Strategic communications and engagement leader with 15 years of experience building brands, shaping executive visibility, and creating meaningful connections across nonprofit, education, arts, and civic organizations. I like compelling stories, high-impact events, and interesting digital engagement strategies that deepen relationships and inspire collective action.

Areas of Expertise

Strategic Communications & Brand Leadership
Developing integrated communications strategies that strengthen organizational reputation, drive engagement, and advance mission-driven goals.

Executive Communications & Thought Leadership
Crafting executive messaging, speeches, media opportunities, and visibility strategies that position leaders as trusted voices and influential advocates.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement
Building meaningful relationships with educators, alumni, donors, policymakers, community leaders, and cross-sector partners to foster collaboration and collective impact.

Storytelling & Content Strategy
Translating complex ideas into compelling narratives that inspire action, deepen audience connection, and elevate organizational influence.

Events, Convenings & Experiential Engagement
Designing and leading high-impact events, conferences, and community experiences that bring people together around shared purpose and strategic priorities.

Media Relations & Public Affairs
Securing impactful media coverage, managing reputation, and developing communications strategies that amplify visibility and influence.

Audience Growth & Digital Engagement
Leading multi-channel marketing campaigns that increase reach, strengthen engagement, and build lasting relationships with key audiences.

Organizational Strategy & Team Leadership
Creating systems, processes, and collaborative cultures that improve execution, strengthen cross-functional partnerships, and drive measurable results.

Notable Projects

An Alumni Awards program to elevate visibility and storytelling opportunities.

An earned media strategy to land several high-impact stories that elevate key messages.

TFA’s first multi-day summit to strengthen its network, amplify advocacy, and catalyze innovation for the biggest issues facing public education today.

A yearlong messaging and media campaign to recognize TFA’s 25 Years of Collective Impact.

A crisis communications plan for TFA.

A brand, thought leadership, and executive positioning strategy for TFA.

A digital marketing plan for a globally-recognized floral installation artist.

Media coverage in high-impact publications for United States Artists, including The New York Times, T Magazine, and The Cut.

A brand strategy for United States Artists.

A rebrand for the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at MSU.

A digital marketing strategy for the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at MSU.

Recent Press

Chicago teacher leads students to 318 college acceptances: As Teacher Appreciation Week highlights the impact of educators nationwide, one Chicago teacher is drawing attention for what happens after her students leave the classroom.

AI moves into Chicago-area classrooms to help teachers and students: Teach For America Chicago Executive Director Anajah Philogene joined FOX 32 Chicago to discuss how AI can help teachers reclaim time for meaningful connection, creativity, and impact—showcasing TFA’s leadership in using innovation to better serve students and support educators.

Solving a teacher shortage in Illinois: When nearly 3 out of 5 Illinois teachers are considering leaving the profession, TFA is working to fill critical gaps in schools across Illinois. 100% of TFA  teachers are placed in schools where at least 80% of the student body receives free and reduced lunch. TFA’s Executive Director, Anajah Philogene, and two inspiring incoming teachers, Haniyyah Thomas and Nigel Hooper, shared how TFA is igniting their passion for teaching in Illinois classrooms.

Welcoming students back to the classroom: This summer, more than 100 new TFA teachers trained to step into classrooms, bringing passion, commitment, and the belief that every child deserves access to an excellent education. Executive Director, Anajah Philogene, and ‘03 alumna, Fareeda Shabazz Anderson, Ed.D, , Principal of Walter Payton College Prep, shared valuable back-to-school tips for students, families, and educators.

How I Work

I believe in building strong strategic plans as roadmaps that take the guesswork and the drama out of decision-making, making space for creative thought. In a room full of different opinions and experiences, I can motivate a team to move forward with optimism. Defining success, dreaming up innovative approaches, and achieving results are at the core of how I work.

  • “Working with Whitney is a disarming experience that allows me to be vulnerable and truly be my authentic self. Whitney is always willing to listen, reflect back, give ideas, and help brainstorm.”

    — A Director of Development

  • “In the 10 years that I have been a part of this network, I have never seen our channels communicate like they have under Whitney's leadership.”

    — An Executive Director

  • “Whitney is able to be an expert, while inviting others in.”

    — A Managing Director of Alumni Engagement

  • "Whitney is someone who takes the work seriously without taking herself too seriously"

    — A Managing Director of Equity and Belonging

  • “Whitney is a problem solver and always takes initiative. She gives great pushes to the team and to me that have made us all better.”

    — A VP of External Affairs

  • "Whitney has a a lot of strengths but she's also just a joy to work with and makes people laugh."

    — A Director of Programming