OC alumna Megan Scharf was a finalist for a national social media award by Sprout Social 

Sprout Social nominated Scharf for their Spotlight Awards

September 6, 2020

Online communication has become even more important in the past several months due to COVID-19. That reality is something Megan Scharf lives every day as the social media and community manager for Boulder, Colorado-based headwear company Headsweats. The Oklahoma Christian University public relations alumna has proven her ability to climb the ladder of success while creating a productive community online. One of the leading social media management platforms in the world chose Scharf as one of just five finalists for the Sprouts Social Spotlight Awards in late August. Although she did not win, it was an honor to be nominated as an “Always On Award” finalist. 

According to Sprout Social, the Spotlight Awards recognize great people who are responsible for great social media content by shining a light on the often unrecognized creators, community managers and strategists behind the public’s favorite brands on social media. The Always On Award is for professionals who are constantly taking in the world around them, empathizing with their brand’s social media community and truly championing the power of social media. Sprout Social asked its followers to nominate pros who embody the Always On Award using the hashtag #SproutSpotlights. The company used social listening to track every entry and narrow down the top five finalists, including Scharf. Then, Sprout Social’s followers had two weeks to vote for the winner.

Scharf believes her efforts to help her company during the pandemic were what made her stand out to Sprout Social’s followers. Although shoppers are staying indoors, they’re still willing to make online purchases. Knowing this, Scharf has gone above and beyond to create content for Headsweats’ social media platforms while engaging with the community. Trying new things to expand her interactions has helped Scharf grow as a PR and social media professional.

“It takes extra time and attention, but the result is a much happier community,” Scharf said. 

Not only has Scharf learned how to promote an apparel brand, she has also built an atmosphere that attracts loyal followers.

“Positivity mixed with a calm voice is very important,” she said. 

Her management skills are displayed through communication with ambassadors, co-promotion opportunities with giveaways and sweepstakes with other brands.

Using different social media influencers is another way Scharf has worked to grow Headsweats’ social media community. Empowering others is a great way to keep the conversation going, especially during trying times. 

OC Associate Professor of Communication Josh Watson reflected on his former student’s journey of gaining expertise.

“I love seeing Megan honored as a finalist for this national award, and we’re proud of her,” he said. “She secured a great internship before graduation, and then she was hired by an impressive agency due to her strong networking and interviewing skills. She worked hard and capitalized on her experience there to land her current job. I'm sure this is just the first of many awards she'll receive for her hard work.”

Scharf has inspired current OC students and other social media managers to work hard, connect genuinely with their community and take risks to be successful. 

View the Sprouts Social Spotlight Awards online here.