Jade Walker
Hi! My name is Jade Walker and I am a skilled communicator and content creator, passionate about sharing stories centering community and culture. At DePaul University, I majored in Communications and Media with a minor in African and Black Diaspora studies. I'm energized by the process of transforming ideas into engaging experiences, whether it's through a targeted media campaign or a well-planned event. My experience crafting compelling communications materials and social media content has allowed me to engage diverse audiences, effectively convey information, and enhance organizational visibility.Driven by a desire to create engaging and inspiring experiences, I approach every project with a focus on research, critical thinking, and continuous improvement. My skills include writing, editing, creative problem solving, and project management. I thrive in diverse teams united by a shared mission. My passion for fostering community through storytelling and collective experiences drives me toward excellence in all my endeavors.
Communications, PR and Media Relations
Through my studies as a Communications and Media major and my experience as a communications and media relations assistant, I have developed skills in writing articles in AP style, creating both written and visual social media content, curating media lists and writing pitches to journalists. Click "learn more" for work samples.
Community Engagement and Events
I am passionate about crafting memorable experiences for communities to come together over shared values and interests. Through my experience as a Community Engagement Coordinator and volunteering at many events, I have developed skills in event planning, project management, fundraising and event promotion. Click “learn more” to view related work and volunteer experience and sample event plans.
DePaul University, Graceland Cemetery collaborate to highlight hidden stories
Graceland Cemetery and DePaul University are collaborating on a series of projects to educate visitors about the 164-year-old cemetery’s history through digital audio tours and exhibits in Graceland’s visitor center.
I managed all communications surrounding this project from start to finish, including: interviewing DePaul faculty and alumni, creating a strategic communications plan, coordinating with photographers and Graceland staff, writing the press release, and filming & editing the instagram reel. This communications campaign resulted in earned media coverage on local news outlets.
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Archive digitization project shares Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's handwritten documents
As the world marks the 50th anniversary of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's canonization, DePaul University collaborated with the Daughters of Charity to make her writings accessible online through DePaul's Digital Commons.
I interviewed researchers and archivists at the Daughters of Charity, wrote and published the article distributed in DePaul's weekly newsletter, pitched and secured an article in Chicago Catholic.
Click underlined text to view article(s)
Selected Articles:
Images of Minamata: photojournalist visits DePaul
Interdisciplinary performance at DePaul Art Museum
Researching the psychological impact of green spaces
La DePaulia and NBC/Telemundo partnership
Social Media
Spotlight on Future Forward Program
Sample Event Plans
Feminist Press Pop Up Fundraiser
Click image to view planning document
Through completing coursework and speaking with industry professionals in the C2E2 DePaul: Fan Conventions and Media Industries course, I gained a thorough understanding of what makes a successful fan event. I created a sample event plan geared towards book lovers to fundraise for an independent publisher. From research to location to budget to schedules to merchandise, I created a thorough plan to engage an audience of avid readers.
Jhené Aiko Concert
In Introduction to Event Planning I dove deep into the practical steps of event production. I gained an understanding of safety precautions, city permits, working with brands and sponsors, contracting event staff, and strategic promotion. Working with my peers, we created a sample event plan for a Jhené Aiko concert complete with production schedules, promotion strategies and a budget spreadsheet.
Click image to view planning document
Onsite Event Support
I enjoy being behind the scenes at events just as much as I enjoy attending them! I have provided volunteer, onsite support at many special events including: Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo, DePaul Pop Culture Conference, American Writers Festival, Artists Asylum Winter Showcase and MomoCon. I have worked in guest registration, green room management, crowd control, silent auction facilitation, technology support and event set up/take down.
Add descriptions of Doors Open on the Right (with photos)
Link to blog and creative writing
Link to fiber arts instagram and add images