Tasha Msanide looking at the camera with a neutral expression. This week we meet Tasha Msanide - Senior Marketing Communications Officer in VPEE - who talks about her journey from Musical Theatre to directing The Color Purple and growing UCL’s social media presence.
What is your role and what does it involve?
I’m the Senior Marketing Communications Officer (Social) in VPEE. I work with the team on the day-to-day output of our social media posts and I oversee the student social media content creator’s scheme as well as supporting social media strategy. Our team is small but mighty! We run the central social media channels, which are , , , , Threads , and BlueSky.
How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?
I started at UCL in August 2023 so have been here just over a year. Previously, I worked at Sadler’s Wells as their Senior Social Media Officer. I got to work on some super cool things like a private event for Mel C and 60 of her closest friends including Emma Bunton and Shaznay Lewis (who smells amazing!) I also convinced Matthew Bourne to allow influencers into to their rehearsal space for the first time!
What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the work I have done working in the UCL Social and Advertising team to increase the output of our short form social media across TikTok and Reels, growing the scheme, and increasing our engagement particularly on TikTok. I’m also proud of the fact that, after 11 months of chasing, we got verified on TikTok!
Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list
There have been some exciting conversations going on in the team about how we can expand our short form content and start to share some of our research on platforms. We’re also looking at how we can enhance our strategies for each platform so that we can really make the most of what each channel has to offer.
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
I LOVE this question. Album is Riot! By Paramore. It came out when I was a 13-year-old emo teen and was seminal in shaping the formative years of my youth. My favourite film is Wicked Part 1 (it was The Lion King until December). It really enhanced what is an incredible musical and brought a new and powerful meaning to its themes. My favourite novels are The Color Purple by Alice Walker and The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams. They’re really gorgeous but heartbreaking stories.
What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?
What do bees use to brush their fur? A honeycomb!
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and Jennifer Lewis. I just know they would have me cracking up, they are so shady, but I also know they would give the best advice.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You’ve got this! Every knock you take will get you closer to where you’re meant to be.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
My background is in Musical Theatre. I’m a trained performer, although having been on stage for most of my life, I recently made my directorial debut as director for The Color Purple Musical. It was the first amateur production in the UK, and was the first all-black cast, all-black production team, and black director in the society’s 120-year history. It was special and probably the best experience of my life!
Where is your favourite place?
Anywhere there is a bookshop with a café and good vibes.
University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT (0) 20 7679 2000
