Creative Direction for Mission-Driven Organizations

Professional Summary

Creative professional with more than a decade of experience leading visual communication and brand storytelling for mission-driven organizations. Skilled in creative direction, design strategy, and message alignment across print, digital, and community platforms. Passionate about purpose-driven work that advances inclusion, accessibility, and social good. Known for combining creative leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration to elevate organizational impact and amplify diverse voices.

Core Competencies

Professional Experience

Creative & Communication Specialist
Portland, OR • 2015–Present

Lead design and creative direction for communication kits, signage, and branded campaigns supporting regional and national initiatives.
Develop visual identity systems and campaign assets aligned with organizational missions and community engagement goals.
Create internal templates and workflow guides to improve accessibility, design consistency, and efficiency.
Pioneered the Copilot AI Initiative, integrating AI tools into design processes to streamline project intake and proofing.
Led Leadership Projects focused on sustainability, communication templates, and regional process improvement initiatives.

Multimedia Content Specialist
Freelance & Independent Projects • WA & OR • 2010–Present

Directed creative development for Foster Washington, a statewide foster care awareness campaign using video, print, and social media.
Co-led Vancouver Arts LIVE, a digital hub connecting artists and audiences through visual storytelling and design.
Edited and published Always With Hope, a memoir by Lyudmila Oparina, and launched lyudmilaoparina.com as a companion website to share her story worldwide.
Designed digital and print materials for nonprofits and local organizations advancing equity, public health, and environmental awareness.

Equity Advisory Committee Member
Evergreen Public Schools • Vancouver, WA • 2020–September 2025

Contributed design and communication expertise to district-wide equity planning, audit review, and community engagement strategies.
Co-created Embrace the Spectrum, an LGBTQ+ visibility campaign with a communications calendar, resource hub, and inclusive outreach templates.

Earlier Experience

Video Production Specialist – Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) • 1996–2001: Produced public service programming, city council broadcasts, and community affairs content.
Digital Media Specialist – Educational Service District 112 • 2001–2015: Developed video, graphics, and training materials to support education and regional school initiatives.

Education

M.A., Strategic Communication – Washington State University, Edward R. Murrow College of Communication (2019)
B.A., Digital Technology and Culture – Washington State University Vancouver (2011)
A.A.S., Broadcasting and Communications Technology – Mt. Hood Community College (1997)

Recognition

Spirit of ESD Award – Recognized for creative collaboration and contributions to education and community service.
Communicator Award of Excellence – Honored for media design and production projects.
Excellence in Leadership – Recognized for student media leadership at Washington State University.

Community & Languages

LGBTQ+ advocate and equity-focused collaborator
Fluent in English and Russian

Interested in working together?
Let’s connect about how I can bring clarity, creativity, and purpose-driven design to your next mission-centered project.

Contact Me