, too.

I’m a female, biracial, first-gen immigrant – I never expected this to be a smooth road. I’m very happy to be where I am now in both my personal and professional life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear many hats, and I’ve always found that life is so much more exciting getting to handle a variety of projects! First and foremost, I manage social media strategies and creator/artist relations at LA-based virtual event company Wave. It’s been my job for 2 years now and what we’re doing is the future.

I’m also the proud on-camera host for Wave’s social platforms and livestreams, including interviewing artists. With my background of being a former radio personality, I’m extremely comfortable in front of a camera. I feel more like myself with a mic in my hand! That’s also given me amazing opportunities, like joining 2022’s Anime Expo at the LA Convention Center as an official livestream host. It’s North America’s largest anime convention and it was an honor to be a part of it, especially being Japanese myself. I hope to do more on-camera events in my future and it’ll always be a passion of mine.

Whether it’s community management on social media or speaking to an audience IRL on a mic, I love being able to find a connection with others. I feel like it’s what I’m meant to do with my life.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’m extremely proud of the network of people I keep around me. One saying I live by is that the people around you reflect who you are as a person. Without my friends from back in the Bay Area who have known me since high school, my industry friends who I came up with who understand the struggles, and my non-industry friends who keep me grounded daily, I wouldn’t be who I am.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theseena/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSeena
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/videoseena