Meet Annette, the Senior Community Director for Yelp Detroit, whose #FiveStarCareer began in October 2010! Her Yelp journey dates back long before she settled into her role leading the Yelp Detroit Community, as she spent several years as a Yelp Elite during her time living in Chicago. When she came across an opening for a Community Manager in Detroit, she knew it was her dream opportunity and jumped at the opportunity to move back to her home state.

Q: Tell us about your role at Yelp. A: On the outside, it might look like the Community team just throws parties and has fun—and honestly, that’s definitely part of it! But through these events, we also have the incredible responsibility and honor of helping local business owners share their stories, hopes, and dreams. At its core, our job is to bring online communities together in real life, helping people build genuine relationships with each other and connect with the amazing businesses and organizations in their own neighborhoods. It’s all about creating personal connections that people can lean on, through good times and bad—and encouraging them to share these relationships and discoveries on Yelp so others can do the same.

Q: Describe a typical day in your role. A: Every day looks a little different! Some days I’m collaborating and brainstorming with my team or connecting directly with Yelpers online. Other days, I’m out in the community meeting business owners, exploring neighborhoods, or hosting events where we bring passionate community members together at local businesses. It’s never boring!

Q: Tell us about a time you overcame a challenge in your role. A: Being in Michigan, the weather is always unpredictable and can really throw your best-laid plans for a loop. One year, I had to reschedule an event three times due to consecutive ice storms. Another time, I overbooked an ice cream-making event on the coldest night in Detroit in recorded history (-22 degrees), and every guest still showed up. More recently, I had to postpone an outdoor event due to the hazardous heat. While it can be stressful, I’ve learned that when you prioritize your guests’ safety and communicate openly, people are always willing to rally around you.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job? A: The people. I’ve met so many inspiring business owners who have fought so hard and sacrificed so much to make those dreams a reality. Being able to help them share both their successes and struggles with a community ready to support them is truly a gift. We have the chance to change people’s lives, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.

Q: Tell us about a time when you felt empowered to bring your authentic self to work. A: Getting diagnosed with ADHD at 40 was honestly tough. It made me painfully aware of my shortcomings and really highlighted the struggles I’ve dealt with my whole life working within more traditional work structures. It was hard not to feel down about how much easier things might have been if I’d known sooner. But realizing that my non-traditional role at a remote company—with so much flexibility—actually suits the way my brain works has made it a lot easier to deal with. In a way, it feels like this path was kind of tailor-made for me and my type of neurodivergence.

Q: What is something you enjoy doing in your free time? A: I love to bake and decorate over-the-top cakes. I also enjoy pottery, traveling with my husband to see bands we love, snuggling with our two dogs, and exploring national parks.

Want to work with Annette?

If you’re the go-to person when it comes to planning a night out or always ready with a recommendation for your city’s best or hidden hotspots, joining our Community team may be the perfect fit for you! Check out our open opportunities and apply today.