About Austen Rowden
Austen Rowden (They/Them) is a digital marketing strategist, dynamic storyteller, and a 2SLGBTQIA+ Founder and CEO based in Calgary, Alberta. Armed with a diploma in Digital Marketing from Bow Valley College and a rich background in theatre from the Company of Rogue’s Actors’ Studio, Austen seamlessly blends the worlds of creativity and strategy into their work.
As the CEO & Founder of Rowden Digital and YYC Queer Innovation, Austen utilizes their vast digital marketing and storytelling expertise to craft compelling narratives, execute impactful digital and social media strategies, curate captivating content, elevate brand awareness, and drive tangible results for entrepreneurs and startups, shaping Alberta’s cultural and technological landscape. Their passion lies in fostering community engagement, sparking cross-sector collaborations, and creating inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Previously, Austen has worked with many non-profits, startups, and communities, including Scout Engineering, Ptak + Co, GlobalFest, and Rainforest Alberta. Their current clients include QueerTech, Pumphouse Theatre, Start Me Up PR, and Pedesting.
Recognizing a critical gap in representation and inclusion within Calgary’s innovation and arts sectors and as a proud Queer and Transmasculine member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Austen founded YYC Queer Innovation Meetups. As CEO, they are dedicated to creating a safer, collaborative space for Queer individuals to share resources, build community, challenge biases, and amplify queer voices across Alberta. Through YYC Queer Innovation, Austen is championing inclusivity and driving transformative change across Alberta.