Two weeks ago, a familiar face joined the Cleva team in a new capacity. Valerie Philip started as a member of the Cleva Ambassador Program, went on to lead its Training and Workshop team, and is now our newest Marketing Specialist.
When the Marketing Specialist role opened, Valerie had the opportunity to turn her experience with Cleva into a new career chapter.
We sat down with her to discuss her journey, her first two weeks on the team, and her advice for ambassadors looking to make the most of the program.
Meet Valerie Philip
Tell us about yourself and your first two weeks at Cleva.
Valerie describes her first two weeks as a period of learning and adjustment.
“I’d describe my first two weeks as a learning experience. I’m getting a better understanding of how things work internally, the different moving parts of marketing, and how the ideas we put out translate into actual customer experiences.”
How Valerie Discovered Cleva
How did you first hear about Cleva, and what made you sign up?
Like many people, Valerie discovered Cleva on social media. At the time, she had just started freelancing and was looking for practical ways to receive payments.
“I was scrolling on X when I came across a brand that promised to help people receive dollar payments without having to go through a bank. I was intrigued and decided to take a closer look. At the time, I’d just started freelancing, so I knew a product like Cleva would come in handy. That’s what prompted me to sign up.”
Her Journey in the Cleva Ambassador Program
What did being an ambassador look like for you day to day?
Being a Cleva ambassador involved more than promoting the product. Valerie collaborated with other ambassadors, participated in community activities, and looked for ways to reach more people.
“I also got to lead the training and workshop team, facilitate workshops and fireside chats, and contribute ideas to improve ambassador engagement.”
What was your proudest moment as an ambassador?
For Valerie, becoming the Training and Workshop Lead was a defining moment. The role gave her more opportunities to contribute, facilitate learning, and engage with the community.
“Being selected as the Training and Workshop Lead was a big moment for me. I got to facilitate workshops and fireside chats, and eventually transition into a full-time role at Cleva. Seeing how the experience has grown into something more has been really rewarding.”
What did the ambassador experience teach you about Cleva’s users?
Beyond community management, the experience helped Valerie understand what matters to Cleva users and how marketing can communicate a product’s value.
“People want more than a product; they want something that solves a real problem for them. If a product doesn’t meet their needs, it’s difficult to get them interested, no matter how much you promote it. It taught me the importance of understanding users and communicating the value of a product clearly.”
From Cleva Ambassador to Marketing Specialist
What was the application process like, and what advice would you give ambassadors who want to follow a similar path?
When the Marketing Specialist role opened to the ambassador community, Valerie saw an opportunity to contribute to Cleva in a new way.
“My advice is to take initiative, contribute ideas, and make the most of the experience. Don’t just participate; look for ways to add value and keep learning.”
How is working at Cleva different from what you expected as an ambassador?
Moving from the ambassador community to the internal team has given Valerie a different perspective on how Cleva operates.
“As an ambassador, I saw Cleva from the outside. Now, I’m learning what happens behind the scenes and how different ideas come together to achieve business goals. There’s also a greater level of responsibility because I’m now part of the team making those things happen.”
What Valerie Is Looking Forward to
What are you most excited to work on in your new role?
Valerie is looking forward to exploring different areas of marketing, developing creative ideas, and seeing how her work influences the way people connect with Cleva.
“I’m excited to work on different aspects of marketing, come up with creative ideas, and see how the work I do influences how people perceive and connect with Cleva.”
What is one thing you hope to achieve at Cleva in your first year?
“I’d love to help build a more engaged community and find creative ways to get people interested in Cleva.”
Quickfire Round
What’s your favourite Cleva feature and why?
The USD wallet. “That’s where all my dollars live, lol.”
One word that describes the Cleva team?
“Approachable.”
Conclusion
Valerie’s journey shows how contributing to a community can help you build skills, take on new responsibilities, and discover opportunities you might not have expected.
For Cleva ambassadors, her advice is simple: show up, share ideas, and look for ways to add value. Make the most of the experience and keep learning, wherever it leads.
Welcome to the team, Valerie! 🎉
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