Cal Poly SLO Graphic Communication Director of Social Media :
As the Director during the 2021-2022 academic year, I managed all aspects of the department's social media channels, ensuring a cohesive and impactful digital presence. My responsibilities included evaluating student work, crafting tailored strategies, and producing high-quality content for weekly posts. Additionally, I spearheaded the creation of the monthly "DEI in the Pod" email series, which spotlighted various social causes and encouraged student engagement with critical topics in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Below is a curated selection of projects I collaborated on with students and the department, showcasing the breadth and impact of our efforts.
Awards and involvement during my time at Cal Poly: Director of Graphic Communication Department's Social Media, Member of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee, College of Liberal Arts Ambassador, Graphic Communication Student of the Year 2022 and a speaker at the International Graphic Communication Week Banquet.
Social Writing Examples:
Alyssa Wigant is a 2016 GrC grad that concentrated in Design Reproduction Technology. She currently works “as a product-focused visual designer. I really enjoy being surrounded by creative people every day, and hearing diverse perspectives on how to solve the many design problems we face every day. A lot of my work consists of not only creating design concepts that solve user problems, but also presenting the work to stakeholders involved in the project.”
While at her current company they “started a DEI channel before 2020, though the George Floyd protests really woke my company up (like it did for most companies). Since then, they've made commitments to being transparent with the race/gender breakdown of hires, diversify their hiring practices, and work with organizations that set up Black and Brown futures for success in the workforce. Our DEI group hosts monthly book clubs, film clubs, and relevant discussion forums on topics pertinent to that month's cultural heritage celebration (i.e Black History Month, Women's History Month, Lunar New Year, AAPI Heritage Month, etc.). I'm grateful that my company has decided to lean into the discomfort of addressing their biases rather than shying away from the topic, but I acknowledge there is much more work to be done, especially in the realm of discussing topics of disability and gender non-conformity.”
When it comes to the GrC department, Alyssa shared some very helpful advice on how we can be more diverse. “Acknowledge unconscious bias -- It's worth remembering that design is a tool that solves problems, so it's important to remember whose problems we are prioritizing with the unconcious biases we have… Use gender inclusive language in the classroom, learn students' pronouns.”
Thank you Alyssa for sharing your experiences while working in the industry and for sharing your insights on how we as a department can make a change!
Created in Canva based on Cal Poly GrC Branding
Created in Canva based on Cal Poly GrC Branding
“To you, it’s just a word. To them, it’s a fight to be recognized as a person.” In the workplace, it is so important to use one’s pronouns. Pronouns allow for the workplace to be more inclusive and diverse while also building a healthy work place community.
If you’re unfamiliar with gender pronouns, they are “sometimes called PGPs, are words that individuals want others to use when talking to, or about, them. The most common gender pronouns include “he/him” and “she/her,” but people who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming may opt to use different pronouns to best suite them, such as “they/them.”
Pronouns refer to a person’s identity and it has become clear in recent years how impactful they can be. When meeting a new co-worker or someone you’re not familiar with, it is acceptable to ask what their pronouns are. This creates a safe environment for both parties and allows each member to speak their voice.
While it can feel awkward, embarrassing, or disrespectful to use the wrong pronouns, simply correct yourself, apologize and give them the respect they are asking for. Many people are very respectful of each other’s pronouns, so making it clear what they are can be very helpful and promote a safe work environment.
If you are interested in promoting inclusively through pronouns, one example is to include “your gender pronouns in your email signature, for example, workers can show they respect and care about those in the workplace that are questioned about their gender identity. It’s also a step forward for many to acknowledge their privilege – and normalize the use of pronouns. Regardless of how you identify, there are some simple ways to make someone aware of your pronouns: include them in your email signature, include them in your social media profiles, like LinkedIn, Slack, or Zoom, and include your pronouns when you introduce yourself, both in person and virtually.”
Just those small gestures can encourage new conversations about gender identity ad you may even learn something new. To read the article referenced throughout this post, visit: https://bit.ly/3uLtkQz