Dave Ellis ’04 uses LEGO Education to impact students worldwide
As a young boy playing with LEGO sets, Dave Ellis ’04 never imagined that he would work for his favorite toy company one day. After graduating from Salve Regina with a degree in English communications and literature, he worked for a variety of nonprofits and educational institutions where he was able to refine his writing, editing and marketing skills.
Today, Ellis is the communications manager for LEGO Education, where he handles global content strategy, develops marketing content, tracks speaking opportunities for the leadership team, runs the customer evidence program and connects with educators in the field. Through these conversations, Ellis is able to share stories about the impact that LEGO Education’s solutions have on students all over the world.
A dream job made possible through Salve Regina’s mentorship and education
Even before he began working for LEGO, Ellis had firsthand experience in how the toy company makes a positive impact on children. His oldest son, who is autistic, found his imagination through LEGO.
“They allowed him to interact with the world on a different level and express what he was thinking in a way that was so much easier for him than words,” said Ellis, who, in a way, feels an obligation to LEGO to tell inspiring narratives of children who so profoundly benefit from the interactive play and hands-on learning. Maybe the average person doesn’t recognize the influences that these small bricks can have on children, but that’s another reason why Ellis loves his job so much – he is able to spread the inspiring mission of LEGO Education.
In addition to the positive stories he shares, Ellis also appreciates the fun work environment that surrounds him every day. With LEGO-filled bowls everywhere, it is evident that the company understands people work better when they are excited to be doing their job. “It is fully acceptable to sit there building things while you’re in meetings,” he noted.
Ellis recognizes how lucky he is to look forward to going to work each day, and he owes a great deal of his success to Salve Regina. The support and mentorship he was given by Dr. Donna Harrington-Lueker, professor of in the Department of English, Communications and Media, still drive him to this day.
“Dave embraced the Salve Regina experience,” Harrington-Lueker said. “His passion for social justice and making a difference was clear. Dave lived the Salve mission when he was here as a student — and he continues to live it today in his personal and professional lives.”
