Damani Wicks
Gary,IN
Summary
Public Relations and Journalism Specialist skilled in developing strategic communication methods for diverse audiences. Proven track record in conducting communication audits and crafting tailored recommendations that enhance outreach. Committed to delivering impactful brand-driven messages through effective writing, editing, and public speaking.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Limited Term Lecturer
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN
08.2026 - Current
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN
08.2024 - 05.2026
- Developed exams, exercises, assignments, and other assessments to evaluate student understanding of course material.
- Provided constructive feedback on assignments, exams, and speeches to enhance student learning and performance.
- Organized lectures, seminars, workshops, and other activities related to the subject matter of the class.
- Attended departmental meetings to discuss curriculum improvements and teaching strategies. to collaborate on effective teaching strategies and methods.
- Recorded attendance, grades, and behavioral issues to ensure accurate tracking of student progress.
Editor-in-Chief
Purdue Northwest Pioneer Newspaper
Hammond, IN
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Managed a team of editors, writers, and other staff members responsible for creating high-quality content.
- Edited copy by journalists for accuracy and clarity, enhancing overall content quality.
- Oversaw the production process from start to finish, including proofreading, printing, and distribution.
- Coordinated with designers to develop visually appealing layouts that improved reader engagement.
- Assisted in defining long-term editorial goals to align with organizational vision.
Public Relations Intern
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
Merrillville, IN
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Coordinated with local media to secure coverage of food bank activities.
- Developed press releases to promote food bank events and initiatives.
- Compiled contact lists for targeted media campaigns.
Public Relations Specialist
In the Making Relations Student Led Organization
Hammond, IN
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Crafted and delivered tailored recommendations for enhancing internal and external communication strategies for Lakeshore Public Media.
- Designed and facilitated interviews, focus groups, and surveys to gather insights on audience perceptions.
- Executed communication audit for Lakeshore Public Media to identify strengths and weaknesses in messaging.
JROTC Command Sargent Major
Theodore Roosevelt College and Career Academy
Gary, IN
01.2017 - 05.2018
- Led training exercises, enhancing teamwork and leadership skills among cadets.
- Organized and supervised field exercises, facilitating practical application of skills.
- Reviewed regulations and policies, ensuring compliance during training sessions.
- Carried out inspections to verify equipment and uniform compliance of equipment and personnel uniforms.
- Demonstrated proper protocol for recruits at all times.
Education
Master of Arts - Communications
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations And Journalism
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN12-2023
Associate of Science - Building Construction Management
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
East Chicago, IN05-2021
Skills
- Curriculum Development
- Communication Strategy Development
- Communication Audit
- Press Release Writing
- Public Relations Strategies
- Crisis Communications
- Social Media Management
- Associated Press Style
- Brand Messaging
- Deadline-Driven
- Results-Oriented
- Public Speaking
- Teamwork
Certification
- Advertisement Minor
- Computer Technology Certification
- NCCER: Construction Site Safety Orientation
- NCCER: Electrical Level One
- NCCER: Core
- OSHA 10
Accomplishments
- Co-Author of "Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in the Age of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence"
- Co-Author of "Lakeshore Public Media Communication Audit 2022 Audit."
- JROTC Command Sergeant Major, 2018.
- High School Student President, 2017-2018.
Timeline
Limited Term Lecturer
Purdue University Northwest
08.2026 - Current
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Purdue University Northwest
08.2024 - 05.2026
Public Relations Intern
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
08.2023 - 12.2023
Public Relations Specialist
In the Making Relations Student Led Organization
08.2022 - 12.2022
Editor-in-Chief
Purdue Northwest Pioneer Newspaper
01.2022 - 01.2025
JROTC Command Sargent Major
Theodore Roosevelt College and Career Academy
01.2017 - 05.2018
Master of Arts - Communications
Purdue University Northwest
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations And Journalism
Purdue University Northwest
Associate of Science - Building Construction Management
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana