Hi, I'm Grace!
I am dedicated to using my creativity to build meaningful connections within communities. In my current role in higher education, I focus on developing stories, campaigns, and engaging visuals that connect and resonate with alumni.With a diverse creative background in graphic design, web creation, storytelling, and community engagement, I’m passionate about blending creativity and strategy to bring ideas to life.I am continueously growing my skills and network. Feel free to reach out to connect!
About
I am a creative communications professional passionate about using digital media to build meaningful connections. I have experience developing stories, campaigns, and visuals that engage diverse audiences across platforms. My background includes graphic design, web creation, social media, and digital communication. I value continuous learning and am always working to grow my skills and stay current in an evolving digital landscape.
Education
Viterbo University
September 2024 - Expected Graduation December 2026 | La Crosse, WI
Masters of Arts - Servant Leadership
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
September 2018 - May 2022 | La Crosse, WI
Bachelor of Arts - Communications Media Studies
Minor - Digital Media Studies and Design
Experience
Alumni Engagement Operations and Website Coordinator
Viterbo University | La Crosse, WI
October 2023 - Present
Collaborate with various university departments to connect with and inform alumni on events and university news
Communicate via bi-monthly newsletters on a basis with alumni and donors using Raiser's Edge/NXT
Post and maintain an alumni Facebook and Instagram account to highlight alumni and university news
Maintain alumni, advancement and commencement pages on Viterbo University website using Drupal
Create marketing materials to promote events with alumni and students using Canva and Adobe programs
Coordinate social events on and off campus for alumni, donors and community members
Joined the campus-wide task force to refresh the university brand and website
Barista and Marketing Assistant
McFarland House Cafe | McFarland, WI
November 2022 - September 2023
September 2017 - August 2018
Updated their menu and transferred to Canva to ensure easy editing for the future
Created AirBnB packet using Adobe InDesign for guests with lodging information, local recommendations and the history of the building within the two month timeline
Independently prepared drinks and managed customers
Provided efficient, friendly service to customers while managing cash and credit payments
Marketing and Communication Coordinator
The Doyenne Group | Monona, WI
January 2021 - August 2021
Created and schedule social media content with Canva and Hootsuite
Communicated weekly with communication director and CEO
Utilized Asana and Slack to ensure that goals were being met
Compiled and posted interviews and blog posts to their website
Updated and maintained their website
Communicated with members via email using Mailchimp about events and important information
Facilities Assistant
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse | La Crosse, WI
May 2019 - March 2020 and May 2021 - August 2022
Provided a clean environment for all dorm residents
Deep-cleaned all dorm rooms
Assisted the office of residence life
Communicated with students regarding mural requests and supplied handouts
Repaired and replaced important items in the residence halls
Desk Assistant
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse | La Crosse, WI
September 2018 - May 2019
Handled any questions that hall residents or guests had about campus
Gave tour overview of the building to any campus tours that came through
Managed money and kept inventory of all hall items
Fulfilled resident requests for pizzas
Collaborated with other desk assistants to ensure all information was correct between shifts
Karate Assistant Instructor
Rise Up Martial Arts Studio | McFarland, WI
December 2016 - January 2019
Worked directly with children, aged 3-12 in small groups
Created a playful environment for them to learn karate
Maintained communication with student's parents about upcoming events
Created fun games that instilled self-confidence, respect, and leadership skills in the students
Created and maintained a Facebook page and private Facebook group for members
Membership and Affiliation
Viterbo University Website Review Group
Viterbo University
Reviewed the current Drupal hosted website
Reviewed nine company’s RFPs for the university
Attended several website proposal presentations and gave finals thoughts on the final two companies
Brand & Enrollment Strategy Task Force (BEST Force)
Viterbo University
Collaborated with representatives across campus to review university brand.
Achieved our goal to create a comprehensive message and brand for the university, refresh the visual brand as well as review enrollment vendors for admissions.
Wellbeing Coalition
November 2023 - May 2024 | Viterbo University
Collaborated with departments across campus to promote wellness for students, staff, and faculty
American Marketing Association
September 2018 - May 2022 | University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Chapter
Attended weekly meetings
Networked with fellow students, professors, and professional speakers
Participated in the annual national case study
Elected as the Director of Internal Events for the 2021 - 2022 academic year
Created and maintained relationships with local business and employers
Recruited speakers to provide advice and expertise for members
Collaborated with fellow executive board members and faculty to ensure compliance with university guidlines
Projects
I created three small Lego builds for one of my master degree classes. It had to be simple enough that someone who had never done Lego before could understand and complete it. I created mock-ups with physical bricks, and then built them digitally using BrickLink's studio for the instructions.
I was accepted into the 2025-26 calendar with the theme Folklore Families. My submission - Gnomish Picnic was created in Procreate.
During my time at the McFarland House Cafe, I was asked to create an informational booklet for the AirBnB's run by the owners of the cafe. They wanted to include information about the lofts, since they are located in the very first house that was built in the village, and the history behind them. I was able to communicate with the owner and fulfill the project within the three-month timeline we agreed upon. These were created in Canva, so they can be edited later if they need to be.
I was a member of the Integrated Marketing Communication team for the AMA - UWL Chapter in Fall of 2018. The case was sponsored by the Wall Street Journal, with the goal to increase college-aged subscribers. We created a three-year marketing plan with traditional and new media.The final project was ranked in the top 10 of all case studies submitted.
I was a member of the Integrated Marketing Communication team for the AMA - UWL Chapter in Fall of 2021. The case was sponsored by Amazon, with the goal to increase awareness and users of Amazon Student Prime. We created a three-year marketing plan with traditional and new media.The project received an honorable mention from all of the case studies submitted.
Writing and Graphic Design Examples
Photography
Bricklink Studio is a fan-made website and program for the LEGO Group. It has a program where you can create your own builds digitally, render images, and create instructions.I started using the program in late 2023. I have continued to use the program and have utilized it for personal projects as well as projects for my graduate degree classes.
I challenged myself to create app icons using Lego and these are several of the ones I came up with.
There is a popular Lego theme called BrickheadzI wanted to create my own versions of them with family member's pets.
I created mini versions of a few of my favorite lego sets, and made instructions for them as well.
My version is on the left, and the official version is on the right.
The sets I used were the Typewriter (21327), Bonsai Tree (10281), and the 2010 version of the Hogwarts Express (4841)