Bridging creativity, culture, and imagination — one story at a time.

Hi,

I’m Trina Marie Phillips — a writer, editor, videographer, graphic artist and storyteller who’s passionate about helping ideas come to life in creative and very human ways.

Over the years, I’ve written and edited everything from speculative fiction and corporate futurism projects to travel stories and YouTube scripts. My background spans worlds — from collaborating with Fortune 500 companies as a Creative Futurist at SciFutures, to producing authentic travel and culture videos on my channel, This Gal Travels.

Whether I’m shaping brand narratives, crafting short stories, or filming life on the road in Africa, I’m always chasing one goal: to tell stories that connect people — to each other, to new ideas, and to the world around them.

When I’m not behind the keyboard or camera, you’ll probably find me wandering a local market somewhere, talking to artists, bargaining with fruit sellers, or figuring out how to tell the next great story.

Professional Experience

Senior Writer & Creative Futurist – SciFutures

Burbank, CA | 2014–2017 (Freelance thereafter)
Worked with major corporate clients to craft narrative-driven prototypes and brand stories around emerging technologies. Collaborated with engineers, designers, and marketing leaders to communicate innovation in relatable, human terms.

Clients included: Ford, Intel, Hershey’s, NATO, Honda, VMware.

Content Creator & Storyteller – This Gal Travels

International, CA | 2017–Present
Produce, script, film, and edit travel and cultural content for YouTube Channel, This Gal Travels, showcasing destinations through authentic storytelling.

Store Manager & Design Consultant – Allan Jeffries FramingWest Hollywood, CA | 1999–2014
Led client consultations and art design projects for the best frame shop in LA, balancing design excellence with business and client needs.

Education

California State University, Long Beach
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art (Cum Laude)

Taos Toolbox: Master Class in Science Fiction Writing
Instructors: Walter Jon Williams & Nancy Kress

Orson Scott Card’s Literary Boot Camp
Advanced Fiction Workshop

Travel Experience

• 2022 – Present: Traveling and creating content across West Africa and southern Africa – Senegal, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Namibia, Botswana
• 2017 – 2021: Southeast Asia and North Africa – Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Benin, Togo, Ghana, China, Vietnam
• 2007 and earlier: China, Mexico, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Eritrea, France, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany

Publications, Podcasts and Appearances

My work has appeared in anthologies, podcasts, and creative platforms — from speculative fiction collections to public talks on storytelling, futurism and travel.

Including:

• Published Stories & Anthologies
• Podcasts & Interviews
• Public Appearances / Panels

A detailed list is available upon request.