About me
I’m Deborah Ryder, a Digital Media Specialist and currently the Deputy Marketing and Communications Manager at MEI, with over seven years’ experience in digital strategy, campaign management, and user-focused marketing. With a background that bridges both creativity and technology, I bring more than 15 years of experience in website design and development — encompassing frontend and backend development, UX design, coding, and SEO. This unique combination allows me to take a holistic approach to digital marketing, ensuring that strategy, design, and performance work seamlessly together.
I’m passionate about creating impactful digital experiences that connect brands with their audiences, using data-driven strategies and innovative content to deliver measurable results. My blend of technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and hands-on experience enables me to manage complex digital projects from concept through to execution with precision and creativity.
Work
I’m passionate about strategic marketing that tells stories, solves problems, and inspires action. My expertise sits at the intersection of digital strategy, SEO, content development, and audience segmentation — blending creative thinking with analytical insight to produce marketing that resonates and delivers results.
At MEI, I’m leading the organisation’s digital marketing transformation, which includes a complete website rebuild in WordPress and the introduction of a new CRM and marketing infrastructure using Microsoft Dynamics and Power Pages. These projects are helping to modernise our communications, improve audience engagement, and strengthen our data-driven approach to marketing.
I also played a key role in MEI’s rebrand, co-developing brand guidelines and visual identity templates to create a consistent, modern, and versatile look and feel across all marketing channels.
I hold a Level 6 Diploma in Professional and Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and am currently working towards Chartered Marketer status. My professional interests centre around Sustainable Marketing, AI-led personalisation, and content strategy, focusing on how emerging technologies can support ethical, inclusive, and effective communication.
Academic achievement
My academic background includes a Master’s degree in Digital Media: Technology and Cultural Form from Goldsmiths, University of London, where I focused on Biotechnology, Bioethics, Critical Media, and the Political Economy of the Media.
I’m currently conducting a research project exploring how digital culture and communication shape public discourse and critical thinking.
I also hold a certificate in SEO Content Writing, which complements my marketing practice by combining strategic messaging with search performancee.
Beyond Work
Beyond the screen, my career has taken me underwater — literally. I’ve worked as a social media manager, underwater photographer, and videographer across Southeast Asia, creating branded video content (some award-winning!) that tells stories from the deep. I’m also a PADI-certified scuba diving instructor with a passion for marine conservation. You can read about the COVID-19 Koh Phi Phi Pier Cleanup here.
When I’m not crafting digital strategies or shooting video, you’ll find me mountain biking in enduro competitions, including the gruelling Strathpuffer 24-hour race in the Scottish Highlands, or performing aerial acrobatics on the hoop — I’m a trained aerial performer, taking part in shows throughout the year.
How to get in touch
You can contact me via email and LinkedIn. You can also follow all my mountain bike and aerial adventures on my Instagram account.