We are Hooked Media Strategy (HMS)—a student-run organization at the University of Texas at Austin providing free, full-service social media marketing to small businesses and non-profits. Our mission is twofold: to empower local organizations through impactful digital marketing strategies and to give students hands-on experience that prepares them for successful careers in the field.
Each semester, students collaborate in teams of four, partnering with a client to develop and execute tailored social media strategies. This immersive experience allows our members to sharpen their skills while making a tangible impact. Looking ahead, we aim to broaden our offerings beyond social media marketing to include a wider range of digital marketing services.
Hey There
Our Story
Hooked Media Strategy (HMS) began as an idea from our co-founder, Gia Nguyen, who envisioned creating a student-led social media agency. At the time, Gia was collaborating with Sabrina Chew and Shikha Mehta on an app designed to gamify productivity for individuals with ADHD. Inspired by her own experience managing social media for various organizations and her coursework in Texas Media and Analytics, Gia realized how transferable the skills gained through social media management are—especially in digital marketing.
Eager to provide other students with hands-on learning opportunities while giving back to the community, Gia shared her vision with Sabrina and Shikha, who quickly jumped on board. Sharing a passion for service, the trio decided to offer their expertise free of charge to small businesses and nonprofits. Thus, Hooked Media Strategy was born—a name that reflects their mission to craft strategies that not only connect brands to their audience but also hook them with compelling, impactful content.