Candace Naomi Collins
Chicago,IL
Summary
Community-focused marketing professional blending strategy, design, and tech to lead inclusive campaigns, secure funding, and drive innovative, trauma-informed outreach that creates lasting impact and meaningful community connections.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Lead Community Trades
Chicago Urban League
Chicago, IL
08.2022 - Current
- Led marketing and design efforts for career development programs, increasing participant engagement by 30% and job placement by 87%.
- Oversee the daily operations and caseloads for the solar energy and community trades apprenticeship trainees.
- Direct the allocation of program funds and procurement processes to ensure support for participants.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with local employers in the public and private sectors to generate and secure internship and job placement opportunities for clients.
- Develop and implement comprehensive outreach strategies, leveraging both digital and traditional media to increase the visibility of career programs.
- Design compelling visual materials for employer partnerships and client engagement.
- Manage and analyze program data to improve marketing effectiveness and program engagement to increase participant outcomes.
Assistant Director of Residence Life
Illinois Central College, Capstone on Campus Management
Peoria, Illinois
07.2018 - 08.2022
- Directed branding and marketing initiatives for campus housing, achieving 100% occupancy with a waitlist.
- Managed a team of 10 staff members, overseeing all aspects of residential life; conduct, programming, and operations.
- Launched diversity and inclusion efforts by using data to design and execute innovative, culturally responsive programs.
- Oversaw a minimum of $200,000 in recruitment, retention, and programming budget, driving strategic investments and maximizing impact.
- Acted as a subject matter expert and liaison in the development of campus housing policies with Dean of Students, Campus Police and Programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Community Organizer
The Center for Youth & Family Solutions
Bloomington, IL
12.2012 - 04.2015
- Designed and executed community outreach programs, engaging over 1,000 participants annually.
- Created visual identity and marketing materials for various community initiatives.
- Secured over $100,000 in grant funding through compelling proposal designs and writing with The Department of Human Services.
- Developed and nurtured partnerships with local businesses, schools, and faith-based organizations.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Graphic Design
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL05.2011
Study Abroad - Fine Arts
Harlaxton College
Harlaxton Village, UK05.2011
Skills
- Graphic Design
- Brand Management
- Content Development
- Marketing Strategy
- Program Leadership
- Community Engagement
- Outreach
- Team Leadership
- Mentoring
- Diversity
- Equity
- Inclusion Initiatives
- Event Planning
- Execution
- Data Analysis
- Reporting
- Grant Writing
- Management
Websites
- https://www.instagram.com/candace_naomi?igsh=MXJiYnJ3ZGk4aDh1Mg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- https://www.instagram.com/p/B5p6OKIl7nA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- https://www.dailyeasternnews.com/2009/03/02/pageant-winner-hopes-to-inspire-younger-women/
- https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=693979722766198&set=pcb.693980279432809
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chiul_culsolar-solarcareers-hiringday-ugcPost-7312957205664649217-7onE?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAED_f80BMRVryLVTsS_b0_I6HqWs4xLtMN0&utm_source=social_share_send&utm_campaign=copy_link
Key Projects And Achievements
- Chicago Urban League 'Above and Beyond Staff of the Year Award' (2023)
- Produced and designed video documentary and commemorative booklet for 120-year history of prominent African American churches in McLean County
- Coordinator and brand designer for Miss Black EIU Pageant (2010), one of the largest minority events at Eastern Illinois University
- Developed marketing materials and branding for various community events and conferences
Affiliations
- Member of Progressive Chicago Choir 3+ years
- Gospel Choir 20+ years Bloomington IL,
- Eastern IL University (EIU); Black Student Union (BSU), BSU Scholarship Pageant Coordinator 2010, EIU Unity Gospel Choir
- Girl Scout 10+ years - Completed Mission work at a school in Cuernavaca, Mexico 1999
Accomplishments
- Chicago Urban League; Above & Beyond Award 2023; for outstanding proformance (Highest Honor, from VP of Workforce Development, Andrew Wells)
- Awarded Eastern Illinois University, Doudna Fine Arts four year scholarship 2005-2009
- Miss Black EIU 2009 (Titled Queen; Miss Congeniality Award and the Miss Scholarship Award.)
Certification
- Google Ai Essentials Certification 2025
Timeline
Program Lead Community Trades
Chicago Urban League
08.2022 - Current
Assistant Director of Residence Life
Illinois Central College, Capstone on Campus Management
07.2018 - 08.2022
Community Organizer
The Center for Youth & Family Solutions
12.2012 - 04.2015
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Graphic Design
Eastern Illinois University
Study Abroad - Fine Arts
Harlaxton College
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