What I Do

I do a lot of things, but let's talk about what I've been up to most recently.

In April 2021, I joined the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank after working with another nonprofit which provided me with a fresh perspective on the organization's communications strategies allowing me to immediately identify where my experience could improve what was already in place and where there was room to grow. Before transitioning into the Communications Department, I gained experience in both the Accounting and Development departments. At that time, Communications was primarily centered around writing. However, as the Food Bank grew, so did the need for more robust internal and external communications support. From October 2021 to July 2023, I served as the sole Communications personnel for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, until I was able to expand the team by bringing in a second full-time member—a first in the organization’s 38-year history.

My creative background was instrumental in developing a new website for the Food Bank. I long envisioned the website as an interactive, choose your adventure navigation tailored to the needs of the two primary visitor groups—people in need of support and donors. I had the honor of teaming up with GatorWorks, an award-winning web design agency located in Baton Rouge, LA. The look of the website takes strong inspiration from the large mural in the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank created by local artist, Ellen Ogden. This initiative also coincided with a brand refresh, introduced new marketing tools, and a stronger focus on technology to improve accessibility, all aimed at enhancing the user experience.

To increase access to information for people of different abilities and languages, I developed a relationship with the great folks at Recite Me. This is a web tool for people with disabilities such as dyslexia which can make reading a little different. Recite Me is an unobstructive website tool which the user can change what they see on the screen creating a fully customized experience. Because the Food Bank provides support to partner agencies that serve people who speak languages other than English, I was able to provide information in more than 200 languages increasing access to valuable information for people in need. The Recite Me tool consistently has nearly 2,000 monthly users.

The next website addon was the addition of Kids' Zone. This area of the Food Bank's website teaches school-age children the importance of food security and nutrition. Creating healthy habits during the most informative years to create good habits all the way into adulthood. Kids' Zone includes printable games, a reading list, information for educators and parents/caregivers, and recipe videos. 

Another feature included in the website is a fully interactive map for individuals to use to find a partner agency near them. I closely worked with Vivery and together, we had the fastest map launch in their history. Website visitors can either type in their address or ZIP code to find an agency that serves their area. Additionally, website visitors can search by program.

My vision for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank's website could not have been accomplished without working alongside brilliant minds, and I cannot give them enough credit for their work.