Communicator with Strategic Insight | Designer | Advocate for Equity & Truth
On a quiet evening filled with orange and purple Halloween lights, a movie night with my son turned into something deeper. Edward Scissorhands revealed how fascination can slip into fear and how real compassion, like true faith, only survives when it chooses empathy over control, love over spectacle, and silence over noise.
The Myth of the Perfect Employee Equity is a word we often see at the top of mission statements in our school districts. It looks great in banners, policy drafts, and social media posts. But what happens when those same institutions quietly favor candidates who are flawless on paper, leaving out those with non-traditional paths, …
Continue reading "Equity or Elitism? When “Perfect Employees” Undermine Inclusive Communities"
Evergreen Public Schools is now entering the third week of a strike that has closed schools since August 26, 2025. Families are under pressure to manage disrupted schedules, students are missing valuable instructional time, and the district and the union remain locked in dispute. Official reports confirm school buildings remain closed, and although meals and …
Continue reading "Strikes Close Schools but Do Not Put Students First"
I would like to begin with The Welcome That Wasn't. Over the past few years, I’ve tried to volunteer, support, and advocate for more inclusive parent engagement in my local public school system. I came to this work as a Russian-American gay parent in a multicultural family. I also came with a professional background in …
Continue reading "When Inclusion Fails: A Parent’s Journey Through Equity in Public Education"
In 2025, Ricoh's past commitment to customer engagement and brand values is challenged as key accounts like Kroger and universities transition to competitors like FedEx Office. Gaps between promises and reality widen, highlighting executive disconnect and a profit-driven strategy that jeopardizes Ricoh’s customer-centric identity, raising questions about its future viability.
The Evergreen Public Schools campaign promotes diversity and inclusion, focusing on LGBTQ+ visibility and support since 2022. Engaging the community through events, education, and storytelling, it aims to normalize conversations around LGBTQ+ identities and create safe environments. The initiative encourages involvement and advocates for representation and empowerment in schools.
This blog post reflects on an online exchange about LGBTQ+ issues, highlighting the escalation of misinformation and targeted fear from individuals like Vladimir. The author counters claims that LGBTQ+ visibility equates to predation and emphasizes the importance of acceptance, compassion, and truth. Ultimately, it advocates for dignity and resilience against hate.
Always With Hope is a memoir by Lyudmila Oparina, detailing the life of a resilient Soviet woman who faced war, labor, and political upheaval. It emphasizes the power of compassion, responsibility, and hope in challenging times. The book serves as a poignant reminder of perseverance and the importance of sharing personal narratives.
Professional Summary Communicator with strategic insight and a strong public service ethic, specializing in education, cultural outreach, and inclusive storytelling. More than 10 years of experience supporting equity-focused communication in public institutions, community programs, and educational settings. Skilled in developing print and digital content that informs, builds trust, and reflects the diversity of the communities …
Continue reading "Educational, Cultural, or Public Sector Communication"
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 …
Continue reading "Creative Direction for Mission-Driven Organizations"
Mikhail Oparin 