My name is Elizabeth Belleau Byers, but ever since birth I’ve been called Bess, after my Grandma Bess.

 

I graduated from Washington State University in 2009 with my Bachelor of Science in Communications, Public Relations and a minor in Chinese. A few months later I packed my bags and hopped a flight to Beijing. I interned at SiVO2, a graphic design and ad agency, for ten months  where I absorbed the Chinese language, food and culture. Overseas I discovered my love of writing, design, photography and politics.

 

Post-China I returned to my hometown in eastern Washington State, for the ultimate culture shock. By March 2011 I'd moved to Los Angeles to pursue marketing and photography. Six months later I secured a full-time job doing marketing research in Venice Beach with one of my amazing China contacts.

 

After two years of brand strategy, I merged my passions: communications, PR, photos and, you guessed it — politics. I co-founded A Generation Empowered to educate millennials about our increasing national debt. America is almost $20 trillion in debt and no one is speaking out about it. This is our money and our future. Our voice needs to be heard.

 

So what am I? I’m a socially liberal, fiscally conservative Independent. I’m issue oriented. It’s not about parties, it’s about people. I believe our generation needs to be more politically active. The decisions politicians make today will affect us in the future. Political affiliation aside, I encourage all young Americans to inform yourselves and vote.

 

In April  2015 I received an unexpected job offer in Seattle. I currently work as the Communications Director for an i502 recreational cannabis grow. I'm lucky to work in a budding industry and DOPE Magazine recently named me their Photographer of the Year.

 

When I’m not at work, I attend hot yoga, hike one of Washington State's stunning trails, wakesurf, go on photo adventures, chill with my cat and eat cheese. I like to promote companies and causes I believe in, so developed B3 Media, Inc. to help friends brand their own. I have a couple creative projects on the back burner, so stay tuned. I miss my SoCal crew — cruising Venice Beach, volunteering at MADE, pool days with my girls, late nights at The Well and sunshine year round. Don't worry, I promise to visit often!

 

I am so blessed for the opportunities I’ve been given. I have the greatest friends and family anyone could ask for. Life is good and I'm loving every minute of it!

 

♥BB