AUTHENTICITY IS KEY
Hi, I’m Grace — a strategic communicator with a passion for people, storytelling, and showing up as my most authentic self!
I am graduating in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Relations from Illinois State University, and I am ready to take everything I have learned — in the classroom, on campus, and through real-world experiences — and translate it into meaningful professional work.
Whether I am leading a team, managing social media, or crafting campaigns, I bring energy, empathy, and intentionality to every project. My approach is rooted in connection, collaboration, and the belief that authenticity is the key to building trust and driving impact.
Let’s create something real, together.
PORTFOLIO
Public Relations Campaigns - COM 377
As part of my Public Relations Campaigns capstone course at Illinois State University, my team and I developed a full-scale campaign for Community Players Theatre, a local nonprofit organization. Our campaign focused on strengthening volunteer recruitment and retention through strategic messaging, targeted outreach, and community engagement. Out of several teams, ours was selected as the winning campaign for its creativity, feasibility, and long-term impact.
Magazine Production And Design - COM 269
Foxtail Film Festival - Publicity
For my final project in Magazine Design and Production, I conceptualized, designed, and produced a full-length magazine from cover to back page. This project showcased my skills in layout design, visual storytelling, content creation, and branding. I handled every element — from typography and imagery to editorial planning — to create a cohesive and engaging publication that reflects both creative vision and technical precision.
As part of the Foxtail Film Festival, held in Normal, IL, I developed a professional press package for Qatar Stars, a documentary by award-winning filmmaker and Assistant Professor of Communication at Northwestern University, Danielle Beverly. The film is a four-year coming-of-age story set inside a gender self-segregating rhythmic gymnastics school in Qatar, during the rapidly evolving years leading up to the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. I worked directly with Danielle to craft a press document that reflected both her deep passion for the project and her expertise as a filmmaker. The final kit included a filmmaker bio, film synopsis, and promotional materials — all tailored to capture the heart of the film and generate interest from diverse audiences.
MEDIA PLACEMENTS - INTERNSHIP
Within my PR internship, I helped secure a media placement for our agency in Medium magazine — a platform with over 10 million unique monthly visitors. I contributed to the effort by researching editorial opportunities, drafting outreach materials, and supporting the pitching process. This high-visibility placement helped position our firm as a thought leader in the industry and showcased the strength of our communication strategies.
Press Releases - INTERNSHIP
As a PR intern, I collaborate closely with the account executive I work under to draft and refine press releases for a variety of clients. I help shape clear, compelling narratives that align with client goals, follow AP style, and appeal to media outlets. Our press releases have been successfully published on major distribution platforms including Express Press Release, CityBiz, and PR Newswire.