Long Beach, CA – May 2025 — Keen Social, an LGBTQ+ and minority-owned multicultural digital marketing agency based in Long Beach, California, has been honored with a Bronze Telly Award in the Social Video – Series: Travel & Tourism category for its campaign titled “Keen Social Relaunches Sinking Queen Mary, Improves Brand Perceptions & Drives Profits After Years in Financial Turmoil.”
The Telly Awards celebrate excellence in video and television across all screens. Leaders judge them from top video platforms, production companies, and media brands, including ESPN, NASA, LinkedIn, and MTV. With over 13,000 entries from across the globe, Keen Social’s recognition places it among some of the most respected names in the industry.
Learn more about the 2025 Telly Awards Winners HERE.
“Our industry is experimenting with new technologies like never before, shaping compelling stories to draw attention to some of the world’s most pressing issues,” shares Telly Awards Managing Director Amanda Needham. “The Telly Awards is uniquely positioned to meet the industry where it’s making work, be that on television or TikTok.”
Led by Esteven Gamez, an LGBTQ+ Latino from Texas (Tejano) and Texas A&M alum, Keen Social developed and executed a culturally resonant and results-driven campaign that critically revitalized the iconic Queen Mary ship. Their campaign strategy leveraged:
- High-Quality Content Creation: Showcasing the ship’s grandeur through immersive video and photography.
- Influencer Collaborations: Activating notable creators like @RicardoHurtado, @SpookieFoodie, @Official_LilJohnJohn, and @Marc_Mansour.
- Integrated PR and Social Media Strategy: Merging media outreach with engaging content delivery.
- Real-Time Analytics: Utilizing social listening and performance data to refine messaging.
- Community Engagement: Partnering with local voices and businesses to amplify reach.
“I never saw anyone who looked like me in marketing or advertising when I was growing up,” said Gamez. “Being a Hispanic kid from Texas, the idea of building a creative agency felt like a distant dream. But thanks to my parents—my dad’s discipline and my mom’s entrepreneurial spirit—I learned how to work hard and create something that could inspire others to dream bigger.”
In addition to their Telly win, Keen Social earned a Davey Award for the same campaign, reinforcing the agency’s unique ability to deliver creative, data-informed work that bridges strategy and storytelling.
Keen Social continues to grow its impact across tourism, hospitality, entertainment, government, nonprofit, and automotive industries, providing brands with culturally intelligent campaigns that drive measurable results.
About The Telly Awards
Founded in 1979, The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens. The awards receive over 13,000 global entries annually and are judged by a council of industry experts from leading media and advertising organizations. More information: www.TellyAwards.com
About Keen Social
Keen Social is a multicultural, LGBTQ+, and minority-owned digital marketing agency based in Long Beach, California. The agency specializes in data-driven storytelling, social impact campaigns, and digital marketing strategies that elevate diverse voices and causes.
Learn More
Website: www.keensocial.com
Instagram: @KeenSocial
LinkedIn: Keen Social
X: @KeenSocial
Facebook: @KeenSocialAgency
