Welcome back to our series of Employee Spotlights, which is inspired by a common content idea across various types of communities.
Community Spotlights highlight one member of the community and allow other members to get to know them a bit better, which is exactly what we’re aiming for as well. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Patricia.
Creating safe spaces, championing diverse voices, and accidentally playing video games with superstars.
From warm Caribbean shores to the fast-paced world of digital communities, Patricia Velasco’s journey to Standing on Giants is anything but ordinary.
Hi Patricia! Let’s start at the beginning. What led you to Standing on Giants, and how did you find your way into community management?
I originally studied Modern Languages and worked as a teacher for years before moving to the UK in 2015. Back then, the ultimate goal for me as a linguist was to become an interpreter. So I did just that – I earned a degree in interpretation, joined the Chartered Institute of Linguists, and thought, this is it.
But once I was in, I realised… I was lost. The conditions weren’t great, there was no creativity, and I didn’t have the time or space to build relationships. Then I took a class with Marta Stelmaszak, a translator and interpreter who had pivoted into digital marketing and business management. She opened my eyes to a whole new world – SEO, community management, digital spaces. It clicked instantly.
Was it a tough transition?
A little. I was working at Booking.com at the time and decided to sign up for a digital marketing course at General Assembly. After that, I left my job and started freelancing as a social media manager. Then I saw the job post from Standing on Giants. It was 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. The market was dry. But this job description? It felt like it was written for me. Every skill they asked for, I had.
And now you’ve supported communities for brands like Sonos, Commercetools, TrustedHousesitters, and Legion. What stood out for you?
Every project has taught me something. With Sonos, we had to learn fast – not just about the brand, but also about audio tech! I hadn’t done social media work in ages, and suddenly we were handling connectivity issues and subwoofer specs. The team was however amazing – we laughed through the pressure, supported each other, and came out stronger.
Commercetools was my first B2B community, and I was the sole community manager. That one really pushed me. These were solution architects, data scientists, engineers… a totally different world. But I managed to build a warm, engaged community in very little time. People welcomed each other, posted, helped one another – it was really rewarding.
And then there’s Legion.
Ah yes – the Legion gaming community that won a CMX award! What was that like?
Completely surreal. When we launched it, we were a small, passionate team led by Marjo, just figuring it out as we went. I was relatively new to gaming – I’d played a lot of Tomb Raider as a kid, but didn’t know professional players were out there making Messi-level money! Still, we poured our energy into it, hosted game nights, built genuine relationships with members… and a few months later, we were nominated for Best New Community.
I remember Rob saying, “Don’t get your hopes up,” and then… we won. It was such a pinch-me moment. I had major impostor syndrome that first year, and that award gave me so much confidence. It confirmed I was exactly where I was supposed to be, that I was really good at what I do.
You’ve even organised tournaments with professional esports teams, right?
Yes – and I had no idea what I was getting into! I thought I was managing a small online forum. Suddenly I’m coordinating tournaments with teams like G2 and Heretics, who have millions of followers.
It was like a Sunday-league footballer being told, “You’re playing with Messi this weekend.” The logistics were intense – working with team managers, marketing teams, and making sure our community members got to have fun too. One of the professional players even DM’d me mid-stream saying, “This isn’t challenging enough. I’m switching teams to spice things up.” It was wild… but we pulled it off!
What does community mean in the gaming world?
It’s everything. It gives everyday people the chance to play with their heroes, but more importantly, it creates a safe space in an industry that can sometimes be quite challenging and unwelcoming. We had 50 players speaking different languages, all being kind and respectful, and that’s rare in online gaming.
You’ve also championed inclusivity and representation for women in gaming. What progress have you seen?
We’ve made strides, yet there’s still work to do. Representation matters – from developers to streamers, writers to community managers, we need more women sitting at the table. In Legion, our team was mostly women, and I wondered when we first started: Will they listen to us? But just by being there, holding space, we were respected. Players got excited to compete with female esports stars just like they did with the guys. It proved that visibility shifts expectations – and that’s powerful.
Is there a moment you’re most proud of in your career so far?
It’s not an award or a big brand launch. It’s something quieter. In one of our communities, someone opened up about their mental health struggles. I watched this person go from a very low point to thriving – finding friends, support, and purpose through our space. The entire community rallied around them with kindness. That made me feel like what we do really matters.
Beautifully said. Switching gears – how do you unwind outside of work?
I go to the gym early in the mornings – it helps me reset and feel like I’m doing something for myself. I love spending time with my family, especially playing with my baby. And when I need to chill? Margaritas, nachos, and a good series with my husband. White Lotus Season 2 is a favourite – it’s fun, but it also dives into deep human stuff.
And finally, as a travel expert, where should everyone travel to at least once in their life?
The Caribbean. I grew up spending long holidays on Margarita Island in Venezuela, so for me, swimming in warm, clear water all year long was just normal day-to-day. But after moving away, I realised how unique that is. Pick any Caribbean island – just go. You’ll fall in love with it.
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