Our collaboration began with a simple reunion on social media.
After I had completed my work as Communications Manager with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Monica, I shared a series of LinkedIn posts about my freelance availability. Chamala Jordan commented on one that led to a conversation, and soon after, an opportunity to support Literacy Volunteers of Illinois (LVI) during a meaningful time of transition.
Chamala had remembered my work in adult literacy in the near west suburbs of Chicago. As an Outreach Services librarian, an adult ESL teacher, and a board member with my local Literacy Volunteers organization, I developed programs and gained hands-on experience in nonprofit operations and fundraising. This made the opportunity to work with LVI as a consultant feel both nostalgic and challenging.
Rising to leadership after loss
Following the passing of Dorothy M. Miaso almost two years earlier, Chamala stepped into the role of Executive Director, bringing with her a deep history that began as an AmeriCorps member in the VOCAL program at LVI.
We began working with AmeriCorps members to update LVI’s digital presence and to support the return of the On the Road to Literacy Conference, a Chicago-area adult literacy gathering for tutors, adult learners, educators, and supporters.
After a year without the conference, though, a quiet question emerged: “Should the conference come back at all?” This wasn’t just about logistics. It was about whether the conference could take shape again in a way that felt relevant and sustainable moving forward. There was a real possibility that it might not return without a strategic effort to bring it back.
Giving without taking the lead
That being said, my role required restraint. It wasn’t about me stepping in to save anything. It was about being supportive in a way that made space for new leadership to grow their roots. A meaningful part of the work was creating space for Chamala to lead the conference in her own way. This meant being thoughtful about my involvement, so the process could truly belong to her.
Creating clarity
We focused LVI’s new digital presence on clarity. I designed their new website and transferred their existing content, ensuring that their new home felt welcoming, practical, and easy to navigate. Together, we made LVI’s program offerings simple to understand.
At the same time, I led the marketing strategy and digital experience for the conference, working in close collaboration with Chamala and AmeriCorps members to keep the historical and cultural significance intact while embracing the transition to a brand new venue.
Establishing the journey
This included developing authentic and accurate content for the conference website, creating a clear path from discovery to registration. I also developed a robust email campaign that guided audiences from awareness to attendance, with each message connected to specific landing pages on the website that would answer questions and encourage registration.
Growing reach with recognition
To support visibility, I planned a social media approach around weekly themes using a countdown. Following Chamala’s direction, this included celebrating workshop presenters and event speakers by collaborating on posts with their organizations and directly tagging people, leading to a steady increase in the organic reach of the conference by honoring the those who contributed.
Going digital-first
An essential part of making the conference relevant for today was giving it a digital-first framework. We streamlined data collection across the entire event lifecycle using online submission forms, from workshop presenter RFPs, to tutor and learner award nominations, to conference and workshop evaluations via QR codes. This shift made engagement easier, reduced administrative burden, and created an organized system for capturing and using data.
Shaping the event day
I also supported how the event would be experienced by attendees, developing the workshops itinerary and designing print posters for the welcome agenda, the registration table, the theater, the podium, and each of the six conference rooms.
Being there
In addition to my consulting role, I attended the conference as the event photographer. Through my storytelling photography approach, I captured nearly 200 authentic, evergreen images that will be used to update the conference website and support future promotions. The photos reflect the energy and spirit of the event in its new location at Malcolm X College’s Conference Center.
Math in Stitches workshop by Jeremy Mathew; BTS photo by Literacy Works.
From the stage during the closing session, a firm connection between the past and present was made evident. LVI’s leadership transition felt complete, and it was clear to me that my role in supporting them was both intentional and inspired.
Outcomes and impact
My 7-month consulting role provided clarity, structure, and steady support, helping Chamala step into digital event marketing with confidence. What emerged wasn’t just the return of an event, but a renewed sense of ownership and direction moving forward.
The cumulative results were a cohesive digital presence for LVI and the revitalized return of their annual conference.
Our marketing outcomes include improved clarity, stronger engagement, and reusable assets. This is what happens when strategy and presence meet in real time. It is the kind of work that lasts, not just for what was created, but for what we made possible.
A collective effort
I am eternally grateful for Chamala’s trust in me, as well as the support of the conference planning committee and LVI’s board of directors. It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to return to adult literacy as a marketing consultant, and to witness the next generation of literacy leaders rise up.
Sincere thanks go to my friend and photographer, Alexander Rea, for helping me prepare ahead of the conference and for editing the entire gallery of photos for a quick turnaround.
Looking ahead
As I continue my consulting journey, I’m open to new opportunities in the Los Angeles metro area or remote nationwide, especially with teams looking to grow their digital presence with clarity, authenticity, and a strong sense of story. If this sounds like you, reach out today for a discovery call.