Earlier this week, we announced that Avast teamed up with Socialbakers to create a social media “listening post” for Avast. You may be wondering just who is doing all that listening and responding to your questions, comments, and suggestions. Today we want to introduce you to our two Queens of the FREEks, also known as the avast! social media content and engagement team.

First Responders

Deborah S. is Avast’s U.S. Marketing Manager and Social Media Manager based in our east coast U.S. office. She does much of the blogging for Avast, as well as working closely with her fellow queen, Julia, to build social media into an important communication channel for the company.

Here are some fun facts about Deborah:

• She is a Master Scuba Diver and once got attacked by a Titan Triggerfish in the Philippines. There are teeth marks on her beanie to prove it!
• She plays clarinet in a wind band and has performed for Olympic teams, presidents, and Mickey Mouse. ♫
• She lived in Europe and Asia for many years, and traveled all over the world. Next stop – Nepal!
• She runs marathons for fitness but mainly so she can eat cookies constantly and not gain weight.
• Before joining the Avast team, she worked at a successful start-up company that does crowd-sourced website reputation rating.

Julia S. is Avast’s Community Manager based at our headquarters in Prague, Czech Republic. Julia worked in different areas of the company before taking the role of community manager. For a few years she did it by herself, learning about social media and working to build and nurture the community.

Here are some fun facts about Julia:

• She is a fanatic about languages, speaks four and currently studies Brazilian Portuguese! Julia adora Brasil. ♥
• She loves salsa, and the spirit, mentality and vibe of Latin America.
• She loves traveling. Sightseeing, history, meeting new cultures, people, testing local food – brings spice into her life. If you have a tip for a next trip, drop her a line on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Dzulaya.
• She doesn’t run marathons, but she still enjoys eating, so in order to stay fit she must…dance more salsa.
• Before joining the Avast team, she worked in many different places, supporting herself as a student.

Follow avast! on social media

You can talk to the Queens of the FREEks (our Facebook fans know what that means :-) ), ask questions, make comments, learn about security issues, or just say hello on social media.

Like the avast! Antivirus page on Facebook

Tweet at us on Twitter

Join us on Google+

Watch avast! videos on YouTube

See some pretty pictures on Pinterest

Where in the world?

This wouldn't be social media if we didn't try to get you talking. ;-) So here's a question for you - both Deborah and Julia like to travel. Where in the world do you think they were in these photos? Make your guesses in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter.